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This page is a glossary of philatelic terms. It lists words relating to stamps and the study of them that you might find in the BPMA website. We would like your help to improve it! The philatelic glossary is part of the <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki" target=_self>BPMA Wiki</A>. This means that users can create their own content and add to/edit other people’s pages. Click the 'Edit this page' button to get started, then scroll through the entries to find the one you want to edit. This glossary has been pulled together from various different sources. Some of the terms have been reproduced with kind permission from the <A href="http://www.stanleygibbons.com/" target=_self>Stanley Gibbons</A> Philatelic Terms Illustrated by James Mackay. A lot of hard work has gone into the production of this glossary, but we think it could still be improved. We'd like you to help us try and make each entry even easier to understand (especially for a non-specialist audience). If you think a term is missing, why not add it in yourself? If you have a lot to say about a particular entry, please use the Create new page button and make a new page. Entries on this glossary should remain fairly short. Why not join the <A href="http://groups.google.com/group/bpma-wiki-group">BPMA Wiki Users Google Group</A> if you would like to discuss any of the changes that have been made here? <A href="http://../wiki">Return to main Wiki page</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://www.postalheritage.org.uk/wiki/PhilatelicGlossary/#z" target=_self>Z</A> <H3><ID ="A">A</ID></H3> Abnormal Term used for certain stamps produced by De La Rue for Great Britain 1862-1880 from plates which were not put into normal production. Accepted Design The artwork approved by a postal administration and passed to the printer for production. Accessories Basic equipment to aid collecting in addition to stamp albums, stamp hinges, watermark detector, etc. Accountancy Mark A handstamp applied to international letters prior to 1875 showing the charge to be collected from the addressee. Additional Halfpenny Tax A charge made by the British Post Office before 1840 on letters transmitted in Scotland if conveyed at any point of their journey by vehicles having more than two wheels. Also for certain tolls e.g. Menai Bridge. Adhesive General term for stamps, more specifically those with gum on the back. Admiralty Official Stamps overprinted with these words were used by H M Admiralty dockyards and other installations on official mail. Advanced Coated Paper A type of paper devised by Harrison & Sons to prevent the problem of ink absorption in the drying process. Advertisements on Stamps Stamp advertising first appeared in 1840. In Britain the advertising was carried on pictorial envelopes and wrappers sold by the Post Office, e.g. Mulreadys. Later advertisements appeared on the sheet margins (selvedge), on interleaved pages in stamp booklets and on labels attached to stamp panes (also in booklets). Also appear on back of stamps e.g. New Zealand. Advertisements on Postmarks Advertising by slogan postmarks was not adopted until the late 19th Century. Commercial advertising was banned in Great Britain until 1989. Since then a wide range of goods and services have been advertised. Advertising Labels Adhesive labels used to advertise a commercial company. Advice of Delivery (or receipt) An international service adopted by member countries of the UPU (q.v.) in 1891 permitting the sender of a registered packet, on payment of a fee, to be advised of the delivery of the packet. AED Affranchie a l'étranger jusqu'a destination, postage paid to destination. (q.v PD). Aerophilately The collection and study of "Air Mail" stamps and of matters appertaining to the carriage of mail by air. Aerogramme Term adopted by UPU (q.v.) in 1951 to denote special letter sheets printed on lightweight paper and intended to be sent by airmail. (q.v. Air Letter). Affixing Machines Privately manufactured machine for applying stamps to envelopes worked by hand or electricity. Affranchts Abbreviation for "Affranchissements". A pre-cancel marking found on French stamps used on Official Mail or on bulk postings of business mail. Agency An organisation of either public or private enterprise handling and promoting sales of new issues of postage stamps to the stamp trade on behalf of the issuing Governments. Air cards Pre-stamped cards devised by Royal Mail in 1993 for airmail use. Air Covers Envelopes bearing cachets or airmail stamps or other evidence of their being carried by aeroplane etc. Air Hole Flaw Technical term for an uncoloured area, usually circular, which appears accidentally in a coloured portion of a stamp design. Air Letter Forms Special letter forms impressed with a sixpenny stamp issued in GB in 1943 to facilitate the writing and handling of air mail letters. Airgraph Special letter form used by GB during the Second World War for forces mail overseas which was microfilmed and then reproduced on arrival at destination. Airmail Any form of correspondence transmitted by air. Airmail Labels Member countries of the UPU adopt a standardised blue label for affixing to correspondence sent by air to facilitate easy recognition, also known as etiquettes (q.v). Airmail Letter Card A folded letter sheet for British Armed Forces in WW2. Airmail Stamps Postage stamps expressly providing for prepayment of postage on air borne mail. Airway Letter Stamps Stamps issued by British European Airways since 1951 and also for a while by Cambrian Airways, for the carriage of letters between airports and for posting on arrival. Airstream A service of the British Post Office introduced in 1986 for the bulk posting of airmail packets using postage paid impression and a distinctive label. Albino Impression A colourless (uninked) impression of either a stamp (usually embossed) or of an overprint or surcharge. Album Book designed to house stamps etc. ALF Automatic Letter Facing machine that prepares mail for automatic cancelling. All-Over Watermark A single device or pattern covering the whole sheet of paper. Alpha and Beta Flaws Terms to describe flaws in lithographed stamps. An Alpha Flaw is one which builds up on the litho stone during the early processes of stamp production. A Beta flaw is one which occurs later because of wear on the stone. Alphabet Great Britain's first line engraved issues had letters printed in the bottom corners. These, over time, came from four sets of hand punches having distinctive type faces, known as Alphabets I, II, III, IV (q.v Check Letters). All Up Service A scheme introduced in 1937 whereby all letter mail sent from the UK to Commonwealth Countries was sent by air at no additional cost to surface rates of postage. Ambulance Bag Plastic bag used since the 1980s by the Post Office to seal and forward damaged or broken packets in transit: similarly a paper envelope used by the Post Office before the advent of plastic. Ambulant Postmark denoting a Travelling Post Office. Anaglyph Printing in two colours to give a three-dimensional effect. Anaglyptography Form of machine engraving which gives an appearance of relief to a print through use of parallel waved lines. Anchor Printing terminology for a rivet, nail or screw used to fix a printing plate to a wooden or metal mount. Anchor Watermark Watermark used in certain issues of Great Britain and Colonies. An Anchor is shown in many stamp papers. Anhyphenate Without a hyphen. Aniline Water soluble and fugitive ink with a dye base that runs when wetted and fluoresces under a UV lamp. Aniline Colour Printer's Ink with a coal tar base. Annulé (French) Cancelled. Anti Tuberculosis Seals Charity label sold to raise funds to combat TB, resembles a stamp but is not valid for postage. q.v Health Stamps APO Abbreviation for Army Post Office. A Payer (French) To pay, inscribed on some Postage Due stamps. A Percevoir (French) To collect, Inscription on some Postage Due stamps. Approvals Stamps sent by dealers to collectors with the option of buying or returning them before a set date. Après le Départ (French) Too late. AR Avis de Réception. q.v. Advice of Receipt Arc Roulette Method of separating stamps by a series of minute semi-circular