In the world of philately, postmarks are more than just a cancellation mark—they tell stories of important events, historical milestones, and cultural celebrations. Commemorative postmarks are a special category of postal cancellations designed to highlight anniversaries, exhibitions, and national achievements. These marks transform ordinary mail into valuable collectibles, preserving historical moments for future generations.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of commemorative postmarks, their significance, and some of the most famous examples.
What Are Commemorative Postmarks?
A commemorative postmark is a special type of cancellation applied to mail to mark an important event, anniversary, or celebration. Unlike regular postmarks, which primarily serve as a way to cancel a stamp and prevent reuse, commemorative postmarks are designed for historical and philatelic significance.
These postmarks can be applied:
- By hand or machine – Some are manually stamped, while others use mechanical devices for uniform application.
- For a limited time – Many commemorative postmarks are only used for the duration of an event, making them rare and highly collectible.
- With decorative designs – Many include images, logos, or text related to the event they commemorate, such as world fairs, royal jubilees, or sporting events.
The Origins of Commemorative Postmarks
The earliest commemorative postmarks date back to the mid-19th century, as postal authorities realized that important events could be honoured through unique cancellations.
1. The 1851 Great Exhibition, London
One of the earliest known commemorative postmarks was used at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Special handstamps were applied to mail sent from the exhibition, marking the event’s significance.
2. The 1862 International Exhibition, London
Another key early example is the 1862 International Exhibition, where temporary post offices were set up at the event, and special postmarks were introduced to distinguish mail from the exhibition.
3. France’s Exposition Universelle Postmarks (1855, 1889, 1900)
France has a long history of commemorative postmarks, beginning with the 1855 Exposition Universelle. Later, the 1889 postmarks gained attention as they celebrated the opening of the Eiffel Tower, a major highlight of the world fair.
Notable Examples of Commemorative Postmarks
1. The 1893 Columbian Exposition Postmark (USA)
In 1893, the United States issued a flag cancel postmark to celebrate the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, an event that marked the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage to the Americas. This was one of the first widespread machine-applied commemorative postmarks, making it an important milestone in postal history.
2. The 1897 Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (Canada, UK)
To honour Queen Victoria’s 60th anniversary on the throne, special commemorative cancels were used in Canada and Great Britain. These featured elaborate designs symbolizing the monarchy and empire.
3. The Centenary of Australian Settlement (1887, 1938)
Australia issued commemorative postmarks in 1887 to celebrate 100 years of British settlement in New South Wales. Another major series of cancels appeared in 1938 for the 150th anniversary.
4. Olympic Games and Sporting Events
- The 1936 Berlin Olympics featured special postmarks with Olympic rings.
- The 1964 Tokyo Olympics introduced modern pictorial postmarks, a trend that continued with later games.
5. Moon Landing Postmarks (1969, USA)
One of the most iconic commemorative cancellations came in 1969, when the U.S. Postal Service issued special postmarks celebrating the Apollo 11 moon landing. These cancels, often featuring phrases like “First Man on the Moon,” became instant collector’s items.
Why Are Commemorative Postmarks Important to Collectors?
Commemorative postmarks are highly sought after in philately for several reasons:
1. They Capture Historical Moments
Each commemorative postmark represents a snapshot of history, marking key anniversaries, political events, and cultural milestones. Collectors prize these cancellations for their ability to tell a story.
2. Limited Availability Increases Rarity
Unlike regular postmarks, commemorative cancels are only used for a short time—sometimes just for a single day—making them rare and valuable.
3. They Add Value to Stamps
A stamp with a well-placed, legible commemorative postmark is often worth more than the stamp alone, especially when tied to historically significant events.
4. Thematic Collecting Opportunities
Collectors interested in specific themes, such as space exploration, world fairs, or royal events, seek out commemorative postmarks to enhance their collections.
How to Collect Commemorative Postmarks?
If you’re interested in adding commemorative postmarks to your collection, here are some useful tips:
1. Look for Special Event Covers
Commemorative postmarks are often applied to First Day Covers (FDCs) or special event covers, which are envelopes designed specifically to showcase these cancellations.
2. Visit Temporary Post Offices
Many major events, like exhibitions, stamp shows, and sports tournaments, set up temporary post offices where collectors can obtain special cancellations.
3. Join Philatelic Societies
Organizations like the American Philatelic Society (APS) or the Royal Philatelic Society London often provide resources on where to find upcoming commemorative postmarks.
4. Check Auction Sites and Dealers
Online marketplaces like eBay, Delcampe, or Stamp Auction Houses regularly feature rare commemorative postmarks from different time periods.
5. Preserve and Store Properly
To maintain the value of your collection, store covers and postmarked stamps in acid-free albums or protective sleeves.
Conclusion: A Postal Celebration of History
Commemorative postmarks bring a unique dimension to philately, allowing collectors to own a piece of history in ink. Whether celebrating world fairs, royal jubilees, or space missions, these cancels provide a tangible connection to the past.
For collectors, commemorative postmarks offer a blend of rarity, historical significance, and artistic appeal, making them a fascinating and rewarding pursuit.
Are you a collector of commemorative postmarks? Share your favourite finds in the comments!
Did You Know?
- The first Olympic-themed postmark was issued in 1936 for the Berlin Games.
- In 1969, a letter postmarked on the moon was carried back to Earth by Apollo 11 astronauts!
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