May 2022

Issue: 12

Volume: 52

Inside this month’s packed GSM, Ian Greig, a member of the British Society of Australian Philately, reveals the inspiration for the design of the 1857 Four Pence ‘Emblems’ stamp of Victoria and Giorgio Migliavacca provides a study of the overprinted stamps issued during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese, a period which created no less than 13 new stamp-issuing entities

Contents May 2022

Contents to Volume 52, Number 12


Newsdesk

A collection of the latest philatelic news from around the world.


Society News

More of the latest 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 highlights a selection of unorthodox stamp issues that show what can happen when designers think ‘out of the box’.


Dear GSM

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


GB News

This month we take a look at the eight winning designs in Royal Mail’s Heroes of the Covid Pandemic stamp design competition, along with the new tariff barcoded Machins and the Migratory Birds issue.


Machin Watch

In another round-up for modern GB collectors, John Deering reports on the impact of new postal tariffs, shows how business sheets have been affected by the barcoded Security Machins and illustrates 14 new counter sheet barcoded stamps.


London Penny Post: Delivery Office Marks on Undeliverable Mail

Postal markings can show the great lengths letter carriers will go to ensure the post reaches it destination. John Roe showcases a selection of such markings on undeliverable mail from London’s Penny Post period.


GB Specialised Supplement

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


Aegean Islands: Italian Occupation Overprints 1912–22

Giorgio Migliavacca provides a study of the overprinted stamps issued during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese, a period which created no less than 13 new stamp-issuing entities.


The Provisional Government of Ireland

In his latest article exploring the history of Irish independence, Robert Benninghoff examines the social, political and philatelic history of Ireland while under the watch of its new Provisional Government.


Australia: The 4d. ‘Emblems’ Stamps of Victoria

Ian Greig, a member of the British Society of Australian Philately, reveals the inspiration for the design of the 1857 Four Pence ‘Emblems’ stamp of Victoria.


US Postal Privilege: Free Franking for Former Presidential First Ladies

Michael Burzan investigates the use of free-franking privileges by former First Ladies of the USA, starting with the first, First Lady, Martha Washington.


Bookshelf

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.


Curious Currencies

The pound, dollar and euro currencies are all very familiar, but what about bolívars, potatoes and puffins! Christer Brunström takes a look at some curious currencies that have been used on stamps.


Crypto Stamps and NFT Collectables

Feeling lost when it comes to the fast moving and confusing marketplace for crypto stamps and NFT collectables? Eva Mealing provides a beginner’s guide to how it all works.


Brazil: The Republican Dawn

The first stamps of the republic of Brazil was the 1894-1906 ‘Madrugadas’. As Janet and Nick Nelson demonstrate, these stamps offer a wealth of material for study, thanks to the different vignette and frame designs, paper types, perforations and watermarks that were used.


Stamp Hunting

Stamps to look out for from Newfoundland.


2021 Commonwealth Postal Stationery

Geir Sør-Reime presents his annual review of postal stationery from around the world, beginning with issues from Commonwealth nations.


Stamp News in Brief

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.


Shore to Shore

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


Panorama

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


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 12-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.