Two Cylindrical Letter Boxes from 1879

Commemorative Stamp Set: Two Cylindrical Letter Boxes (1879)

Design Elements

• Central Imagery: The stamp features two distinct cylindrical letter boxes, each representing different models from the 1879 period. These classic letter boxes are shown side by side, emphasizing their cylindrical shape and subtle design variations. The background includes Victorian architectural elements or street scenes, highlighting their presence in British cities and towns.
• Color Scheme: Traditional deep red is used as the primary color, a signature shade of British post boxes, with black accents at the base and top to add authenticity to the design. The Victorian royal insignia or the iconic “VR” (Victoria Regina) monogram could be placed at the top of each box, marking the era’s royal association.
• Text and Inscriptions: The stamp includes the inscription “Two Cylindrical Letter Boxes, 1879,” and the designs are dated to mark their specific models within the year. A brief description about the evolution of cylindrical designs might be incorporated on the back.

Cultural and Historical Significance

• By 1879, the cylindrical shape had become the preferred design for letter boxes in Britain, owing to its durability, ease of use, and simple, robust structure. The two models depicted on this commemorative stamp represent refinements to earlier versions, incorporating improvements based on user and postal worker feedback. These cylindrical letter boxes, made of cast iron, were designed to withstand British weather and heavy use.
• The cylindrical design soon became the standard for letter boxes, not only in Britain but also across its colonies, making it one of the most widely recognized symbols of British postal heritage. These letter boxes were often positioned in easily accessible locations, allowing the public greater convenience in sending letters, and they played a key role in the efficiency and reach of the Victorian postal system.

Usage

• Postage: This stamp can be used for regular postage, allowing people to celebrate the rich history of the British postal system.
• Educational Tool: Museums, postal history exhibits, and educational institutions may use this stamp to showcase the historical evolution of the British letter box.
• Philatelic Collections: Ideal for stamp collectors interested in the history of British communication, Victorian design, or postal infrastructure.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set

• This stamp set commemorates the introduction of the two cylindrical letter box designs, which became a vital part of Victorian Britain’s postal infrastructure. The design’s simplicity, durability, and ease of use contributed significantly to the efficiency and accessibility of public communication.
• By featuring two different models, the set highlights the adaptability of British postal design and engineering and marks an important period in the development of public mail services, which had a lasting impact on communication in Britain and the British Empire.

Example of the Stamp Design

• Primary Stamp: Depicts the two cylindrical letter boxes from 1879, each shown with a slight design variation to mark their specific model. The Victorian crown and “VR” monogram are prominently displayed on the boxes, while the background hints at a bustling Victorian street scene. The inscription “Two Cylindrical Letter Boxes, 1879” is displayed below.

The Commemorative Stamp Set Might Include:

• First Day Cover: A specially designed envelope with illustrations of Victorian postal workers and a street scene from the late 19th century. The cancellation mark might feature a stylized “VR” or another element from the period’s postal insignia.
• Miniature Sheet: A sheet of stamps showing the two cylindrical models in various positions, including close-ups of their distinctive features and inscriptions.
• Informative Brochure: A booklet that details the history and evolution of cylindrical letter boxes in the British postal system, including the significance of the 1879 models. It might also include information about the impact these letter boxes had on the efficiency and accessibility of the postal system in Victorian Britain.

Significance

• The commemorative stamp set for the two cylindrical letter boxes of 1879 celebrates a key development in British postal history. By honoring these iconic designs, the stamp acknowledges the role of public infrastructure in promoting communication and social connectivity during the Victorian era. This set is a reminder of the functional elegance that defined British postal boxes and the far-reaching influence of Victorian innovations in public services.