February 2025

Contents to Volume 55, Number 9

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.

Discover the hidden stories in stamp margins! Richard West reveals how cylinder numbers, traffic lights and Jubilee lines unlock the fascinating history of stamp design, production and collecting.

Royal Mail celebrates The Vicar of Dibley television series with a new stamp issue featuring beloved characters and iconic scenes from the award-winning sitcom, including Geraldine Granger, Alice Tinker, and the unforgettable parish council.

The seasonal festivities may have faded but there’s still plenty for modern GB collectors to celebrate when it comes to Royal Mail’s 2024 Christmas issue, as John Deering reveals in his first ‘Definitive Watch’ column of the New Year.

David Pollard outlines the innovations, challenges and the rare postmarks associated with early British machine cancellations of the mid-19th century as the Post Office pushed to streamline stamp processing during a time of soaring mail volumes.

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

Douglas Muir, RDP continues his study of the postal history and stamps produced during Germany’s occupation of the Baltic during and immediately after World War I.

In the latest article in his series looking at the official mail service in occupied Poland, Albert Jackson examines the regulation and postal markings put in place in order to differentiate official governmental mail from ordinary post office mail.

The fascinating history of the prehistoric Megaloceros giganteus, the Giant Deer, is brought to life by Michael Kogan and Dr Peter Voice through fossilised remains, ancient art and worldwide stamp issues.

Grace Davies takes us on a thematic tour of Alfred Nobel’s life, his explosive inventions, and the evolution and controversies of the Peace Prize set up in his name.

The 1860s saw groundbreaking efforts to prevent stamp reuse in the US, including Henry Loewenberg’s patented decal stamps. Jan Hofmeyr, FRPSL reveals their development and their influence on US and international philately.

From pioneering expeditions to heart-wrenching struggles for survival, discover how these Arctic ‘pets’ were far more than mere companions. Steve Pendleton brings to light their incredible stories, immortalised on stamps, postcards and covers.

Michael Barron reviews the philatelic output of nation states created in the 21st-century. From prolific stamp producers to limited releases, he examines the history, culture and fauna depicted on these fledgeling stamp issues.

Christer Brunström, FRPSL looks at Australia’s 1897-1900 charity stamps, revealing how substantial surcharges, sometimes 12 times the postage cost, funded causes such as the South African War.

Stamps to look out for from South Australia.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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

Don’t miss your chance to win a free 12-month subscription to GSM.

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

The latest 14-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.