December 2021

Contents to Volume 52, Number 7

The latest philatelic news from around the world.

John Davies reports back from the first post-lockdown Congress, which made a fitting return to Harrogate.

More reports from the nation’s philatelic societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

Richard West looks at more collectable philatelic material left behind by past UK international philatelic exhibitions, including items from London 1980 and Stamp World London 90.

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

Royal Mail lines up a new eight-stamp issue to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

In this month’s roundup for modern GB collectors, John Deering examines a surprising feature on Royal Mail’s 2021 Christmas issue and scrutinises the new DC Collection issue in the search for new Machin finds.

In order to save time when sending last minute items such as newspapers through the postal system, the Post Office gave permission to certain companies to use handstamps to pre-cancel mail. Stephen Panting provides an illustrated guide.

The latest supplement to the Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Specialised Catalogue.

For his latest article on classic British Colonial and Protectorate stamps, Noel Davenhill illustrates the stamp issues of the Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga.

Using contemporary accounts, stamps and postal history, Nicholas Oughton continues the story of two Australian brothers who joined up to fight for king and country during World War II.

In another article on countries which no longer exist, John Moody concludes his two-part investigation of the stamps issued for use in the International Zone of Tangier.

In the first of a two-part report, Michael Round reveals the postal history offered by his recent discovery of an  important philatelic treasure.

Susan McEwen FRPSL of the Malaya Study Group reveals how one man’s forethought has provided collectors with a vast amount of important postal history from the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

In 1910, a special set of 15 stamps was issued by Chile to mark the centenary of independence. Christer Brunström looks at each design which commemorate the key events that eventually lead to the country’s independence.

Peter van Gelder returns with another mixed selection of postal stationery items from around the world.

Michael Barron takes a thematic look at the history and development of the humble postbox.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

Stamps to look out for from New Zealand.

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

We highlight the latest new issues from Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

Don’t miss your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.

Hugh Jefferies offers more thoughts from the Catalogue Editor’s chair.

A 14-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.