The dealer in historical signatures and stamps, Stanley Gibbons has doubled its online sales in addition to its success in in-store sales. Wise investors have chosen collectables to protect themselves against rising inflation.

Martin Bralsford, chairman Stanley Gibbons, states that it was never clear how the investment in collectibles as an alternative asset could be beneficial to an investor. But historical signatures and rare stamps are enabling a safe business diversification in unfavourable economic conditions and also offering a hedge against inflation.

Bralsford goes on to add that collecting is a passion; hence there is no correlation between property prices or stock market and other form of investments with the prices of stamps and historical signatures. He argues that high inflation times have always witnessed increase in demand of collectables.
Stanley Gibbon, the oldest stamp dealer in the world, registered 6% jump in profit before tax to £1.8m. Sales of its memorabilia, autographs and rare stamps shot up by 12% to £9.8m. The company was able to tap in to the US and Far East market through internet after redesigning its website.

Company’s shares gained 5.7% to 166.25p. Company announced 14% raise in interim dividend to 2p a share.
According to company officials, the GB30 rarities stamp price index for the British stamps, rose by 39% over last year.