cheaper post.

[bluearmyman]

was it any cheaper to send an ordinary letter with the flap tucked in, opposed to sticking flap down.

[redcrx]

does it weigh the same?

[ummmm]

lol....just lol

[mike11111]

Before the introduction of first/second class post in 1968 an unsealed letter was charged at postcard rates. At the time I'm thinking of a letter cost 3d whereas an unsealed one/postcard cost 2d. This was early 60s.

[daisya]

Yes it was years ago.

[bluearmyman]

Reason for asking, someone older than me said she can remember the difference between the two, but I think she is mistaken, hopefully an old/retired postmaster/mistress will be on line and can answer.

[DTCwordfan]

They used to send out your Herpes results unsealed so all could read.....2d instead of 3d....though one could argue that the spots appeared in 3d.

[Jonathan-Joe]

I think some who have responded didn't note that the question begins "was".

[mike11111]

She is not mistaken. See my answer above.

[Mamyalynne]

It used to be cheaper that way but no more.

[gingejbee]

mike: some people don't bother reading the answers - or the questions properly!

[Buenchico]

Greetings cards could be sent at the (cheaper) 'postcard rate', as long as flap was left unsealed, until 15th September 1968. The reason that the flap had to be left unsealed was so that Post Office staff could (theoretically) check that the card contained no more than 5 words "of conventional greeting" (which was the maximum allowed at the lower rate of postage).

On 16th September 1968 the new system of First and Second Class postage was introduced, removing concessions for postcards or greetings cards.

Chris

[bluearmyman]

Many thanks to all.
Mike11111 I posted reply before your answer came on screen.
DTcrosswordfan, hope all clear now.

[bluearmyman]

Chris, you have covered it all, many thanks.
gingejbee, i'm not one of them.

[spudqueen]

How times change, now you can't send unsealed mail through the post at all. A security issue. And topical.