As we approach the bicentennial anniversary of the inception of the first postage stamp, the significance of philately has become increasingly prominent within the cultural fabric of numerous nations. Approximately 60 countries boast postal museums, with several countries possessing multiple institutions dedicated to the preservation and celebration of postal history.

The Penny Black, the first postage stamp issued by Great Britain on May 1, 1840.

Philately is a multifaceted pursuit that extends beyond the accumulation of stamps. Enthusiasts of this hobby, known as philatelists, engage in the search for envelopes (often called covers) and other philatelic materials that align with their individual collecting interests. In addition to collecting, philatelists undertake the organization of their collections, conduct research, present their findings in philatelic exhibitions and philatelic forums, and frequently disseminate their philatelic knowledge through publication in journals and books. Stamp collecting dates back to the emergence of the first stamp in 1840 (right), and since then, the proliferation of published materials, including newsletters, journals, and books, has led to the establishment of specialized philatelic libraries.

Postal history, a component of philately, centres on the operation of the postal system using stamps, letters, and covers. It includes the study of postmarks, post offices, postal authorities, postal rates and regulations, and the movement of the mail from sender to recipient, including routes and mode of transport.

Read on for postal history in action!

Postal History in Action

This is a cover dated 26 July 1883, mailed from Bangkok, Siam (Thailand).

We can see that it was addressed to Countess de Kergaradec, 10 rue des Filles Dieu, Angers, Maine et Loire, France. The cover came with an enclosed letter, written by her husband, the Count de Kergaradec.

Count de Kergaradec, left, (1841-1894) was a French naval officer and diplomat in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (1869-1883), Bangkok (1883-1891), and Moscow (1891-1894). He married Henriette de Place (1858-1943) on 1 October 1878 at Angers, France.

The letter, the first two pages of which are shown above, is written in French. The Count is en route from France to assume the position of French Consul in Bangkok, having previously served as the French Consul in Saigon. In Bangkok, he provides a detailed account of the country, its people, and Siamese Royalty, as well as the officials with whom he interacts. He gives his personal views on the foreign consuls and their families, writing that some of the wives were “quite well and in pretty dresses,” and found it very amusing that four or five of the ladies were taller than the King. The Count expresses concern regarding the political climate in his former post in Cochinchina, wondering if rumours of a revolution against the new King are true. Additionally, he is endeavouring to secure leave to return to France, as his wife is expecting their first child. He also maintains correspondence with his uncle, who possesses connections within the French government that may facilitate his transfer to a more desirable post.

The Cover

The manuscript number, 15, written in blue at the top of the cover, shows that the Count numbered his letter so that his wife would know if any letter was delayed or missing.

The postage on the letter was paid by an 8¢ Straits Settlements stamp. Although Siam was an independent monarchy and not part of the Straits Settlements, the British Consulate in Bangkok informally arranged to have all outgoing international mail processed in Singapore, where it received the SINGAPORE dateless obliterator, for oncarriage to its final destination.

The BANGKOK Circular Date Stamp of 26 July 1883 was applied when the letter was processed at the British Consulate’s Post Office. In Singapore, the SINGAPORE dateless obliterator and the red circular marking on the back, “SINGAPORE / A / PAID / AU 1 83,” were applied to indicate receipt of the letter.

But how did the letter get from Bangkok to Singapore? The answer was found by consulting newspapers published in Bangkok and Singapore. These reveal that mail was carried on the steamer, Bangkok (336 tons), commanded by Captain Haffenden, which departed Bangkok on 26 July 1883 and arrived at Singapore on 1 August. The 1,600 km trip took seven days.

Next, how did the letter make its way from Singapore to France? The black hexagonal marking on the front of the cover, “POSS. ANGLE. / 5 / AOUT / 83 / PAQ. FR.,” was applied when the letter was handed over to a French Mail steamer on 5 August 1883. This was the Messageries Maritimes steamer Iraouaddy (2,558 tons), under the command of Captain Delpech, that left Singapore for Marseille on 5 August 1883.

From Marseille, the letter made its way to Paris via Modane before embarking on the final leg of its journey. This is clear from the red postmark that reads: “MODANE A PARIS / 2 / SEPT. / 83,” shown above.

On the back of the cover there is an indistinct black marking, “2 / SEPT. 83 / SARTHE,” which tells us the letter quickly moved on from Paris and passed through Sarthe on its way to Angers.

The letter finally arrived at its destination, witnessed by the black, “ANGERS / 4 SEPT 83 / MAINE-ET-LOIRE,” on the reverse. The trip from Singapore to Angers took 41 days in total.

This type of philatelic investigation is just one small part of what one can do in the realm of postal history. Philately can be an academic pursuit that provides ample opportunities for learning and research across various disciplines, such as history, cultural anthropology, art, and design. Its significance lies in the fact that it offers valuable insights into the ways people have communicated and connected with each other throughout history. Therefore, it is an indispensable area of study for anyone with an interest in social history.

— Michel Houde

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Cover Story: Bangkok to Angers, 1883

Postal History in Action

The Cover

Library Resource Types

Stamp Collecting 101: Books for Beginners