Looking For Proper Name For "Stamps Printed On Envelopes"

Hi,
Over the years I've accumulated a number of cut squares of stamps printed on envelopes. Other than my USA collection, I have no use for them. I've heard them called many things - including "postal stationery", but I'm really not sure what the proper name would be.

Reason for asking? Looking to put them on ebay...........
Thank you,
Mobilman44

Unitrade says Postal Stationary (that's the way I lean) while Scott's says Stamped Envelopes.
PotAto - PotAWto

I split the difference and call them Postal Envelopes.

I'd look at completed listings for the countries you will be selling, to see what other sellers seems to be using.

PSE is a common abbreviation/initialism in some listings. You'll see it defined as Postal Stationery Envelope, but I've also seen it defined as Pre-Stamped Envelope.

A PSE is only one category of postal stationery cut squares, of course.

I view "postal stationery" as a broad term to include the sub-categories of postal cards, embossed envelopes (or stamped envelopes, if you like), aerograms, letter sheets, wrappers and such.

If you are writing ebay descriptions, then your real goal is an end product which should attract the most hits. I would select the synonym you like the best and use it as part of the title. Then make sure some/most of the other synonyms are in the description for "hits" by those potential bidders who might prefer the other terms. Key words are truly the key - if they can't find it, they can't bid on it.

I do the same as John Becker. However, when selling or trading, I point out if the item is either a postal card, postal envelope or wrapper etc etc.

Chimo

Bujutsu

I've always thought term used in the 19th and into the late 20th century was "Embossed Envelopes". Of course, when embossing was no longer part of the stamped envelope printing process "Stamped Envelopes" became the term most commonly used.

Similarly, "Postal Cards" was the preferred term for postcards with printed indicia, and subsequently changed to "Stamped Cards" in recent years.

Each of these items, together with Reply Cards and Aerogrammes, came under the group heading "Postal Stationery".

Some collectors passionately disagree with those changes and continue to use old references, which is why there is often conflicting information covering the same item.

As wt1 pointed out, the term now used by Scott Catalogue is "Stamped Envelopes".
Printing the stamp denomination has taken the place of "embossing" which was more commonplace 50 or more years ago.
John Becker provided solid marketing advice (I've been involved with marketing and advertising for 35 year).
Using "Postal Stationary" will bring more interested prospective buyers. Being specific in the description allows you to present the
accurate details -- seems "Stamped Envelopes" best describes whole envelopes, while "Cut Square Envelope Stamps" clearly indicates the postal stamp image has been cut away from the envelope. wt1 indicates that many collectors -- traditionalists -- adhere to the older term "Embossed Envelopes".
However, as an 65-year old soon-to-be-retired marketing guy, I point out that a big percentage of the ebay market is much younger than I am. I'd suggest using the most current terminology. Us older dudes will know what you're describing, and you'll also clearly communicate to the younger buyer. Good luck!

Just because this was pointed out to me awhile ago ... it's spelled stationery .

Stationary means having a fixed position.

a vs e



(I've also heard from dealers that's why embossed envelopes are called stationAry, because they don't move.)

Ha!
Thanks folks! I thought my question might be "ridiculed", but it looks like it is a bit more complicated than just "a simple question".

Thank you again!

Jenny2U, "Postal Stationary" would be the correct spelling at my local Post Office! Not a whole lot of moving going on most of the time!

Peter

I agree that postal stationery is very hard to move no matter how it's spelled

Ha!

Just to add to the pile (or the confusion), I've always used 'Government Stamped Envelope,' FWIW.

The FIP Postal Stationery Commission definition of postal stationery is:

"Postal Stationery comprises postal matter which either bears an officially authorised pre-printed stamp or device or inscription indicating that a specific face value of postage or related service has been prepaid"

Note: spelling issues are from the original document.