British Victorian Stamps/Deeds

Hello people, I have found my way to this site because I have some fascinating documents from Queen Victoria's reign ranging 1812-1870. They are deeds and mortgages including stamps, see images...i am hoping to learn more about them and to find out whether these are considered collectables or not. I look forwards to hearing from some of you

I can't give you much information but these were used as early as George II's reign. I have an example dated 1732. Use of these may of course go further back. The royal cypher label on the reverse was used to secure the embossed metal 'staple'. This is referred to as a 'tin' escutcheon and was pierced through the revenue embossed stamp. These were either in silver or gold colours.

These are collectable, but from what I have seen don't command much price wise. Having complete documents is a different matter, particularly if they are vellum.

Fascinating to read your reply Penyu, I'm really enjoying researching tthese documents and you have given me some good understanding and vocabulary to help me further... I'm totally new to this.
Thanks very much for your reply-I believe I may have a few full collections here, but would you mind clarifying what you ment by complete collections? As for the vellum I'm really unsure..the paper is very thick,crisp with a slight oil feel which has aged little.

I referred to 'complete documents', which is what you appear to have. This adds to their desirability. From what you describe, yours do seem to be vellum. Sometimes this emits an odour similar to the smell of a wool jumper.

That's great news, I have about 20 full collections. And seen some references to king George as Well..are there collectors through this site or some can you give some direction of where to show these......i live in England. Thanks so much for your expertise.

I have now been a member for twelve days - I have previously posted here - but I thought I would give you an update....
Great Site!

Can anyone recommend how to get these valued please?

The items you have are broadly categorized, I believe, as ephemera. You might try searching ebay; I think there is a whole category dedicated to ephemera. Also related items you might have luck comparing to (but they're usually not as elaborate) are fiscal documents.

If you "google" those items and select google "images" you might find some similar items and that could take you to a related website or other relevant archive.

Welcome to the world of stamps (and ephemera)!

--Jim Wentzell
stampguyaps177-681

Rathernice 69,

I checked ebay, there IS a category under "paper collectibles" then a section of "documents. There were a few items from the UK, these are a couple of recent items (caution: when valuing items remember ebay sellers can, and often do, price their items way over any realistic expectations of actually SELLING them at that price!).

That said, I have found that listing your type item in a stamps or postal history category, with perhaps a title like "old UK stamped document" might generate more views and interest. The more descriptive, using key words that might appear in the document, would also help your item show up if someone were to do a search for, say, that town, any listed person's name, or time period.







--Jim Wentzell
stampguyaps177-681

The category of ephemera I referred to on ebay doesn't exist, but I do recall certain other sites for collectibles use that term, as do quite a few dealers in that type material. Also the phrase "back of the book" (or as stamp collectors usually refer it to B.O.B) might bring up some searches.

My pal Google explained the meaning of ephemera as follows:


e·phem·er·a
noun
plural noun: ephemera; noun: ephemerum
things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.
items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.


--Jim Wentzell
stampguyaps177-681