Royal mail airmail stickers
A nostalgic topic!
Royal Mail Airmail stickers, also known as "Airmail Labels" or "Airmail Stickers," were a popular way to send mail by air in the United Kingdom. They were introduced by the Royal Mail in the early 20th century and were used until the 1980s.
Here are some interesting facts about Royal Mail Airmail stickers:
- Design: The stickers featured a distinctive red and blue design, with a stylized globe and wings, symbolizing air travel.
- Use: They were applied to the front of an envelope or package to indicate that it was being sent by air mail. This was important, as air mail was a faster and more reliable way to send mail than surface mail.
- Rates: The cost of sending mail by air mail was higher than surface mail, and the stickers reflected this. The rates varied depending on the weight and size of the item being sent.
- Variations: Over the years, Royal Mail issued several variations of the Airmail sticker, including different designs, colors, and sizes. Some of these variations are highly collectible among philatelists (stamp collectors).
- Discontinuation: The use of Airmail stickers gradually declined in the 1980s, as air mail became more common and the need for a separate sticker became less necessary. The Royal Mail eventually phased out the stickers in favor of a simpler, more modern approach to air mail marking.
Today, Royal Mail Airmail stickers are highly sought after by collectors and can be found on online marketplaces like eBay and specialized philatelic forums.