Couriers Collection

District Messengers / Gpo
Young boys worked as GPO District Couriers and delivered packages all over London. Here, they leave the District Messenger & Theatre Office. Date: circa 1930

Bell 47G-1 G-ARIA (msn D-6), of Air Couriers Ltd. at Biggin Hill. Date: circa 1958

Swiss courier
3785925 Swiss courier by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Swiss courier - illustration after 15th century statue in Bale, Switzerland)

Western Union messenger boys, Houston, Texas, 1913 (b / w photo)
1126610 Western Union messenger boys, Houston, Texas, 1913 (b/w photo) by Hine, Lewis Wickes (1874-1940); Private Collection; (add.info)

Portrait of Sir John Harington (engraving)
819492 Portrait of Sir John Harington (engraving) by Custodis, Hieronymus (fl.1589-93); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir John Harington)

Trade card, The George (engraving)
732111 Trade card, The George (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Trade card, The George, Commercial Posting and Family Hotel)

Canute and his courtiers
LLM338123 Canute and his courtiers by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Canute and his courtiers)

Copy of a small goblet with the itinerary of the Roman postal service
CHT224164 Copy of a small goblet with the itinerary of the Roman postal service, found at Aquae Apollinaris near Rome (metal) by French School, (19th century); Musee de la Poste, Paris

Boer messengers carrying news of victory at the Battle of Colenso (colour litho)
2819125 Boer messengers carrying news of victory at the Battle of Colenso (colour litho) by Belon, Jose (d.1927); Private Collection; (add.info)

Airspeed AS. 5 Courier G-ADAY
Airspeed AS.5 Courier G-ADAY (msn 27), of Portsmouth Southsea and Isle of Wight Aviation (PSIOWA). Due to persistent maintenance problems with the retractable undercarriage

DISTRICT MESSENGERS / GPO
Young boys worked as GPO District Couriers and delivered packages all over London. They wore a distinct uniform with badges on their hats. Date: circa 1930

Changing horses at the Pony Express Date: circa 1860

Thessaloniki, Greece - Quai Messageries. Date: circa 1901

Adams Express Company Couriers. A delivery company since the 1830s, in 1854 it was re-organised as Adams Express. Following a robbery

Courier between Vienna and Stockholm bringing the message of the peace in Altranstadt between, Sweden, Poland and Sachsen implying the king August II lost the crown of Poland, 1706. Date: 1706

A canine courier of the great war, an officer writes a message as the dog waits to deliver it in the trenches. The dogs were three times faster at delivering messages compared to man

Egypt - Runners / Messangers Date: 1908

American soldiers from Divisional Signal Company, releasing courier pigeons on frontline during World War Two, near Liberi, Campania, Italy, october 1943 (U.S. Army Signal Corps)

British courier pigeon loft in trailer, adapted for use by American Army Signal Corps during World War Two, Tidworth, England, july 1943 (U.S. Army Signal Corps)

American soldiers from Reconnaissance Troop of 1st Cavalry Divison, releasing courier pigeons with messages for headquarters during World War Two, Ami Island, Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago

Carbon neutral transport. This van is part of the Courier Systems company, a UK company that uses a carbon offset scheme to balance their carbon emissions

Turkish Christmas Card
Christmas card sent by Ferdinando de Paruta who was the Director of the International Couriers and Guides Office of Pera, Constantinople. Card produced by Sebah and Joaillier in Constantinople

Commissionaire Petherick
London characters: The commissionaire, who performs much the same functions as the couriers of the 21st century

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Couriers have long been the unsung heroes of communication, bridging distances and delivering messages with utmost dedication. From the early days of District Messengers in bustling cities to the iconic GPO (General Post Office), their presence has shaped our interconnected world. In a bygone era, the Bell 47G-1 G-ARIA helicopter soared through the skies, embodying the Swiss courier spirit - swift and efficient. Meanwhile, "The Singularity of War" lithograph captured their pivotal role during times of conflict, showcasing their resilience amidst chaos. Looking back at history, we witness Western Union messenger boys in Houston, Texas in 1913 through a captivating black and white photograph. Their youthful energy symbolized determination as they navigated streets to deliver important missives. Even centuries ago, they were revered figures; Sir John Harington's engraved portrait immortalizes his contribution to postal services. Similarly, The George trade card showcases how these messengers were essential for businesses to thrive. Not limited to mundane tasks alone, couriers even found themselves entwined in legends like Canute and his courtiers who relied on them for vital information. A small goblet adorned with Roman postal service itineraries serves as a testament to their enduring legacy. During times of triumph or tragedy alike, couriers played an integral role. Boer messengers carrying news of victory at the Battle of Colenso are depicted vividly in a colorful lithograph - brave bearers of hope amidst turmoil. Advancing into modernity brings us closer to Airspeed AS. 5 Courier G-ADAY aircraft that revolutionized delivery systems while maintaining reliability and timeliness – hallmarks cherished by all couriers worldwide.