Watch Where You Stick That Stamp!
The secret language of postage stamp placement from a bygone era
If you’d prefer to listen instead of read:
There was a time when the simple act of placing a postage stamp could convey a hidden message. “The language of stamps" emerged in the Victorian era (1837-1901) and continued well into the 20th century. It offered a covert means of communication for lovers, friends…and even spies! Its use in spycraft is sufficiently intriguing that I’ll write about it later in a separate post.
I couldn’t determine exactly where this “language” began, but there are several intriguing theories. One suggests it began in the tradition of mysticism—along with tea leaves and tarot cards—where the angle of a stamp might reveal the sender's true intentions or personality.1 Another theory proposes that it started as a clever way to dodge postal fees in the "receiver pays" era, with the stamp placement indicating whether the recipient should accept or refuse the letter.2
The most romantic and widely accepted origin story, however, places its birth in the strict social confines of Victorian society, when open expressions of emotion were frowned upon. Couples who needed discreet ways to communicate their feelings got creative with their stamp placement, and it became a subtle yet effective tool for passing secret messages.3
The code could be surprisingly complex, with each position and orientation of the stamp carrying a specific meaning:
An upside-down stamp in the top left corner meant "I love you."
A stamp tilted to the right signified "Yes" or agreement.
A stamp in the bottom right corner could mean "I miss you."
A sideways stamp often represented friendship.4
Apparently, the system morphed over time, resulting in printed ciphers with variations in interpretation. I can only imagine this must have led to significant social consequences between correspondents using different ciphers!
This secret language wasn't just for letters expressing romantic affection. During World War II, it took on a more serious role, allowing soldiers and their loved ones to communicate feelings that might otherwise have been censored.5
The practice became so widespread that by the late 19th century, some postal services introduced strict guidelines on stamp placement to curb its use. Some even returned improperly stamped letters to senders.6 Today, alas, postal services—at least in the United States—are not very flexible when it comes to stamp placement on envelopes, citing efficient processing and machine readability as being critical to reliable delivery.
While the digital age has largely relegated this charming custom to history (or perhaps lovesick teenagers), it remains a testament to human ingenuity as well as the enduring power of love and creative expression.
I confess to fancying the undeniably romantic idea of a secret message hidden in plain sight on an envelope. So, the next time you see an old letter with an oddly placed stamp, pay attention! You might be looking at a long-lost love note, its message of passion and commitment still waiting to be decoded.
Did you ever use postage stamp placement to send unspoken messages? If so, which placements and meanings did you use?
Letters of Solitude
In honor of National Solitude Day (March 26), Shaun Usher published a fabulous newsletter post entitled “There’s is no one around and I can really breathe,” with excerpts from letters written by famous people who wanted…needed…even craved their time alone. Some are amusing, others quite poignant. If you’re an introvert, you’ll feel seen and heard. If you’re an extrovert, it will teach you to be more empathetic towards your introverted friends.
It’s National Card and Letter Writing Month
Did you pick a goal from last week’s post? Leave a comment or send me a message if you need help. I tend to batch my note writing, but I’ll average a note or letter a day this month. Whatever your current pace, kick it up a small notch this month and see how soon you’ll find it easy. If you want some accountability, leave a comment after this post and I’ll check in with you.
Coming soon to the Heartspoken Store
I’m putting the final touches on a new eBook called “Your Heartspoken Note Writer Starter Kit.” It will be a one-stop collection of checklists, tips, inspiration, and prompts. I designed it especially for new note writers, but it’s a handy resource even for you veterans.
I’ll also be adding the ability to be a sponsor of my newsletter.
Stay tuned!
Does your sales or development team need support? Get a group discount!
My monthly action plan—available to all paid members (Heartspoken Circle or Heartspoken Ambassadors)—includes sample notes for both personal and professional correspondence. If you’re a corporate or nonprofit sales or development professional, make sure you’re harnessing the connection power of heartspoken notes with these action plans. If you have a group of at least three people, you qualify for a 20% discount. Note that all three email addresses need to be from the same company URL.
Spotlight on good work
I’ve recently discovered “A Love Letter to Letters” by
, and you can imagine how thrilled I was to find a kindred spirit. You’ll love her newsletter…and the inclusion of an epistolary song (“Letter song of the Week”) at the end of her posts.
Coming up…
Next week I’ll shine a spotlight on the fountain pen inks I use and mention my favorite alternative to the fountain pen.
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Have a great week, and always remember: whether written or spoken,
words from the heart will never fail you!
The Postal Museum, “The Curator’s Talk.”
Alex Walker, “Uncovering the Secret Coded Language of Postage Stamps,” Sitepoint website, May 18, 2016.
Serena, “Guest Post: The Secret Language of Stamp Placement,” Savvy Verse & Wit website, June 27, 2014.
The Postal Museum, “The Curator’s Talk”; Serena, “Guest Post: The Secret Language of Stamp Placement,” Savvy Verse & Wit website, June 27, 2014.
Marjorie Waterfield, “The Secret Language of Postage Stamps During World War II,” Beacon Senior News website, December 1, 2024.
Serena, “Guest Post: The Secret Language of Stamp Placement,” Savvy Verse & Wit website, June 27, 2014.
Elizabeth, this is absolutely fascinating. Who knew all the secrets a post could hold. I did know, but had forgotten about, placing the stamp upside down to indicate romantic feelings when I was writing letters to my high school sweetheart. It was a long distance romance. He lived in Savannah and I lived in Augusta. Twelve years later we married. He’s gone now. I still live in Savannah and have since the day we married. Your post was a poignant reminder of days gone by.
I recall being young and smitten, sending a love letter with the stamp upside down
50 years later I now know why.