slits varying in distance between ¼ and ½ mm. Archer Perforation Stamps perforated by Henry Archer during his experiments in first applying perforation to postage stamps, (1850-1854). Archival Paper Paper manufactured to provide resistance to natural aging. Army Official Overprint on low value British stamps used by district and station paymasters' offices between 1896 and 1904. Victorian and Edwardian stamps overprinted were used for all their correspondence with the exception of letters to the War Office which were free. (q.v. Army Service and AS) Army Post Office The organisation responsible for handling soldiers mail. See also FPO (Forces Post Office). Army Telegraphs Stamps inscribed either Army Telegraphs or Military Telegraphs were issued between 1884 and 1901 for use by British Military Forces on manoeuvres. Aromatic Stamps Stamps that give off an aroma e.g. Switzerland 2001 Chocolate issue which when scratched had an aroma of chocolate. Arrival Postmark Impression placed on mail by receiving office to show name of office and arrival date. Usually applied on back of correspondence. Arrow Block Multiple of stamps, usually a block of four, with an attached sheet margin bearing a printed arrow as a guide to dividing the sheet for easier balancing of stock. Art Paper A superfine paper with a surface of china clay giving it a highly enamelled finish for the printing of fine-screen half-tone blocks. Artwork Artist's painting or drawing serving as the basis for stamp design. AS Army Service (q.v.) perfin on postage stamp for use by Sudan Military. As Is Stamps etc sold to collectors at their own risk not guaranteed by the vendor. Astrophilately Space philately as a theme or topic. A study and collection of stamps, covers and documents related to space exploration. Athens Prints The first issues of Greece were printed by Meyer in Paris but later printings from November 1861 were produced in Athens. ATM q.v Automatic Teller Machine. Auctions A widely used method of buying and selling stamps. Authentication Expert opinion that a stamp or other philatelic item is genuine. Autogiro Mail 1930s experimental aircraft that carried mail over short but congested routes. Automatic Franking Machine - q.v. Meter Mark. Automatic Letter Facing Machine Machine invented by GPO in 1957 for use in letter sorting offices. The machine arranges letters so that the stamps on them are all in the same position. Automatic Machine Perforation Type of perforation applied to vertical spaces between stamps of New Zealand (1905-6) and USA (1906-12). Automatic Sorting Machine Early sorting machine developed by the post office. Automatic Stamp Vending Machine Machines installed at certain post offices and elsewhere for the supply of adhesive stamps by putting the money into a slot. Automatic Stamps Any impression applied directly to a postal packet or to a gummed label for fixing to a postal packet dispensed by a coin-operated machine. Automatic Teller Machine Machine used by banks for dispensing cash. Has been adapted in the USA and Australia to dispense special small sheets of self adhesive stamps. Autres Objects (French) Other Articles. A category of International Mail that is made up of various classes of printed matter, small packets, matter for the blind. AV2 A UPU (q.v.) Form stating weight of registered and non registered airmail (q.v OAT). Average A stamp with poor margins or perforations cutting into design, also maybe a heavy postmark. Avis de Reception Permits the sender, upon payment of a fee, to be notified of confirmation of delivery. Azemar Early type of postmarking machine devised by J.G. Azemar in 1868 and used experimentally in London between February 1869 and the end of 1872. <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=b>B </H3> Back of the Book Refers to a variety of items usually listed in the back of a specialised stamp catalogue e.g. postage dues, revenues, postal savings stamps or stamps not easily available in the country of issue etc. Background Lines, shading, or solid colour used as a background for an artistic feature such as a head. Backing Part of a printing plate made by pouring molten type metal into the non-printing side of an electro-deposited shell. Backprint Any printing on the reverse of a stamp (q.v. Underprint). Backstamp Postmark applied to the back of an envelope and other postal packets, often at places en route or at point of arrival. Bâle

Dove Swiss

Cantonal stamp issue of 1845. Balloon Post Mail carried by either a manned balloon or a free (unmanned) balloon. Ballon Monté Piloted balloon. Term used for letters despatched by balloon during the Siege of Paris (1870-1871). Bande (French) Newspaper Wrapper. Bank Mixture Stamps usually on paper gathered from incoming mail of banks. Banknote Paper Paper originally used for the production of banknotes, but subsequently used for the printing of stamps e.g. Latvia 1920. Bantams Miniature war economy stamps of South

Africa were

Africa,

so named because of their size. Bar Cancel Cancellation consisting of bars in rectangular, oval or circular patterns. Barcode Stamps & Labels Barcodes are patterns of straight lines of varying thickness which are able to be read by electronic equipment. Bar Cut Groove deliberately cut into the obliterating bars of some stamps to identify the stamper. Barred Cancel Obliteration used either to cancel a stamp or to block out a portion of the design. Basted Mills Paper on which some New Zealand stamps were printed. Bâtonné Thin "bank" letter paper, designed for lightweight foreign correspondence and watermarked with parallel lines to facilitate neatness of writing. Beaufort House Essays Designs submitted by Charles Whiting of Beaufort House in the British Treasury competition of 1839. Bed Steel surface in a printing press on which a printing plate is laid. Benzine Colourless liquid made from petroleum used for detecting watermarks in stamps. Bi-coloured A term applied to a stamp printed in two colours. Bicycle Posts Postal services operated by means of bicycles. Bilingual Pair Two unseparated stamps on which the inscriptions are in different languages. Bilingual Stamp A single stamp with inscriptions in two languages. Bipartite Stamp Stamp made in two parts for easy separation so that one part can be put on the mailed packet with the other acting as a receipt. Bisect Name given to single postage stamps divided in half officially or privately and used postally. Bit A design or device reproduced in bent wire for attachment to the dandy-roll of paper-making machine to produce a watermark. Bite A white spot in an impression due to a small piece of paper adhering during printing. Bishop Mark Small circular handstruck mark showing month and day, but not year. It is the earliest dated postmark known to have been used by any postal administration. Invented by Henry Bishop and introduced in 1661. BIT Bureau International du Travail (International Labour Office). Bizonals Nickname given to stamps issued from 1945 to 1949 in the Anglo-American zones of Germany. Blackout Cancel Machine postmarks consisting of a black line, circle or crosses used as a wartime security measure. Black Plates Printing plates used for making the Penny Black stamp of Great Britain in 1840. (q.v. Red Plates). Black Prints Proofs of forthcoming postage stamps which were sent by the Austrian Post Office to the press for publicity. Also printing of GB line-engraved (q.v.) 1d stamps in black ink after printing in red had begun. Also used to describe souvenir sheets of stamp issues with no postal validity. Blanc French key-type design designed by Joseph Blanc used 1900-1929. Blanket Endless belt of felt which conveys newly formed paper through the pressing rollers. Bleaching Term used for a colour usually destroyed by oxidation. Bleed Off Printing term denoting printing which runs off the edge of a page after trimming, or a stamp design that extends to the perforations. Bleuté Paper tinged with blue. (q.v. Blued Paper) Blind Perforation A perforation where the holes have not been punched out due to blunt or missing perforation pins. Blitz Perforation Applied to perforation variations of the 1940 printings of New Zealand and other British Colonies. So named because they were produced by Waterlow when De La Rue's works