Celebrating one of the UK’s most respected philatelists, dealers and storytellers in the world of philately. In the rich tapestry of British philately, few names stand taller or resonate more with collectors around the world than Bill Barrell . As the driving force behind Bill Barrell Ltd , Bill has dedicated decades to sourcing, studying, exhibiting and sharing the very best of Great Britain’s postal history and stamps. His passion, expertise and approachable style have ma

We checked in with PTS Member, Richard Frajola of Richard Frajola LLC to ask him some questions (nice ones, we promise!) so you can get to know him, his extensive background, and the specialised expertise he provides to collectors worldwide. Tell us about your philatelic journey (so far...) My professional involvement in philately spans nearly six decades, beginning back in 1968. Over the years, I have worked with several prominent auction houses, including serving as a consu

The Philatelic Traders’ Society is also known as The PTS. The PTS was formed in 1928 by a group of established stamp dealers who wished to found a society which would act for, and on behalf of its members, for the greater good of philately. As we approach 100 years of serving the trade and hobby, this article aims to share who we are today, what we do, and why. The PTS serves every aspect of the trade and the hobby This includes dealers, auction houses, postal administrators,

Congratulations to Oscar Young for winning the Stampex 2026 Postcard design competition! Oscar's design will be printed as the official postcard for Stampex in London 2026. We will print thousands so do pick up your free copy when you visit the show! Read on for more information about how you can request a pre-paid version of this postcard at Stampex and how to get the special 70 Years of Stampex daily cancellation from Royal Mail applied to your postcard. Here is the winning

Over the past year, the PTS Team and Council Members have attended a wide range of stamp shows. From regional fairs to International FIP Exhibitions. Across North America, the UK and Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We’ve met so many different types of collector, and we love chatting with them at shows – to learn more about why they are visiting, what they collect, why they collect, and what they would like to see from stamp shows in the future. Every collector

Are you afraid of the philatelic trade? By Simon Carson, Chairman of the Philatelic Traders’ Society (PTS), 5th September 2026 "For those who were not able to attend the presentation, here are my presentation notes." The philatelic trade has always been an important part of the overall philatelic ecosystem. The PTS is now 98 years old and our Shield is as strong today as it has ever been. But what’s the trade’s motivation to get up every morning and serve collectors around

How do stamps help provide compassionate care and support to people living with terminal and life-limiting illnesses? With the help of a PTS Member. PTS Member, T&T Auctions shared this heartwarming story and we had to spread it more widely. Stamps make a difference to us each and every day, and when we look beyond our own collections and businesses, philatelic has so much power to change lives. Hospice in the Weald, covering Kent and East Sussex in England, provides vita

Read the latest Doreen Royan & Associates Newsletter focusing on a particular area of Southern Africa. We hope you find this information informative and enjoyable. Gold PTS Member, Doreen Royan & Associates (Pty) Ltd are professional philatelists who have been providing collectors the benefit of their expertise in philately for over 38 years. They have handled many of the world’s top philatelic rarities and have compiled some of the most distinguished and award-winning co

The Corinphila Gazette from Gold PTS Member, The Global Philatelic Network is published four times a year and we are delighted to share the latest copy with you in digital form.

Daniel Matthews Stamps joined the PTS in July 2026. We asked the Rep, Daniel Matthews some questions so that you can get to know him, and the service he can provide you as a collector. Daniel Matthews is a specialist dealer, author and researcher focusing principally on Great Britain’s imperforate Penny Reds. Daniel has spent more than 20 years collecting, studying, plating and selling these fascinating stamps. During that time, he has examined approximately 30,000 example

How do stamps help the welfare of dogs and cats? With the help of a PTS Member of course! PTS Member, Andy Bowden of Sedbergh Stamps sent us this heartwarming story and we had to share it with you. Stamps make a difference to us each and every day, and when we look beyond our own collections and businesses, philatelic has so much power to change lives. Animal Rescue Cumbria (The Wainwright Shelter) are based at Grayrigg, near Kendal, England. They were established in the

Boston 2026 is a celebration of philately with something for everyone, and will be remembered forever. This month, all philatelic eyes will be on Boston. For eight days (23rd to 30th May), the Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo brings together exhibitors, societies, collectors, postcrossers, dealers, auctioneers, postal administrations, and postal enthusiasts from across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or a curious newcomer, this is not just another stamp show: it’s

We asked some of the PTS Membership what their fav stamp is. Simon Carson, PTS Chair, Philangles : "One of my very favourite stamps aesthetically is the Falklands 1933 king penguin… I just love the detail and colour combo… yellow is one of my fav colours! Engraved, it uses the word king! This is the image on my business card… I secretly see myself as a king stamp dealer!" Brian Bayford, BB Stamps : "My favourite stamp has to be the £1.00 Seahorse – SG. 403, my favourite col

Andrew Curd, of Gold PTS Member, Martello Philatelic Auctions Here are some of the star items that Martello Auctions has sold for PRIVATE vendors over the past years. You can meet online Andrew at Virtual Stampex 2026 on the 6th March. RSVP here: Why not collect other things as well as stamps?! Lot 171 from October 2025 1841 Two Penny Mulready, superb used envelope appears to be Boston to London 7th April 41, there is a hand written "Tonbridge Apr 7 1841 "" on reverse. NO f

On the 13th and 14th November 2025, ahead of the Sale of The 'PARIS' Library of Philatelic Literature auction, Heinrich Köhler & the AIJP hosted a Summit on Philatelic Literature in Wiesbaden, Germany. The PTS's Suzanne Rae was in attendance and shares her report here on this unique, inspiring, and informative event. Bidders in the room, The 'PARIS' Library of Philatelic Literature Sale held by PTS Member, Heinrich Köhler. Welcome to Wiesbaden I arrived at Köhler's offices ar

The PTS is 97 years old and is continuously evolving to meet the needs of our membership and the philatelic environment we operate in. The PTS Council steers the society, represents our global community, and is a voice for the trade and the hobby. Joining our highly experienced Council this term are Dieter Michelson and Michael Cortese. Together with Council Members who continue to serve, we are proud to have such a passionate, diverse group of professionals working together

Twice in a row! Each year, a member of the PTS wins the title of Best Dressed Stand at Stampex. This year, our independent judge, Paul Sobon awarded Bill Barrell with the trophy for Best Dressed Stand, making Bill the first PTS Member to win the award two years running! Congratulations Bill! Here is Bill Barrell on his Stand (A4) receiving the Stephen Walter Trophy from our independent judge, Paul Sobon . Paul is Co-Chair of the Collaboration Crew , Board Secretary of the Ame

Celebrating World Postcard Day and The Power of Connection Through Philately October 1st marks World Postcard Day , a celebration of the...

Congratulations to Fran Searle for winning the Stampex 2025 Postcard design competition! Fran's design will be printed as the official...

From Bob Tebbit – winner of “Display Your Way” October 2024 Stampex Bob with his Display Your Way Winner's prize When I received the...