Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Commerce in the Post"

Mr. Robin Goodfellow

It was some "Retail Therapy" at the meeting of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society on Friday, 26^th October! The subject of the display given by our guest, Robin Goodfellow of Dundee, was "Commerce in the Post".

The display showed how Stamps, Stamp Booklets, Postal Stationery, Postcards, Envelopes, and also embossed envelopes were used by manufacturers and companies to advertise their commodities.

In February 1893 New Zealand issued stamps (Queen Victoria) with adverts on the back of the stamp! It was pointed out that once stuck on to an envelope these adverts could not be read by the recipient! France put their adverts on the selvedge of the stamp and this could be stuck to the envelope alongside the stamp. Stamp booklets were heavily used with pages of adverts inserted between pages of stamps.

Then came postcards and envelopes with adverts printed on them – many with illustrations of the items.

The adverts themselves were most interesting – and in many cases to modern eyes rather humorous! Under the title of "Household" – Construction; Lighting; Sanitary Ware; Equipment (including a postcard advertising the First Electric Toaster (not pop-up!); Gardening & Office Supplies (including typewriters).

This was followed by "Manufacturing" – and this included Electrical; Textile and Clothing; Machines and Equipment; Chemicals; Building supplies; Machinery and Tools; Fuel & Agriculture. The final section was "Transport" – showing materials needed for Railways.

These adverts came from many countries around the world.

Mr. George Jamieson led members in giving warm thanks to Robin for presenting such an interesting, and humorous, display which gave members an insight to the use of postal material for advertising.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday 9^th November, 2012 at 7:30pm when Society members, Bernard Berrie, Paul McGowan and Brian Dow will display "Olympics" – a topical subject for this year!

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.