November 2023

Contents to Volume 54, Number 6

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.

The introduction of the Penny Black in 1840 led to dramatic changes to the postal service in the UK, inspiring other countries to follow suit. Richard West takes a look at the first ten years of stamp issues from around the world.

We look at Royal Mail’s eighth instalment in its Music Giants series, which commemorates the musical icon Dame Shirley Bassey, and see what thematic delights have been conjured up for the latest issue based on the magical world of Harry Potter.

With modern techniques now in place for the production of stamps, you would think it almost impossible that a variety could be found. We catch up with Oscar Young who recalls the moment he recently did just that.

Using in-depth research from his recently-released new book, Robert Galland illustrates the various types of Crown-Circle datestamps used by government departments and members of parliament in London from 1807 to 1840.

Michael Miller investigates new evidence on the origins of the world’s first bisected cover.

John Deering brings modern GB collectors up to date with a report on the new Dame Shirley Bassey issue, in particular the definitive pane from the p.s.b., and illustrates what is probably the scarcest of all Security Machin Top Panels.

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

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

Hugh Osborne talks about the first airmails of the Falkland Islands, including pioneering flights, Zeppelin mail, and mail from an unsuccessful hijacking.

More postal stationery items from around the world are presented by Peter van Gelder.

The stamp issues of the Indian Feudatory State of Kishangarh, from the crude to the elegant, are highlighted by Christer Brunström FRPSL.

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

Mike Dovey of the TPO & Seapost Society gives an update to his earlier articles as a previously unseen paquebot index letter comes to light, thanks to the help of a GSM reader.

Michael Burzan explores the stamps and essays from a short-lived but dramatic period of Chinese history.

Stamps to look out for from Sierra Leone.

Using a variety of stamp issues, Giorgio Migliavacca reveals how the British Virgin Islands’ long-standing tradition of producing both sugar and rum has impacted those that live there.

Susan McEwen FRPSL of the Malaya Study Group discusses Johore’s provisional meter label stamps used to meet the postal demands of troops arriving in Malaya during World War II.

John Moody follows on from last month’s article, where he looked at the Kingdom of Cambodia, by discussing the impact on its philately during the complicated change over to the Khmer Republic.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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

Don’t miss your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher in our regular competition.

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

The latest, 15-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.