Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The first choice for stamp collectors since 1890 a Stanley Gibbons publication
Gibbons
JULY 2013 £3.75
Monthly
NZ Fiscals
The General Purpose
revenue stamps of
New Zealand
The Man
of Steel
The new ‘super-powered’
stamp issue from Jersey
British
Skeletons
unearthed
New discoveries in
the Skeleton postmarks of England and Wales
Making
Waves
40 years of postal
independence
The stamps of the Isle of
9 770954 808168
Man and the home-grown
talent that created them
The new research
Thinking of collecting
postal stationery? that’s redefining the
Members of the Postal Stationery
Society present a few of the fascinating
origins of the so-called
‘Treasury’ Roulettes
0 7
0 7
topics available to study
Monthly
New Collector: John Holman
THE UK’S NUMBER ONE STAMP MAGAZINE
Volume 44 Number 2 July 2013 114
106 110
36 96
The Treasury Roulette: New Zealand’s General Jersey’s Man of Steel Creating a Jewel of the The Manx Factor:
An Enigma Unwrapped Purpose Revenue Stamps: Jubilee: Part 4—The Richard West
Ray Simpson FRPSL David Smitham European Connection:
John Davis FRPSL
©2013 Warner Bros. Ent. Inc. All Rights Reserved. MAN OF STEEL and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
103 The Postmarks of Southern Rhodesia during the 109 Stamp Hunting
King George VI Period, 1937–1953 Nimrod highlights some important stamps to look out for
David Horry explores Southern Rhodesia, which still from St Vincent.
offers a rich source of rare King George VI postmarks.
113 Competition
106 Jersey’s Man of Steel Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.
Discover the story behind Jersey Post’s latest ‘super’ issue.
120 The Unissued Stamps of Queen Elizabeth II
110 Creating a Jewel of the Jubilee: Part 4 The unissued stamps of Non-Sequiturial Africa.
—The European Connection Catalogue Column
John Davis focuses on the history of Denmark’s royal family, Hugh Jefferies presents his latest comments as SG
as shown through stamps. catalogue editor.
114 The Manx Factor
40 years after the Isle of Man achieved postal NEW ISSUES
independence, Richard West looks back at some of the
116 Shore to Shore
home-grown talent responsible for its stamps.
New issues from the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.
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NEWSDESK
PHILATELIC NEWS
World
Great Britain
Local
Society News
BPMA sale: more details announced • Farewell to Hugh Jefferies •
Sideways watermark discovered • British success at Australia 2013 •
Royal Mail sets the trend at prestigious award ceremony
Royal Mail
Exhibitors (AAPE). This year’s
annual competition took place
during the Napex exhibition,
Fashion stamps which was held in McLean, in
Virgina, USA, between 29 May
design award
qualified for the Youth
competition by winning
the Youth Grand award at
Royal Mail’s Great British Fashion issue, released Novapex 2012. The Grand
in May 2012, has been named as the winner of a Championship honour comes
prestigious design award for print communications. on the heels of his recent
The announcement was made on 4 June at the success at Australia 2013
2013 Design Week Awards, held at the Honourable where his exhibit was awarded
Artillery Company in London. a large silver.
The award-winning stamps, designed by Johnson The 2013 Reserve Grand
Banks, feature the work of some of Britain’s most Philip Parker, Royal Mail Stamps spokesperson, Award was won by 13-year-old
influential fashion designers to have emerged since said, ‘We are delighted to have won this award. Darren Corapcioglu from
World War II, including Hardy Amies, Tommy Great British Fashion was a hugely popular issue Maryland, with his exhibit
Nutter, Jean Muir, Zandra Rhodes and punk that allowed us to showcase some of the creative entitled ‘The Universe’.
fashion creator, Vivienne Westwood. talent Britain is famous for around the world.’
G.S.M. July 2013 7
Newsdesk
PHILATELIC NEWS
York Show
over 60 coin, banknote and medal dealers in Unit of the American Topical
attendance. Amongst the dealers will be Stanley Association (ATA).
