May 2015

Issue: 12

Volume: 45

In the May issue of GSM, John Holman reports on Downstream Access mail, tourist stamps, Christmas charity mail, railway letter and island stamps and in this anniversary month for the Penny Black, Douglas Muir of the BPMA details the introduction of this special ‘slip of paper’.

Contents May 2015

Contents to Volume 45, Number 12


Newsdesk

The latest philatelic news including the rediscovery of the Mauritius ‘Post Office’ printing plate and details of this year’s newly elected RDPs.


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

John Holman offers some unusual ideas for a Penny Black collection.


GB News

Laugh at the Comedy Greats and help celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Penny Black


GB Specialised Supplement

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.


Creating the Penny Black

In this anniversary month, Douglas Muir of the BPMA details the introduction of this special ‘slip of paper’.


The Philatelic Exhibitions of London: (Part 14) 'Stamp World London 90'

In another fascinating look at London’s philatelic exhibitions, Derek Connell casts his expert eye over Stamp World 90.


Machin Watch

Machin stamps issued for Royal Mail’s new tariffs and the different types and subtypes of Post & Go created are discussed by John Deering.


British Private Posts

John Holman reports on Downstream Access mail, tourist stamps, Christmas charity mail, railway letter and island stamps.


Confederate Provisional Stamps of New Orleans

The onset of the American Civil War in 1861 meant US postal stamps were no longer valid in the Confederacy. Dr John Kimbrough reveals the New Orleans provisional postage stamps produced to help fill the void.


New Zealand’s Centennial: 75 Years On

Events to celebrate New Zealand’s centennial in 1940 created a wealth of souvenirs. Peter van Gelder highlights the covers, labels, postmarks and stamps produced.


2013–14 Commonwealth Postal Stationery

Geir Sor-Reime begins his annual review of postal stationary from around the world in the Commonwealth.


British Colonial Post World War II High Values: Part 1

During post-war austerity in 1948, a high-value colonial issue to mark the Royal Silver Wedding was announced. David Horry investigates the reasons for its creation.


Get Ready for London 2015 Europhilex

A round-up of the displays, demonstrations, seminars and philatelic items on display at London 2015 Europhilex.


Philatelic Events that Changed the World

A sneak preview of the special Court of Honour featuring exceptional documents and philatelic items that have made their mark on history.


London 2015: Making an International

Chairman of London 2015 Exhibition Committee, Bill Hedley, explains what it takes to make an international philatelic exhibition a reality.


London 2015: Floor Plan

A comprehensive listing and floor plan of all the dealers.


Basil in Bermuda: Part 1

Continuing his travels around the Commonwealth, Basil Herwald stops in Bermuda.


125 Years of GSM

Former GSM Editor John Holman looks back at the May 1940 edition of the magazine.


Italian States: The Grand Duchy of Tuscany: Part 1

Giorgio Migliavacca looks at the postal history and stamp issues of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.


Stamp Hunting

Stamps to look out for from Dominica.


Competition

Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.


Stamp News in Brief

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.


Panorama

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


Shore to Shore

More issues from the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.


The Unissued Stamps of King George VI

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.


Catalogue Column

Hugh Jefferies offers more comments from the catalogue editor’s chair.


Catalogue Supplement

A 15-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.