Stamp collecting stamp collecting began at the same time that stamps were first issued, and by 1860 thousands of collectors and stamp dealers were appearing around the world as this new study and hobby spread across Europe, European colonies, the United States and other parts of the world. The first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued by Britain in May 1840 and pictured a young Queen Victoria. It was produced without perforations (imperforate) and consequently had to be cut from the sheet with scissors in order to be used. While unused examples of the Penny Black are quite scarce, used examples
Compendium of postage stamp issuers (Br–Bz) Compendium of postage stamp issuers (Br–Bz) Each "article" in this category is in fact a collection of entries about several stamp issuers, presented in alphabetical order. The entries themselves are formulated on the micro model and so provide summary information about all known issuers. See the page for details of the project. Brunswick joined the North German Confederation in 1868. Indian state which became part of Rajasthan 1948–50. Formerly Upper Volta. Bushire (now Bushehr) is an Iranian port on the Persian Gulf. During World War I, it was occupied by British forces who issued separate stamps 15 August to 16