A dummy stamp is a stamp-like label which is not valid for postal use. Dummy stamps are a form of
cinderella stamp and the two principal types are
test or training stamps, used to test postal equipment
[Sutton, R.J. & K.W. Anthony. ''The Stamp Collector's Encyclopaedia''. 6th edition. London: Stanley Paul, 1966, p. 236.] or train postal workers, and
printer's sample stamp
A printer's sample stamp is a label produced by a printer resembling a stamp, but with no postal or other validity. Often it will include the name of the printer and demonstrate their printing capabilities. The stamps are not intended for use a ...
s created to promote or demonstrate the printing capabilities of a stamp printer.
In the United States the term relates primarily to test and training stamps, while in the United Kingdom the term is used more widely to include promotional and sample stamps produced by printers. The term has been in use in the U.K. since at least 1949 when reports of proceedings of the
Royal Philatelic Society, London referred to a display of "dummy stamps" produced in connection with the negotiation of a printing contract for the postage stamps of South Africa.
['' The London Philatelist'', Vol. LVIII, No. 678, May 1949, p. 86.] In 1981, the
British Philatelic Bulletin
The ''British Philatelic Bulletin'' was the official publication of the Royal Mail aimed at stamp collectors.
The ''Bulletin'' gave detailed information about future British stamp issues and also featured articles about past issues from noted p ...
illustrated printer's sample stamps from the
R.M. Phillips Collection produced by
De La Rue
De La Rue plc (, ) is a British company headquartered in Basingstoke, England, that designs and produces banknotes, secure polymer substrate and banknote security features (including security holograms, security threads and security printe ...
.
["Gems from the R.M. Phillips Collection LXXXV: De La Rue Dummy Stamps" in ''The Philatelic Bulletin'', Vol. 18, No. 6, February 1981, p. 284.]
References
{{Philately-stub
Philatelic terminology