Below you will an introduction as to how the website works and what is available
HOME PAGE
The homepage lists the 11 postal jurisdictions covered by this website. By clicking on the area of interest you will be directed to the relevant website.
TIMELINE
The timeline summarizes the number of items that each website contains and has been divided into date-ranges.
SEARCH ENGINE
The user has access to a search engine under each postal item listed on the left menu bar – i.e. click on the item of interest and a search function will appear at the top.
CATALOG NUMBERS FOR STAMPS
The listing of stamps on the website is based on Stanley Gibbons number and the website’s own numbering system.
DISTRIBUTION GRAPH
For Cancellations, Registration, Postage Due, Other Postal Markings and Censorships a distribution graph has been created to illustrate how the use of indivivial postal markings developed during their lifespan.
WEBSITE CONCEPT
Why was the website created.
SUBMIT AN ITEM
If you have a postal item that you would like to share with the website, you can upload the image via our submit function. We will assess the item from a relevance and quality perspective and upload it to the website if it complements the database. Please ensure that the image is in Jpeg format and minimum 300dpi.
LATEST UPDATES
This function allows you keep up to date with new items on each website.
THE MARKET PLACE
The Market Place consists of two segments being a Philatelic Library and Philatelic Items. The Philatelic Library consists of relevant articles and research relevant to the website which can be downloaded by the user for a minimum fee. Philatelic items will be material, such as stamps or covers, that are for sale.
POST OFFICES
A list of post offices in each jurisdiction, including when the post offices were opened and closed, if these dates are known. Due to the vastness of British India we will not be providing this information under this area.
POSTAL RATES
A list of Postal Rates used in each area to help the user understand postal fees paid. Postal Rates are linked to covers illustrated on the website.
INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC
An overview of the Arabic alphabet and its history
THE REGIONAL CURRENCIES
An article about the region's currencies and their history.
HIJR TO GREGORIAN CALENDAR CONVERTER
A link that helps the user calculate the Gregorian date of covers that have an Arabic year applied to them. The year was omitted from Indian postmarks from late 1873/early 1874 to late 1883/early 1884.
SOURCES AND LINKS
References to other relevant website or philatelic associations.
