The Philatelic Traders' Society was formed in 1929 by a group of established stamp dealers who wished to found a society which would act for, and on behalf of its members, for the greater good of philately.

The first Chairman was Albert H. Harris who had established a highly successful publishing company producing, amongst its range, specialist albums and accessories. The Secretary of the newly formed PTS was Vera Trinder, who in turn took over the business founded by Albert H. Harris and continues to trade today.

The Philatelic Traders Society was incorporated as a Limited Company on the 14th. September 1946. Early on, the Society began organising trade bourses, and these developed into the well-known Stampex exhibitions. Stampex Ltd. was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary in 1966.

The Society has, since 1991, been located within the British Philatelic Centre where close relationships with the British Philatelic Trust and the major collector societies benefits all. Membership currently stands at 600 dealers and postal administrations, with over half trading overseas.

All Members of the Society are subject to the approval of the PTS Council and its membership. Applicants must provide references which are rigorously checked, and only when the Council is satisfied are they affiliated. Each Member agrees to abide by a Code of Ethics and the Articles of Association. Complaints and disputes between collectors, dealers and Members are taken up by the Society, and this is the Guarantee of Integrity extended to all those who deal with PTS Members.