November 2025

Contents to Volume 56, 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.

This month Richard West moves away from traditional stamp issues to explore the more unusual postal formats used by modern postal systems, such as business sheets, coils and stampless bulk mail.

Royal Mail’s latest issues feature UK ducks, legendary steam locomotives marking Railway 200, and a new £3.40 international definitive, combining wildlife, heritage and modern postal changes in a busy month for new releases.

Alan Moorcroft FRPSL examines how decimalisation in 1971 led to steep rises in UK postal charges. Using period covers he shows how soaring rates confused many senders during the transition.

This month’s ‘Definitive Watch’ reports on Royal Mail’s new £3.40 definitive, fresh M25L year–coded printings and recent postal tariff adjustments, alongside updates on counter sheets, business sheets and booklet variations.

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

In this concluding part of his article, Neil Donen FRPSL explores the 1935 RMS Nascopie voyage beyond its core postmarks, uncovering covers, cancellations, ports of call and postal curiosities that reveal the depth and diversity of Nascopie collecting.

Katrin Raynor uses constellation-themed stamps to explore Orion, Gemini, Taurus and beyond. Blending astronomy, mythology and philately she reveals how stamps can guide stargazers through the wonders of the winter night sky.

Michael Peach charts the life and legacy of W T Wilson, from pioneering Birmingham dealer to Mexico specialist. He explores his philatelic business, global covers, landmark catalogues and the family firm that carried his name forward.

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

Keith Morris charts the postal lifelines of the Indian Ocean, from BIOT’s MV Nordvaer TPO to the Seychelles’ Zil Eloigne Sesel issues.

Nicholas Oughton introduces the first stamps of the British Solomon Islands, the flawed yet fascinating 1907 ‘Large Canoes’, exploring their colonial origins, printing errors, forgeries and enduring appeal.

John Winchester opens this new feature with the story of the German Ruhleben POW camp, where internees of World War I created their own postal service, the stamps of which soon became coveted rarities.

From ancient deities to modern philately, Michael Burzan examines how figures like Hermes and Mercury have represented communication and postal services worldwide.

In this new feature, Guy Thomas questions whether the terms ‘stamp collecting’ or ‘philately’ truly reflect the hobby, and suggests a fresh identity to convey its depth and value.

Gerhard Freund uncovers America’s most extraordinary post offices, from a floating ZIP code to mule mail.

Stamps to look out for from Seychelles.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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

John Winchester explores St Vincent’s 1938 King George VI definitives, whose vibrant two-colour printing produced one of the Caribbean’s most striking stamp issues.

GSM’s latest competition offers you the opportunity to win one of five SG catalogue titles.

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

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