Gibbons who will be offering a variety of catalogues, The Study Unit is made
The latest York Stamp and Coin fair will take albums and other philatelic accessories. Any reader up of an international group
place from 19 July (11.00a.m.–6.00p.m.) to 20 July who will be attending the show and would like to of philatelists who conduct
(10.00a.m.–4.00p.m.) 2013. As usual, the show wil pre-order any SG stock and pick it up at the event, research in the above fields,
be located in the Grandstand at the Racecourse, thus saving the cost of postage, can do so by calling which also encompasses
York, YO23 1EX. the sales team on 01425 481 0678. related geology, mining and
beneficiation. Members’
articles are published in a
10
Newsdesk
PHILATELIC NEWS
Phone or write for your free copy of our latest 56 page list or visit
www.britishstamps.com
Swan Stamps PO Box 501 Torquay Devon TQ1 9FE
Telephone 01803 290619 email steve@britishstamps.com
Society News
NEWSDESK – SOCIETY NEWS
GREAT BRITAIN
Queen Victoria Only Stamp Gibbons
Monthly
next
An excellent selection of used stamps, all in clean, sound, collectable
condition. All different including visible plate numbers, watermarks and
m
listed shades (where applicable)
THE GREAT On Sale
onth
SG catalogue value at least £500 - £49.50
onth ·
SG catalogue value at least £1000 - £95.00
TRAIN ROBBERY
SG catalogue value at least £2000 - £175
As above, but may contain some slight duplication
50 years ago news of
one of Britain’s most
18 July
SG catalogue value at least £5000 - £395
infamous crimes first hit the 2013
m
SG catalogue value at least £10,000 - £750 headlines—The Great Train
Robbery. As we approach
next
GREAT BRITAIN AND ISLANDS SPECIAL OFFERS the 50th anniversary, Douglas
All collections contain 2012 issues – All Off Paper
Muir of the British Postal Museum
and Archive looks through the historical
500 diff. - £6.00 1000 diff - £22.00 1500 diff - £44.00
2000 diff - £75.00 3000 diff - £140.00 5000 diff - £900.00
records held by the BPMA relating to the crime. With some
MULTIPLES ONLY:
never before published material, this fascinating article
100 diff. - £20.00 200 diff - £35.00 500 diff - £99.00 offers a unique insight into the robbery and the subsequent
REGIONALS ONLY: investigation to find those responsible.
100 diff - £ 6.00 200 diff - £12.00 300 diff - £25.00
COMMEMS ONLY:
500 diff - £13.00 1000 diff - £50.00 2000 diff - £250.00
SIR HARRY LUKE PART 2
3000 diff - £500.00 David Horry returns with the concluding part of his in-depth
HIGH VALUE COMMEMS ONLY article on the Colonial Administrator and philatelist, Sir
100 diff - £10.00 200 diff - £20.00 300 diff - £35.00 Harry Luke. When Luke lost his philatelic collection during
500 diff - £65.00 1000 diff - £260.00 a World War II bombing raid, he had the motive, the means,
QUEEN VICTORIA TO KING GEORGE VI the opportunity, and certainly the connections, to create
50 diff - £6.00 100 diff - £13.00 200 diff - £50.00
facsimiles of the used covers lost. In this final part of his
article, David examines the possible relationship between
BRITISH EMPIRE (off paper) Luke, the famed postmark collector, Roger Wells and the
Victoria to Geo VI (they don’t make it now!!) This excellent mix is accumulated
infamous forger, ‘Madame Joseph’.
from our own surpluses, bin ends, stripped collections and other bits & pieces
that we don’t have time to sort. Limited supplies and again sold by weight.
Approx. 2000 to 100g - £55 and 4000 to 225g - £115 USSR’s ZEPPELINS
Gwynn Williams tells the fascinating story of the USSR’s
dream to create a fleet of airships in the 1930s—an
BRITISH EMPIRE: (QV to Geo. VI ONLY) Well over 1000 all diff. Mostly used ambitious plan part-funded through the sale of special
incl. shade, perf & w/m Varieties. Includes Bahawalpur SG012, Barbados SG163, stamps and pre-stamped cards.
SGH248, Caymans 1A and Cyprus 86. All mint – Gilberts D1, Transvaal 212 and
Turks 154-all used. Newfoundland 258 – mint. These 10 alone cat. £180, so total
cat. must be in excess of £1000. Price £140
PLUS
New Collector, Nimrod, Catalogue Column, Panorama,
MAGICAL MIXTURES - off paper Stamp News in Brief and the latest supplement to the
WHOLE WORLD: Based on auction & charity supplied lots plus our own surpluses,
Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.
this very wide ranging mix works out at about 3 for a penny. You should find high cat
values and fill a load of gaps. 225g - £16 425g - £30
BRITISH EMPIRE: Small & large mint & used from early Empire to modern. You could
BRITISH STAMPS
find anything from A – Z and with good cat. Report to magazine or to us if you do.