were blitzed. Block Four or more unsevered stamps in the format of 2 x 2 forming a rectangle. (q.v. Corner Block). Block Letter Plain squared printers' type without ornament or serifs. Blocked Value Name given to one denomination in a set of stamps for which the sale has been restricted. Blue Rag Paper Paper containing a quantity of rag as well as wood pulp but which is in fact more grey than blue. Blued Paper Paper with a blue discolouration caused by prussiate of potash in the printing ink reacting with the paper. (q.v. Bleuté). BM q.v MB. Board of Education Overprint on British stamps issued between 1902 and 1904 to school inspectors for use on official correspondence. Boardwalk Margin A wide margin. Bogus Stamps Unauthorised stamps. Boîte Mobile (BM) French words meaning Mobile Box. Bold Type Lettering thicker and darker in colour than usual, often used in overprints. Bond Paper A thin crisp paper with a hard surface. Booklet Small panes of stamps bound together in covers often interleaved with sheets of commercial advertising. Booklet Pane Pane of stamps from a booklet. Booklet Stamps Stamps intended for release in booklets and differing in some aspect from normal issued stamps. Bookmark Postcard A narrow postcard measuring 2⅝ x 5⅜ inches that can also be used as a bookmark. Bordpost (German) Ship Mail. Bordeaux Print A stamp lithographed at Bordeaux in 1870/1 instead of being produced in Paris during the Franco Prussian War. Boule de Moulins Zinc-coated steel sphere containing bundles of letters wrapped in waterproof material which was floated down the River Seine into Paris during the Siege 1870-1871. Boxlink An accelerated service operated by the New Zealand Post Office mainly for business users. Boy Scout Posts Posts organised by boy scouts in the absence of national post services and at Christmas when Royal Mail has authorised the service for the specific purpose of local delivery of Christmas Cards. Braille A system of printing by means of raised dots enabling visually impaired people to read by touch. Briefmarke The German word for stamp. Britannia Types Early British Colonial design engraved by Perkins Bacon e.g. for British West Indies. British Closed Mail Prepaid mail for foreign countries sent through the British postal system 1849. British Gum Commercial name for dextrin, leiocome or starch gum used on early British stamps. British Postal Agency A British post office or a location in an overseas country where British mail was handled. Broken Letters Malformed or broken letters in the inscriptions on stamps caused by damage to the printing plate. Brunswick Star Postmark used in Edinburgh between 1863 and 1873, so called because it was similar to the star of the Ducal Order of Brunswick. BT Surmounted by a Crown. Punch perforated on stamps of GB signifies Board of Trade. Bulk Handling Centre Location where mail posted in bulk is handled and sorted. Bulk Posting Where prepayment has been made to the Post Office for letters and packets posted in bulk. Bulk Rate Stamps Special low denomination adhesive stamps for use on bulk posted mail. Bull's Eyes Nickname given to the first issues of Brazil. Bureau Prints Stamps produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington. Burélage A fine network composed of either wavy lines or dots. Burélé Having burélage or network. Burin The cutting tool of tempered steel, one end of which is a sharp point used in engraving on metal as in-line engraving. Burr The uneven raised edge of surplus metal resulting from the passage of the engraver's burin. Bus Parcel Stamps Private stamps issued by bus companies to prepay freight charges on packets and parcels conveyed on bus routes. Business Reply Service A service provided by the Post Office to enable people to send mail to business firms free of charge. The business takes out a licence and all charges are debited to the licence holder. By Posts These were the "feeder services" to the six Post Roads in Great Britain in the later part of the 17th & 18th centuries. <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=c>C </H3> CA Crown Agents - A watermark on early British Colonial stamps. Cachet A mark applied to a cover in addition to the postmark. Calendering The technique by which paper is smoothed using chilled steel rollers at the end of the manufacturing process. Cameo Term to describe certain stamps bearing embossed effigies which have the appearance of a cameo. Campaign Cover Envelope etc. posted by military or naval personnel on active service in wartime. Cancellation Defacement applied to all types of stamps to ensure that they are not used again. Cancelled by Favour Stamps cancelled in some special manner to oblige the purchaser. Cancelled to Order Term describing a stamp bearing a postmark applied "by favour". A postal official would cancel the stamps in sheets or on covers and return them directly to the dealer or collector. Cantonal Stamps Postage stamps issued by the Cantons in Switzerland prior to the issue of stamps by the Swiss Confederation. Cape Triangular Nickname for the three cornered stamps issued by the Cape of Good Hope. Captain's Gratuity An additional fee over and above the postage rate charged to recompense the Ship's Master of a private vessel for carrying mail. Carbon Tetrachloride Colourless liquid which will make paper transparent without harming the gum of mint stamps and removes oil or grease from other materials. Carbon Tissue Paper-backed sheet of gelatine used in photogravure printing. Cardboard Fine quality card of varying thickness used for proofing impressions of stamp dies and plates. Cardiff Penny Nickname for imperforate examples of GB 1d red (Plate 116) of 1864 issued in Cardiff in January 1879. Caritas Charity. Carriers' Stamps Issues made by local carrier services, most of which were in the United States. Carto Philately The collection and study of stamps that have maps as part of their design. Carton Paper A thick semi-card paper. Cartouche Small oval or circle containing a portrait or heraldic device. Cartridge Paper A strong rough paper occasionally used for stamps (Trinidad 1d blue of 1853). Cash on Delivery Labels Labels issued by Post Offices for packets on which trade charges are to be recovered from the addressee. Cat. Catalogue. Catalogue Specialised priced handbooks covering selected issues of one country or of the world which may be in several volumes e.g. Stamps of the World by Stanley Gibbons. Catalogue Value The sale price quoted for a stamp in a recognised catalogue. Catapult Mail Mail accelerated by a "Ship to Shore" service involving the use of light aircraft catapulted from the decks of ships, when within range of shore. CC Crown Colonies. CDS Circular Date Stamp. Censor Marks Manuscript endorsements hand struck marks or printed labels showing that mail has been opened and examined by a civil or military censor. Census Marking A diamond-shaped mark applied by machine to all mail posted in Britain during the annual mail census. Centre Term for the central feature of a stamp design. (q.v vignette). Centred Term applied to stamps to show the position of the perforations in relation to the printed design. Certificate of Expertisation A written opinion from an Expert Committee. Certificate of Posting Form supplied with the date of posting and retained by the sender as proof that an item has been posted. Certified Mail Mail for which a receipt has been given to the sender and a signature required from the addressee on delivery. CFA (French) French African Community Franc. Unit of currency in French West Africa and Reunion. Chad Round pieces of paper left after perforation of stamps. Chain Breakers Popular name for the 1919 issues of Yugoslavia. Chain Lines Prominent vertical lines in the watermark found on laid paper at right angles to the fine lines. Chalk Surface Coating applied to stamp paper either to improve the print's appearance or for security reasons. Chalky Paper The whiter paper introduced to British stamps e.g. Edward VII 1½d in August 1905 to improve their appearance. Chalon Heads Nickname for early British Colonial stamps showing a full face portrait of Queen Victoria taken from A.E Chalon's painting of her in coronation robes. Change of Address Stamp The Netherlands issued a 70c stamp intended to