May 2022

Contents to Volume 52, Number 12

A collection of the latest philatelic news from around the world.

More of the latest reports from the nation’s philatelic societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

Richard West highlights a selection of unorthodox stamp issues that show what can happen when designers think ‘out of the box’.

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

This month we take a look at the eight winning designs in Royal Mail’s Heroes of the Covid Pandemic stamp design competition, along with the new tariff barcoded Machins and the Migratory Birds issue.

In another round-up for modern GB collectors, John Deering reports on the impact of new postal tariffs, shows how business sheets have been affected by the barcoded Security Machins and illustrates 14 new counter sheet barcoded stamps.

Postal markings can show the great lengths letter carriers will go to ensure the post reaches it destination. John Roe showcases a selection of such markings on undeliverable mail from London’s Penny Post period.

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

Giorgio Migliavacca provides a study of the overprinted stamps issued during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese, a period which created no less than 13 new stamp-issuing entities.

In his latest article exploring the history of Irish independence, Robert Benninghoff examines the social, political and philatelic history of Ireland while under the watch of its new Provisional Government.

Ian Greig, a member of the British Society of Australian Philately, reveals the inspiration for the design of the 1857 Four Pence ‘Emblems’ stamp of Victoria.

Michael Burzan investigates the use of free-franking privileges by former First Ladies of the USA, starting with the first, First Lady, Martha Washington.

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

The pound, dollar and euro currencies are all very familiar, but what about bolívars, potatoes and puffins! Christer Brunström takes a look at some curious currencies that have been used on stamps.

Feeling lost when it comes to the fast moving and confusing marketplace for crypto stamps and NFT collectables? Eva Mealing provides a beginner’s guide to how it all works.

The first stamps of the republic of Brazil was the 1894-1906 ‘Madrugadas’. As Janet and Nick Nelson demonstrate, these stamps offer a wealth of material for study, thanks to the different vignette and frame designs, paper types, perforations and watermarks that were used.

Stamps to look out for from Newfoundland.

Geir Sør-Reime presents his annual review of postal stationery from around the world, beginning with issues from Commonwealth nations.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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 12-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.