2008 award winner! This booklet provides an introduction to 1st and 2nd Class Official Mail in the UK, with a focus on the early years of the two-tier system. It has, as its basis, a selection of articles published in various philatelic magazines and booklets over many years. The only previous attempt to discuss these marks, of which we are aware, is by John F. Gilbert. His '1st Class markings on Government Official Stationery' was published in 1974 and is now difficult to find. Our booklet is the sole, readily available resource on this key change to the British postal system. This change has been ignored for too long. Awarded a Large Silver at the Australian Canberra Stamp Show 2008 in the National Class. Reviewed in UK's 'Stamp Magazine' March 2009. 43 sides, with full colour illustrations only. Key words- 1st Class mail, 2nd Class Mail, First Class Mail, Second Class Mail.