Works out at an amazing ½ p ea. stamp or less. 225g - £22 425g - £40 RAILWAY STATION POSTMARKS
W. EUROPE: Small/Large.More collectors are turning to the stamps of our EU As Britain’s railway structure developed in the mid-19th
partners.This well ranging mix will give you a great start!! 225g - £22 425g - £40 century and more mail was being moved by rail, it was
(NOTE) a 225g purchase of each of the 3 above can be had for £55 and 425g of thought convenient to have a post office adjacent to, or even
ea. for £100. PLUS we will give you 500 different World F.O.C. located on, railway stations. Inevitably specific postmarks
BRITISH AFRICA: Supplied by a charity org. without RSA and with excellent variety were introduced to facilitate the service. In this article, Bill
225g - £30 425g - £55 Pipe introduces a wide range of railway station postmarks
dating back the early 1840s. With some handstamps being
introduced for very short periods, there is plenty of scope for
OVERSEAS MIXTURE (all from charities)
study.
Mostly On Paper – from around the Globe
A fantastic variety and absolutely loaded with better values. You are sure to find
something new! 425 gr (1lb) - £25.00 PLUS
Machin Watch, the Specialised Catalogue Supplement and
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Diary Dates
Diary Dates
Readers are advised to check (telephone numbers are given, where known) that venues
and times are correct. The listing contains stamp, postcard, coin, other collectables or
combination fairs. Every care is taken in the compilation of this listing but we regret that 13 Derby, Nunsfield House Community Hall, (01909 563 394) 9.30-4
GSM cannot be held responsible for omissions or errors. 33 Boulton Road, Alvaston, DE24 0FD
13 Hastings, Christ Church, London Rd, St (01795 478 175) 10-3.30
Leonard’s-on-sea. TN37 6GL
June 13 Laindon, Methodist Church Hall, High Road, (01268 543 371) 10-3.30
21/22 Stafford, County Showground, A518, ST18 (01785 259 350) 10-4 Langdon Hills, Essex, SS16 6EX
0BD Stafford Stamp Show 13 Norton, Norton Methodist Church Hall, (01904 701 464) 9.30-2
22 Finchley, Methodist Church Hall, Ballards (07710 683 122) 10-4 Stockton-on Tees
Lane, Essex Park, N3 1ND 13 Staines, Christchurch Hall. Kingston Road (07858 864 557) 9.30-2
22 North Berwick, St Andrew Blackadder (01368 860 365) 10-4 13 Sutton, St Helier Methodist Church Hall, Green (0208 640 1404) 10-4
Church Hall, High Street, EH39 4NU Lane, Rose Hill, SM4 6SQ
22 Salisbury, Methodist Church, Fisherton Street (01489 582 673 ) 10-4 13 Telford, Belmont Hall, Wellington Centre, (01694 771 880) 10-3
SP2 7RB Telford, TF1 1LU
22 Newton Abbot, St Michaels Church Hall, (01626 360 081) 10-4 13 Upminster, St Lawrence Church Hall, Corbets (07710 683 122) 10-4
Chudleigh Road, Kingsteignton, TQ12 3JU Tey Road, RM14 2AJ
29 Bristol, The Fear Institute, Keynsham High (07599 001 101) 9.30-4 14 Altrincham, Mercure Hotel, Langham Road, (01785 259 350) 10-4
Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DG Bowdon
29 Ealing, Polygon Complex, Ealing Parish (07858 864 557) 9.30-2 14 Maidstone, Royal British Legion, British (01903 244 875) 10-4
Church. St Marys Road, Legion Village, Hall Road, Aylesford
29 Guildford, Onslow Village Hall, Wilderness (01795 478 175) 10-3.30 14 Wokingham, St Crispins Leisure Centre, (01923 674 999) 10-3
Road. GU2 7QR London Road, RG40 1SR
29 Great Barr, Collingwood Centre, Collingwood (07765 792 998) 10-4 19/20 York, Grandstand, York Racecourse York (01793 513 431) 11-6/10-4
Drive, Pheasey, B43 7NF Stamp and Coin Fair
