Pillar boxes
Contents
Overview
Examples of pillar boxes encountered on my walks. Many older and more unusual types are unlikely to appear here.
Penfold
Originally manufactured from 1866 by Cochran, Grove & Company, they were later re-issued in 1988 by Machan Engineering as official replicas. So far, I’ve only come across a single replica. Learning that this example was a replica was a bit like Deckard realising that the toad he discovered was artificial. With that said, the Letter Box Study Group records (as of 2026) lists only 138 surviving originals and 82 replicas, so this was still a fortuitous find. (Brief details on the Penfold type are given on the LBSG’s About Us page.)
Types A and B
The “conventional” pillar box forms come in A (larger diameter) and B (smaller diameter) sizes.
Handyside
The original design of simple cylindrical pillar box, this type was introduced during Victoria’s reign and continued into the reign of Edward VII. The early examples were “anonymous”, lacking the royal cypher. Manufactured by Andrew Handyside & Company.
“Amiga”
Observed from Edward VII through to Elizabeth II. The aperture reminds me of a Commodore Amiga for some reason, but these need a better nickname.
“Beak”
These are Elizabeth II only: this type was introduced during Elizabeth II’s reign and was ultimately replaced by the Romec steel type before her death.
The aperture is boxed in, and for some reason makes me think of a large beak.
Type C, double
Two apertures side-by-side. These are often Machan. The Machan type follows the style of the old Handyside pillar boxes, rather than the later designs.
Types D and E
Oval in cross section as with type C but with a single aperture at one side (rather than the “front” as per type C) and a stamp vending machine at the other. Not encountered.
Type K
Oh dear. Only believed to be a single size, rather than separate A and B sizes.
Romec
Pressed steel type, manufactured by Romec and its successor organisation(s). Photos pending.