European Stamp Collars and Porte Timbres

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Stamp collars were a popular device in the early 20th century in Europe, especially in France (where they were called "porte timbres"). They were most often used for patriotic or charitable messages. One received them in return for a donation to the cause, then used them either alone, or with a postage stamp added. The center, where the stamp could be placed, was sometimes totally blank, but usually bore a simple message either supporting the organization selling them, or explaining their use. The border contained a message to surround the postage stamp and promote the cause. In the US, stamp collars were printed on envelopes, usually as advertising, hence were called "Advertising Collars." PATRIOTIC COLLARS ANTI-ALCOHOL COLLAR CHARITY COLLARS SMICHOV II LABEL, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, 1908 Another web page about Czech stamp collars - Podlepka : what is it ?