I first became aware of revenue stamps and postal fiscals, after acquiring a second hand copy of ‘Stanley Gibbons – Postage Stamp Catalogue PT One British Commonwealth – 1969’. A section at the back of the GB section, revealed an array of unusual, often oversized stamps. These stamps I soon discovered formed the back of book collection of many collectors.

I’d collected GB and British Commonwealth postage stamps since a young age, but had only acquired a few green Foreign Bill stamps. These stamps seemed to be very elusive and it wasn’t until ebay came to prominence that I discovered Admiralty Courts, Army Telegraphs, Chancery Courts, Estate Duty and so many more.

Often large and ornate, inland revenue and foreign bill from over 150 years ago, can be picked up for a few pence. Rarer varieties can be much more pricey, although on the whole they are still a cheaper alternative to postage stamps.

Many revenue stamps can be found still stuck to their original documents, providing fantastic insights into court cases, business accounts and legal dealings of yesteryear.