You Can’t Improve on Perfection

Very few things have changed as little during their lifespan as has the Postage Stamp. With the exception of perforations (added about 1850) and self adhesive gum (added about 1970) the actual appearance of stamps (printed pictures on small adhesives representing proof of payment for a service) and their use is virtually unchanged since their invention. Its hard to think of any technological design so little changed in 170 years. When a product changes so little in such a long time and retains its original use it means its inventor really got it right the first time (how many improvements have you seen on the hammer?) Perhaps that is one of the reasons for the enduring nature of our hobby. Pick up your collection that has stamps from nearly two centuries and they are all fully recognizable as postage stamps. In a world where TV screens will soon be disguised as wall hangings and automobiles drive themselves, collectors find that reassuring.