Most stamp collectors agree that the first adhesive postage stamps were the world famous Penny Black and Twopence Blue issued in Great Britain. They were in use from the 6th May 1840 and changed the face of the postal business. Until stamps were available, all letters were handed in over the post office counter where the correct postage was assessed. This would depend on the distance the letter was to travel and the number of sheets of paper that were used in the letter. Remember that envelopes were rarely used at this time - letters were generally folded and sealed with wax.
The architect behind the changes in the postal system was Rowland Hill. He pushed for tranformation in the postral system from 1837 and two years later his ideas were accepted and put into effect in 1840.
His reforms included the idea that letters could travel anywere within the United Kingdom for a basic charge of one penny up to 1/2 oz weight; two pence up to 1 oz and more postage for heavier mail.
This changed the way that post offices managed mail in the United Kingdom and soon other countries were to follow.
The first was the Swiss Canton of Zurich. It issued two stamps in march 1843. A 4 rappen and 6 rappen stamp.
Next came Brazil in August 1843 with a 30, 60 and 90 reis selection of stamps.
America finally joined in the postal transformation in July 1845. They produced a 5 cent stamp with a portrait of George Washington. Originally intended for use in the state of New York only, other cities experimented with the idea. In July 1847 a 5 cent and 10 cent stamp was produced for general use through the USA.
The island of Trinidad was the first British colony to use an adhesive postage stamp. David Brice was the owner of the steamer S.S.Lady McCleod which plied along the coast between Port of Spain and San Fernando carrying letters either way. He issued a 5 cent stamp on the 24 April 1847. The stamp carried a picture of the Lady McCleod making it a double first -the first adhesive stamp in the British Empire and the first pictorial stamp to be used. Previous stamps had figures of value or portaits.
Although postal stamps were becoming more common, each stamp's validity was limited to it's country of origin. Britain's stamps were only recognised in the British Empire, Zurich's within the Canton of Zurich and of course the stamps issued by David Brice were only recognised on the Lady McCleod.
This changed in 1874 with the estabishment of the General Postal Union which recognised all postal stamps issued by it's member nations.
Advance stamp collectors are people who have turned their hobby into a profitable business. Numerous stamp collectors have realized that the potential of stamp collecting goes beyond simply being a thrilling and satisfying pastime. Considering the number of people that get into stamp collecting everyday, it was only a matter of time before collectors turned their hobby into a profitable business.
The value of stamps depends largely on supply and demand. As the number of stamp collectors continues to increase steadily, there is more demand for good quality stamps. Unfortunately the supply of distinctive stamps is diminishing as a result stamp collectors are willing to shell out cash for them.
Advance stamp collectors who have been in the business for quite some time are aware of how valuable certain stamps can be. Most of these advance stamp collectors started stamp collecting simply for pure enjoyment. Consequently, these stamp collectors started to invest and learn more about stamps in order to build their own collection for profit.
How to become an Advance Stamp Collector
Most of today's advance stamp collectors started their hobby early in life and thus were able to put together an impressive collection over the years. Some advance stamp collectors even started the hobby while they were children, receiving a package of stamps as a kid. The child gets hooked and then begins lifetime hobby of stamp collecting.
An advance stamp collector is meticulous and possesses the right equipment necessary to preserve the quality of the collection. The advance stamp collector understands the importance of caring for the collection, as it will greatly influence its selling price. A soiled stamp will most likely have a low resale value even if it is a rare find.
Advance stamp collectors generally advertise their collection in magazines and newspapers that focus on the business side of this popular pastime. Most stamp collectors prefer dealing with other stamp collectors rather than going to dealers that usually gives wholesale prices. On the other hand, stamp collectors can get a better bargain dealing with advanced stamp collectors who are more or less open to negotiations.
The Internet is another venue that many advance stamp collectors use to put up their merchandise. Looking for an advance stamp collector online is a great way to compare prices among numerous collectors.
Stamp collectors interested in bringing their hobby to the next level should consider joining a philatelic club online or subscribing to a stamp collector's magazine to learn more about the business.
Both Kevin Bauer & Jerald Shin Shapiro are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kevin Bauer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Disease & illness, Dog Beds and Golf Guide. Stampheavens.com is published as an information guide for all keen stamp collectors. More stamp collecting information at . Kevin Bauer's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Jerald Shin Shapiro has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cooking Tips, Home Improvement and Fitness. Information on can be found at the. Jerald Shin Shapiro's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.