Cut square

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In philately, a cut square is a rectangular or square piece cut from postal stationery which includes all parts of the item's imprinted design related to postal uses, including any surcharges, overprints or pre-cancels. If used, it may also include the postmark. It is distinguished from an 'entire' (the complete postal stationery item) or the more common practice of earlier eras of 'cutting to shape', or removing all the paper apart from the imprint design.

While most collectors nowadays prefer entire envelopes and postcards, a great many cut squares were created years ago. Some types of stationery are only known to survive in the form of cut squares. Cut squares, even of modern stamped envelopes, are still considered to be collectible as well, although modern collectors generally eschew the practice of cutting to shape.