About Ian Boulton | Philatelic Consultant & Valuer
A Lifetime Dedicated to Philately
Since 1990, I have dedicated my career to the study of philatelic material, with a particular focus on the early issues of Western Australia and the British Commonwealth.
“I believe in a transparent approach. My role is to help you understand the current market reality of your items.”
Today, I balance my time between formal appraisals and hosting local auctions through Ace Stamp Auctions, maintaining a deep connection to both the historical and commercial sides of the hobby.
40+
years experience
2005
founded Ian Boulton Stamp Dealer
2012
founded Perth Stamp & Coin Show
Career Timeline
INCEPTION & CLUB FOUNDING • EARLY DAYS
The Schoolyard Spark & First Deals
Like most dealers, Ian began collecting early, executing his first deal at age 12 at primary school. He doubled his money on a mint 1971 Christmas block of seven, investing the proceeds immediately into Western Australian postmarks. At 15, he founded the Tresillian Junior Stamp Club in Perth and joined the WA Philatelic Council in a youth role, sparking a lifelong interest in collecting for many local youths.
Stamp collecting at an early age
1987 • AMERICA’S CUP ERA
America’s Cup & Regional Philately
The America’s Cup hit Perth, bringing a unique opportunity to work with the Australia Post Philatelic Department. This period involved endless postmarking and a love/hate relationship with early Frama machines. Concurrently, Ian briefly experimented with exporting kiloware to the Japanese tourist market, relying on his grandmother and her next-door neighbor as an envelope-cutting ‘workforce’ before they famously opted to return to knitting.
Cup-Pex ’87 Opening Day Stamp
LONDON BREAKTHROUGH • 1990
London ’90 & Stanley Gibbons Appointment
After working part-time for a local dealer while studying at university, Ian traveled to the London ’90 exhibition to display his prized Kingsford Smith Airmails collection. On a whim, he applied for a junior auction valuer role at the legendary Stanley Gibbons on The Strand. Hoping only to register interest for the future, he was astonished to be hired on the spot, starting work that following Monday.
A young Ian Boulton at his desk in Stanley Gibbons aged 20
1999 – 2004 • CORPORATE LEADERSHIP
Directorship & The Royal Collection
Over 15 years, Ian rose through Stanley Gibbons, managing the Mail Order Department and Business Development Unit, becoming a Board Director in 1999 and Sales Director in 2000. In 2001, he worked alongside the Chairman of Stanley Gibbons, David Springbett and the Keeper of the Royal Collection, Charles Goodwin, to obtain the Kirkcudbrightshire Penny Black First Day Cover for the Royal Philatelic Collection. It is one of the rarest and most historically significant Penny Black FDCs, featuring ten 1d black stamps arranged in two rows and sent on 6 May 1840. In 2004, concerned with the company’s shift toward investment marketing, Ian returned to Perth with his English wife Christine to focus on transparent, honest dealing.
The Keeper of the Royal Collection, Charles Goodwin
INDEPENDENT ENTERPRISE • 2005
Establishing World-Class Local Expertise
Ian founded his own stamp-dealing business in Perth, directly transferring world-class London expertise to Western Australia. Committed to a professional, dedicated, and strictly honest approach, he prioritised fair pricing and educated sellers on current market conditions, building an incredibly loyal following of local collectors and regional legal estates.
The commencement of Ian Boulton Stamp Dealer
2012 • INDUSTRY INNOVATION
Founding the Perth Stamp & Coin Show
Believing Perth deserved a premier show, Ian founded the annual Perth Stamp & Coin Show. Held every March, the event has blossomed into WA’s leading philatelic and numismatic attraction. Bringing together 30 international, national, and local dealers, it has become the undeniable crown jewel of the state’s collecting calendar.
The first Perth Stamp & Coin Show
APTA & PTS LEADERSHIP • PRESENT DAY
Industry Leadership & High Standards
Ian serves as Vice President of the Australasian Philatelic Traders’ Association (APTA). He is also a registered member of the Internet Philatelic Dealers Association (IPDA) and the Philatelic Traders’ Society (PTS) in London. Under these rigorous designations, Ian remains pledged to the highest commercial and ethical dealing standards.
The 15th Anniversary of the Perth Stamp & Coin Show
The king of hobbies deserves nothing less than the highest level of professionalism and enthusiasm. Every collection tells a story, and it is my privilege to help preserve and value that history.