The market for collecting stamps appears buoyant.

The market for collecting stamps is looking strong with the GB30 Rarities index, which tracks the price of rare stamps, up by seven per cent in the last year.

Stamps, which can be ordered from sellers on eBay with a parcel delivery, appear to be benefitting from the economic downturn as investors seek a "tangible asset".

This is the view of Martin Bralsford, the non-executive chairman of Stanley Gibbons, the stamp collecting company that is synonymous with philately.

He was speaking about the company's interim results for the six months to the end of June, in which the firm posted pre-tax profits of £1.6 million, up by ten per cent on a year ago.

Mr Bralsford said that much of the growth is down to an increase in high-net individuals and investors who want an asset that is "embedded in history".

He also suggested that Asia will be the big move for the company: "I believe the Chinese stamp market will ultimately have a substantial impact on our future sales and profitability over the longer term."

The news comes as the eBay-based 1966 Stamp Company will reopen on August 28th after a stock take.


 

Article Added: 11/08/2010 17:16:17