Guide to Abbreviations Used

canx    -     cancellation
pm - postmark
b/s - back stamped meaning a postal cancellation or notation on the reverse side of the cover
sfl   -       stampless folded letter or sheet folded letter- one full sheet folded into pages for writing and an address sometimes called fl for folded letter
wrapper - an outer band or sheet used only for providing an address
ms - manuscript, written by hand
h/s - handstamp, a cancellation or postal notation applied by hand after inking a pre-made rubber, wood, cork or metal stamp
s/l - straight line cancellation
cds - city date stamp cancellation usually in circle format
transit canx - the cancellation or notation of a post office, carrier or drop point along the way between originating post office and final delivery post office
XB - Cross Border mail between the United States and Canada
TA - Trans-Atlantic mail between Europe and the Western Hemisphere
wmk - Watermark
b/l paper - Batonne Laid Paper.  A common paper prior to the 1800's that when held to the light will show alternating light and dark horizontal lines (laid paper) broken by light vertical spacer lines (the batonne)
wove - Wove paper is made so that there is no discernable pattern to the paper only very fine mesh marks