Single Position Letter Sorting Machine

Accession number: 2002-0086

This machine (often known as a SPLSM) was originally used in Norwich and later in Ipswich. It was in use until 1986. It is an example of the first successful British sorting machines that were initially introduced in 1956. These were the next major development in postal mechanisation after the Transorma.

Letters would appear on a vertical conveyer in front of an operator. He or she would enter a code based on information within the address. The machine would then sort the letter into one of 144 boxes.