Royal mail stamp books
A nostalgic topic!
Royal Mail stamp books, also known as stamp albums or stamp collections, have been a popular way for philatelists (stamp collectors) to store and organize their stamps since the late 19th century. Here's a brief overview:
What is a Royal Mail stamp book?
A Royal Mail stamp book is a book or binder designed specifically for storing and organizing postage stamps. It typically consists of pages with perforated or gummed strips, allowing collectors to attach their stamps to the pages.
History of Royal Mail stamp books
The first stamp albums were introduced in the late 19th century, shortly after the introduction of postage stamps. These early albums were often handmade, with collectors creating their own binders using cardboard, paper, or leather. As the popularity of stamp collecting grew, commercial stamp albums became available, with companies like Royal Mail producing their own albums.
Features of Royal Mail stamp books
Royal Mail stamp books typically have the following features:
- Pages with perforated or gummed strips: These allow collectors to attach their stamps to the pages.
- Pre-printed stamp spaces: Many albums have pre-printed spaces for specific countries, regions, or themes, making it easier to organize and display stamps.
- Index or catalog: Many albums include an index or catalog that helps collectors keep track of their stamps and identify missing issues.
- Binding: Stamp books can be bound in various ways, including spiral binding, ring binding, or hardcover.
Types of Royal Mail stamp books
Over the years, Royal Mail has produced various types of stamp books, including:
- Standard albums: These are general-purpose albums that can be used for collecting stamps from any country.
- Country-specific albums: These albums are designed for collecting stamps from a specific country or region.
- Themed albums: These albums focus on specific themes, such as animals, sports, or landmarks.
- Special edition albums: These albums are often produced to commemorate special events or anniversaries.
Collecting and using Royal Mail stamp books
Stamp collecting, or philately, is a hobby that involves collecting and studying postage stamps. Royal Mail stamp books are an essential tool for collectors, allowing them to:
- Organize and store stamps: Stamp books provide a safe and organized way to store and display stamps.
- Keep track of collections: Stamp books help collectors keep track of their stamps, including which ones they have and which ones they need to complete their collection.
- Research and learn: Stamp books can serve as a reference guide, helping collectors learn about the history, design, and values of different stamps.
If you're interested in collecting stamps or learning more about Royal Mail stamp books, I hope this information has been helpful!