A post box, also known as a collection box, mailbox, letter box or drop box, is a physical box into which members of the public can deposit outgoing mail intended for collection by the agents of a country's postal service. The term post box can also refer to a private letter box for incoming mail.
Postbox of the Russian Post in Moscow
A Victorian era Type B pillar postbox in Hull
First Paris Street letter box from c. 1850
A British Lamp Box post box of the circa-1954 pattern in Eaves, Lancashire
A letter box, letterbox, letter plate, letter hole, mail slot or mailbox is a receptacle for receiving incoming mail at a private residence or business. For outgoing mail, post boxes are often used for depositing the mail for collection, although some letter boxes are also capable of holding outgoing mail for a carrier to pick up.
Letterboxes or mailboxes use the following primary designs:A slot in a wall or door through which mail is delivered
A box attached directly to the building
A box mounted at or near the street
A centralised mail delivery station consisting of individual mailboxes for an entire building also known as a "flock" throughout the South Island of New Zealand and parts of America.
A centralised mail delivery station consisting of individual mailboxes for multiple recipients at multiple addresses in a particular neighborhood or community
A mail slot in London, located in the middle of the front door
A cast-iron letter box
An attached or wall-mount letterbox, with a hook underneath for newspapers
Community letter box station in France