November 2014

Contents to Volume 45, Number 6

The latest philatelic news from around the world including: Europa competition results; SG’s Royal Warrant centenary celebrations, Autumn Stampex and Royal Mail’s 2015 stamp programme.

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

As Zambia and the Forth Road Bridge celebrate their 50th anniversaries, John Holman looks at related stamps issues. He then takes a look at novelty stamps and stamps inscribed ‘Austria’ rather than ‘Osterreich’.

Royal Mail’s 2014 Christmas stamps unwrapped, plus details on the final set in the British Flora Post & Go series.

In the latest review of London’s past philatelic exhibitions Derek Connell highlights some of the numerous souvenirs that were produced for the 1934 International Air Post Exhibition.

In this month’s round-up of new developments John Deering reveals some new items to track down following the introduction of the Series II Post & Go machines.

John Holman reports on some late changes to postage rates, and presents another selection of new labels, handstamps and postmarks to look out for.

The latest supplement to the Great Britain Specialised Catalogue.

Thanks to several changes in the location of production during their life span, Canada’s Small Queens offer a wide range of subtle varieties to study. John Hillson FRPSL FCPS gives a history of their production and reveals some of the key varieties to look out for.

Using the original file papers from the British Postal Agency, Rufus Barnes reveals how Abu Dhabi’s first and, ultimately, only commemorative issue under British influence was created. As the papers reveal, relations between the various departments involved were not always the most cordial.

Peter van Gelder surveys the output of Commonwealth commemorative stamps in 1964 to see what was thought worthy of a stamp issue 50 years ago.

Originally planned to commemorate the 80th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s first post-independence issue instead became a memorial to his life following his assassination in 1948. In the first of a two-part article, Pradip Jain examines the development of this extremely popular issue.

Stamps to look out for from Tanganyika.

Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.

Believe it or not, the old German states offer the opportunity to build an interesting and affordable collection. Christer Brunstrom outlines the possibilities for collectors on a budget.

The fourth issue of the Kingdom of Sardinia is significant as it is the last issue of Sardinia and the first issue of the new Kingdom of Italy. Giorgio Migliavacca reveals the challenges and rewards facing collectors of this issue, including shades, postmarks and forgeries.

Reviews on the latest philatelic publications.

Alison Boyd reveals the stories behind some of the latest new stamp issues from around the globe.

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

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

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.

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

A 19-page update to the Stanley Gibbons catalogue