Some News and Views. . .

   It has been an exciting year for us at Vance Auctions. In 2025 we offered more than 43,000 quality auction lots from around the world. Many of you enjoy browsing our printed catalogue, while others prefer exploring our website or Stamp Auction Network. The catalogue provides an interesting leisurely read, whereas our online platforms make it easy to search for items in your areas of interest. Whatever your preferred format, we want you to look forward to every auction because you just never know what will turn up.

   Before May 6, 1840 receiving a letter in England was not always a welcome event — the recipient had to pay the postage. Many letters went undelivered when addressees could not be found or refused to pay the cost. The postal system was unreliable, expensive, and losing money, prompting Queen Victoria to seek a solution. Rowland Hill, a schoolmaster and social reformer, proposed lowering the rates and making the sender prepay.

   With the new “Universal Penny Post” a letter up to half an ounce could be sent anywhere in Britain for one penny. With rates reduced and payment collected in advance, mail volume soared and revenues increased.

   Hill introduced two methods for prepayment. The first was the world's first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, which the public quickly accepted.

   The second method was the world's first postal stationery. These were printed letter sheets and envelopes that bore an elaborate illustration by artist William Mulready. One simply had to write a message, address it, and mail it. The postage was already paid. One Penny and Two Penny sheets and envelopes were produced.

   Surprisingly, the Mulreadys did not prove popular. The allegorical design depicting Britannia sending mail to all corners of the world was widely ridiculed. Some stationers, angered by what they perceived to be government infringement on their trade, even produced satirical Mulready caricatures. The Mulreadys were soon withdrawn, but their concept has endured. Prepaid envelopes, postcards, and aerogrammes with printed stamps are still widely used today.

   Sir Rowland Hill was knighted in 1870 for his significant postal reforms.

   The Mulreadys and the caricatures are highly collectible today. Please see auction lots 1251/1255 as well as SP1 and SP2 on the three pages of Specials below. As always, Specials are available now and the shipping is free.

   We are very pleased to be kicking off our 54th year with an exciting sale of over 7,200 lots. Besides the excellent sections of Canada, United States and Great Britain, there are solid groups of Germany and related areas, British Africa, France and Colonies, Italy, and Falkland Islands.

   All of us wish you and your family a happy Holiday Season. Thank you for bidding with us. We look forward to serving you in 2026.