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A  B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | ||
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Abnormal Stamps of Great Britain, 1862-80, printed by De La Rue which were not issues. Only five sheets of these stamps were prepared for registration at Somerset House. Acknowledgment of Receipt A stamp that is issued to pay the fee for the acknowledgement of receipt of a postal item to the addressee. Usually the initials 'A.R.' are incorporated in the design or overprinted on an ordinary postage stamp, these letters standing for 'Aviso de Recepcion' (advice of receipt). Accessories Tools used by stamp collectors such as stamp tongs (tweezers), watermark detectors, hinges, stamp mounts, perforation guages, etc Accumulation A large collection of stamps that has not been arranged. Acid Free Paper Paper manufactured under neutral conditions with a pH greater than 7.0 containing no acidic additives. Adhesive Usually refers to a stamp with gum on the back to enable it to be pasted on a letter, etc.. Nowadays many postal adminstrations are issuing stamps in booklets for the covenience of customers which are peelable and without the need to wet the gum before sticking onto the envelope. These are known as self-adhesives. Admiralty Official Overprint on stamps of Great Britain for official use. Advertising Labels Labbels containing advertisement attached to a normal stamp, with or without perforation. Advertisements on Stamps In New Zealand, advertisements may be found on the backs of its stamps of the Queen Victoria 1882-97 issues. Modern Sierra Leone 'self-adhesives' have advertisements printed on the backing paper. 'Adson' is the term coined to describe all these issues. Advertisment Pane A booklet or sheet of stamps with one or more stamp spaces used for commercial advertisement. Advertising Postmark It was first used during World War I as a propaganda tool. Advice of Delivery Allowing the sender, on payment of a fee, to be notified of the delivery of the item. Aerogramme A sheet of paper that is foldable with gummed flaps to seal it. It is a cheap mode of sending letters by air mail. You affix a stamp to the front for postage but modern postal adminstrations issues them with imprinted pictures and stamp. They are developed from the overseas Forces Air Letters used during World War II. Aerophilately The collecting of air mail stamps, covers and air related postal items. Air Graph Used by British troops serving in the Middle East from 1941, photography was used to copy a letter and the negatives carried by air to the appropriate Post Office where it was developed and enlarged. This results in faster mail than the normal 6 to 8 weeks by sea. The enlarged print, officially termed an 'Air graph' was placed in a special envelope and delivered. Air Label Labels inscribed "Par Avion" or equivalent that means "by air" and pasted on postal items to indicate delivery by air. Air Mail Letters, packets or any other postal item that is delivered by air transport. Some countries issues special stamps for such mail but most allows the use of normal stamps. Air Mail Stamp A stamp that is intended to prepay air mail postage. Airway Letter Stamp Issued by British Airways for transporting letters between airports. Albino A stamp thus printed and lacking colour due to a omission of ink. Album A book to hold and display stamps or covers. All Over Cachet Design that covers the envelope face and may also include the back of the envelope. All Purpose Cachet A general design envelope that is applicable to various events. Alphabet Letters Term used to denote the letters in the corners of the earlier issues of Great Britain. Ambulance Bag Term to describe a variety of bags used to enclosed damaged mail by the postal service. Aniline Ink Water-soluble ink with a dye base that runs when wet. A P O Army Post Office - used by U.S. military personnel stationed overseas. Approvals Selection of stamps or covers sent to a collector to choose and purchase which must be returned to the sender within a specified time frame. Arc Roulette Separation method between stamps in which curved cuts appear as a semi-circle. Artistamps Labels designed by artists to simulate stamps. ATM Stamps Stamps which are bought from Automated Teller Machine dispensers. Auction A public sale at which stamps or covers are sold to the highest bidder. Bidding can be done in person or by mail or through an agent. Autopen An automatic signature, made by a "mechanic pen", which in the past learn how a astronaut signs and then apply this same signature in many items. Balloon Post or Balloon Mail During the Franco-Prussian War, 1870-2, and from Przmysl during the First World War, 1914-18 mails were carried by balloon from Paris. 