Guidelines for Postal History Class Entries
The first page should be an introductory page that shows the concept and its development within the exhibit. It should have a clear beginning; a clear theme and a logical ending. Include references on this page.
Too much description or duplication of the title on remaining pages is not advised, nor is duplication of philatelic material.
Choose your subject with care. Every one of your 16 sheets must count. Keep maps and/or non-philatelic material to a minimum.
Postal History is a study of postmarks or rates, routes etc. Keep descriptions to the philatelic content and not historical background, except where essential to the postmark, rate or route.
Do not attempt to cover too large a space of time in either material or years.
Do not crowd material or descriptions on the sheet. Two small covers or one large cover is quite sufficient.
Rarity is not a judge of value but reflects the relative scarcity of such items.
Use clean material with good full strikes wherever possible. Avoid having a good strike visible and also drawing it. Strikes on the rear of covers should be drawn or photocopied where relevant.
Entires and covers are better (if available) than pieces or used stamps.
If possible, before mounting, set the complete entry out on a large table or on the floor to determine the correct balance.
If using a typewriter or computer, it is better to use plain paper or the plain side of a sheet, as the quadrille lines of a sheet do not usually correspond with the typewriter or computer.