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Some Useful Sources of Information for Collectors
We hope this section will give you some ideas for gathering information, planning days out, joining clubs or enthusing the rest of the family! It is not a exhaustive list and if you think we've missed out any good sites, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Webmasters - if you'd like us to include your site, just get in touch. We'd appreciate a reciprocal link. To recommend any new sites to list, contact Betty
Jump to: Magazines | Clubs and Societies | Insurance | Fairs and Exhibitions | Museums | Articles about Covers | Auctions | General Collecting Resources | Stamp Collecting | Kids | Charities | Artists | Websites
Magazines
- British Philatelic Bulletin
- Every month, Royal Mail publishes the British Philatelic Bulletin, which is full of information on the latest British stamps, features on postal heritage and prize competitions. To subscribe, contact Royal Mail Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, EDINBURGH EH12 9PB.
- British Postmark Bulletin
- Published by Royal Mail for postmark collectors. The British Postmark Bulletin contains articles about postmarks and lists all current special handstamps on offer. For subscriptions, write to: Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, EDINBURGH, EH12 9PB.
- Collect It!
- The world's leading glossy, monthly magazine for general collectables. There's news, competitions and advice.
- Gibbons Stamp Monthly
- Published by world famous stamp dealers, Gibbons Stamp Monthly magazine reports all the latest philatelic news as it breaks and has a comprehensive events diary. Their online site also provides access to a huge archive of articles and offers a discussion forum where enthusiasts can communicate.
- Philatelic Exporter
- The only independent magazine in the world for the international stamp trade.
- Stamp & Coin Mart
- This friendly magazine has great coverage of clubs and associations, as well as general news and New Releases.
- Stamp Diary
- The Stamp Fair & Auction Diary is published by-monthly and contains details of over 300 cover, stamp and postcard fairs and auctions.
- Stamp Magazine
- Stamp Magazine is a monthly publication with up-to-date news from the world of philately, including auctions and exhibitions, the latest issues and valuable errors as well as readers showcasing their collections.
Clubs and Societies
- The Association of Great Britain First Day Cover Collectors (GBFDC)
- GBFDC was formed in 1994 to enable people who collect British first day covers to contact each other and learn more about the hobby. Most members are in the UK, but an important minority are overseas. They publish a great newsletter (First Day Coverage) and also run an annual Cover Fair.
- The National Philatelic Society
- One of the largest general philatelic societies in Great Britain, this is a fantastic way to meet other collectors and learn more. Stamp Lover, their award winning magazine is sent free to members six times a year. Their impressive Library comprises over 6,000 volumes. Non-members may visit and use the library for reference purposes on payment of a fee.
- The Philatelic Traders Society (PTS)
- We are proud to be a member of the PTS, which has a reputation for honesty, integrity and professionalism worldwide. The PTS shield is instantly recognised by collectors.
- Royal Philatelic Society London
- This is the oldest Philatelic society in the world. It has a museum and library, publishes a journal The London Philatelist (free to members) and offers 4 medals each year to recognise contributions to philately.
- The Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC)
- The largest autograph organisation in the world today. We are proud to be a UACC recognised dealer. The UACC publishes The Pen and Quill bimonthly journal and enforces a strict code of ethics in autograph dealers.
Insurance
- Wardrop & Co
- Wardrop & Co have been arranging insurance for philatelic (stamp) collectors since the 1920's and quite a number of our clients have apparently been with them for over 40 years. They aim to provide a prompt, professional and personal insurance service, with real people to provide real answers to real questions.
- AXA Art Insurance
- AXA Art Insurance Limited mainly concentrates on art collectors. They have been insuring private collectors, dealers, museums and exhibitions in the UK since 1982 and internationally, through its London market operation, since 1991.
- Connoisseur Insurance
- Connoisseur insurance specialises in insuring collectables. Our understanding is that the insurance can only be purchased online. Their policy is available in units of £5,000 and apparently offers affordable "all risks" cover for your collections whilst anywhere in the UK.
- Stamp Insurance Services
- Stamp Insurance Services offers a wide range of Insurance for all types of collectables. They can arrange cover for your buildings and contents whether you have either a large collection of stamps or other collectables or you are a dealer working from home.
- Stanley Gibbons Insurance
- Stanley Gibbons, in partnership with Marsh Private Clients, can arrange specialist insurance cover for stamps and other collectibles. Stanley Gibbons, with Marsh Private Clients, have designed a special policy with generous limits to cover collections against loss or damage.
Fairs and Exhibitions
- Stampex
- Stampex is the biggest and most popular British stamp and cover exhibition, held twice a year in London. Entry is completely free. Nearly every large dealer will have a stand. There are all kinds of talks and events run by various societies and in the autumn, there are Senior and Junior stamp collection competitions. Stampex is run in the spring and autumn of each year and is highly recommended. Look out for Buckingham Covers and our parent company, Internet Stamps if you go!
- Philatex
- Held in London in February, Philatex is another large stamp and cover exhibition that is worth checking out. The Folkestone Stamp Shop will be there.
- York Stamp Show
- The North of England is a bit neglected when it comes to large exhibitions, which is why we are delighted to support the York Stamp and Coin Fair.
- Collect It! Fair
- A major new Collectors Fair at the NEC, Birmingham which offers visitors looking at a wide spread of contemporary collectables and limited edition items, including ceramics, pottery and stoneware, silver, jewellery, enamels, fashion and textiles, stamps, glass, plastics, metal ware, soft toys, TV and movie related items and ephemera.