be used by people who were moving house. Changeling Term referring to a change of colour after printing. Charge Marks & Labels Handstruck marks and adhesive labels applied to unpaid or underpaid mail to explain the reason for the deficiency and the amount to be paid. Charity Labels Labels of a non-postal nature sold by various bodies to raise funds and affixed by their purchasers to letters or cards. Charity Stamp Labels which combine indication of postal payment with a premium in aid of some charity. Charity Surcharge Addition to the postage value of a stamp for a charity donation. Check Letters Letters in the lower corners of British Stamps (1840) and on later issues repeated but in reverse order in the upper corners (q.v. Alphabet). Cheque Stamps Embossed fiscal stamps applied to cheques from 1855 to 1971 to denote stamp duty payable on them. Also the nickname for postage stamps of Nyasaland issued in 1898. Cherifien Posts Local service of Morocco organised by the Cherifien Administration in 1911 linking most of the main towns. Cherry Blossoms Name for Japanese Stamps of 1872-1874. Chiffre Taxe (French) Postage Due. China Paper A waterleaf paper imported from China. Chinese Treaty Ports Seaports on the coast of China which were opened to British trade as a result of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Chops Seals or handstamps bearing ideographs or Japanese characters. Christmas Charity Post Stamps Stamps issued by Scout, Youth and Church groups in Britain until 1981, since when it is permitted for charities to deliver Christmas & New Year Cards between 25 November and 1 January. Christmas Mail Scheme operated by the British Post Office whereby mail could be posted in advance for delivery on Christmas Day. In use from 1902 to 1904. Christmas Seals Invented by Einar Holboell and issued under the auspices of Post Offices in Scandinavia and the USA. Chromolithography Form of lithography using two or more colours simultaneously. Cigarette Paper Very thin paper meant for rolling cigarettes but used by Latvia for a stamp issue in 1919. Cigarette Tax Stamps Stamps indicating a Government tax on cigarettes. Cinderella Stamps Labels, vignettes etc that look like postage stamps but were not normally used to pay a fee for sending mail. These can include items such as revenue stamps, advertising and decorative stamps. Circular Datestamp Form of postmark produced by a single or combined circle incorporating the date and place of posting. Circular Delivery Companies Founded in Great Britain in the 1860s these private companies undertook local delivery of circulars and printed matter. Circular Delivery Stamps Stamps issued by private companies in Great Britain in 1865-67 for the delivery of circulars, samples and other printed matter at rates which were lower than the Post Office. Classic Term used to describe the early postage stamps produced between 1840 and 1875. Cleaned Plate A cleaned printing surface, Alkaline solutions are used to clean plates. A clean surface produces stamps with sharper impressions. Cleaned Stamp A stamp from which a postal or fiscal marking or a blemish has been removed. Cliché Term for the individual stamp subject on a letterpress printing plate. Clipped Transfer In lithography the transfers are of paper and may require trimming before laying on the stone. If trimmed too close on one or more sides a clipped transfer will result. CMF Central Mediterranean Force during the Second World War Coated Paper Any paper with a mineral composition deposited on its surface during or after manufacture. COD Cash on Delivery Code Sort Translator Part of computer which translated address (Town/City) into post code form (Binary code) Coffee House Mail For over 150 years Coffee Houses acted as an important mail exchange centres. Cogwheel Cancel Circular numbered obliteration used by Bavaria 1850-69 so called on account of the ratchet projections surrounding the numerals. Coil Join Pair of coil stamps linked by a narrow strip of marginal paper, the coil being made up of rows from sheets. Coil Leader Strip of paper at the beginning of a coil of stamps that facilitates the loading of a stamp vending machine. Coil Stamp One of a roll of stamps used in stamp vending machines. Coil Trailer A piece of paper adhering to the edge of the last stamp on a roll. Coin Daté (French) Date of printing found on corner blocks of stamps from complete sheets. Colis Postaux (French) Parcel Post. Collateral Material Related matter, maps, books or other illustrations, newspapers etc. exhibited with a stamp collection. College Stamps Name for issues made by Oxford and Cambridge colleges for their messenger services in the 1870s and 1880s. Collotype A method of printing using gelatine images of photographs. An example is the souvenir sheet commemorating the London 1950 International Stamp Exhibition. Colour Changeling A stamp whose colour has been altered, either accidentally or deliberately. Colour Guide Usual form is a folding card on which the main colours are shown using nomenclature as adopted by collectors. Colour Postmark Postmark applied in a colour other than black. Colour Proof Proofs made in the adopted colour or colours. Colour Separation Method of segregating different coloured parts of a stamp design for printing. Colour Trial Proofs taken of a stamp in a wide range of colours. Coloured Paper Paper which is coloured right through during the manufacturing process. Coloured Roulette Lines of slits between rouletted stamps in colour from printing on the notched rules between the clichés. Column The vertical line of stamps in a sheet as distinguished from a horizontal row. Comb Perforation Perforation in which the perforating pins are arranged in a comb pattern, a long horizontal line with short vertical lines. Combination Cover Item of mail bearing adhesive postage stamps of more than one stamp issuing authority. Combined Stamp Circular datestamp combining an obliterating element with the name and date of posting. Commemorative Cancel Postmark either handstruck or applied by machine intended to commemorate an event or anniversary. Commemorative Stamp Issues which both prepay postage and commemorate a specific event. Compartment Lines Irregular lines outside the printed area of stamps occurring in letterpress plates where extraneous metal (flashing) has not been removed in the manufacturing and therefore picks up ink during printing. Composite Die Block of metal bearing a part of a stamp design, with a space for insertion of a separate piece of metal carrying the remainder. Composite Sheet A sheet of stamps made up of different values, designs or a normal sheet overprinted or surcharged in a similar way enabling a complete set of stamps to be obtained from a single sheet. Compound Envelopes Stationery bearing more than one kind of stamp embossed thereon. Compound Perforation Perforation involving two or more different gauges along the same side of the same stamp. Compound Plates Printing plates each bearing only part of the design which are cut in such a way that they can be inked separately. Compulsory Postage Stamps Stamps issued by some countries for compulsory use on mail posted on certain days. Compulsory Registration Practice used by many postal authorities when coins, jewellery or other valuables are sent through the post. Computer Generated Stamps Labels whose design and text are entirely produced by dot matrix or ink jet printer from a word processor. Concentration Camp Mail Mail from the concentration camps established by the Nazi regime in Germany and occupied Europe distinguished by special postmarks, stationery and stamps. Concessionary Parcel Stamps Stamps issued by Italy since 1953 and used by carriers and freight companies operating local parcel delivery services at rates lower than the Government service. Condominium A country jointly ruled by two powers e.g New Hebrides. Confetti Variety Stamp with a circular uncoloured patch in the design. (Usually only on a random single stamp). Constant Variety A variety which appears in the same position on every sheet. Consular Fee Stamps Fiscal issues to pay fees levied for various consular services e.g. passport renewals. Consular Mail Mail sent from Consulates acting as postal agencies often using a distinctive