April 2025

Contents to Volume 55, Number 11

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.

In his latest article for new collectors, Richard West dissects the anatomy of postage stamps, from watermarked paper and perforations, to the different types of paper and gum that can be found when collecting British stamps.

Royal Mail adds another legendary band to its Music Giants line up as it celebrates the dynamic live performances, iconic album covers and decades-long career of veteran rockers AC/DC.

John Deering has also been looking closely at Royal Mail’s AC/DC issue, in particular the p.s.b issued alongside the stamps, to see what it has to offer modern definitive collectors.

Michael Kogan continues his in-depth exploration of the world’s first stamps. In this second instalment he examines the design process, security features and production challenges of the Penny Black.

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

Albert Jackson continues his series on the official Dienstpost mail service that operated in occupied Poland during World War II. This month, he looks at the mail produced by the various departments charged with maintaining law and order within the General Government region.

Stamps to look out for from Zanzibar.

In this second part of his article looking at the postal history of the 1935 Quetta earthquake – the most devastating natural disaster of British India – Neil Donen talks us through the special postmarks and cachets that were adopted during the postal concession period introduced immediately after the earthquake.

Wolfgang Maassen RDP FRPSL shares the story behind Tomas Bjäringer’s extraordinary philatelic library, one of the finest in private hands, as it prepares to go under the hammer in a landmark Heinrich Köhler auction.

Andrew Higson investigates the transitional period of Eswatini’s postal system following its 2018 name change.

Seventy years after their release, Susan McEwen FRPSL explores the designs, postal uses and historical significance of Singapore’s 1955 ‘Ship’ definitives.

In another article adapted from his gold medal-winning book, Jan Hofmeyr, FRPSL looks at some interesting ideas and essays put forward to prevent the reuse of stamps by destruction.

Christer Brunström FRPSL examines the final postage stamps of Persia issued before the country’s official renaming to Iran in 1935; revealing how their designs celebrated Reza Shah Pahlavi’s reforms alongside Persia’s rich ancient heritage.

In the first of two parts, Geir Sør-Reime presents his latest annual survey of foreign stamp booklets.

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

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

Tax your brain and take a tipple. GSM’s latest competition offers you the opportunity to win a bottle of stamp-inspired gin.

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

The latest 18-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.