December 2013

Issue: 7

Volume: 44

Included in the December issue of the world-leading Gibbons Stamp Monthly, Patrick G Awcock discusses the killer cancels of the 20th century and Basil Herwald explores the fascinating history of Israeli philately.

Contents December 2013

Contents to Volume 44, Number 7


Newsdesk

Tre Skilling Yellow appears at the RPSL; Mail Rail development plans get on track and a special report on the opening of the William H Gross Stamp Gallery.


Society News

The latest reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.


Diary Dates

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.


Around the Houses

News of recent auction results.


New Collector

John Holman discusses 1963 commemoratives, the testing labels of Britain and the United States, and reveals the some festive Christmas postmarks.


GB News

Royal Mail announce the winning designs from its Christmas stamp competition and reveals its special stamp programme for 2014.


Machin Watch

John Deering marks the 20th anniversary of the very first Machin self-adhesive stamps before looking at the latest definitive and Post & Go releases.


20th Century Killer Cancels

Patrick G Awcock discusses the killer cancels of the 20th century and the reasons for their use.


GB Postal Stationery, Postal Labels and Postmarks

John Holman reports on service changes at Parcelforce, highlights a new Drop & Go services for businesses and reveals more unusual labels and postmarks.


GB Specialised Catalogue

The latest supplement to the Great Britain Specialised Catalogue.


The Jamaica Definitives 1951–56

David Horry looks at the possible reasons behind the five-year delay in Jamaica’s first Queen Elizabeth II definitives and examines some associated unissued designs.


Canada's Semi-Official Airmail Stamps

Christer Brunstrom traces the plethora of private airlines that provided semi-official airmail stamps in the isolated communities of Northern Canada until their role was taken over by the Post Office.


The Diarie of Samuel Creeps

More wise words from an ordinarie collector of stamps.


1963—What Did They Commemorate Then?

Peter van Gelder turns back the clock to compare the commemorative stamps issued 50 years ago with modern-day issues.


Creating a Jewel of the Jubilee: Part 8—The European Connection: Romania

The complex history of the Romanian monarchy is explored by John Davis in his latest instalment on the history of European royal families, as depicted by stamps.


Samoa—Threatened Species Definitives: Part 1

A detailed review of the first set in a new series of definitive stamps issued by the Samoa Philatelic Bureau which highlights rare and threatened species.


Six Jersey Post Man of Steel Collector’s Packs to be Won!

Your chance to win one of six copies of Jersey Post’s Man of Steel Collector’s Pack.


Basil in Israel: Part 1

Basil Herwald explores the fascinating history of Israeli philately and the contemporary issues it faces.


Penguins on Stamps

P J Lanspeary provides a comprehensive guide to these amazing birds and the stamp issues they have inspired.


Stamp Hunting

Stamps to look out for from Ceylon.


Competition

Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.


Grandeur and Gravure: The Stamps of Pierre Bequet

David Roseveare looks back at the life and work of the late French artist Pierre Bequet who was responsible for over 700 stamps.


Shore to Shore

Island Hopper reports on the new 2013 Yearbooks from the Isle of Man and Guernsey, and reveals the latest Christmas stamps and a some special Royal-related issues from Jersey.


Panorama

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


Stamp News in Brief

Your monthly summary of recent and forthcoming stamp issues from the world’s philatelic bureaux.


The Unissued Stamps of Queen Elizabeth II/Catalogue Column

More tongue-in-cheek fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection. SG catalogue editor, Hugh Jefferies, discusses the recent numbering changes in Collect British Stamps and reveals an interesting new St Vincent watermark variety.


Catalogue Supplement

The latest, 17-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.