Museums
- Bath Postal Museum
- Discover the history of the Postal System, explore the museum, plan your visit or browse their shop. Highly recommended.
- The British Postal Museum & Archive
- The Museum collection is currently only accessible on special open days, but The Royal Mail Archive is open to the public 5 days a week, and includes a small but essential exhibition area, showing highlights from the BPMA philatelic collection.
Interesting Articles about Covers
The following were all taken from Linn's Stamp News www.linns.com the world's largest newspaper devoted to stamp collecting. If you know of other good articles we should include, please email Cara.
- Covers Tell a Story
- Patriotic covers
- What makes up a Cover?
Other interesting articles
- Collectors Corner: First Day Covers.
Auctions
- EBay
- EBay, the online auction, often has first day and commemorative covers and if you know what you are looking for, you can snap up some bargains. Be very careful however. Check that you are buying from someone you can trust and that you are clear exactly what you are bidding for and what its value is. Remember that its condition is important. Also, check how much postage will be on top of the amount that you have bid; if the seller lives overseas, this could be more expensive that you might have hoped!
General Collecting Resources
 - Collect-IT is a piece of software designed by a cover collector for cover collectors (but it also works for any other type of collectable). The idea is to make it easy to catalogue your collection on your own computer. That way, you know exactly what you've got, how much it's worth (for yourself and for insurance purposes), where you've put it (!) and what gaps you need to fill.
- World Collectors Portal
- This is a site to watch. It aims to be the premier collecting resource and portal for collectors on the web.
- Scherbak Ship Models
- Offers limited editions of cruise ship models, ocean liner models and ID style warship models.
- Lang Antiques: Antique and Estate Jewellry
- They carry a large selection of fine antique estate jewellry, antique rings and antique engagement rings. They also have vintage estate jewellry, vintage estate rings and vintage estate engagement rings from the Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Art Deco style periods.
 - This website is building up as a UK directory for all aspects of collecting, including shops, fairs and auctions.
 - Grand Prix Legends, the World's leading F1 & Motorsport Merchandise and Diecast Replica mail-order Company.
- Collectibles Top 25 offers an easy place to find information, specialist collectibles websites, like minded collectors and hard to find pieces.
Online Resources for Stamp Collecting
- www.positivelypostal.co.uk
- Positively Postal is a new website that illustrates all things postal - from covers and stamps to letters and Post Offices, postal vehicles, post office advertising and even postal workers! They are developing a Postal Resource and Education Centre and have plans for an online Cover Collecting Resource soon. They also have frequent competitions. The site is changing all the time so they recommend regular visits.
- www.stampdemon.co.uk
- The unusual internet stamp directory and much more! Lots of Philatelic resources, information and contacts. Have a browse around and see what else you can find!
- www.stampcollectinghq.com
- Everything about stamp collecting and how to keep your stamp collection in perfect order.
- www.linns.com
- The world's largest weekly stamp newspaper online
- www.bl.uk/collections/philatelic
- British Library
- www.askphil.org
- Stamp questions answered
- www.philaguide.com
- Very helpful site with lots links and resources for stamp collectors
- www.petersstamps.com/
- Stamps of Great Britain, Isle of Man & the Channel Islands. Links to the World's Philatelic Bureau. Free Stamp Exchange pages!
- www.cddstamps.com/
- Commemorative, definitive & decimal stamps. Free stamps, Competitions, Topicals, Children's Corner, Stamps to trade and stamps to buy.
Collecting Sites for Kids
There is a real gap in the market for any websites about cover collecting for kids! We haven't found anything yet. If you know of one, please let us know!
However, there are several good sites for kids to start out with stamp collecting.
- www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/8406/
- This is a lovely site for younger stamp collectors by a real enthusiast. The gentleman that put the site together has since passed away, but his family have kept it going. It's fun, friendly and full of ideas.
- www.bnaps.org/stamps4kids/pre.htm
- This is another fun site with games, quizzes and lots of advice.
- www.bnaps.org/stamps4kids/teen.htm
- This site is aimed at Teenagers (the only one we know about). It is very hard to do a site for teens without sounding patronising but they've done pretty well!
While you're looking at fun sites, we especially liked:
- www.bnaps.org/stamps4kids/magic.htm
- Magic mind reading game about stamps! Really cool ... how does it work???!
Affiliated Charities
- www.rafbf.org/
- The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund exists to provide assistance to those of the extended Royal Air Force Family who need support as a consequence of poverty, sickness, disability, accident, infirmity or other adversity.
Artists
- www.stevenjonesart.freeuk.com
- Visit the Gallery of Steven Jones, the artist of our beautiful Sea Life cover.
Information Websites
- www.somme-battlefields.com
- The Battle of the Somme Official Website exists to help visitors plan and organise trips to the Somme and show how the First World War shaped the 20th century and affected our modern lives.
- www.falklandswar.org.uk
- The Falklands War website provide Latest News, a Data Library,Information and Photos about the Conflict

Buckingham Covers Limited, registered in England No. 03877048 is part of Internet Stamps Group Limited, registered in England No. 03497867. Registered office for both: Warren House, Shearway Rd, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4BF, UK.
Tel. (+44)01303 278 137. Email. betty@buckinghamcovers.com
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