December 2021

Issue: 7

Volume: 52

Included in another eclectic mix of articles, Susan McEwen FRPSL of the Malaya Study Group reveals how one man’s forethought has provided collectors with a vast amount of important postal history from the Japanese occupation of Malaya and in order to save time when sending last minute items such as newspapers through the postal system, the Post Office gave permission to certain companies to use handstamps to pre-cancel mail. Stephen Panting provides an illustrated guide.

Contents December 2021

Contents to Volume 52, Number 7


Newsdesk

The latest philatelic news from around the world.


The ABPS Philatelic Congress of Great Britain 2021

John Davies reports back from the first post-lockdown Congress, which made a fitting return to Harrogate.


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

Richard West looks at more collectable philatelic material left behind by past UK international philatelic exhibitions, including items from London 1980 and Stamp World London 90.


Dear GSM

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


GB News

Royal Mail lines up a new eight-stamp issue to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).


Machin Watch

In this month’s roundup for modern GB collectors, John Deering examines a surprising feature on Royal Mail’s 2021 Christmas issue and scrutinises the new DC Collection issue in the search for new Machin finds.


Pre-Cancels of Great Britain

In order to save time when sending last minute items such as newspapers through the postal system, the Post Office gave permission to certain companies to use handstamps to pre-cancel mail. Stephen Panting provides an illustrated guide.


GB Specialised Supplement

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


British Colonial and Protectorate Stamps Part 31: Tonga

For his latest article on classic British Colonial and Protectorate stamps, Noel Davenhill illustrates the stamp issues of the Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga.


Brothers in Arms. Part 2: The Early War Years

Using contemporary accounts, stamps and postal history, Nicholas Oughton continues the story of two Australian brothers who joined up to fight for king and country during World War II.


Gone But Not Forgotten

In another article on countries which no longer exist, John Moody concludes his two-part investigation of the stamps issued for use in the International Zone of Tangier.


The Madagascar Hoard Part 1: Postal History

In the first of a two-part report, Michael Round reveals the postal history offered by his recent discovery of an  important philatelic treasure.


Mr Tay and the Japanese Occupation of Malaya

Susan McEwen FRPSL of the Malaya Study Group reveals how one man’s forethought has provided collectors with a vast amount of important postal history from the Japanese occupation of Malaya.


Bookshelf

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.


Chile’s 1910 Centenary of Independence Issue

In 1910, a special set of 15 stamps was issued by Chile to mark the centenary of independence. Christer Brunström looks at each design which commemorate the key events that eventually lead to the country’s independence.


Postal Stationery Matters

Peter van Gelder returns with another mixed selection of postal stationery items from around the world.


Post and Pillar Boxes Across Stamps

Michael Barron takes a thematic look at the history and development of the humble postbox.


Stamp News in Brief

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.


Stamp Hunting

Stamps to look out for from New Zealand.


Panorama

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


Shore to Shore

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


Competition

Don’t miss your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.


Catalogue Column

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


Catalogue Supplement

A 14-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.