Oxfam's shop at 13 Rosemount Viaduct recently sold four historic Royal Mail covers at a specialist stamp auction in London for a total of £900.
The items included three Queen Elizabeth II 1953 Coronation First Day Covers and a 1952 New Reign Souvenir Cover. While the covers themselves are relatively common among stamp collectors, these examples carried something far more unusual: highly sought-after royal postmarks from Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Sandringham.
Of the four, the Sandringham postmark proved to be the most valuable.
The covers were discovered as part of a large donation made to the Rosemount shop. Recognising they might be of particular interest to collectors, the shop's volunteer stamp specialist carried out further research and sought expert advice from a specialist auction house.
With little information readily available online, the knowledge and curiosity of the Rosemount team proved crucial in uncovering the significance of the items.
The covers were subsequently entered into a specialist stamp auction in London, where collectors competed to secure the rare pieces.
Shop Manager Amanda Belalta said: "We never know what might come through our doors, and that's one of the many things that makes working in an Oxfam shop so special. At first glance these covers looked fairly ordinary, but thanks to the expertise of our volunteer stamp specialist we realised they could be something much more significant.
"It's wonderful to think that a donation from a local supporter has been transformed into £900 that can help support Oxfam's work around the world. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to donate to our shops."
As Oxfam marks Second Hand September, the discovery highlights the hidden treasures that can be found in items people no longer need. Although most donations won't uncover a rare collector's item, every donation has the potential to make a difference, helping to raise money for Oxfam's work while giving valuable goods a new lease of life and keeping them in use for longer.
Anyone looking to declutter their home can donate quality items to their local Oxfam shop, helping give pre-loved goods a new life while supporting Oxfam's mission to build a fairer world.
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For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Media and Communications Adviser, Oxfam Scotland: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