'Ballon Monte' means that was manned, whilst 'Ballon Non-Monte' means that the balloon was unmanned. Back of the Book (BoB) Items that are listed in the back of specialized stamp catalogs such as postage dues, revenues, postal saving stamps, etc. Backstamp Postmark applied to back of incoming mail to show date and time of receipt at the receiving post office. Banknote Issues Stamps printed by the American, Continental and National Bank Note Companies during the period 1870-1887. Bantams Stamps issued by South Africa in a reduced size to conserve paper during World War II. Bisect A stamp cut in half which has been used to pay the postage at half the face value of the original stamp or during shortages of stamps. The bisect is collected on the original cover with the postmark or cancellation covering the cut to prove it is a true bisect. Bishop Mark The first dated postmark of Great Britain started by Henry Bishop in about 1661. Black Print Proofs printed in black by postal administrations for press releases. Blind Perforation Perforation holes that have been lightly impressed where the holes are not punched out into the stamps, leaving the paper intact. Block An unseparated group of stamps, at least two parallel rows of stamps in any direction. Blued Paper Paper which has a pale blue tinge, caused by ingredients used in the manufacture of the printing ink and/or paper, or by the chemical reaction of one on the other. Bogus Fictitious stamp created only for sale to collectors. Bogus stamps include labels for nonexistent values added to regularly issued sets, issues for nations without postal systems, etc. Also refers to issues meant to defraud collectors. Booklet A booklet that contain one or more panes of stamps. Booklet Pane A small sheet, or leaf, of stamps from a stamp booklet. Bought In An auction lot that failed to reach its reserve. Bull’s Eye First issue of Brazil consisting of an intricate circular design. Bull’s Eye Cancellation A postmark in which the City, State and dates have been placed directly on the center of a stamp or block of stamps. Burelage French term for a group of usually wavy lines or dots. This forms the background upon which the stamp is printed, being intended to make forgery more difficult. Cachet (pronounce ‘ka-shay') A design printed or stamped on an envelope describing or commermorating an event. Cachets can be for any event e.g. on first day of issue, first flight and stamp exhibition covers, etc. Carlist Stamps Stamps authorized by Don Carlos and issued in certain Spanish provinces during 1873-4, the period when he assumed the title of King Carlos VII of Spain. Catapult Mail Letters specially inscribed that were conveyed by aeroplane catapulted from the deck of the ship about 600 miles from land. And stamps specially surcharged were used. This system was also utilized on German ships. Cancellation Markings or defacement placed on a stamp by a postal authority to show that it has been used. Cancel To Order (CTO) Mint sttamps cancelled by postal authorities without having been used for postage, for sale to collectors. Cape Triangulars Name given to Cape of Good Hope stamps that are triangular in shape. Censored Mail Mail that have been opened and censored. The covers will have a hand stamp indicating the mail have been censored. Centred A stamp that have its design positioned centrally between the four edges. Centering The position of the design on a postage stamp. On perfectly centered stamps the design is exactly in the middle. Chalky Paper Paper which has a coating of chalk or clay on the surface making it difficult for the postmark to be removed without causing damage to the surface of the stamp. Chalon Heads Coronation portrait of Queen Victoria which appears full face on the first stamps of New Zealand, designed by Andre Chalon. Charity Stamps Stamps that are sold at more than the inscribed face value usually with a printed or overprinted surcharge. The extra is used for charity work. Christmas Seals Charity labels used to raise funds for various groups. Christmas Stamps Special postage stamps issued for use on mail during the holiday season. Cinderalla Label issued in the shape of a stamp and produced by a non-governmental body for promotional purposes. Circuit Book Book with stamps or covers affixed and circulated for sale amongst members of a club. Classic An early stamp issue, usually pre-1930s. Most people consider these to be rare stamps, but classic stamps are not necessarily rare. Cleaned Stamps which have had ink, fiscal or other cancellation removed by chemical. Cleaned Plate When ink clogs a printing plate after continual printings, the resultant stamps are poorly printed. Stamps printed from the same plate, after cleaning, will look sharp and clean and are easily distinguishable as being from the ‘Cleaned Plate’. Coarse Perforation Large holes and teeth far apart and irregularly spaced. Coils Stamps issued in rolls (one stamp wide) for use in dispensers or vending machines. College Stamps Private stamps issued by some of the Oxford and Cambridge Colleges between 1871 and 1886 for their inter-college messenger services. Colour Error An item printed in the wrong color or have colors omitted. Colour Shift A variety where one or more colors of a multicolored stamp are misaligned. Colour Trials Proofs taken in various selected colours to help in the selection process for the stamp to be issued. Colour Proofs Impressions of the approved colours taken prior to the stamps being printed. Coloured Cancellation A postmark applied to any stamp