This ubiquitously named section I have used  principally to identify the different value tablets used in printing. The obvious examples are the first, wide, values displayed which are easily  recognised when viewed next to a similar value in the more recent, narrower,  format. There are quite a few more variations, however, and even in the early 70s there were distinct differences in tablets used in attempts to make the face value clear. I have used what I understand to be the generally accepted  numbering of these types but will include illustrations soon to help in their  identification.

The other feature included as a sub-section of 'type'  for some issues is the type of adhesive used. Obviously, this can only be  detected on unused stamps and, whilst few of us will mount our stamps face down,  there is a clearly visible difference between those I have listed. As for some  of the other features described elsewhere, there have been many errors resulting in the wrong type of adhesive being applied and even cases of none being put on  at all! There are also some lovely examples of stamps printed on the gummed side  of the paper!. Great fun as some of these may be, I have to exclude them. Basically, if you can't readily see the difference in adhesive then I don't  include it as a separate item.

More recently I've used the Type column to distinguish the 1997 new printings which created a pretty clear new series which it could be argued is still running. At the time of writing there is quite a lot being said about RMS printing which produces a usually much clearer, sharper image. Most existing stock is supposed to be being reprinted which, coupled with significant rate changes making some values redundant, should make some of these reprints pretty rare as they'll be pulled off the shelves as soon as they appear, as will be new values rushed out on that were not RMS but soon will be. I don't really understand this all yet and am investigating but thought I'd mention why I've added that 'type'. There are also now two self-adhesives: 42p and 68p. I guess that is a type that I'll definitely need!

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