The Philatelic Database – Archive of Stamp Collecting Articles

A single example of the elusive ‘plate 77 Penny Red’ has been sold by rare stamp and collectibles dealer, Stanley Gibbons.

The British Thematic Association is a national body set up in 1984 to cater for the needs of thematic stamp collectors. It offers a range of services including a quarterly magazine, a large library of books and journal articles, and it arranges regular meetings and seminars.

In the 1880s, postal communication between New Zealand and United Kingdom was principally by way of San Francisco, using the U.S.S. Co. steamers, and the direct route using the New Zealand Shipping Co., and Shaw Savill and Albion Royal Mail steamers.

Periodically, reference is made in ”The Aero Field” to “All–Up” mails and the term appears to have puzzled some new collectors for the publishers have had several requests for an explanation. As the few that have written are probably only a small proportion of those who have been mystified the following notes may be of use to many readers.

A lengthy lecture by Michael Sefi, the Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection.

Given the extraordinary popularity of the recent Royal Wedding, Philatelic Database is pleased to bring you this fascinating video of the present Queen’s wedding in 1947.

It is a truism that political considerations have affected every stamp issuing country, some more than others.

The following article was first published in the “Oxford Junior Encyclopaedia” (1957) and is a sound introduction to the various different railway systems around the world at the time.

Two stamps were issued October 1, 1965 to celebrate the opening of the Post Office Tower, London. Both stamps were designed by C. Abbott.

This word suduko is dedicated to all collectors of Great Britain Machin heads.

Onward Air Transmission markings occurred between 1940 and 1973 and signified airmail items that were to be expedited by air mail. OAT can also stand for Onward Air Travel.

Benham, Britain’s leading cover producer, is marking the engagement of HRH Prince William of Wales, second in line to the throne, and Miss Catherine (Kate) Middleton with a special Royalty cover.

This article was originally published in the “Daily Telegraph” (UK), August 4, 1911. I have read a number of articles on these early experimental aerial flights but this one is interesting because it notes the use of “aerial” post boxes located in London department stores and firms.

This is a rather rare article originally published in an Australian journal “Sea, Land and Air” in 1918.

It is a fascinating look at an attempt to establish airmail services from England to Australia. It would be another sixteen years (1934) before a service was established.

Stanley Gibbons are proud to announce their recent acquisition of the mythological 1904 6d Pale Dull Purple (I.R. Official) which is on display on their stand (Number 79) at the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition at the Business Design Centre, London until Saturday 15th May.

26th March 2010, the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau issued a set of stamp celebrating the centenary of the accession to the throne of King George V.

Henry Bellingham MP North West Norfolk discusses rural post office closures with those who have been effected.

A more sombre but still interesting though very short silent film. It’s more interesting I think for the fact that King and Kaiser are united in grief, but not for that much longer after that.