How many Modern GB stamps with apparent clear, 'Fine Used' cancellations have actually travelled 'through the mail?'
Browsing through a dealer's stock of 'Modern GB' at a recent Stamp Fair I was surprised to see some recent Post and Go stamps, all nicely cancelled with 'CDS' cancellations.
However, upon closer inspection the CDS used was 'Chase Estate BO' — which has been closed for many years.
"How many Modern GB stamps with apparent clear, 'Fine Used' cancellations have actually travelled through the mail?"
This raises a fundamental question for modern GB collectors: when you buy a 'fine used' stamp, can you be confident it has genuinely been through the postal system? Or has it been cancelled to order — perhaps using an old or unofficial canceller — purely to satisfy collector demand for 'used' examples?
The issue is particularly acute with Post and Go stamps. These are issued from ATM machines and are, by their nature, intended for postal use. But the collector market for fine used examples is strong, and where there is demand, there will always be supply — legitimate or otherwise.
A genuine fine used Post and Go stamp should show a clear, dated CDS cancellation from a currently operating Post Office, with the stamp having clearly been affixed to a cover and processed through the Royal Mail system. Anything else should be treated with caution.
At Modern GB, we take the provenance of our used stamps seriously. Where we offer fine used examples, we are confident they have genuinely been through the mail. We believe this matters — both for the integrity of your collection and for the long-term value of the items you purchase.
What to Look For
- A clear, dated CDS from a currently operating Post Office
- Evidence the stamp has been on a cover (gum disturbance, slight creasing)
- A cancellation date that makes sense for the stamp's issue date
- Avoid stamps cancelled with closed or obscure Post Office names
- Be wary of suspiciously uniform, perfectly centred cancellations
The bottom line: if a fine used stamp looks too good to be true, it may well be. Buy from dealers you trust, and don't be afraid to ask questions about provenance.