Collection.royal mail
The Royal Mail Collection!
The Royal Mail Collection is a fascinating and extensive collection of stamps, postal history, and philatelic items that showcase the history and culture of the United Kingdom and its territories. Here are some interesting facts about the collection:
- History: The Royal Mail Collection has its roots in the 16th century, when the first postal services were established in England. Over the centuries, the collection has grown to include stamps, covers, and other philatelic items from around the world.
- Size: The collection is estimated to contain over 100 million items, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive philatelic collections in the world.
- Stamps: The collection includes over 300,000 different stamps, including rare and valuable issues, as well as commemorative and definitive stamps.
- Postal History: The collection also includes a vast array of postal history items, such as letters, postcards, and other mail-related artifacts, which provide a unique glimpse into the history of communication and postal services.
- Philatelic Items: The collection includes a wide range of philatelic items, such as stamp albums, catalogs, and other publications, as well as rare and unique items like stamp errors, varieties, and freaks.
- Conservation: The Royal Mail Collection is carefully preserved and conserved to ensure its long-term preservation and accessibility for future generations.
- Exhibitions: The collection is occasionally exhibited at museums and philatelic events around the world, providing a unique opportunity for the public to see and learn about the collection.
- Research: The collection is also used by researchers and scholars to study the history of the postal services, philately, and the cultural and social history of the UK and its territories.
Some of the highlights of the Royal Mail Collection include:
- The earliest known British stamp, the Penny Black (1840)
- The first airmail stamps (1918)
- The first commemorative stamps (1924)
- Rare and valuable stamps, such as the Inverted Jenny (1918) and the British Guiana 1c Magenta (1856)
- Unique postal history items, such as the first letter sent by the British Post Office (1635)
The Royal Mail Collection is an incredible resource for philatelists, historians, and anyone interested in the history and culture of the UK and its territories.