Hmmm...is there a difference between 'hand sorting' and 'hand cancelling'? I swear I have had special things 'hand cancelled', and spared the trauma of going through the machine. I had my brother's wedding invitation specially postmarked the day he got married, and returned to me that moment. Then, I had some different shaped envelopes 'hand cancelled', again, not going through the machine.

And, I guess my luck at sending things in an envelope is good! While I can't confess to sending a chocolate bar, I have sent some other items in an envelope!