29 Morley, St Mary’s Hall. Commercial Street. (01909 563 394) 9.30-4 20 Basingstoke The Costello School, (01256 415 699) 10-4
Morley (nr Leeds), LS27 8HZ Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke, RG21 4AL
29 Redbourn, Redbourn Village Hall, 63 High (07710 683 122) 10-4 20 Brighton, Good Shepherd Hall, 272 Dyke (01903 244 875) 10-4
Street, AL3 7LW Road
29 Redcar, Rye Hills School, TS10 2HN (01624 478 229) 10-4 20 Bristol, Shirehampton Public Hall, Station (01179 021 134) 10-4
29 Taunton, St James Church Hall, St James (01749 677 669) 10-4 Road, Shirehampton, BS11 9TX
Street, TA1 1JS 20 Colchester, Parish Hall, Old London Road, (01702 478 846) 10-4
30 Ascot, British Red Cross Centre (07858 864 557) 9.30-2 Marks Tey, CO6 1EN
(Heatherwood Hospital Entrance 3) 20 Durham, Durham County Hall, DH1 5UL (01368 860 365) 10-3.30
Kings Ride, SL5 7RD 20 Exeter, America Hall, De La Rue Way, Pinhoe, (01749 677 669) 10-4
30 Carlisle, Houghton Village Hall, Houghton, (01436 671 429) 10-4 EX4 8PX
CA3 0LL 20 Hull, St Stevens Church Hall, Freehold Street, (01909 563 394) 9.30-4
30 Hatfield, Ramanda Hatfield, St Albans Road (07710 683 122) 10-4 Off Spring Bank, HU3 1RB
West, AL10 9RH 20 Kenilworth, Kenilworth School, Leyes Lane (01785 259 350) 10-4
30 Peterborough, The Holiday inn, Thorpe (01733 203 121) 10-4 Kenilworth, CV8 2DA
Wood, PE3 6SG 20 Sittingbourne, Carmel Hall, Ufton Lane (01795 478 175) 10-3.30
30 Southport, Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade (01484 866 777) 10-4 (off West Street), ME10 1JB
30 Wakefield, The Cedar Court Hotel, Denby Dale (01522 684 681) 9.30-2.30 21 Altrincham, Cresta Court Hotel, Church (01484 866 777) 10-4
Road, Calder Grove Street, Town Centre
21 Dronfield, Coal Aston Village Hall, (01909 563 394) 9.30-4
July Coal Aston, Dronfield (nr Sheffield), S18 3AY
3 Neath, Neath Town Hall, SA11 3LL (01446 741 026) 10-5 21 Knowle, Knowle Village Hall, St Johns Close, (07765 792 998) 9.30-3
4 Cardiff, Methodist Church, Nottingham Street, (01446 741 026) 10-3.30 B93 0NH
CF5 1JP 21 North Berwick, St Andrew Blackadder (01368 860 365) 10-4
6 Beckenham, Azelia Hall, Croydon Road (02083 959 285) 9.30-3.30 Church Hall, High Street, EH39 4NU
6 Chichester, Stockbridge Hall, Stockbridge (01795 478 175) 10-3.30 21 Slip End, Village Hall, Markyate Road and (07710 683 122) 10-4
Road, Donnington. PO19 8SJ Grove Road, LU1 4BU
6 Huddersfield, St Thomas’ Community (01484 681 559) 9.30-4 21 Winchester, Badgers Farm Community (01795 478 175) 10-3.30
Centre, Manchester Road, Longroyd Bridge Centre, Badgers Farm Rd., SO22 4QB
6 Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Exhibition (01926 614 101) 10-4 27 Bexhill, St Martha’s Church Hall, Cooden (01903 244 875) 10-4
Centre, Radford Semele, Midpex Sea Road, Little Common
6 Leicester, The YMCA, 7 East Street, (01162 350 441) 9.30-3 27 Bristol, The Fear Institute, Keynsham High (07599 001 101) 9.30-4
LE1 6EY Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DG
6 Rawreth, Rawreth Parish Hall, Church (01702 323 682) 10-4 27 Ealing, Polygon Complex, Ealing Parish (07858 864 557) 9.30-2
Road, Essex, SS11 8SH Church. St Marys Road
6 Ruislip, Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham (01895 637 283) 10-4.30 27 Morley, St Mary’s Hall. Commercial Street. (01909 563 394) 9.30-4
Road, HA4 7DQ Morley (nr Leeds), LS27 8HZ
6 Sutton Coldfield, Fellowship Hall, South (01785 259 350) 10-4 27 Northampton, The Abbey Centre, East (01733 203 121) 10-4
Parade, Town Centre, B72 Hunsbury, Overlade Close, NN4 0RZ
