Edward Stanley
Gibbons was born in 1840, the year the world's first adhesive postage
stamps were introduced - the Penny Black and Twopenny Blue. An enthusiast
from an early age, Gibbons founded the company in 1856. Business
was built on the purchase of a sackful of rare triangular Capes
for a pound; from two sailors newly returned from South Africa.
The
first Stanley Gibbons Catalogue
Gibbons developed a reputation both for the quality of his stamps,
and for the detailed Stanley Gibbons Catalogue he produced monthly
from 1865. By 1879 the catalogue had expanded to an annual edition
in book form. Today we produce over 25 catalogues a year, listing
literally millions of stamps
The
move to the Strand
In 1893 the company moved to the Strand. Business boomed and a thriving
philatelic community was born. Our shop at 399 Strand is now
the mecca of stamp collecting.
The Royal Warrant
Stanley Gibbons Ltd was endorsed by a Royal Warrant by George V in
1914, due to pre-eminence in the field of philately. We remain a Royal
Warrant holder to this day.
Gibbons
Stamp Monthly
The first house magazine 'Stanley Gibbons Monthly Journal' contained
lists of all new issues and discoveries, as well as articles by
philatelic writers. Started 1890, by 1927 it had become the world-renowned
'Gibbons Stamp Monthly'.
Auctions
Continued expansion lead to the acquisition of one of London's oldest
stamp auction houses established 1901. Stanley Gibbons Auctions
was subsequently established in 1965. In 1971 the company was awarded
the Queen's Award to Industry for Export Achievement.
Into
the Millennium
Today Stanley Gibbons is part of a strong family of collectables
companies that includes Urch Harris New Issues, Benham First Day
Covers and Fraser's Autographs. We are committed to remaining at
the forefront of the global stamp business, building still further
on our reputation for quality stock and unbeatable service.
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