February 2015

Issue: 9

Volume: 45

Included in another eclectic mix of articles, John Moody explains how Germany’s charity stamps were ‘stolen’ by the Nazi Party to help support Hitler’s war machine and Douglas Muir examines the background story of the introduction of Uniform Penny Postage which revolutionised the postal service 175 years ago this month.

Contents February 2015

Contents to Volume 45, Number 9


Newsdesk

‘Catch up with the latest news from around the world including: the multimillion-dollar unpaid bill from the du Pont auction, Guernsey Post’s 2015 stamp programme, and a new postmaster for the world’s oldest post office.


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

More collecting ideas for new and seasoned collectors


GB News

We get up close and personal with Royal Mail’s new 2015 Smilers refresh.


The Philatelic Exhibitions of London: (Part 11) 1950 and 1960

Derek Connell highlights the memorabilia and events of the 1950 and 1960 exhibitions which marked the 110th anniversary of the Penny Black and the tercentenary of the Post Office Charter respectively.


GB Postal Stationery, Postal Labels and Postmarks

John Holman reports on Royal Mail’s revised postal rates for the festive season and presents more of the latest developments in the world of postal labels and postmarks.


Uniform Penny Postage

Douglas Muir examines the background story of the introduction of Uniform Penny Postage which revolutionises the postal service 175 years ago this month.


Machin Watch

John Deering reveals two more M14L-dated Machins to keep a collector’s eye out for; examines the various types available in the Symbolic Flowers issue and looks ahead to what 2015 might have in store for GB enthusiasts.


Collecting Open Value Post & Go Stamps

John Gray offers a guide to collecting the vast amount of Open Value Post & Go stamps that are available through the Post Office’s latest NCR machines.


GB Specialised Supplement

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.


Bookshelf

Reviews of the latest philatelic publications.


Germany's Winter Charity Stamps: 1936–45

John Moody explains how Germany’s charity stamps were ‘stolen’ by the Nazi Party to help support Hitler’s war machine.


London 2015 Exhibition: War and Philately

One of the many highlights of the upcoming London 2015 exhibition will be a Court of Honour featuring rare items representing the most significant moments of postal communications over the years. We take a sneak look at one of the unique pieces that will be on show.


An A to Z of Bogus Stamps

Whether created with good intentions or to deceive the collector, bogus stamps are now a popular collecting theme. Christer Brunstrom provides the first in a two-part A–Z compilation of bogus issues from around the globe.


Jamaica: Airmail Early Flights

Steve Jarvis, FRPSL uses a collection of early airmail covers to piece together an important pioneering era in Jamaica’s postal history.


Basil in Malta

GSM’s roving reporter, Basil Herwald, takes a tour of Malta’s rich postal history.


Stamp Hunting

Stamps to look out for from Grenada.


Competition

Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.


If Variety is the Spice of Life: Try Adding it to Your Stamps.

Errors and varieties can give an extra dimension to your collection. Noel Davenhill lists a few of his favourites.


A Wooden Wonder of the World

Christopher Moor reveals the history of New Zealand’s Government Buildings in Wellington, as told through stamps.


Stamp News in Brief

Your monthly summary of recent and forthcoming stamp issues from around the world.


Panorama

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


Shore to Shore

More issues from Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.


The Unissued Stamps of King George VI

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.


Catalogue Column

Hugh Jefferies reveals some newly discovered varieties on the 5c. King George VI KUT definitive.


Catalogue Supplement

The latest update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.