6 York, Wiggington Recreational Hall, YO32 2PJ (01904 701 464) 10-4 27 Petersfield, Community Centre, off Love (01489 582 673) 10-4
7 Altrincham, Cresta Court Hotel, Church (01484 866 777) 10-4 Lane, GU31 4BW
27 Redbourn, Redbourn Village Hall, 63 High (07710 683 122) 10-4
Street, Town Centre
7 Milton Keynes, Novotel, Saxon Street, (07710 683 122) 10-4 Street, AL3 7LW
27 St Albans, United Reform Church, (01895 637 283) 10-4.30
Leyburn Coure, Heelands, MK13 7RA
7 Oxford, The WI Hall North Hinksey Lane, (07957 158 299) 10-4 Homewood Road, AL1 4BE
27 Wanstead, Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall (07710 683 122) 10-4
Botley, OX2 0LT
7 Worthing, Heene Community Centre, 122 (01795 478 175) 10-3.30 Road, E11 2RQ
Heene Rd, BN11 4PL 28 Ascot, British Red Cross Centre (07858 864 557) 9.30-2
11 Plymouth, Plymouth Guildhall, Armada Way (01489 582 673) 10-4 (Heatherwood Hospital Entrance 3)
PL1 2ER Kings Ride, SL5 7RD
12 Clyst St George (Exeter), Parish Hall, (01489 582 673) 10-4 28 Doncaster, Park Social Club, Eden Grove (01909 563 394) 9.30-4
Woodbury Road EX3 0RE Road, Edenthorpe, DN3 2LS
12 London, Royal National Hotel, Bedford (020 8946 4489) 9-4 28 Hopton-on-Sea, Station Road, NR31 9BE (01502 563 759) 10-3.30
Way, Russell Square, London WC1H 0DG 28 Southport, Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade (01484 866 777) 10-4
12/13 Chessington, King George Field Indoor Bowls (01256 415 699) 10.30-5/ 28 Stevenage, Novotel, Knebworth Park, (07710 683 122) 10-4
Club, Jubilee Way, KT9 1TR 10-4 Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX
13 Bournemouth, Pelhams Park, Millhams (01489 582 673) 10-4 28 Wakefield, The Cedar Court Hotel, Denby Dale (01522 684 681) 9.30-2.30
Road, Kinson Road, Calder Grove
13 Colwyn Bay, Eirias High School, Eirias Road, (01745 826 434) 9.30-3.30 28 Wing, Cottesloe School, Aylesbury Road, (01895 637 283) 10-4.30
LL29 7SP LU7 0NY
Auctions
AUCTIONS
GOMBEYS
Gombeys BH24 3SH by 1 July 2013.
GOMBEYS
Recent Auctions (SG 54b), formerly in the Hind record price for a Falklands item Once again, the first sale
and Burrus collections, sold for being broken twice. The first demonstrated that the Australian
Grosvenor £32,000, a corner plate block of record came with lot 2036, when market is losing none of its
A two-day British Empire and four of the 1913-21, £10 purple £50,000 was paid for the front strength, with the item on the
Foreign sale at Grosvenor’s and blue, complete with the cover item, a pair of the 1882 front cover, an interpane block of
saleroom in the Strand on 5 and ‘break in scroll’ and ‘broken 1d., imperforate vertically, but ten of the ½d. Kangaroo selling
6 March was followed by the crown and scroll’ flaws, made it was to stand for less than an for A$14,000 and a mint block of
much heralded John E Du Pont £12,500 and the unique corner hour, when it was shattered by lot four of the 1926–30 2d. golden
collection of Falkland Islands on examples of the 1907 2d. and 2147, the mint block of 30 of the scarlet on unwatermarked paper
the 7th. 4d. on Multiple Crown CA paper 1928 South Georgia provisional (SG 99ab) going for A$6500. The
(69/70) made £23,000. 2½d., one stamp showing the sale also included a nice section
This sale also included the surcharge double variety (115a). (47 lots) of Cocos (Keeling)
John E Du Pont collections of Estimated at £40,000-50,000, this Islands, with mail to and from
Papua and Commonwealth was eventually knocked down at the islands bearing the stamps of
postage dues, with the highlight £85,000. a number of different countries.
