Covers

Covers

There are many different types of covers:

Before the invention of envelopes letters were folded and are known as Folded letters sealed in wax or tucked in.

Here is a brief explanation of the types.

Prephilatelic

Covers posted before a country introduced stamps.

So for example GB covers posted before 6th May 1840, French covers posted before 1 Jan 1849 etc. The postage rate was written on the front in pen to indicate payment had been made or if it was due from the receiver. Handstamps also existed to say a fee had been paid (red) or due (black) on delivery of the letter.

Switzerland Folded Prephilatelic entire sent from Geneva locally. With straight line Geneve cancel in Black, posted in 1824

Ireland 1765 FREE cover to Dublin. Members of Parliament were allowed to send letters free of charge through the post by signing them at bottom left. This priviledge was abandoned after Queen Victoria declared that even she would pay postage.

Multiple Stamp Usage

From time to time, senders affix stamps in unusual ways.

Cover from London to Switzerland with multiple line engraved letters in four corners 1d Queen Victoria stamps

Cover from London to Switzerland with multiple line engraved letters in four corners 1d Queen Victoria stamps - back of same