January 2017

Issue: 8

Volume: 47

Inside this month’s issue of GSM, Michael Round explains how, with an issuing period of about ten years, the French Territory of Afars and Issas is perfect for those looking for a new collecting area and acclaimed artist Jennifer Toombs talks to GSM correspondent Giorgio Migliavacca about the stamp designs she created for the British Virgin Islands – a body of work that offers a wealth of philatelic treasures.

Contents January 2017

Contents to Volume 47, Number 8


Newsdesk

Catch up with the latest news from the philatelic world, including: the multi-million pound sale of legendary ‘Post Office’ Mauritius material and why the Royal Philatelic society London is looking for a new home.


Society News

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies. This month’s reports include Harrogate Philatelic Society and Royal Sutton Coldfield Philatelic Society.


Diary Dates

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.


Around the Houses

News of recent auction results.


New Collector

With numerous anniversaries, global events and philatelic exhibitions, 2016 offered much to commemorate on stamps. John Holman looks back on some of the issues, before he anticipates what might be in store for 2017.


GB News

The latest news for GB collectors. This month, we see how Prehistoric artefacts and sites have inspired Royal Mail’s first issue of 2017.


Machin Watch

Since it first appeared in September 2014, the Royal Mail’s Poppy Post & Go design has made numerous reappearances. The different varieties are discussed by John Deering.


War Bonds Slogan Postmarks of World War I

Royal Mail’s ‘War Bonds’ slogans appeared in London from 10 December 1917. David Pollard discusses the different types of slogans produced and highlights a few rarities to look out for.


GB Specialised Supplement

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.


2016 Yearbooks

As we say goodbye to another year, Jersey, Macao and Guernsey review their 2016 issues and look forward to a fruitful 2017.


The French Territory of the Afars and Issas

Michael Round explains how, with an issuing period of about ten years, the French Territory of Afars and Issas is perfect for those looking for a new collecting area.


Jennifer Toombs Treasured Stamp Designs for the British Virgin Islands

Acclaimed artist Jennifer Toombs talks to GSM correspondent Giorgio Migliavacca about the stamp designs she created for the British Virgin Islands – a body of work that offers a wealth of philatelic treasures.


Weimar Airmail Stamps

As John Moody reveals, the Weimar Republic’s position as a leader in the development of commercial aircraft resulted in a host of airmail material.


Stamp Hunting

Nimrod highlights some desirable stamps to look out for from Sudan.


Tin through the Ages

Geologist and philatelist Josef Charrach uses philatelic items to explain how tin was first formed, discovered, mined and just how important it became before a ‘tin crisis’ almost crippled the industry.


British Indian Ocean Territory: The Beginning and Before

Steve Pendleton traces the history of the remote British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) through its postal history and stamp issues.


Early Victorian Postmarks of the Colonies

David Horry examines the colonial postmarks of the Victorian era, which was to be one of the most important evolutionary periods for postmarks within the Empire.


Stamp News in Brief

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.


Shore to Shore

Jersey and Guernsey celebrate the Year of the Rooster, while the Isle of Man looks back at another year of stamp issues with its annual yearbook.


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. Included in this month’s round-up: Hungary marks the 60th anniversary of the 1956 revolution and Finland highlights its traditional wooden paupers.


The Unissued Stamps of Pierre Nord-Alexis

Another helping of tongue-in-cheek fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.


Catalogue Column

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


Catalogue Supplement

Your 14-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.