of the former being a marginal Other significant Falkland Our eye was particularly caught
block of four of the 1907 small Islands prices included an 1891 by the Straits Settlements 25c.
‘Papua’ overprint 1s. with the Government notice for the bisect Silver Jubilee cancelled with a
overprint double, one diagonal, provisional which made £16,500 double-ring ‘Cocos Islands’ c.d.s.
which made £30,000, while a and an attractive Red Frank Apparently only ten examples
1930 1s. airmail with inverted on cover (the second earliest of the postmark have been
overprint (117a) made £6200. known), which made the same recorded—so the hammer price
Among the postage dues, the price. of A$460 looks like a bargain.
only known example of the Prices exclude the 20 per cent
Australia 1909 perf 11 2d. buyer’s premium.
unused (without gum) sold for
£9000 and a block of six of the Prestige Philately
The general sale itself, BOIC Eritrea 10c. on 1d., one Prestige put on a double sale on
featured some important with ‘C’ omitted (ED7a) was 22 February, with their regular
collections, notably the ‘Blantyre’ knocked down at £2600. ‘General’ auction followed by
collection of Nyasaland, where The Du Pont Falkland Islands another in their ‘Signature
the unique in private hands achieved an overall total of Series’, this time devoted to the
pair of the 1d. 1898 Cheque £548,400—more than double Trevor Hiscock collection of In the Hiscock collection
stamp with the centres inverted pre-sale estimates with the world Western Australia. the top price of A$17,000 was
achieved by an attractive 1866
cover to the USA franked with
Forthcoming Auctions a pair of the 1861 4d. vermilion
Brian Reeve Other sections of the sale include Classic (40) and a 1s. green (61). There
The Garth Denman collection of Great Britain Switzerland and ‘Worldwide rarities’, amongst was a nice-looking 1864 2d.
missing colours on first day cover will be offered as which we notice this Sierra Leone Type 10 2½d. error of colour (light crease
a single lot on the 4 July sale, with a starting price on 2s. dull lilac, SG 68. and regummed) which made
of £90,000. If unsold, the covers will be offered A$13,500 and a very rare unused
individually in the following sale, on 25 July. Interasia example of the 1857 Hillman
Garth Denman’s is almost certainly the most The Hong Kong Auction House’s next sale will 2d. printed on both sides (15a).
extensive such collection ever formed and, be held at the Excelsior Hotel, Hong Kong, Whichever side you looked at, it
once dispersed, is unlikely to be repeated. It between 21 June and 1 July. was cut into on two sides, but the
comprises 57 covers, around 20 of which are A significant offering of classic China stamps auction house could not trace
believed to be unique. They include the 1968 and postal history is promised, one of the another example and deemed the
Bridges with missing ultramarine on the 9d. and highlights being a mint example of the rarest current catalogue price of £4500
the 1969 Anniversaries with missing lemon on regularly issued stamp of China, the ‘Small ‘ridiculous’. So the hammer price
the 1s.6d., both estimated at £7500, and the 1971 One Dollar Red Revenue’. This will be followed of A$3800 was either a massive
Anniversaries with lemon omitted on the 9p, by strong Republic Period (1911-49) and bargain or the catalogue price is
which is expected to make at least £7000. People’s Republic sections and an important not too far out after all!
