November 2024

Contents to Volume 55, Number 6

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 surveys the legacy of King George V, the ‘Philatelist King’, whose passion for collecting helped to shape some of the most exquisite stamp designs in British history.

There is nothing ‘incy wincy’ about Royal Mail’s latest commemorative stamp issue. This month it releases a set of ten stamps illustrating different spiders found in the UK.

The rare and varied explanatory slips used by British censors during World War I are examined by Robert Galland FRPSL, shedding light on how undeliverable censored mail was managed and returned.

John Deering reflects on recent philatelic developments regarding modern GB issues, including Royal Mail’s latest postal tariff increases and its effects on Britain’s definitive stamps, and the newly issued £2.80 King Charles III value.

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

Neil Donen FRPSL uncovers uncatalogued Madame Joseph forgeries from British colonies tied to 1935 Silver Jubilee stamps and analyses the key differences between forged and genuine postmarks.

Lars Jørgensen RDPSA FRPSL reveals how a 1912 Danish cover, over-franked with stamps, can give a captivating glimpse into Denmark’s postal history and stamp production of the time.

Brian McAvera discusses the rich history of French Red Cross first day covers, highlighting key designers, stunning artwork and the movement’s humanitarian legacy through philatelic art.

The establishment and postal markings of the Dienstpost system in German-occupied Poland is explored in a new series by Albert Jackson. Part one covers the services evolution and key practices relating to military mail.

Sir Alan Cobham’s 1926 pioneering round-trip flight to Australia faced numerous challenges, including a fatal shooting, but demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel. Brian Peace FRPSL reveals the story and examines the rare mail carried aboard.

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

Hugh Osborne FRPSL explores the sheet-numbered stamps of the Falkland Islands’ 1938 King George VI pictorial definitives, detailing their origins, production and rarity.

Pradip Jain RDP, FRPSL, discusses Bhutan’s rich postal history, unravelling how its stamps – often dismissed as mere collector’s items – have been pivotal in the nation’s development and international identity. Pradip reveals how these stamps not only marked Bhutan’s unique milestones but also set global philatelic trends that other countries later emulated.

Stamps to look out for from Montserrat.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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

Don’t miss your chance to win a free 12-month subscription to GSM.

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

The latest, 14-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.