Stampless folded letter

A stampless folded letter, or SFL', was a sheet of writing paper folded so that it either interlocked to stay closed or was sealed with a wax or paper seal. That sheet could have either a handwritten letter or printed material. The SFL would be addressed like any envelope today.

A sender had the option to prepay postal charges, with the cover being marked as such. Otherwise, many such letters were sent collect, i.e., the recipient would pay whatever postal charges were due. Rates were written on the letter in pen or handstamped by postal clerks. Rates, along with postmarks of origin, transit and receipt showing the progress of the letters are the main interest for collectors.

As the use of postage stamps spread, the use of stampless letters was prohibited. For example, the US made prepayment mandatory for domestic mail in April 1855, but letters to many foreign destinations were still allowed to be sent collect for some time after. Soldier's mail during the American Civil War (and in later wars) was allowed to be sent free and was therefore stampless.





[[Category:S]]