correspondence from the Customs Post in Taiwan. We have said before how much
Corinphila we like Prestige’s sale catalogues
Following the successful sale of the Murray Payne and further justification for
first part of Dr Hugo Goeggel’s The firm’s 15th sale closes to ‘book’ bids on 24 that view was provided by the
collection of Brazil, Corinphila June, with live Internet bidding commencing at treatment of Western Australia
will be selling Part 2 during their 1.00p.m. on the 25th postmarks, where the 15-bar
Autumn series of sales, between 18 It features the second part of the ‘Penmaen’ numeral ‘4’ was picked out. This
and 21 September, along with Dr collection of Union of South Africa, with die example, which might have been
Goeggel’s Colombia collections; proofs, colour trials and errors and varieties. Also easily overlooked is believed to
‘Colonial Postal History, 1514- in the sale is David Woods’ substantial collection be the finest of the three known
1810’, ‘Colombia, 1859-64’ and of King George VI Ceylon, including some very strikes, on a stamp ctalogued
‘Colombian Airmails, 1919- scarce plate blocks, larger lots of individual at just £18 (SG 61), it sold for
1930’. The Brazil includes an territories being sold intact and a fine selection A$3400 on a A$1500 estimate.
extraordinary block of six of the of individual George VI items—all being sold Buyer’s premium needs to be
90r., grey ‘Bull’s Eye’. without buyer’s premium. added to prices quoted (15 per
cent).
28 G.S.M. July 2013
John Holman looks at the collecting possibilities
provided by 2013’s international exhibitions so far and reveals
the sometimes Europa-sceptic attitude to be found in Britain’s new
issues policy.
Thailand’s eastern
promise
The Thailand exhibition in
Bangkok, which takes place
next month (2–14 August),
marks the 130th anniversary
of the first Thailand stamps
and the introduction of the
country’s postal service. The
date of the exhibition also
coincides with the tenth
anniversary of Thailand Post
Co Ltd, which was formed by
the privatisation of the former
Communications Authority
of Thailand (CAT) in 2003.
Her Royal Highness Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is
the exhibition’s Patron
and will preside over its
inauguration. Stamps from
the Princess’s personal
collection will be on
show (the Princess herself
featured on a Thailand stamp marking The first set of
her 48th birthday in 2003, SG 2431). The stamps issued for Thailand’s 2013
exhibition organisers hope to attract up to international exhibition features folk arts and crafts
100,000 visitors, including 10,000 overseas
participants, generating over two billion baht Magnificent Heritage’. The logo is in various shades of colours, said to represent each ‘science
for the country’s economy. of arts’. Its round shape symbolises the globe. Some exhibitions also have a mascot and for this
Thailand has issued stamps for its past Bangkok exhibition it is an adaptation of Kinnaree, a half-bird, half-woman character in Thai
international exhibitions—in 1983 (three literature. The figure of Kinnaree is traditionally found in architecture at the main entrance of
issues featuring Temples, the old General Post buildings to welcome visitors.
Office, and the Postal Service), 1993 (four Royal Mail will be represented at the exhibition, so again an exhibition sheet is being
issues—two reproducing early stamps, and produced. It bears 20 1st ‘Hello’ stamps with attached labels in ten designs—so two of each
two showing Traditional Pottery and Cosmetic label per sheet. The labels feature: a traditional wai greeting; the Royal Paragon Hall, Bangkok;
Jars) and 2003 (three issues—Thai Food, the Buddha Wat Pho temple, Bangkok; the Ang Thong National Marine Park; a Buddhist
Landscapes, and Traditional Crafts). The monk; a rice paddy in northern Thailand; Nang Yai shadow puppetry; a floating market in
Youth international of 1999 was promoted by Bangkok; a Khon dance and the Wat Mahathat Buddhist temple, Bangkok. The exhibition logo
sets featuring Children’s Games, Folk Tales, is shown top right and the bilingual inscription (Thai and English), which reads ‘Hello from
and Ceremonies. For more information on Royal Mail’, is located at top left.
these see ‘New Collector’, July 2012. As well as hosting this international stamp exhibition, Bangkok is also the World Book
For the 2013 exhibition, the Thai Post Capital in 2013.
