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What is postal history?
Postal history is the fascinating study of how postal systems have developed to efficiently collect, transport and deliver mail. The term was first used in the 1930s by Robson Lowe, a philatelist, stamp dealer and auctioneer, who described postal historians as “students of humanity”; certainly social history is an important aspect of this area of interest. Postal historians see stamps, envelopes and the letters they contain, cards and postmarks as historical documents.
Why is postal history different from stamp collecting?
It is the journey of correspondence that interests the postal historian, rather than simply the stamps. Postal rates can be deduced from the stamps used, postage marks and other notation will add to the understanding of routes and transport methods, and enable an enthusiast to fix exactly the date, route and journey from sender to receiver.
A collecting speciality
Postal history has become an important philatelic collection speciality. There is still much to be discovered and documented about the working of postal systems, and fortunately there are millions of artifacts in the form of old covers surviving for enthusiasts to analyse and collate.
Collectors usually concentrate on particular aspects of the postal system. They might only collect covers from a particular location, or sent along a specific route. The method of transport might be the defining factor, such as railway or canal, or more unusually by plane, rocket or Zeppelin. Military mail or censored correspondence is a fertile subject for research, with postal surveillance, and the consequences of politics, business and culture on postal systems a rich seam of historical interest.
Getting expert advice
Our experts are happy to value your collection, and to share their specialist knowledge. The age, condition and rarity will be taken into account, and you will be offered the option of selling at our public auction. Our experience can reassure you that coins sold in our auctions are guaranteed authentic, and we are always happy to visit owners of larger collections to discuss valuations and sale possibilities. We can also advice on private treaty sales or probate and insurance matters. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision without any obligation.