Stamps Collecting and Philately
What is Philately?
Philately is the study of postal stamps and postal history. Although it is generally related to collecting postage stamps, it is not necessary that all of stamp collectors study the history of stamps.On the other hand, it is not necessary that a philatelist possesses the stamps which he studies. The person who studies this subject, is known as a philatelist.
The study is not limited to stamps, but also includes study of other postal stationery, like Post Cards, Inland Letters, Postal Envelops, First Day Covers, Special Labels etc. It also includes study of cancellation marks, including special cancellation marks.
Branches of Philately
There are many branches of philately, which are related to specialization of the field of study. The most known branches are:
Thematic philately: Study of stamps on a specific theme. Some of the most popular themes are: Science, Sports, History, Personalities, Events etc.
Postal Stationary: The study of post cards, envelopes with stamps, inland letters, aerograms etc.
Postal History: Study of history of postal stamps and postal communication
Aerophilately: Philately related to airmail
Some Philatelic Terms
Aerogramme: A piece of paper issued by postal department for public for International communication
Air Mail: Mail sent by air, i.e. by airplanes
Cancellation Mark: The mark which cancels the value of the stamp for reuse
Commemorative Stamp: A special stamp issued for remembrance of a person or occasion
Definitive Stamp: Stamps for regular use
First Day Cover: A postal cover with newly issued stamp and a special cancellation mark. This cover is available at major post offices only on the first day of issue of the stamp
Inland Letter: A piece of paper issued by postal department for public for inland communication
International Reply Coupon: A coupon which can be exchanged with postal stamps for reply communication. This is used as reply postage for international communication
Mint Stamp: A postage stamps in its original state of issue, never used and was not pasted anywhere
Perforation: Holes between two stamps made for easy separation of them
Philatelic Bureau: A department in Post Offices where newly issued postal stamps and related material is sold
Philatelist: The person who study philately
Philately: Study of postal stamps and postal history
Postage Stamp: A piece of paper with the name of the country, price and an image or artwork, which is used as a proof of payment of postage
Post Card: A card issued by Postal Department for public for communication
Sea Mail: Mail sent by seat routes
Stamp Catalog: A catalog containing market prices of rare stamps.
Stamp Collector: The person who collects postal stamps
Surface Mail: Mail sent by surface routes
Thematic Philately: Study of postal stamps on specific themes
Topical Philately: Study of postal stamps on specific topics
First Day Cover
Some Early Philatelists
Oscar Berger-Levrault was a stamp collector from Strasbourg, France. (1826-1903) He is known as one of the early philatelists. He is credited for his contribution in systematic and scientific collection of stamps and postal stationary. He was one of the inventors of stamp catalog.
Sir Daniel Cooper (1821-1902) was Founder President of Philatelic Society of London, now known as Royal Philatelic Society London.
Ernest de Silva (1887-1957) was a Sri Lankan businessman, and one of the world's most known philatelists.
Emilio Diena (1860-1941) was a researcher and authority on Italian stamps.
Reverend Robert Brisco Earée (1846-1928) was an Eanglish philatelist, expert in studies of philatelic forgeries.
Edward Benjamin Evans (1846-1922) was a distinguished philatelist and philatelic journalist, known for his specialization in stamps of Mauritius, Confederate States of America and the Indian feudatory states.
Adelaide Lucy Fenton (1824-1897) was the first female philatelist and philatelic journalist.
King George V (1865-1936) was a king of United Kingdom, known for his Royal collection of stamps.
Edward Stanley Gibbons (1840-1913) was founder of Stanley Gibbons Ltd., a publishing house especially established for publishing stamp catalogues, stamp-related books and magazines.
Rare Postage Stamps Video
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