The Handyside Postbox

Handyside post boxes were on nearly every street corner.Post boxes are a common feature of streets the world over. Letters were for many years the only way to communicate over long distances. This pillar letter box was made by Andrew Handyside & Co, Derby and originally located in Leicester.

Andrew Handyside was a Glaswegian who took over the Britannia Foundry in Derby in 1848. The castings manufactured by the firm were renowned all over the world for their strength and quality. Post boxes were only a small part of their output. Civil engineering was a specialty, including bridges, piers and railway station roofs. They also made ornamental ironwork such as fountains and lamp standards. In 1853 they made their first post box securing a contract in 1879 to supply large quantities. They continued to manufacture all varieties of post box into the early 20th Century. You will find many products including the post boxes still in regular use on a street near you!

Handyside post boxes were on nearly every street corner.