December 2014

Contents to Volume 45, Number 7

The latest developments from around the world including: the Inverted Jenny block that has set a new record price, details on the London 2015 Court of Honour and a report from Stanley Gibbons’ Royal Warrant Centenary event.

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

John Holman sees what the stamps of Rwanda have to offer, and reveals the hidden dates on British stamps.

Royal Mail’s 2014 annual products revealed.

Despite the outbreak of World War II, the philatelic world was not to be denied the opportunity to mark the centenary of the Penny Black, as Derek Connell reveals in his latest article on the International Exhibitions of London.

Alan Sacks continues his philatelic tour of London’s blue plaques.

John Deering provides a round-up of the 2014 mixed definitive/commemorative retail booklets and presents more information on the MA14-dated Machin Post & Go.

The latest supplement to the Great Britain Specialised Catalogue.

Canada introduced a registered mail service in 1855; however, it was to be another 20 years before stamps designed specifically for the purpose were introduced. John Hillson discusses the introduction and development of Canada’s registered letter stamps.

Through the use of contemporary postal items, Anthony Walker examines the naval battle for the Falklands, contested between German and British forces, which took place a century ago this month.

More readers have their say, courtesy of the GSM postbag.

Having detailed the development of India’s first post-independence stamp in last month’s GSM, Pradip Jain now discusses the recorded varieties and noteworthy uses surrounding this important and very popular issue.

In the penultimate article in his popular series discussing the postmarks of the King George VI era, David Horry highlights key Falkland Island examples, including killer cancels, slogans and Madam Joseph forgeries.

Stamps to look out for from Perlis.

Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.

Reviews on the latest philatelic publications.

Although Easter Island didn’t have a regular postal service until 1953, Steve Pendleton has discovered a number of ‘legendary’ items of postal history that predate its introduction.

A wide variety of patriotic covers and charity labels were produced by the people of Jamaica during both World Wars. Ian Jakes explores a selection of philatelic material used on the island to support the war effort.

Your monthly summary of recent and forthcoming stamp issues from around the world.

Alison Boyd investigates the stories behind some of the latest stamp issues from around the world.

New releases from Britain’s island bureaus, including Guernsey’s 2014 Yearbook and Christmas issues from Jersey and the Isle of Man.

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.

Hugh Jefferies highlights the varieties to be found on the British South Africa Company Victoria Falls set of 1905.

A 17-page update to the Stanley Gibbons catalogue.