Welcome to First Day Covers

Cotswold Covers has been in existence since Christmas 1970 and is easily recognisable by the gold frame in the form of a capital C to the left of the envelope.

Cotswold collectors are a loyal band of collectors who remain true to the brand. The envelopes are of good quality, engraved and die-stamped in its time-honoured way. Historically they have always been printed this way so when I took over the company in late 2003, I decided that there was no improvement on this tried and tested method.

Formed in 1970 by Paul Smith and his wife, then living in the Cotswold area, the brand is internationally recognised as the standard for collectors.

 

Since taking over the company on Paul’s retirement at the end of 2003, we like to think we have brought this venerable cover up to 21st century freshness without losing any of its appeal.  We take a lot of time and trouble over the designs for each stamp issue and like to think this is reflected in the end product.

A new First Day Envelope is designed for each stamp issue and is available to traders and collectors alike – turn to the FDE page.

Much thought goes into the amount of space available to us given the size and number of stamps, if other alternative products need to fit on as well! It can be a bit of a tight squeeze and where the issue involves blocks of 10 stamps – as in the                                                                                                                                         case of the Action for Species issue, we have to resort to the                                                                                                                                         bottom of the envelope.

None of our covers carry any addresses.

In addition to the First Day Cover, all our collectors receive:

• an information sheet giving plenty of background information on the stamps and reason behind the issue
• an illustrated Newsround with additional articles related to the stamp issue as well as information on forthcoming new issues by Royal Mail
• flyers on some of the products coming out – giving you the choice of purchasing, or not!.

Price: £12.95 per First Day Cover + £2.50 pp (UK rate up to and including three items)

If you wish to subscribe to any of our services, do please complete the Order Form and let us know when you wish to start – bearing in mind that we mail out material approx. 2-3 weeks after each stamp issue. This gives us the opportunity of receiving covers back in the office for sorting to ensure that only the best go out . I think you will be surprised and pleased so give us a try! I am sure you won’t be disappointed!