in any color other than black. Colour Changeling A stamp which has changed colour due to chemical or climatic influences. Combination Cover Postal evelope that bears the stamps of more than one country which was paid the postage for different portions of the journey. Commemoratives Stamps issued to honour or commemorate anniversaries, important people or special events. Composite Sheet A sheet of stamps made up of different values, types or designs. Compound Envelope Official postal stationery bearing more than one embossed or printed stamp. Compound Perforations Different gauge perforations on different (normally adjacent) sides of a single stamp. Condominium Stamps Stamps issued by a counrty/territory under joint rule by two or more powers. Control Letters and Numbers Inscriptions found on the margins of sheets of stamps. Cover An envelope that has been sent through the postal system. Cut Square Imprinted stamp from envelope, card etc. that was cut in the form of a square or rectangle. Cut to Shape Imprinted stamp from enevelope, card, etc. that was cut to outline of the stamp design. Cylinder Numbers Numbers in the margins of stamps printed by photogravure from rotary cylinders. A separate number appears for each different colour used in multi-colored stamps. Dandy Roll Wire-gauze roller which impresses the paper with its texture (‘wove’,’laid’, etc.) as the pulp leaves the vats to produce watermarks in the paper. Definitive Stamps that are issued for ordinary postal needs and placed on sale for an unlimited period as opposed to commemorative. Demonetised Stamps which are withdrawn from circulation and declared void for postal use. Demonetised stamps sold to dealers, after overprinting with some device are termed Remainders. Design Error Errors by the artist in his original artwork. Die The original piece of metal or material on which the stamp’s design is first engraved before being reproduced to the printing machines. Die Proofs They are normally printed in black, from the engraver’s completed die, and submitted for official approval. Doctor Blade A flexible steel blade which is used to removes surplus ink from the printing cylinder on high-speed modern presses. Faulty operation can cause flaws of a non-constant nature on the printed stamps. Enamelled Paper Similar in appearance to chalk-surfaced paper, but the coating consists of a solution of zinc white and glue, which makes it brittle. Entire An envelope, postcard or wrapper, with stamps affixed or printed on it to prepay postage. Error A stamp which has some abnormality about its production or printing. (see Flaws and Varieties) Error of Colour Sheets of stamps are sometimes printed in the wrong colour by mistake. Essay A design which has been submitted for a stamp issue. Europa Issues from some European countries since 1956 to further the project of a United Europe and to commemorate the annual European Postal and Telecommunications Conference. Expert Certificate Issued by an acknowledged expert or company to give credence to the authenticity and condition of a stamp. Fake A genuine stamp which has has any altering to its colour, perforation, postmark, etc. to enhance its value in order to defraud. Fake - Colour Chemical treated of a stamp to alter its colour; a rare shade may be produced from a common one, or colours can be changed entirely. Fake - Perforation Amongst perforation fakes to be found are imperforate stamps perforated, perforations removed and wide imperforate margins added, gauge of perforations altered, etc. Fake - Repaired This inlcudes the adding margins and to painting-in missing portions of torn or badly damaged specimens. First Day Cover Cover franked with a postage stamp or set of stamps postmarked on the first day of issue. First Flight Cover A cover which has been carried on the first mail flight between two points and usually commemorated as such on the cover itself. Fiscal Stamps Used for the collection of taxes or fees for non-postal purposes such as on official documents. Flaw A blemish upon the design of a stamps or its perforation, which has arisen in the course of manufacture. Forgery An imitation of a stamp intended to deceive. Fugitive Colours Stamps with special ink to print some stamps so that they will change, fade or wash out if any attempt is made to tamper with the stamp, postmarks etc. Glazed Paper Without any special coating but with a high gloss, sometimes confused with enamel-surfaced paper. Glider Mail Transmission of mails by air glider. Graphite Lines Vertical graphite lines printed in black (beneath the gum) of certain British stamps in 1957 for use with automatic sorting machines. Greetings Stamps Special stamps conveying Christmas, New Year or Birthday Greetings. Grille A security device in the form of small square dots embossed on certain stamps of the United States, Peru, etc., arranged in a certain pattern, breaking the paper fibres. This allows the ink of the postmark to soak in deeply and makes it impossible to clean a stamp for re-use. Gum The adhesive found on the back of postage stamps. Gutter Space left between stamps to allow them to be separated or perforated. Handstamp A postmark