GB VICTORIAN POSTMARKS POST 1840

 

The prime purpose of this site is to share my fascination of Postmarks used during the Victorian era post 1840.

 

There have been many fine research articles, catalogues and reference books that have been produced in the past half century (from which I have unashamedly drawn down information). Whilst these are admirable, most in my mind have the disadvantages that they are relatively expensive, often have a limited run (thus making them difficult to obtain in later years) and are updated on an irregular basis (if ever).

 

The Internet is a tool which can overcome all of these deficiencies.

What I am producing here is a free site (very important in these 2009 credit crunch days!) whereby I intend (subject to copyright laws) to produce as much information about these Postmarks that is in the public domain.

 

To summarise, my objectives are:

 

1. To provide readers with a detailed listing of the below mentioned Postmark Types which will be updated as and when I receive fresh information (see below) and

2. To continue to add new Postmark Types  

 

Whilst many of the Rare Marks are well known by aficionados, there are other marks out there which are just as scarce but are simply not recognised. Hopefully this site will go some way to redress this.

I must admit that over recent years I have picked up items from EBay very cheaply where perhaps there are less than a handful of known dated examples.. Unfortunately this does not mean that they can be resold for a fortune but it is obvious that as scarcity is recognised more widely then an uplift in price will follow; I am hopeful that this site will assist this process.

 

However some caveats re the scarcity/value comments which are shown against each mark and which emanate from specialist books together with prices seen by me in the market.

No regard is taken of the value of the actual postage stamp being cancelled; all strikes are assumed to be in black unless mentioned to the contrary (a different colour will undoubtedly carry a premium) and it is assumed that all are on cover - on piece will be discounted and just on stamp significantly so.

 

I believe that one of the most important features of this site is my intention to update it as and when I receive fresh information and therefore you should revisit the site on a regular basis.

The historical background to each Postmark Type has not been covered in depth and I would urge readers to obtain the reference books mentioned in the following pages should they wish to delve deeper into the subject matter.

 

The Postmark Types that I am currently listing (to which will be augmented on a regular basis) are:

(click on the Type)

 

1. EXPERIMENTAL DUPLEX CANCELLATIONS OF SCOTLAND

2. ROLLER CANCELLATIONS OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND

3. SIDEWAYS DUPLEX CANCELLATIONS OF ENGLAND AND WALES

4. TBA

 

An added feature to this site is that I have added pictures of  actual examples so please click when you see the word IMAGE

 

I am hopeful that this site will be used as the definitive database for the Postmark Types mentioned above and therefore I would urge all readers to email me details of copies in their possession in the following format:

 

a) Type

b) Date

c) Left Code

d) Right Code

 

Where the data is of a rare impression, a new Code, or an Earliest or Latest Date then I might well request a scan for the record

 

In addition, I should be happy to receive constructive comments from readers as to their general view of this site together with any suggested improvements.

 

Please email me, Russell Taylor at: silverstamps@btinternet.com

 

 

 

Last updated: 30th August 2010