September 2023

Contents to Volume 54, Number 4

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.

Royal Mail has always found new ways to try and protect its revenue from casual mail cheats and determined professional forgers. Richard West takes a look at the evolving security features on British stamps used to try and thwart postal fraud over the years.

Royal Mail issues ten new stamps which focus on the diverse range of birds and animals that inhabit the UK’s waterways.

With the release of the new King Charles III definitives, which bear the Jennings coinage profile design, Douglas N Muir RDP explores the long-standing relationship between coin, medal and stamp design.

Christer Brunström FRPSL concludes his overview of the stamps issued by Britain’s private island posts with key examples from Pabay, Sandra, Sark, Soay and Stroma.

John Deering offers modern GB collectors a sneak peek at some imminent King Charles III definitives before continuing his study of the reintroduced Post & Go Europe up to 100g service indicator. This time he looks at the various examples from The Postal Museum and Mail rail.

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

John Moody highlights the stamp issues of Indo-China in another article showcasing former stamp-issuing regions of the world.

Stamps to look out for from Iraq.

An eighteenth century letter held in the Bath Postal Museum, which has only recently been properly transcribed, is identified as having huge historical importance, as John Roe reveals.

The white cross on a red background has become synonymous with Switzerland. Michael Burzan investigates the history behind its introduction and sees how Swiss stamps have incorporated this instantly recognisable emblem over the years.

Stephen Pendleton takes us on an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsular to discover a remote polar base with a very interesting philatelic history.

Geir Sør-Reime concludes his annual review of modern foreign postal stationery from around the world with a listing of issues from Russia to Vatican City.

In the late 1800s the American postal service slowly introduced a Rural Free Delivery, which brought about a lifeline for the inhabitants in remote areas spread over 3.8 million square miles. John Wright examines the background to the service and those who worked for it.

Hugh Bennet looks at a new 16-stamp definitive set depicting various commercial aircraft, which is bound to be a hit with thematic collectors.

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 Guernsey, Isle of Man 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.