or overprint applied by hand. Health Stamps Stamps bearing an additional charity premium, the proceeds from which are used for health care. Imperforate Stamps printed in sheets without perforation or other means of separation. Imperf Between Normal stamps that are perforated but with a line of perforations omitted between adjoining stamps or rows of stamps due to faulty manufacture. Impressed An imitation watermark impressed on the stamp by die-stamping. Imprint Name of printer or issuing authority printed on the sheet margins, or on the stamps themselves. Killer Mark Early form of obliteration consisting of heavy bars, cork impressions and other crude devices. Line Perforation Rows of stamps are punched in ‘single lines’, the sheets then being turned sideways-on and the process repeated. Line-perforated stamps can usually be identified by the fact that the intersecting holes at the corners of the stamps never-or rarely-precisely match. Local Stamps Those whose validity and use are limited in area to a prescribed district, town or country. Machine Cancellation A mark applied by an automatic machines as opposed to handstamping, on the stamps to denote usage and prevent re-use. Maltese Cross Term used (but erroneously) to describe the 1840 obliteration of Great Britain. It is actually an eight-pointed cross formed by four triangles, their tops meeting in the center, their bases indented-the top points should not overlap. Marginal Guide Marks Lines, dots, arrows and other marks in the margins of sheets of stamps use as guides by the printer in perforating and trimming the printed sheets. Marginal Inscriptions see also Imprints Metered Mail Mail that is automatically franked by a machine. The impression, which is a combined ‘postage stamp and postmark’, marks the amount of postage paid and the date of posting, while the automatic machine ‘meters’ or records the number of letters and the total postage. Millesime Numerals recording the year of printing certain stamps of France and Colonies-‘1’,’2’, etc. (the last digit of the year of issue), usually printed in the gutter margins between panes. Miniature Sheet A small sheet containing a single stamp, pair, block or set of stamps, with wide, inscribed and/or decorative margins, issued as a commemorative souvenir for collectors. Also known as souvenir sheet Mint Stamp as originally issued, unused and with full gum. Mourning Stamps Stamps issued during national bereavement, either special issues printed in black or existing stamps having an added black border. Mulready Cover Prepaid envelope or letter sheets designed by William Mulready issued in Great Britain in 1840 Mulready Caricature The design of the official ‘Mulready’ envelope and cover was not popular and private firms printed similar items in humorous vein to ridicule the official stationery . These needs stamps to be affixed for usage. Newspaper Stamps Stamps issued specifically for the postage of newspapers. No Value Indicated Stamps without a value imprinted, usually used for local mails. Obliterated Stamps Stamp portrait of a deposed or deceased monarch or president of a country is blotted out. Obsolete Stamps which are not available for sale through the post office, though continuing to be valid for postage. Stamps which are no longer valid are declared to be ‘invalidated’ or ‘demonetized’. Occupation Stamps Overprinted, or specially printed, stamps for use in a territory occupied by foreign forces. Off Centre A stamp that have its design positioned unevenly between the four edges of the perforations. Official Stamps Stamps specially printed or overprinted for use by governments or government departments. Overprint Additional nscription or device printed on the face of a stamp to denote an event, special usage, etc. Pair of Stamps Two unseparated stamps, joined horizontally or vertically as originally issued. Pane Part of a sheet of stamps, usually separated by ‘gutter’ margins. Paquebot (‘Packet Boat’). Term given to letters posted on board ships at sea and to the form of postmark used. Paper Error Stamps printed on a paper of the wrong colour or type than was actually intended. Parachute Mail Messages that have been dropped by parachute usually onto remote areas or small islands. Patriotic Cover Unofficial envelopes printed and used during the American Civil War, bearing patriotic pictures and slogans. Pen-cancelled Stamp officially cancelled or postmarked using a pen and which has been postally used. Perforation A series of holes punched between stamps in the sheet to ease separation. Perforation Error Stamps perforated of a different gauge than that specified for the issue. Phosphor Stamps are overprinted, inked or impregnated with phosphorescent or ‘fluorescent’ substances for use in electronic letter-facing and postmarking machines. Pigeon Post The first official pigeon post was inaugurated during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-2. Microfilmed messages were carried by pigeons in sealed tubes. In modern times pigeons have been used armed forces, especially in time of war; also, other unofficial services are in use from time to time, items carried being of a ‘philatelic