cancellation. Consular Post Offices Post Offices maintained in foreign embassies and consulates by various European powers. Continuous Impression Machine A stamp cancelling machine which prints right across mailpiece from side to side. Continuous Overprint An overall overprint applied without regard to positioning on the individual stamps in a sheet. Contract Mailing A procedure where mail posted in a country is air freighted to another country for sorting and onward despatch. Control Letters Letter inscribed in the sheet margins of some British stamps as an accountancy measure. Control Marks Security endorsement by overprint etc to curb theft. Control Numbers Numerals engraved in the margins of plates used for the production of stamps in certain countries. Control Overprints Overprints applied to stamps as a precaution in cases of fraud or theft. Convention States Indian States formerly in convention with the Indian Empire. Copper Plate Engraving Alternative name for the intaglio process, so called because copper plates were mainly used. Cork Cancel Corks with various fancy designs cut into their surface used to obliterate postage stamps. Corner Block Four or more stamps from the corner of a sheet with selvedge attached. Cotton Reels The first (1850) circular typeset issues of British Guiana. Counterfeit A forgery intended to defraud the Post Office. Counterfoil Stamps with counterfoils as distinct from coupons. Country Issues Term used by Royal Mail to describe the distinctive definitives issued in different parts of the UK (q.v. Regional Stamps). Coupon An attachment to a stamp which conveys additional information. Courier Services Special services operated by various governments for the transmission of official correspondence and armed forces' mail or mail of commercial enterprises. Cover Envelope or wrapper for letters and packets. Cowan Paper A thin hard wove paper supplied by Cowan & Sons Ltd for postage stamps of New Zealand. Cowries Nickname for the first stamps of Uganda (1895). Cracked Plate Printing plate showing cracks caused by pressure in manufacture, during operation or general deterioration after long usage. Crash Covers Covers salvaged from an aircraft or train crash. (q.v. Wreck Covers). Creased Stamps Stamps with a crease which depreciates their value. Creased Transfer Lithographed stamp with an incomplete or distorted design caused by a defect in the transfer paper when the design was applied to the stone. Cross Hatching Crossed lines incised in intaglio to create shaded areas. Cross Post When the postal service was organised in Great Britain all routes went via London, but to avoid delay direct cross country routes were adopted and were known as Cross Posts. Crown Agents Agents who act for Governments of many territories in the design, production, marketing and selling of stamps to dealers as required in many parts of the world. Crown Watermark Watermark in the form of a crown. Crowned Circle A hand-stamp indicating that postage has been prepaid and the country or postal area of origin. CTO Cancelled to Order. Culler Facer Canceller Automatic machine used in British Sorting Offices for segregating different classes of mail facing them the right way up prior to automatic cancellation of the postage stamps on them. Currency Stamps Postage stamps used as units of currency during shortages of coinage, sometimes deliberately printed on card for this purpose. Current Issues Stamps at present in use. Current Numbers Numbers inserted in the plate margins by some British and early colonial stamps to indicated the order in which the plates were made. Customer Barcode A "Four State" code applied to or printed on envelopes etc which can be read by OCR (containing postcode) Customised Smilers Sheets (q.v. Smilers Sheets). Customs Stamps Fiscal issues made to denote payment of customs duty. Cut Cancellation A cancelling device which cuts through stamps and postal stationery to prevent re-use. Cut Edge Variety Denotes a stamp printed from a cliché from which a portion has been accidentally cut away in trimming. Cut Out A non-adhesive stamp which has been cut from items of postal stationery for postal use. Cut Square Stamp with non rectangular design whose attached imperforate margins form a rectangle, though not necessarily a square. Cut to Register The cutting of watermarked paper in order that the design of the watermark falls into the correct position in each sheet of stamps. Cut to Shape Embossed stamp or impression from postal stationery trimmed close to the outline of the impression. Cyclostyle Apparatus for printing copies of a design which has been occasionally been used for stamp production. A stencil is cut over which an ink roller is passed leaving an impression on the printing paper below. Cylinder Flaw Repetitive blemish in a stamp's design caused by a defect in the printing cylinder from which the stamp was printed. Cylinder Number Printer's mark in the margin of a sheet of stamps to identify the printing cylinder from which it came. Cyrillic Alphabet Official alphabet of Russia which has been used with modifications on all Russian issues and has appeared also on stamps of various Slav countries. <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=d>D </H3> Damaged Mail Mail damaged in transit including crash and wreck covers. (q.v. crash covers) Dandy Roll Hollow wire surfaced cylinder of a paper-making machine, which bears pressure on the partly formed paper to determine its texture and variations in thickness for watermarks (q.v). Datapost Name used by British Post Office for an express service guaranteeing next day delivery anywhere in the United Kingdom. Date Cuts Breaks in the "jubilee lines", namely the solid band of colour around a pane of stamps. Dated Corner See Coin Daté. Dated Stamps Stamps which incorporate the year date of production in their design. Day of the Stamp Day set aside by many issuing authorities for postal and philatelic publicity. Dead Country Term for a country that has ceased to issue stamps. Dead Letter Letter which cannot be delivered to the addressee because it bears an incorrect or inadequate address. Dead Letter Office Where dead letters (q.v) are held by the Post Office. Deckle Edge The natural rough edge of paper as it leaves the paper making machine. Découpage French term denoting a means of adjusting the pressure of the printing plate by "cut outs" from parts of the printed design taking the form of a composite layer of sheets of cut outs to obtain lighter or deeper impression from the plate as required. Deep Edge Excessive colour along the edge of a stamp design printed in relief, caused by over inking. Deep Etching Additional etching in photoengraving to emphasise lines. Defaced Plates A stamp printing plate, whose surface has been deliberately scored to ensure that it is not used again. Deferential Cancellation Postmark designed that when stamp was cancelled the effigy of the ruler was not defaced e.g. Sicily 1859. Definitive Stamp Postage stamps intended for everyday use over a substantial period of time, distinguished from commemorative stamps (q.v). De La Rue One of the world's leading firms of security printers. De La Rue has been producing British postage stamps since 1855. They have a particular expertise in the gravure printing process. De La Rue also produce bank notes and secure documents such as passports and driving licences. Delacryl Name invented by De La Rue to signify a printing process developed specifically for stamp production (similar to lithography). Delayed Mail Mail held up in transmission through the post and thus indicated by means of a label (q.v Interrupted Mail). Deliberate Error Error made by Postal Authority to defeat philatelic speculation. Delivery Point Code Part of postcode (which is not used by the public) which is allocated to every postcode which identifies actual point of delivery within the postcode. Demonetised Unused postage stamps are termed "demonetised" when the issuing authority refuses to accept them as valid for pre-paying postage and will not exchange them for money. Denomination A stamp's monetary value usually expressed in numbers or words. Departmental Stamps Stamps provided for use of government departments on official mail. Design Type Term describing stamps whose