February 2017

Issue: 9

Volume: 47

Included in this month’s GSM, almost a century after Iraq’s first stamps, Freddy Khalastchy FRPSL tells their history and reveals a number of rare and unique items produced and Hugh Osborne FRPSL advises on how to identify the many printings of the 1938–50 pictorial definitives of the Falkland Islands.

Contents February 2017

Contents to Volume 47, Number 9


Newsdesk

The latest philatelic news from around the world; including the ‘Lost’ Inverted Jenny that is heading to public auction for the first time in 99 years.


Stampex

We reveal some of the highlights of Spring Stampex 2017 which returns to London in February


Society News

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.


Diary Dates

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.


Around the Houses

News of recent auction results.


New Collector

As well as looking back at some of the stamp issues of 2016, John Holman see what collecting opportunities 2017 could have in store.


GB News

We take a tour of Royal Mail’s Windsor Castle set and hitch a ride on its latest Post & Go issue.


Open Value Post & Go Stamps and Labels: An Update

John Gray provides an update on recent changes to the Open Value stamps and labels from Post Office and Royal Mail Post & Go machines.


Undeliverable Mail of World War II

Robert Galland provides examples of postmarks and labels used on mail returned to sender from the period.


Machin Watch

In this month’s offering, John Deering sorts through Royal Mail’s Mr Men and Christmas issues for new Machin finds and highlights another surprising M16L printing.


GB Specialised Supplement

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.


The Centenary of the Baghdad Provisional Stamps

Almost a century after Iraq’s first stamps, Freddy Khalastchy FRPSL tells their history and reveals a number of rare and unique items produced.


The King George VI Collectors' Society 1960–2017

Brian Livingstone traces the history of the King George VI Collector’s Society. Along the way, he highlights the wealth of research opportunities for those interested in issues of the reign.


Falkland Islands King George VI: 1938–50 Pictorial Definitives

Hugh Osborne FRPSL advises on how to identify the many printings of the 1938–50 pictorial definitives of the Falkland Islands.


British Colonial and Protectorate Stamps Part 3: Cayman Islands

In his latest article on the development of British Colonial and Protectorate stamps up to the early Elizabethan era, Noel Davenhill offers a beginner’s guide to the stamps of the Cayman Islands.


Stamp Hunting

Nimrod highlights some desirable stamps to look out for from the Seychelles.


Benin's Modern Commemorative Rarities: Part 1

Modern Benin rarities attract much interest and high prices. Nicholas Pertwee takes a chronological look at each issue and highlights evidence of their usage.


Governments in Exile and their Stamps

Throughout history numerous governments have been forced to flee their homelands, with many releasing stamps while in exile. Some were produced for bona fide postal services, others as a means of protest and defiance. Christer Brunstrom showcases some key examples.


Bookshelf

More reviews of the latest philatelic publications.


Stamping Ground: The Camel Postman

Angela MacTavish tells how an iconic stamp led to a life-long love for philately and a passion for travel.


Stamp News in Brief

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.


Shore to Shore

More issues from the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.


Competition

Another chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.


Panorama

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


The Unissued Stamps of Queen Elizabeth II

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.


Catalogue Column

Hugh Jefferies offers his thoughts from the Catalogue Editor’s chair


Catalogue Supplement

A 11-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.