One such postmark could not be traced, and the cover was sent to Royal Mail for confirmation of the location which produced the postmark. Royal Mail could not confirm the location, and stated they would look into the issue. Exactly how they can trace postmarks is unclear at this time!

The collector has his own theory, which would be slightly embarrassing to Royal Mail! Post Offices and First Day Cover suppliers have unique hand stamps with which to produce covers. It is speculated that a set of these hand stamps was “removed” from a post office shortly before closure, and the worker responsible then used them to produce first day covers.

These covers would technically not be valid, as they have not travelled through a post office, and can be loosely termed forgeries. Because the hand stamps are individually dated they cannot be used again as the date will have passed, but the concern is that they could be used on real fake covers, mainly because they have fallen out of Royal Mails control.

New covers with older postmarks would be classified as genuine errors, raising their value. The date of the postmark is soon to be circulated to dealers and stamp magazines to ensure the fake covers are spotted. This is still likely to raise their value!

Royal Mail have so far refused to comment, or even acknowledge they are aware of the situation, so it remains to be seen what action will be taken. The hand stamps do remain the property of Royal Mail, so should have been destroyed, therefore the owner could be prosecuted if found.

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