Hey there, young collectors! Have you ever noticed the interesting stamps and markings on the envelopes you get in the mail? Those markings are called postmarks, and they have a lot of cool history behind them. In this guide, we’ll dive into what postmarks are, why people collect them, and some basic terms you should know. Let’s get started!

What Are Postmarks?

Postmarks are markings that postal workers put on letters, packages, and postcards. These markings usually include the date and place where the item was mailed. The main reason for postmarks is to cancel the stamp so it can’t be used again. But postmarks do more than just that—they tell a story about when and where a piece of mail was sent. For collectors, postmarks are little pieces of history that can be collected and studied.

Why Collect Postmarks?

Collecting postmarks, known as marcophily, is a fun and educational hobby. Here’s why people love it:

1. Historical Significance: Each postmark gives a snapshot of a particular time and place. It’s like holding a piece of history in your hands.
2. Geographic Interest: You can collect postmarks from all over the world, learning about different places and cultures.
3. Cultural Insights: Postmarks often reflect important events, holidays, or public messages, offering a glimpse into what was happening at the time.

The History and Evolution of Postmarks

Postmarks have been around for a long time. Let’s take a quick trip through history to see how they have changed:

1. Early Beginnings: The first known postmark was used in England in the 1660s. It was called the “Bishop Mark” and it showed the day and month a letter was sent. It was pretty basic but very important.
2. 19th Century Developments: In 1840, the first adhesive postage stamp, known as the Penny Black, was introduced in England. This led to the widespread use of postmarks to cancel stamps and prevent them from being reused.
3. Modern Innovations: Today, postmarks can be made with digital printing. Special designs are often created for big events like the Olympics or national holidays. These special postmarks can become quite valuable to collectors.

Basic Terminology and Concepts

To get started with postmark collecting, it’s helpful to know some basic terms and concepts:

1. Covers: These are envelopes or packages that have stamps and postmarks on them. Collecting covers can give you a lot of information about postal history.
2. Cancellations: This is the part of the postmark that prevents the stamp from being reused. It can be a simple line, bars, or a more elaborate design.
3. First Day Covers (FDCs): These are special covers that are postmarked on the first day a new stamp is issued. They often have a unique design and can be quite collectible.
4. Handstamps: These are manual stamps used by postal workers to apply postmarks. Each handstamp can leave a unique mark, which can make them interesting to collect.
5. Slogan Postmarks: These postmarks include messages or advertisements, like promoting a public event or campaign. They can be fun to collect because of their unique messages.
6. Pictorial Postmarks: These feature pictures or designs related to a specific event or location. They add an artistic touch to postmark collecting.

How to Start Your Collection

If you’re excited about starting your own postmark collection, here are some tips:

1. Sourcing Postmarks: Look for postmarks on letters and postcards you receive. You can also find them at local antique shops, online marketplaces, and stamp shows.
2. Focusing Your Collection: Decide what interests you the most. Do you want to collect postmarks from a certain country, a specific time period, or a particular theme? Focusing your collection can make it more enjoyable and meaningful.
3. Networking and Trading: Join clubs and online forums where you can meet other collectors. You can trade postmarks and share knowledge, which is a great way to expand your collection and learn more about the hobby.

Connecting with the Postmark Collecting Community

Joining the postmark collecting community can be really rewarding. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Philatelic Societies: These are groups of stamp and postmark collectors who meet to share their collections and knowledge. Joining a society can give you access to resources and events.
2. Local Club Meetings: Many areas have local stamp clubs where you can meet other collectors. It’s a great way to make friends who share your interest.
3. Online Forums and Groups: There are many online communities where collectors share their experiences, offer advice, and trade postmarks. This can be a valuable resource for learning and growing your collection.

Conclusion

Postmark collecting is a fantastic hobby that combines history, geography, and art. By understanding what postmarks are, why they’re collected, and learning some basic terms, you’re well on your way to becoming a knowledgeable collector. Remember to have fun and enjoy the journey as you explore the fascinating world of postmarks. Happy collecting!