October 2016

Contents to Volume 47, Number 5

Included in this month’s round-up of philatelic news from around the world: ‘Post Office’ Mauritius printing plate to be sold and Afinsa officials jailed for investment scandal.

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

In another mix of topics for new and seasoned collectors, John Holman looks back at Royal Mail’s Battle of Hastings issue of 1966 and explores the opportunities to make a collection based around this landmark battle. He then explains the significance of 1936 for philatelists.

GSM investigates Royal Mail’s latest six-stamp issue celebrating the career of the world’s best-selling fiction author, Agatha Christie.

The simple British stamps issued during the brief reign of King Edward VIII are in marked contrast to previous definitive issues. Douglas Muir describes the complex development of this simple but short-lived issue.

John Deering looks at some subtle changes to Royal Mail’s Machin products, unearths more new ’16’ date code discoveries and highlights changes in recent retail stamp booklets.

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.

Reviews of the latest philatelic publications.

When Germany’s first stamps were introduced in 1872, the country was still operating two different monetary systems. John Moody talks us through the development of this important first imperial issue.

Since its independence in 1959, the Central African Republic has experienced difficult times. Michael Round shows how the nation’s stamps reflect the troubled and often chilling history of the country.

Christer Brunstrom reveals how, if you are willing to forgo the early rarities, a good representative collection of the Feudatory State of Poonch can be within the reach of collectors on a budget.

Postmark expert and author, David Horry presents a beginner’s guide to marcophilately, with a particular focus on the postmarks of the King George VI era.

Noel Davenhill highlights the attractively designed stamps issued by the British Overseas Territories from the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign up to the mid-1960s.

Nimrod highlights stamps to look out for from the Union of South Africa.

The philatelic business of Bright & Son was founded in Bournemouth in the later half the 19th century and later moved to London. Michael Peach assesses the business.

In his first trip behind the former Iron Curtain, GSM’s roving reporter, Basil Herwald, takes an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Bulgaria’s philatelic bureau.

Many British children’s literary characters have inspired stamp issues around the world. Jeff Dugdale examines the ten most popular British authors whose work appears on postage stamps.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

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

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

Another chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.

More tongue-in cheek fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.

Hugh Jefferies explores the consequences of Brexit on the stamp market and philatelic catalogues.

A 17-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.