designs differ from one another only in detail. Desulphurisation Process by which sulphur is removed from stamp colours which have been distorted through sulphuretting (q.v.). Deutsche Post (German) German Post Office. Diadem The circlet of gold and jewels forming Queen Victoria's headdress on many of the earlier stamps of her reign and that of Queen Elizabeth II. Diamond Roulette Another name for the French Percé en Losanges (q.v.). Dickinson Paper Type of paper containing a continuous coloured thread or threads of cotton manufactured by John Dickinson & Co. Die The piece of metal on which the design of a stamp is first engraved is called the master die (q.v.). After hardening it is used directly to reproduce identical impressions on the plate from which the stamp will be printed or from which subsidiary Dies or Rollers are derived. Die Cutting A process for cutting paper by means of variously shaped dies under pressure. Die Flaw Any blemish or unusual mark on a die from which printing surfaces have been produced shows on every stamp reproduced from that die. Die Proof Upon completion of a die, trial printings are taken. They are the final checks before the plate is made. Dienst (German) Official. Dienstpost (German) Official post. Digital Printing A process pioneered in Australia where arrangements were made for 2000 Olympic Games stamps to be printed in six different locations throughout the country. Diligencia (Spanish) A type of mail or stage coach. Diplomatic Mail Mail sent by or on behalf of a Diplomat Attaché in the Diplomatic Bag for security reasons. Directional Mark A mark applied by the Post Office to undelivered mail to indicate its ultimate destination. Discount Postage Stamps printed to denote sale at a discounted price. Discount Posting Reduced cost mail by virtue of bulk or quantity. Disinfected Mail Letters suspected of carrying infection from disease were subject to a cleansing treatment either on board ship or at a lazaret (quarantine station). Dividing Marks Circular floral ornaments on Perkins, Bacon plates in 1851. Dockwra Mark Triangular handstruck mark denoting the prepayment of postage, devised by William Dockwra for use in his London Penny Post of 1680/82. Doctor Blade Long thin flexible strip of steel with a finely ground edge used in photogravure and other intaglio printing processes. The doctor blade removes excess ink from the non printing surface. Doctor Blade Flaw Caused by Doctor Blade picking up a foreign body which scratches a fine line on the cylinder. Until worked out this can cause a semi constant flaw. Document Philatelique Official (French) Official philatelic document issued by the French post office which includes a copy of the issued stamp cancelled on the day of issue, a monocolour engraving of the stamp, descriptive text and a large topical engraving with an embossed control seal. Documentary Stamps Fiscal or revenue stamps issued for collecting payment of taxes due on various documents. Dog Team Mail Mail carried in the Yukon and Alaska by Dog Teams during the Winter. Domestic Mail Mail posted and delivered within the same country. Domestic Stamp A postage stamp whose validity is confined to domestic mail q.v. Dominical Labels Labels attached to Belgian stamps from 1893 - 1914 bearing an instruction "Do not deliver on Sunday". Doplata (Russian) To Pay. Douane (French) Customs. Double Geneva The 1843 Cantonal issue of Geneva (Switzerland) so called because it consisted of a 10c stamp printed in a double design, each half useable as a 5c stamp within the city. Double Impression A stamp on which the design or part of the design has been printed twice. Could also apply to an overprint (q.v.) or a surcharge (q.v.). Double Letter Duplication of the corner or check letters on early GB line-engraved (q.v.) stamps. Double Paper Term used to describe paper which is made up of two different layers for example New Zealand Chalon Head (1858-62). (q.v Coil Join, Joined Paper). Double Perforation A stamp that has passed through the perforation machine twice. Double Plate Printed Term to describe the method by which a stamp with a design comprising two parts each printed from a separate plate was produced. Double Separation Sheet or part of a sheet which has been perforated twice. Double Strike An extra fortuitous impression of the die on the mould used in relief printing for repetition of the design in the building of the printing base. Double Transfer An extra and fortuitous transfer of the design to the stone in the Lithographic process. (q.v. Re-Entry). Downey Head British halfpenny and penny stamps of 1911/13 reproducing a three quarter profile photograph by W and D Downey of King George V. Downstream Access Non-Royal Mail delivery company's mail which is fed into Royal Mail for delivery. DO-X International registration mark of the German Dornier multi-engined aircraft being the first to fly the Atlantic from West to East in 1932. Drop Letter A postal packet delivered to an address in the same postal delivery area as the office where it was posted. Dropped Letter Term for a type character plucked from its setting by the inking roller because the type was not held firmly in place on the formé. Dry Print A stamp having a weak appearance due to paper being too dry for the intaglio process. Dual Currency Stamps with values expressed in two currencies. Dues Philatelic term for postage due labels (q.v. To Pay Labels). Dumb Cancels Absence of identifying inscription found in various forms on cancellations and in stamp design. (q.v. Mute Cancel). Duplex Cancellation Double or dual postmarks so called because they comprise a date stamp showing the name of the post office as well as a numeral. Duplicates Copies identical to those already in one's collection. Duty Term given to the function of a stamp as defined by the inscription. Duty Plate The printing plate used to print the value or name and value on stamps.(q.v. Frame, Vignette, Head Plate, Key Plate). Dyed Paper Paper coloured throughout because a dye was added to the pulp during manufacture. <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=e>E </H3> Easter Seal Charity labels issued at Easter, mainly in South Africa. Economy A cheap postal service for bulk postings and printed matter. Economy Gum Type of gum applied in patterns or blobs to the backs of some stamps issued after the Second World War. Economy Label Used during war period to be applied to covers that were to be re-used. Electric Eye Perforator Perforating machine which includes a controlling device to ensure that the perforation holes are positioned accurately. Electro-Mechanical Engraving Process for producing photogravure cylinders by laser scanning an original photograph to create a digital image recorded on a computer disc which is then used to drive an electronic system for engraving cylinders. Electronic Letter Sorting Indicator Equipment (ELSIE) Early automatic sorting machine of late 1950s. Electronic Stamps A system whereby postage can be downloaded from the internet and put on envelopes and postcards using a computer printer. Electrotyping Method of copying a design by the electro deposition of copper in a mould. Emblems Name given to watermarked heraldic devices appearing in corners of early stamps of GB. Embossed Stamp Usually a postage stamp created on paper by method of embossing (q.v). Embossing Stamping in coloured or colourless relief, the paper itself being distorted by pressure between matched dies. En Épargne (French) Term meaning "in relief" used to describe the type of printing press used in the letterpress system. Enamelled Paper Highly glazed paper coated with a mixture of zinc white and glue. Enamel "Ink" A paint used for printing stamps e.g. Tibet 1912-33. Encased Postage Stamps Stamps encased in small cases with a transparent front and back used as small change when a shortage of coinage occurred. Endorsement Printing on the back of a stamp. Engine Turning Mechanical engraving of symmetrical patterns on metal. Engraver's Proof Trial impressions taken during the course of making the die. Engraving A process where the design of the stamp is cut into a metal die or plate. Entire An envelope, postcard or wrapper, with stamps affixed or printed on it to prepay postage and in a complete condition. Entire