Wafer seals are self-adhesive paper disks used to seal envelopes or prepare self-shipped materials for delivery. They were derived from sealing wax seals and were used for document protection. Today, they are sold in rolls and used for sealing bulky brochures or providing decorative seals for envelopes. They come in various styles and colors and are used to secure folded material for mailing.
If you’ve ever received newsletters or brochures in the mail, chances are they were held together by wafer seals. They are self-adhesive paper disks used to prepare self-shipped materials for delivery or to seal envelopes securely without glue. Some wafer seals are perforated to prevent damage when opening, while others may be indented for decoration or embossed for customization. Many stamp collectors also have an interest in certain period or historic seals.
The use of wafer seals for self-mailed envelopes and documents was most likely derived from the earlier practice of using sealing wax seals. Official wafer seals could also be commissioned to verify the authenticity of a military decree or order. Any hint of tampering or unauthorized reading could be detected by examining the seals. It is these elaborate versions that are most of interest to stamp collectors today. As other forms of document protection, such as the self-sealing envelope, have become more common, the use of official wafer seals has declined. The practice is now mostly used during ceremonies or as official seals on formal invitations.
Today, most wafer seals are sold in rolls at office supply stores and party stores. The more generic versions may also be called mail cards. Their main functions are to seal self-mailed newsletters and other bulky brochures and to provide a decorative seal for envelopes.
Changes in the postal system have resulted in an increase in the need for postal cards. Folded newsletters and other self-mailers can no longer be stapled sealed. The approved solution is to use a wafer seal or two along the bottom or top edge of the folded material for security. Seals must be placed in specific areas, usually near edges, so that they do not block any official postal barcode or address information.
Wafer seals come in a variety of styles and colors, from butterfly economy cars to embossed invitation seals. Some are light in color, while others can be shiny or metallic. There are also versions suitable for particular holidays or other occasions.
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