souvenir’ nature. Plate-numbers Numerals and/or letters inscribed on sheets of stamps, usually in the margins at the foot or sides, indicating the plate or plates used in the printing of the stamps on a flat-bed press. (as opposed to a rotary press-see ‘Cylinder-numbers’). Plate Proofs Plate-maker or printer impressions from the plate, etched cylinder or ‘stone’ before printing commences. Postage Due Stamps Used by the post office to frank postal articles for the sums to be collected on delivery of unstamped letters, or those which are insufficiently prepaid. Postal Fiscals Fiscal or revenue stamps authorized for postal use. Postal Forgery Forged stamps used to defraud the postal authorities. Postal Stationery All forms of postal envelopes, cards, wrappers etc. which have impressed or imprinted stamps. Postmark Any mark, handstruck, machine-applied or in manuscript form, used on postal items in order items in order to cancel the stamps and/or record the date and origin of their transit through the mail services. (see Cancellation). Pre-Stamp Cover Covers that were used before the advent of stamps. Printer’s Waste Defective, malformed or misprinted stamps which are normally discarded and burned by the printer. Private Controls Inscriptions overprinted on stamps or printed on the backs of stamps by private firms or instituitions to prevent unauthorised usage or prevent theft from their stocks of postage stamps. Redrawn A new printing of a stamp whose design differs in some details from the original, while retaining its principal features. Re-engrave The strengthening of worn parts of the surface of a printing plate by hand-work. Registered Envelope Special envelope for use by registered mail. Registration Label Usually printed in blue or red, incorporating the letter ‘R’ or its foreign equivalent, affixed by postal officials to packets which have been ‘registered’ for safe transit. Re-issues Stamps issued again after having been withdrawn from use. Reply Paid Cards Pair of prepaid postal cards, usually joined by perforations, one being detachable for the reply. Reprints Printed from the original plates after the stamps had ceased to be current. Retouch Minor correction effected by hand-engraving on the plate or cylinder. Semi-official Stamps issued by mail-transport organizations which have received partial recognition by the postal authorities. Se-tenant Two or more adjoining stamps which differ from each other in value, design, or in some other respect such as one overprinted or surcharged, and the other not. Se-tenant block Two or more stamps, joined vertically and horizontally, differing in value or design. Ship Letter Letter that was brought by ship to another port or city and usually bears markings to indicate its passage. Slogan Postmarks Modern cancellation, usually by machine which carries official slogans or advertising beside the postmark. Specimen Samples of new stamps, distributed to the various countries through the UPU for purposes of identification and record, are inscribed, overprinted or punch-perforated with the word ‘Specimen’. St.Andrew’s Cross The cross-printed in the four vacant spaces left in panes of certain early Austrian issues, to prevent the paper being used by forgers. Stampless Cover A cover which has passed through the posts since the introduction of postage stamps bearing some marking/s other than an adhesive stamp to indicate that postage has been paid Strip Three or more stamps joined in a single row, horizontal or vertical. Surcharge An overprint which alters or establishes a stamp’s face value. Travelling Post Offices Postmarks used on mail which has been sorted on special postal railway coaches or trains, and which may have been picked up and/or delivered at selected points en route. Tete-beche Joined pair of stamps in which one is upside-down in relation to the other. Thematic The collecting of one subject on stamps, e.g. birds, mushrooms, computers, space, etc. Also known as Topical. Unissued Stamps Stamps printed but were not officially released for sale and used by the postal authorities. Used A stamp which has had postal or fiscal use and has been postmarked or cancelled. Used Fiscally Stamps or revenue stamps used for the payment of revenue charges Used on Cover A stamp (or stamps) postmarked and preserved on the original envelope. Used on Piece Stamp retained on a portion of the original cover to preserve the entire postmark Used Abroad Stamps of one country used and postmarked in another country. Unused Stamp has not been used in the post may be partially or wholly without gum, or bear traces of old hinges on the back. Variety A stamp differing in some visible detail, caused by a fault in the process of printing. Watermark A design, device or pattern, formed by the dandy roll pressure in the wet pulp stage of manufacture, to prevent forgery. Wreck Cover A cover which has been salvaged from a shipwreck and carries an official cachet to indicate so. Zemstvo Name given to the locals posts and stamps of towns and districts in Russia beyond the scope of the Imperial postal services, from 1870 to about 1890. |
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