Letter A complete folded letter sheet with the communication on the inside and address on the outside, together with relevant postal markings and adhesive stamps. Entry Term for a subject on a printing plate or cylinder produced by the Perkins Die and Mill process. Envelope An envelope is a piece of paper, to each edge of which is attached a flap with the intention that these four flaps should be folded over so as to form a container for a message. Usually three of these flaps are fixed in position with gum, making a pocket, the fourth is left open to be closed after a message has been inserted. Envelope Stamp A stamp embossed on an envelope. Epaulettes Term for the first issue of Belgium (1849). Épreuve De Luxe Luxury Proof of French Stamps. Erinnophily Study and collection of commemorative labels. Error A stamp which inadvertently has something wrong or some technical feature but has been issued by a postal authority. Esparto Paper Paper made by Wiggins Teape from esparto grass and wood pulp. Essay A design proposed which may not be adopted, or an initial "proof" of a design, printed as intended for the final stamp. Etching Special term applied to the process by which the surface of a metal plate is removed by an acid for the purpose of printing. Etiquette Term for adhesive labels such as airmail, express and registration which are affixed to letters. Europa Stamps Stamps issued by many countries of Europe since 1956 with the word Europa inscribed on them. Examiners' Marks These are applied to postal packets to denote examination by censors in time of war or by customs authorities. Exchange Club A group formed to exchange stamps. Exelgram Holographic printing on thin plastic, pioneered in Australia. Exempt Ship Letter Handstamp applied to letters written by the consignee of goods carried by ship exempting him from the normal ship letter charge. Exhibition Labels Name for labels issued to publicise exhibitions. (q.v. Poster Stamps). Expedited Mail Service An international service under the auspices of the UPU (q.v.) for the acceleration of mail. Experimental Postmark A postmark produced during the trials of new types of handstamps or cancelling machine. e.g. Skeleton Postmark. Expert Committee Groups of specialist philatelists whose function is to express an opinion on the authenticity of stamps or other philatelic items. Expertisation Name given to the examination of a stamp or other philatelic item by a committee of experts with a view to establishing authenticity. Explanatory Labels & Marks Devices used by postal authorities to give reasons for surcharging unpaid or underpaid mail or to give reasons for non delivery. Exploded A stamp booklet taken apart and displayed page by page. Express Labels Labels usually printed in bright colours to denote express and special delivery mail. Express Letter Stamps Postage stamps denoting the fee payable in respect of accelerated mail subject to special handling. Extension Hole Perforation hole appearing in a sheet margin as the first or last of a row of perforation holes. External Distortion Flaw caused by the application of force to a subject on a printing plate. Extra Extension Hole An additional perforation hole alongside an Extension Hole (q.v.) to help identify the position on a rotary perforator (q.v.) where repair may be necessary. <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=f>F </H3> Face Term used with reference either to a stamp's design or to the print used. Face Value The denomination inscribed on a stamp: its official selling price. Facer Canceller Table Equipment designed for the automatic facing and cancelling of mail. Facing Indicator Mark Envelope marking indicating class of item (1st or 2nd class) printed on mail piece. Facsimile Copy or imitation of the design and colour of a stamp. Faded Stamps Stamps where colours or papers have faded through exposure to light, chemicals or water. Faidherbe French Colonial key type. Faked Stamp Stamp which has been treated to disguise defects in its condition. Fancy Cancel Postmark with a pictorial design. Fantasy Stamps Pieces of paper which purport to be postage stamps but bear the names of imaginary places. Farley's Follies American stamps of 1934-7 released imperforate on the authority of the Postmaster General James A Farley. Fastpost New Zealand service giving accelerated domestic overnight delivery and overseas airmail on payment of a fee. FDC First Day Cover (q.v.). Federation International de Philatelie (q.v FIP) Association of national philatelic federations set up in 1926 to safeguard the interests of stamp collectors at an international level. It also accredits major International philatelic exhibitions. Feldpost (German) Field Post Office. FEPA Federation of European Philatelic Societies. Field Post Office (FPO) A Post Office established for use by troops on active service. Fictitious Stamp Any facsimile, imitation or representation of any stamp. Fifth Clause Post From fifth clause of Act of Parliament 1801 authorising under guarantee certain village posts for the conveyance of letters to the neighbouring post town. Figure Type Design in which a numeral is the most prominent feature. FIP see Federation International de Philatelie. First Day Cover (FDC) Cover bearing a postmark showing that the stamp was used on the first day of issue. First Flight Cover Souvenir covers carried on flights inaugurating new airmail routes or new airmail services. FISA Federation Internationale des Societés Aérophilateliques. Fiscal Cancellation of Postage Stamps Many postage stamps have been validated for payment of revenue or fiscal duties and taxes. Fiscal Stamps Term used to denote issues made for payment of tax, duty or fees other than postage.(q.v. Revenue Stamps). Flag Cancellation Type of machine postmark in which a design resembling a flag is substituted for the usual wavy line. Flamme illustré (French) pictorial slogan postmark. Flat Plate Printing plate that is flat as opposed to one which is curved or cylindrical. The process in which it is used is called flat-bed printing. Flats Sorting Machine Machine for sorting larger items of mail which are flat. Flaw Common philatelic term which refers to any blemish in a stamp's design. Flexography A form of rotary letterpress printing which derives its name from the use of flexible rubber plates and quick drying inks. Floating Safe Mail Mail carried in a special fire proof safe aboard ship. Flong A papier maché sheet used to make a mould from which a stereotype (q.v.) is made. Flown Cover Covers or cards which bear markings to show that they were carried by airmail. Fluorescence Some stamp inks fluoresce in different colours when viewed under ultra violet light. Flourescent Coated Paper Introduced in 1971 (Replacing original coated paper) by stamp printers much whiter paper giving a better impression. FM (French) Franchise Militaire. Postage stamps overprinted FM given to servicemen allowing them freedom form basic postage. Foil Stamps Stamps printed on paper faced with metal foil. Folded Transfer In lithography (q.v.) when a transfer (q.v.) used in building up a design on the printing base becomes folded part of the stamp's design will show signs of the fold. Forces Mail Mail sent by troops serving in the field during wars and military campaigns. Foreign Mail Stamps Stamps issued by several countries specifically for use on mail going overseas. Forerunners Term used to describe the historical predecessors of a philatelic group or issue. Forgery Fraudulent imitations of stamp designs, overprints, surcharges or cancellations. Forgeries are produced to defraud either collectors or the revenue or for wartime propaganda purposes. Format Describes the shape and size of a stamp. Formé An assemblage of clichés or type arranged and set up in the correct order for printing. Forwarding Agent Individuals or organisations undertaking the onward dispatch of mail. FPO Field Post Office Fractional Controls Public accountancy marks consisting of a letter above two figures separated with a bar. These were printed in the sheet margins of GB photogravure stamps between 1934 and 1947. Fractional Stamps Stamps which are specially designed so that they can be divided into parts. Frakturschrift Type of printing used in Germany until 1940 common