March 2022

Contents to Volume 52, Number 10

The latest philatelic news from around the world.

More reports from the nation’s philatelic societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

The design, postage rates, production and sale of stamps adopted by former British colonies after independence are the subject this month’s offering for new collectors, courtesy of Richard West.

Three new Royal Mail stamp issues come under the spotlight this month including: Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee issues, barcoded NVIs and the stamp designs of David Gentleman.

In a search for a more efficient way to speed up mail through the postal system, the Post Office brought together two new pieces of machinery in 1957. Jeremy Meal looks at when ALF (Automatic Letter Facer) met ELSIE (Electronic Letter Sorting Indicator Equipment).

In another packed article covering new issues for modern GB collectors John Deering covers what could be the biggest shake-up of British stamps since Arnold Machin’s iconic design in 1967.

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

Aden was a vital outpost for Britain because of its strategic location along the sea route to India. Noel Davenhill illustrates the postal history and stamp issues associated with it while under British control until 1965.

The 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne of HM The Queen took place Sunday 6 February 2022. Cyril R H Parsons highlights just some of Her Majesty’s significant events since then, as depicted on stamps.

Mike Dovey explores the complex factors of mail which travelled to and from Great Britain, the USA and Canada in the 19th century which provided a vital link for ex pats and their families back home.

In the second of a series of articles on the Irish Free State, Barry Cousins discusses the British overprinted provisional stamps including a detailed study of the printer’s plates, sheet controls and overprint settings used.

Edward Barrow highlights an intriguing collection that will feature in the next Stanley Gibbons auction held in March.

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

Brazil’s second stamp series, first released in 1844, offers plenty of scope for collectors. Janet Nelson FRPSL provides an introduction to this graceful and intricately engraved stamp issue.

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

In another article on postal authorities which no longer exist, John Moody begins an introduction to the philatelic history of the Indian Feudatory States.

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

Geir Sør-Reime returns with his annual survey of stamp booklets, this month looking at Commonwealth issues.

Christer Brunström examines just a few of the many thematic stamp issues that have supported and promoted the Rotary club.

Stamps to look out for from the Union of South Africa.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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

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.