Collectibles firm Stanley Gibbons hailed its “remarkable” performance after profits rose 13 per cent to £1.4 million in the first six months of 2009.

The company, which sells goods ranging from rare Penny Blacks to autographs by Marilyn Monroe, saw sales rise by 18 per cent to £9.6 million after its growing network of sales agents generated £1.1 million of business with overseas clients.

Stanley Gibbons also said worldwide recognition of its brand name and greater use of the internet helped it make progress in the period.

Chairman Martin Bralsford said the “exceptional” result of the company’s most recent public auction showed continued high demand for quality material, despite the difficult market conditions.

Realisations from the event in June surpassed expectations with a number of the higher value lots achieving returns well above estimates.

Elsewhere in the retail operation, sales to collectors of British stamps were five per cent higher than in the same period last year with sales to collectors of British Commonwealth countries ahead 18 per cent.

Mr Bralsford added: “The company’s performance in the first six months of the financial year is remarkable in the prevailing market conditions.”

Stanley Gibbons has said in the past that record low savings rates and the weaker pound were helping to boost demand for its products.

The company was founded in 1856 by Edward Stanley Gibbons in London.