About me

My name is Matias Roskos. Since I first encountered stamps in 1984, the fascination for this wonderful blend of history and design has never left me. Philately broadens one's perspective. The stories that stamps, a block, or a postcard tell are boundless – in both time and space. Although the "time" part is only partially true, as stamps have only existed for less than 200 years. And space? Philately encompasses the entire inhabited world. While it defines itself through national borders, it also transcends them with wonderful ease.

Stamps have value. At their "birth," this value is printed on paper. Later, it develops in different directions, based on rarity (or lack thereof), on errors that occurred during production, on historical developments for which the stamp is not responsible, on their use (on letters, documents), or even their non-use. Mint condition items retain the untouched state from their creation. Stamps are therefore both capital and poetry. They can be beautiful, or rare, or even both. In any case, they tell stories, if you ask them. Stories from another time, from another country, about events, about hopes. Also sad stories: of war, of colonization, of oppression. But often, stamps are also hope: hope for happiness, for the beautiful, the good. And sometimes also for appreciation in value and a good return.

Initially, I wanted to collect the whole world. Germany was too small for me from the start. Soon I realized that the world is far too big for one person alone. And so, over time, specialized areas emerged in which I am more knowledgeable than in others. The British Empire until the collapse of the colonial empire. But also the stamps of the Soviet Union until 1945. Here, I am often fascinated by the outstanding design of the stamps. Portuguese colonies. Danish colonies (yes, they existed). Dutch East Indies. And much more belongs to my private collection. I am particularly fond of postal stationery. The older, the better. Preferably used. From far away. The more interesting is the story that such a card or letter can tell.

All of this has fascinated me for over 40 years. With my online shop, I want to share this fascination with you. Enjoy browsing, discovering, and collecting. Of history and design all in one.