Rare Post Box Still Situated at Stanley Park

Edward VIII post boxes are rare due to his short reign (326 days in 1936) and subsequent abdication. Approximately 161 pillar boxes and a smaller number of other types were produced during his time on the throne. These boxes are now sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of British post box history. They feature Edward VIII’s distinct royal cypher, which is an ornate font with the letters “E” and “R” (Rex/Regina) distinct and separate. The short reign and subsequent abdication led to a limited production of boxes with his cipher. Pillar boxes (type A) are rarer than narrower type B boxes. Edward VIII boxes are scattered throughout the British Isles. After Edward’s abdication, many boxes with his cipher were modified or replaced with those bearing the cipher of his successor, George VI.

The majority of Edward VIII boxes were freestanding pillar boxes rather than wall boxes. Current information from the Letter Box Study Group (2019) suggests around 271 boxes were made in 1936, 171 of which were pillar boxes. It is thought that 171 boxes survive in the United Kingdom around 30 of which are in Scotland.