The Philatelic Database – Archive of Stamp Collecting Articles

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

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.

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.

In this article, taken from The Ludgate Magazine (London, 1899), we have a veritable feast for collectors of TPOs. It is certainly unusual to see the operations of travelling post offices in the nineteenth century. The postal system of the country may be taken as part and parcel of the railway, for the G.P.O. would [...]

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.

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.

The Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company was incorporated in 1839 by Royal Charter, with a subsidy of ₤240,000. Supplemental charters extending the operations of the Company were granted at intervals, one in 1904 containing an ‘all British’ clause confining control of the Company to British subjects.

Welcome to our very first philatelic word sudoku! We do hope you enjoy them.

The following, told by Mr. Thomas Kitt, in The Philatelist of January 1867, is the story of the first English philatelic journal…

The following was first published in the “The Stamp Collectors’ Fortnightly”, September, 1910.

The original St. Helena sixpenny stamp, printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. in 1856, bore a completely new and rather austere head of Queen Victoria, probably engraved by Humphrys.

The colourful illustrations of the flowers of Great Britain were the subjects of Michael Goman’s vivid designs for the stamps, which were put on sale on August 5th, 1964 to mark the 10th International Botanical Congress held in Edinburgh from August 3rd to 12th.

Even if you don’t collect Irish stamps there is still a reasonable chance that you own one of these labels, or at least know someone who does! They are usually referred to as the Sinn Fein labels, as this title was incorporated into both designs.

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.

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.

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.