postbox

A postbox, also called a mailbox in some regions, is a secure container placed in public or semi-public locations to receive letters and small parcels from the public. It is typically owned and maintained by a postal authority or a contracted carrier, and mail deposited there is collected for sorting and delivery.

Postboxes are usually metal and vary by type. Common forms include stand-alone pillar boxes mounted on the ground, wall-mounted boxes affixed to building exteriors, and internal drop boxes for offices and communal housing. They have a mail slot or flap for depositing mail and a locked compartment that is accessed by postal workers. Many boxes display a unique serial number and collection times. Colors and branding differ by country; in the United Kingdom, traditional pillar boxes are red, while in other countries postboxes may be blue, green, or other colors and may bear the national postal emblem.

Usage and operations: Mail placed in a postbox is collected at scheduled times and transported to processing facilities. Collection schedules vary; some boxes are emptied several times a day, others once daily. Some locations have automatic collection indicators or stickers showing last collection time. Security features aim to deter theft and unauthorised access.

History: The modern street postbox emerged in the 19th century. The United Kingdom introduced pillar boxes in the 1850s and 1860s, and other countries adopted similar designs over the following decades.