44 LIFESTYLE & HOBBIES Stamp of approval


There’s more to stamp collecting than you think. Words: Barnaby Dracup


One of the hidden facets of stamp collecting is that it can provide a historical record, and this is one of the aspects to the hobby that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts. Keith Krober of We Buy Stamps


(webuystamps.co.uk) is a stamp dealer and has many insights into this fascinating pastime. “It’s a very wide area to cover, historically speaking, and they’re also works of art, beautiful little things in miniature,” says Keith. “As well as history, you can collect by theme; birds, countries, golf, anything really, and build up a collection that way.” Whether its world wars or national


borders — essentially any grand-scale historical event — stamps can offer an insight into the world and society during the period in which they were created. “There’s definitely a historical angle,”


says Keith. “So things like war, for instance, create enormous amounts of material for study. Take the Falklands War: all those guys, on both sides, were out there and of course they were sending letters home to their loved ones. Stamps from that the period, postmarked from the Falklands, have a certain value and interest. It’s this kind of postal history that collectors find fascinating.”


Taking a closer look at stamp collecting,


it’s easy to see how people can get so drawn into it as a hobby. “I honestly believe that if most people


gave it a go, they’d soon be hooked. It’s such a multifaceted hobby,” says Keith. “I’ve seen so many people taken off on a tangent by it too. They get drawn into one specific area of interest, such as the one we’re all familiar with — the Queen’s head stamp. There’s a lifetime of study to be done in that one area alone.” Aside from having a fascinating history


attached to them, stamps can also make a great alternative investment, and Keith advises to look for two things in particular. “For investment purposes, you’ve got to consider two aspects of each stamp, really:


price and condition. The condition’s got to be absolutely spot-on and for the price you need to be looking at the higher-end bracket, where stamps are always going to be in demand,” he explains. “For example, if you take a Penny Black — 68 million were printed, so it’s fairly common to get one in good condition, but that’s been through the post, will cost around £100. One in mint condition and unused will be about £10,000 and infinitely more attractive to buyers. “However, my main piece of advice is


to simply collect stamps you enjoy,” Keith concludes. “Most stamps are a long-term investment really, so the most important thing is that you get pleasure out of them during your lifetime.”


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ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The RPS is the one of the world’s oldest photographic societies. It brings together a community of more than 11,000 photographers, all of whom want to


improve their skills through participating in workshops, photowalks and lectures; showcasing their own work through


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MINIATURE WORKS OF ART BUCKINGHAM COVERS


From Penny Blacks to the current day, Buckingham Covers has the biggest


stock of first day covers that can reignite a passion for collecting. Start at the beginning with the famous Penny Black


or jump straight to the present day — no matter which, the joy of collecting starts here. buckinghamcovers.com


RESTORED TELEPHONE BOXES HERITAGE TRADING COMPANY Add a historic statement piece to your


home with an original restored telephone box. Produced from 1936 right through to the mid-1960s, these iconic cast iron telephone boxes formed part of the


British way of life. Also on offer from the Heritage Trading Company is a fantastic selection of original pillar and post boxes.


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BQ Watches, BQW House, 1 Back Lane, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 0HS | info@bqwatches.com | bqwatches.com SL1017_BQWATCHES.indd 1 04/10/2017 07:52


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