in overprints and stamp inscriptions. Frama Labels "Stamps" on which the denomination is printed at the time of purchase produced by micro processor machines manufactured by the Frama Company of Switzerland. Frame Outer border of a stamp design (q.v. Duty Plate). Franchise Stamps Private stamps which are issued to charitable or national institutions to permit mail bearing these stamps to go through the mail free of charge. Frank From the days of Queen Elizabeth I to those of Queen Victoria, Ministers, Members of both Houses of Parliament and certain other privileged persons could "Frank" correspondence by signing their names on the front. Letters so franked were delivered free. Frank Stamps Stamps issued by some countries to show that no postage is payable. Free Frank or Front Cut out front of a letter showing the name and address, together with the endorsement of the sender, date of posting and signature entitling the sender to frank the letter. Free Mail Mail transmitted free of charge. Freepost A service licensed by Royal Mail to business which enables customers to write to a business without having to pay postage. The licensee pays the postage. Fresh Entry Term used in line-engraved (q.v.) recess printing when a faulty design on a plate is replaced by a new impression before stamps are printed (q.v. Re-entry). Front The address side of an envelope from which the back has been detached. FRPSL Fellow of The Royal Philatelic Society London. Fugitive Inks Inks which run when in contact with water etc or which fade if exposed to a bright light. Full Face Portraits of persons on stamps facing full front. Fumigated Mail Mail which has been treated to prevent the spread of infection (q.v. Disinfected Mail). <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=g>G </H3> G.C.Paper Grande Consommation (q.v.) Galvanotyping Term synonymous with electrotyping (q.v.). Garter Watermark Watermark representing the insignia of the Order of the Garter, large, medium and small. Gauge Term describing both stamp separation and the instrument used to measure them (q.v. Perforation Gauge). General Collection One that embraces stamps of many countries. General Letter Office Name by which the British Post Office was originally known. General Postal Union Original name for the Universal Postal Union (q.v). Generic Smilers In addition to Customised Smilers sheets (q.v. Smilers) Royal Mail provides the stamps with a printed motif on the labels in place of a personal photograph. Germania the longest lived German stamp also used in many German Colonies. Glacé Paper Paper that has been given a glossy finish by glazing with friction or applied heat. Glider Mail Mail conveyed by glider. Goats Eyes Nickname for the second issue Brazilian stamps. Goldbeaters Skin A thin translucent resin based paper used for the 1886 parcel stamps of Germany. Government Parcels Overprint on British stamps used for parcels dispatched on government service. G.P.U. General Postal Union.(q.v.) Grande Consommation emergency paper used for certain French stamps during and after the First World War. Granite Paper Paper having coloured cotton, linen, jute or wool fibres embodied within it. Graphite Line Vertical black lines printed on the back of certain British stamps in 1957 for experiments in automatic sorting. Gravure Printing by which the ink is held in tiny cells etched into the cylinder. Once known as photogravure (q.v.) when photography was involved in the process. Greetings Stamps Special stamps giving various forms of greeting, often issued with appropriate labels. GRI Georgius Rex Imperator, King George V, Emperor of India Grille A security device in the form of small square dots embossed on certain stamps of the USA and Peru devised by C.F Steel of National Bank Note Company 1861-62. Guarantee Mark Mark on stamp to indicate that it is authorised for postal purposes. Guaranteed Delivery Service introduced by Royal Mail (1993) with distinctive labels and stationery guaranteeing delivery by mid-day on the day following posting see Special Delivery. Guerrilla Stamps Stamps issued by guerrilla forces dating from 1895. Guide Arrow Marginal mark on stamp sheets indicating the centre point of the sheet or pane. Guide Lines and Dots Fine lines or dots marked upon the plate as a guide for the engraver when transferring impressions. Guilloché (French) Engine turning (q.v). Gum The adhesive substance found on the back of stamps when sold to the public to enable the stamp to be stuck to the envelope etc. Gum Breaker Bars Lines on the gummed side of stamps breaking up the pattern of the gum and preventing the stamps from curling. Gutter The space left between two panes of stamps, can be vertical or horizontal to allow them to be guillotined, if required. <A href="http://../#a" target=_self>A</A> <A href="http://../#b" target=_self>B</A> <A href="http://../#c" target=_self>C</A> <A href="http://../#d" target=_self>D</A> <A href="http://../#e" target=_self>E</A> <A href="http://../#f" target=_self>F</A> <A href="http://../#g" target=_self>G</A> <A href="http://../#h" target=_self>H</A> <A href="http://../#i" target=_self>I</A> <A href="http://../#j" target=_self>J</A> <A href="http://../#k" target=_self>K</A> <A href="http://../#l" target=_self>L</A> <A href="http://../#m" target=_self>M</A> <A href="http://../#n" target=_self>N</A> <A href="http://../#o" target=_self>O</A> <A href="http://../#p" target=_self>P</A> <A href="http://../#q" target=_self>Q</A> <A href="http://../#r" target=_self>R</A> <A href="http://../#s" target=_self>S</A> <A href="http://../#t" target=_self>T</A> <A href="http://../#u" target=_self>U</A> <A href="http://../#v" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#w" target=_self>V</A> <A href="http://../#x" target=_self>X</A> <A href="http://../#y" target=_self>Y</A> <A href="http://../#z" target=_self>Z</A><A href="http://../#z" target=_self></A> <A class=backtotop href="http://../philatelicglossary/#top" target=_self>back to top</A> <H3 class=divider id=h>H </H3> Hair lines Diagonal white lines which cross the outer corners of stamps printed from the reserve plates. Half Tone Process A photo mechanical method of representing light and shade by dots of varying size, extensively used for the reproduction of illustrations in newspapers and magazines. Handmade Paper Paper made by hand in moulds and thus in separate sheets instead of machine-made continuous rolls. Hand Painted Colour applied to a stamp by hand after printing. Handstamp Implement used to apply a postmark by hand. Handstruck Postage Stamps Marks made by a handstamp direct on to postal packets to show pre-payment of postage. Harrow Perforations A means of perforating whole sheets at a single stroke. Harvesters Name given to the reaper design stamps of Hungary. Hatching Series of shading lines usually parallel and close together. Hawid Strip Clear plastic strip with adhesive backing used to hold mint stamps on an album page without wetting the gum. Head Plate One of a pair of plates used for printing key type designs. The head plate is used to print the portrait. Health Stamps Stamps bearing a premium for combating disease. Heathrow World Distribution Centre Located at Langley (Bucks). Most mail leaving or entering the UK is processed here. Hectograph Method of printing from a gelatine base which holds a design in a special dye. Helecon A chemical substance of the zinc sulphide group added to printing ink to facilitate electronic sorting of mail. Helicopter Mail Mail carried by Helicopter. Heliogravure French term for photogravure. Hidden Dates Date of production of postage stamps concealed somewhere in the design. High Value Packets Parcels of banknotes and security documents sent through the post on behalf of the clearing banks 1970-73, sometimes distinguished by red labels inscribed HVP (q.v.). Highway Post Office Motor vehicle used in USA to operate a postal service in rural areas. Hinge Thin transparent gummed slip used for affixing stamps to an album page. HM/OW Her Majesty's Office of Works. Holed Cancellation Stamps from which holes have been punched out for cancellation. Hologram Device creating a three-dimensional effect in different colours when tilted or angled to the light. <

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