Dating Postboxes

The most reliable clue is the royal cypher on the box. VR indicates Victorian; E VII R, Edward VII; GR, George V; and so on. See the Identification Guide and the Royal Cyphers article for details. The cypher gives you the reign; exact year usually isn't on the box.

Certain forms and subtypes were made in specific periods. For example, Penfold pillars are 1866–1879 (Victoria). Type K pillars are common from George V onwards. Ludlow-style wall boxes are often VR or E VII R. Combining cypher with form and subtype narrows the date range.

When adding or correcting a postbox you can optionally enter a "date in service" if you have a reliable source (e.g. from historical records). This is not required; many entries only have the reign.