STAMPS

Hey there! Stamp collecting is a fascinating hobby, and it sounds like you’re getting into the nitty-gritty of it. You're right on point with some of the key things to watch out for. Let’s break it down a bit:

1. **Condition**: Absolutely crucial! No rips, tears, or thinning is important. The better the condition, the higher the value. Look for stamps that are clean and crisp.

2. **Mint vs. Used**: Mint stamps (those that have never been used and typically still have their original adhesive on the back) usually are more valuable than used ones. However, some used stamps can be rare and valuable, especially if they have a unique postmark.

3. **Watermarks**: Watermarks can be a fun aspect of stamp collecting. They often help in identifying the stamp and can affect its value. You might need a special watermark detector or a good light source to see them clearly.

4. **Perforation Size**: The perforation, or "perf" size, can tell you a lot about a stamp, especially in older issues like those from Great Britain. The perf size refers to the number of holes in a 2-centimeter space along the edge of the stamp. Different issues might have different perf sizes.

5. **Historical Significance**: The first British stamp, the 1d Black from 1840, is a classic and a must-have for serious collectors. It features Queen Victoria and is known for its beautiful design and historical importance.

Sounds like you’re well on your way to becoming a pro! Keep those eyes peeled for those details, and happy collecting!

 1st DayCovers 

Hey there! It sounds like you're diving into the world of first day cover collecting—pretty cool hobby! You're right about not confusing first day covers with souvenir or commemorative covers; they're definitely a unique category.

When it comes to collecting first day covers, condition is super important. No rips, tears, or significant marks are key for maintaining their value and appeal. Here are a few more things you might want to keep an eye on:

1. **Postmark clarity**: Make sure the postmark is clear and legible. It should correctly display the date and location where the stamp was issued, which is crucial for authenticity.

2. **Envelope quality**: Besides avoiding tears and rips, check for discoloration or stains. The cleaner, the better.

3. **Stamp placement and adherence**: The stamp should be securely attached to the envelope and positioned neatly. Any misalignment or peeling could decrease the cover's value.

4. **Cachet appeal**: The cachet (artwork on the envelope) adds to the collectibility. Original, attractive, and relevant cachets are usually more desirable.

5. **Provenance and rarity**: Some covers might come with a history or limited edition status that can make them more valuable.

6. **Storage condition**: How the cover has been stored can also affect its condition. Light, humidity, and temperature can all impact paper and ink over time.

Enjoy building your collection and keep these tips in mind to find some truly special covers!
 

Post Cards

Collecting old picture postcards is indeed a popular hobby, often considered the second largest hobby globally, right after stamp collecting. It's fascinating how single cards, especially rare ones, can fetch high prices, while the vast majority remain quite affordable.

The hobby can be explored through various eras, each with its own unique characteristics and historical context. Here’s a quick breakdown of the seven postcard periods you mentioned:

1. **1869-1899**: This period marks the early days of postcards. Initially, they were used more for practical purposes than for collecting. The designs were simple, and the cards were not yet widely used for souvenir purposes.

2. **1900-1914**: Known as the "Golden Age of Postcards," this era saw a boom in postcard popularity. Many cards from this period were intricately designed, and they often featured hand-coloring and other detailed artistic elements.

3. **1914-1918**: During World War I, postcards served as an important means of communication among soldiers and their families. The cards from this period often include patriotic themes and are a window into the life and times during the war.

4. **1918-1939**: The interwar period saw a mix of continued artistic postcards along with the introduction of more photographic images. This era also experienced a rise in tourism which influenced postcard production.

5. **1939-1945**: World War II impacted postcard production and themes significantly. Similar to WWI, these cards often carried patriotic motifs or were used by soldiers to communicate with home.

6. **1945-1969**: Post-WWII, postcards became more vibrant and colorful with the advent of better printing technology. This era also saw a rise in postcards depicting modern architecture and booming tourism sites.

7. **1969-today**: The modern era of postcards shows a wide variety of styles, from highly artistic to digital photographs. Themes are broad, including everything from historical reproductions to novelty and comic styles.

Each period reflects its own unique slice of history and culture, making collecting postcards a particularly intriguing hobby. Whether you're interested in the art, the history, or the act of collecting itself, there's plenty to explore in the world of postcard collecting!

Covers (envelopes)

That sounds like an awesome adventure into the world of cover collecting! With so many themes, from rare stamps and special postmarks to celebrating historic anniversaries and exploring topics like aviation, transport, and space, you've got a universe of possibilities to dive into. Each envelope tells a story, capturing a moment in history or a milestone in human achievement. Starting your collection could open up new interests and maybe even a passion for the events and innovations that have shaped our world.  i collect RAf and Flight Covers    What theme do you think you’ll start with?

Postal History

Oh, diving into postal history is like unearthing a treasure trove of communication evolution! Starting with the 1657 Cromwell Act, it was a pivotal moment because it helped formalize the postal service in Britain, setting the stage for a more organized mail system. This act was all about regulating the costs and improving the efficiency of mail delivery at the time.

Fast forward to 1840, and you hit another monumental milestone: the introduction of the first postage stamp, the Penny Black. This little piece of paper revolutionized the way postage was paid for, moving from a recipient pays system to a sender pays system, which greatly increased the accessibility and ease of sending mail.

The unique postmarks that began to appear on letters are fascinating too. They started as a way to cancel the stamp (so it couldn't be used again) and to mark the date and place of mailing, which helped in tracking and managing mail flow. Each of these marks tells a story of where and when the mail has traveled, adding a whole layer of history to each piece of correspondence.

Exploring these developments really shows how the postal system evolved from a somewhat disorganized service to a structured and crucial part of societal communication. What a journey from Cromwell’s time to the age of stamps!