The following notes are extracted from Michael Rucklidge's history of the Society, published in 1998.

Pre-founding

Although perfins were introduced by Sloper in 1868 it was many years before they were recognised as worthy of study by philatelists.

For a long time most collectors regarded them as damaged stamps and destroyed them. This attitude lasted until comparatively recently, but has changed markedly in the last twenty years. The change is due partly to the publication of articles in the philatelic press and the efforts of our members.

Several collectors did study perfins in the 1920 to 1945 period, notably Hugh Vallency, who published a short monograph in 1933, Dr Rendall and Charles Bein who corresponded with other collectors chiefly in the USA.

Founding

After World War II perfin enthusiasts corresponded and when, in 1956, Charles Jennings had a two part article about perfins published in Stamp Collecting, more people wrote for further information. They were directed to Ron Bowman who had already been selected as the contact person for their small group.

In 1957 the number of correspondents had risen to twenty and in July 1957 they founded the Society we know today.

The original title was ”GB Perfin Study Group”. At the end of 1963 it became ”Security Endorsement & Perfin Society of GB”. At the London meeting in November 1983 it was decided that the title ”The Perfin Society” be adopted.

Membership

Since the modest beginning of 28 members there has been a steady increase to the present total of over 300. This growth is partly due to introduction by existing members and partly to the appearance of articles on perfins in the philatelic press which usually result in a few new members.

Although the Society’s main concern is the study of the perfins of the UK, we have a considerable number of members from overseas.

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