Definitives

These little stamps are the mainstay of the Royal Mail stable of postage stamps.

Also known as Machins after the sculptor Arnold Machin who first produced the Queen's Head on a stamp a little over 40 years ago, a wide range of values is available and is always up-dated when the postal tariff changes in early April each year.

In addition to the Machins, or National Definitives, each country of the United Kingdom has its own specific definitive stamp. The England Country definitives feature a Rose and the Oak, the Scotland a Thistle and the tartan, the Welsh the Leek and Prince of Wales Feathers, whilst the Northern Ireland feature Linen and Wicker work. Therefore at each new definitive issue, there is a range of First Day Covers - National and for each country.

Price varies according to stamp issue

Mint stamps available at cost price plus £1.00 handling fee

Postal Tariff Changes New National and Regional Definitives:  Issue Date: 30th March 2010

Each year, Royal Mail put up our postal rates which requires a change of stamps!  In additional to the most common Machin which is most widely available, all the countries of the United Kingdom have their own and generally two new values are added to the range requiring First Day of Issue postmarks.

This time, to coincide with the normal postal definitives, two new Retail Booklets were brought out for both European rates and Worldwide rates. 

To collectors of Definitives, a must for any collection.

Price:  National Definitives First Day Cover: £7.50

             Europe (up to 20g) Booklet First Day Cover: £7.00

             Worldwide (up to 20g) Booklet First Day Cover: £7.50

If you wish to subscribe to receive Definitive First Day Covers or Stamp Cards on a regular basis, do please complete the Order Form.

Obviously these issues are less regular than those of commemorative stamps but nonetheless, you will receive the regular package of:

• an information sheet
• an illustrated newsletter giving you an idea of forthcoming new issues
• flyers, advertising various issues which may be of interest

We pride ourselves on our efficient and friendly service so we are well worth a try! I am sure you won't be disappointed!