Royal 1d Black cover... Gustamps explains.

Gustamps say sometimes something really nice turns up on the philatelic market. Gustamps point out that occasionally such items end up in Her Majesty Queen, Elizabeth II's philatelic collection. Gustamps give an example: in 2001 a cover bearing several 1d Black stamps with First Day postmarks was purchased and included in the Royal philatelic collection. Gustamps say the price paid for the cover was £250,000. Gustamps added that this is only one of the many rare philatelic gems in HM Queen Elizabeth's stamp collection.

Gustamps say visit the British library

If you're a stamp collector interested in Victorian Penny Blacks and 2d Blue stamps, then Gustamps recommend you to visit the British library. Gustamps are sure you will be amazed at the rare stamps on display dating back to Victorian times. Gustamps point out that other philatelic artefacts are also on display, such as the type of printing press used to print the first stamps in the world by Perkins, Bacon and Petch in 1840.

If you are unable to get down to London to visit the British library then don't forget that Gustamps in Brighton also have lots of interesting Victorian stamps on view and also for sale. For more information from Gustamps please telephone 01273 326994 where Gustamps friendly stamp people will be pleased to help.

Gustamps and the Maltese Cross

Continuing with stamp collectors information about the famous 1d Black stamp, Gustamps explain about the Maltese Cross. Gustamps explain that the first postmarks used on 1d Blacks were in the design of a Maltese Cross. Gustamps point out that the Post Office soon realised that the Maltese Cross was not always clearly visible on a black stamp. Gustamps explain that so that the stamp could not be re-used the ink colour which was favoured was red. Gustamps go on to say that the 1d Red issued in 1841 normally had Black ink on the post mark which was easy to see on the red stamp. Gustamps say look out for Maltese Cross postmarks with numbers in the crosses. This type of Maltese Cross postmark is much scarcer and sought after by specialist collectors. Watch out for another penny black blog from Gustamps soon.

Gustamps are asked what is a V.R. 1d Black?

Philatelists frequently asked questions to Gustamps (Gustamps FAQs) often include question "what's a VR 1d Black?" Gustamps reply is that a VR 1d Black has the letters VR in the top corners of the stamp instead of crosses. According to Gustamps these were intended for official use by the government. Gustamps added that a VR 1d Black is much rarer than a normal 1d Black. Gustamps quote the catalogue value of a used 1d Black at under £400 and a nice 1d Black could be purchased at £40-£60. Whereas a VR 1d Black say Gustamps is catalogued at over £30,000.

Why is my 1d Black different?

Gustamps are often asked by customers why their 1d Black stamps are different from the one in the catalogue. The question to Gustamps often relates to the letters in the bottom corners of the stamp. Gustamps explain the different letters are a security measure. Gustamps added that the 1d Blacks are printed in sheets of 240 stamps. Gustamps point out that the first stamp in the top row has letters AA, the seconds stamp AB, the third stamp AC and so on . The second row are BA, then BB, then BC and the third row starts with the letter C. Gustamps make the point that it is possible to identify where a stamp comes from in a sheet of 240 by looking at the letters in the bottom corners. Many customers to Gustamps shop in Brighton like to buy 1d Blacks with their own initials on the stamp.

More 1d Black info from Gustamps

Gustamps say that lots of people know that the world's first postage stamp is the Victorian 1d Black issued on 6th May 1840. Gustamps point out that although technically First Day covers would have that date, covers are known to be used with 1d Blacks postmarked at Bath on 2nd May 1840. Gustamps ask if this is truly the first First Day Cover pre-dating others by four days!!!

Gustamps will publish more 1d Black info tomorrow.

Gustamps say the 1d Black is the most famous stamp in the world

Collectors visiting Gustamps shop near the lanes in Brighton, often wish to buy examples of the 1840 Great Britain 1d Black stamp. This year Gustamps expect demand for this stamp to be greater than in previous years as it is the 175th anniversary of the first issue date in 1840. Although 68,000,000 were printed, Gustamps say it is and will probably always be the most famous stamp in the world. Over the next few days, Gustamps hope to publish more info about the famous Great Britain 1d Black stamp. Look out for future 1d Black blogs from Gustamps.

Gustamps looks at postage dues

Gustamps have been congratulated for the helpful philatelic information it provides. Today Gustamps explain the philatelic term postage dues. Postage dues, say Gustamps, are stuck by postal authorities to letters which have been posted underpaid or unpaid. Gustamps explain that often people post letters with lower value stamps which is not enough to cover the delivery costs. Gustamps say once the letter which has had a postage due stamp affixed to it is delivered to the addressee, that person has to pay the cost of delivery (including a sur-charged cost or fine). Gustamps point out that postage due stamps are popular with stamp collectors and some are quite scarce.

What's a key type?

Stamp collectors often get in touch with Gustamps when they are confused by certain stamp collectors terms. Sometimes Gustamps are asked what key types are. Gustamps explain that key types are a basic stamp design which are used for many different countries, where the only obvious difference is the name of the country. Gustamps say the denomination on the stamp and the tablet which bears the country name is the identifying feature, on a key type stamp. According to Gustamps, most European colonial powers use key type stamps in the earlier part of the last century. Gustamps point out that key types are often found on stamps of French, British, Spanish, German and Portuguese colonial issues. Gustamps give the examples of the monarch's head on British colonial stamps and the yacht design on stamps of the German colonies.

What's chalky paper? Gustamps explains.

When new stamp collectors come across chalky paper stamps, they often wonder why the stamps are printed that way. Gustamps explain that the chalky coating makes it virtually impossible to remove the postmark from a stamp, without disturbing the stamp's design. Gustamps point out the reason for this extra feature on some stamps is for security so that postal authorities can be sure the stamps can not be reused, saving costs on any lost postal revenue. Don't forget if you have any questions about stamps, get in touch with Gustamps. Gustamps help and philatelic advice is always free.

Gustamps continue with information about perforated stamps

In Gustamps last blog, Gustamps pointed out the difference between perforated and imperforated stamps. Gustamps say that stamp collectors should be aware that different perforations can massively alter the market value of a stamp from a few pence to hundreds of pounds. Gustamps can check out your stamps for you whether they are perforated or imperforate and give you a precise valuation. Gustamps stamp valuations are free of charge. Gustamp also supply perforation gauges. These are available from Gustamps free of charge so you can check out your own stamps personally at home. Please note that Gustamps advice on all aspects of stamp collecting is offered by Gustamps in a friendly, helpful manner and as always..... totally free of charge.

What's an imperf? Gustamps provide the answer

Gustamps are aware that people new to the hobby of stamp collecting often mistakenly think that imperf is short for imperfect. Gustamps explain that this is not so. According to Gustamps an imperf stamp is an imperforate stamp. Gustamps say perforations (the small holes which are in between stamps enable people to separate the stamps) but Gustamps point out that perforations were not invented until 1853. Gustamps explain that for 13 years between 1840 and 1853 all stamps were imperforated. Gustamps say that stamp collectors should be aware that many stamps are still printed imperf up to the present day. Gustamps tell collectors that often imperf stamps are issued by postal authorities to sell to philatelists. Gustamps also point out that occasionally there are stamps sold imperf in error, these could be very valuable.