Exhibition Classes

All exhibits are prepared in accordance with a specific exhibition class.

A class is a description of the type of material or the method of presentation of that material.  Some of these classes are very specific, such as Traditional Philately which relates purely to stamps, or restrictive such as Aerophilately which limits the type of material which may be included.  There are also classes which allow for a wide range of material such as Thematic Philately, as well as classes which permit the inclusion of non-philatelic material, such as the Open and Polar classes.

There are specific rules and guidelines associated with each of these classes, many of which are recognized on a world-wide basis, whilst some classes have been developed specifically for Australian collectors to widen the scope of exhibiting and thus allow more collectors to enjoy the associated experience.

The worldwide, or Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) classes and the class number generally associated with them, are

National (Non-FIP) and Experimental Classes

In Australia, the Australian Philatelic Federation also operates a number of additional non-FIP and experimental classes.  These are generally available at most National Exhibitions, however intending exhibitors should always check the exhibition prospectus closely, especially those exhibitions designated as Modified National Exhibitions where typically only a selection of classes is offered.  The Australian APF Classes are

There are different formats for presenting an exhibit – they can be either multi or single frame.  Single frame exhibits are known as One Frame exhibits, and have a slightly different set of rules, although one frame exhibits are judged in the class in which they are entered.

Clicking on the class name will retrieve the rules and judging guidelines for that class.

FIP Commission Websites

In addition to the rules and guidelines for each of the FIP classes, there are Commission websites, which provide information that explains, interprets and supplements the rules and guidelines.

Traditional Philately

This is the official home page for the Traditional Philately Commission within FIP. The commission defines the rules, regulations and guidelines for judging traditional philately at international FIP stamp exhibitions. http://www.traditionalphilately.dk/

Postal History

The numerous features of this website include a news page, list of Commission Members (with photos), list of Commission Delegates, Regulations and Guidelines for Postal History, information on upcoming seminars on Postal History, Exhibition calendar, links page and References List. See https://postalhistory.f-i-p.ch/

Postal Stationery

Information on all facets of the Postal Stationery Commission can be found on this website including contact information for the Commission’s officers and delegates.  There is a special section with postal stationery displays and exhibits from 16-160 pages each.  Postal stationery exhibitors can request to have their exhibit put up on the website. See https://postalstationery.f-i-p.ch/

Aerophilately

A comprehensive reference source including links to aerophilately societies, a books page, a Questions and Answers page, the FIP’s Special Regulations in full, and lots more. See http://www.fipaero.org/

Astrophilately

Maintained by Australia ‘s own Charles Bromser, the Astrophilately Commission website provides a wealth of information on the exhibiting class of astrophilately.  It includes an exhibitions page where the Astrophilately class is being offered, a world wide list of relevant clubs and societies, and a comprehensive resources page with even more links. See https://astrophilately.f-i-p.ch/

Thematic Philately

This site boasts a similar wealth of information and links plus some no-nonsense explanations of what is and what is not Thematic Philately especially designed for beginners. See https://thematicphilately.f-i-p.ch/

Maximaphily

No website at present.

Revenues

For website see http://www.fip-revenue.org/

Philatelic Literature

The FIP’s Literature Commission website provides everything you need to know beginning with a thorough definition and discussion page on the term Philatelic Literature There are also some handy links to Literature dealers, other Literature websites plus all the usual FIP contact and rules information.
Additional Assistance See http://fipliterature.org/

If you are experiencing difficulties with any of these classes, additional assistance can be obtained from the following.  Click on the contact name to generate an email request.

The above contacts are also shown on the Contacts page, under the headings of FIP Commission Delegates and APF Experimental Classes.