Welcome to the QSL stamp pages of Mike, EI2CL
Introduction to QSL Stamps
Most radio amateurs and short wave listeners who have received QSL cards "via the buro" may have noticed small adhesive stamps on cards received from some countries. Although they do not normally indicate so, the presence of one or more of these stamps usually means that the cost of sending the card "via the buro" in the country concerned has been met in some way by the use of the QSL stamp. The amateur or SWL, having obtained a supply of the stamps, then sticks one or more as necessary to each out-going card. On arrival at the QSL buro all cards will bear the necessary evidence that the sender has paid for the service. However, because relatively few national radio societies or clubs require QSL bureau costs to be funded in that way, QSL stamps are not very common nowadays and, in some countries, they have gone out of use. QSL stamps have not been used at any stage by the IRTS, Irish Radio Transmitters Society.
To EI2CL, who began collecting postage stamps long before he had ever heard of amateur radio, the use of such special stamps on QSL cards is most interesting. Indeed I can also say with confidence that the vast majority of stamp collectors have never seen one. Apart from myself, I am aware of very few other radio amateurs who collect QSL stamps. Max, HB9RS, has collected QSL stamps, as well as radio related postage stamps, for many years. To see Max's illustrated article on the use of QSL stamps by radio amateurs and commercial broadcasting stations in the 1920 - 1950's, go here first.
Naturally therefore, in the course of normal QSL card collecting, as a "stamp collector" I have a small side-line collection of QSL cards with QSL stamps on them. In addition to the stamps that I know contribute directly to QSL bureau costs, a small number of other labels have been seen on QSL cards. Although most are similar in design, it is probable that they were produced for commemorative purposes only, such as, publicising an anniversary of the founding of the national society. Examples of this type are worth recording and are included.
I am aware that there are examples of stamps from some countries missing from the pages that follow. Do you live in one of them? To see a list of the countries, go here. Can you send me an example or image of a stamp that can be added to the list? Can you provide technical information about any stamp shown, such as the cost per stamp or sheet of stamps, how long they were used, or when they were taken out of use. Any additional information or examples will be most welcome and will be acknowledged in the history of changes to the site.
Please send
examples, preferably still on the original QSL card, to Radio Amateur EI2CL,
IRTS,
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