Office is issuing three sets of stamps. The After Bangkok, the next international exhibition will be at Rio de Janeiro in November,
first (issued 3 October 2012) features Folk which will mark the 170th anniversary of the first stamps of Brazil. The Brazilian Post Office
Arts and Crafts, followed by Traditional has issued some interesting stamps for past philatelic exhibitions and I will write about them
Arts and Royal Crafts (1 March 2013), and in ‘New Collector’ later in the year. Looking ahead, exhibitions are being arranged in 2014 in
Contemporary Arts (2 August). The stamps Seoul, South Korea and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There will also be an exhibition in Singapore
include the exhibition logo. in 2015 and in New York in 2016. Presumably the next international in London will be in 2020,
In addition, the Post Office will issue continuing the ten-year sequence begun in 1950. Meanwhile, a ‘European’ stamp exhibition,
stamps to mark the 130th anniversary of entitled ‘Europhilex’, will be held in London in May 2015—information about which was given
the country’s postal service and the tenth in the news pages of GSM in June (page 10).
anniversary of Thailand Post Corporation on Stamp exhibition material (stamps, postmarks, and souvenir items) are popular with some
4 and 14 August respectively. collectors, and interesting collections and displays can be built up. Many feature past stamp
The exhibition is called ‘Thailand 2013 designs or images closely related to the postal service past and present. Thus, many of the
World Stamp’, with the strap-line ‘The stamps are relevant to a thematic collection of ‘stamps on stamps’ or postal history.
Europa stamps Conference European des Postes et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1959. The letters ‘CEPT’, or the
I first wrote about Europa stamps in ‘New Conference’s posthorn emblem, appeared on many stamps until 1992, after which the stylised
Collector’ back in August 1996. Europa word ‘EUROPA’ has been used—the old CEPT having been succeeded by Posteurop for postal
stamps were first issued in 1956 by members administrations. Telecommunication companies now have their own organisation. Posteurop
of the old European Coal and Steel has 52 member postal administrations, which employ a total of 2.1 million people, serving 800
Community: Belgium, France, West Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
Each country issued two stamps in a common
design of a Europa tower surrounded by Britain’s 1992 Europa stamp
scaffolding. The following year the designs set was the last to feature the
were specific to each country, but a standard old CEPT logo, which was also
design was again adopted from 1967 to 1973. shown on the first day postmark
I listed the design subjects in August 1996;
they included the six-ring symbol (1959),
a dove, made up of 19 small doves (1961),
a Europa ship (1966), and a flaming sun
(1970).
The number of participating countries
increased following the formation of the
32 G.S.M. July 2013
New Collector
STANLEY GIBBONS
BRITISH STAMPS
BRITISH
The ‘Treasury Roulette’:
An Enigma Unwrapped
An Update on Skeleton Stamps
STAMPS
Machin Watch
Smilers Variants
Specialised Catalogue Supplement
Short of winning the lottery most collectors improbable that the rouletted stamps in proportion of these stamps and covers have,
can only dream of owning a copy of the question were issued on trial to members of over the years, been submitted to the two
famous Treasury Roulette (Fig 1). The Stanley the Government.’ Thus was born the myth of principal expert bodies in the UK, RPSL
Gibbons Great Britain Specialised Catalogue the ‘Treasury Roulette’. Ltd and BPA Expertising Ltd. Both have
(Volume 1) values a used off-cover example The cover in question is still believed to willingly made their records available, and
at £7200; one on cover could cost an eye- exist, though it has not come to the market that information was supplemented by, and
watering £23,000. You would think that in recent years, but there is no reason to cross-checked with, Karl Louis’ card index
anyone prepared to shell out that kind of doubt that it is genuine and that it gave rise and by searches of dealers’ lists and auction
money would want to know exactly what they to the two popular names for the stamp – the catalogues which tend to feature these stamps
were buying – how and why the stamps were ‘Gladstone’ or ‘Treasury Roulette’. There are prominently.
issued, an assurance that they were getting plenty of other references to the ‘Treasury The net result is that the most
the genuine article, and so on. Roulette’ in the philatelic literature, but comprehensive database yet of serpentine
And that is where the problems begin. little of any real substance, though it is fair roulettes (including images in most cases)
Starting with the ‘Treasury Roulette’ to point out that many of those who have has been assembled. To cut a long story short,
description itself, which owes more to written about it have been sceptical about 205 potential individual subjects have been
myth than reality, it is a fact that there is no the ‘Treasury’ bit of the description. Others identified, most of which are single stamps.
universally agreed definition of the stamp, have noted the existence of more than one For the purposes of this survey multiples,
and its origins are shrouded in mystery. A variety of serpentine roulette (Ref 2). And whether on cover or off, were treated as a
further complication is that the stamps with that’s about it. Surprisingly, nobody seems to single subject. Hence the number of stamps
serpentine roulettes come in several different have made a serious attempt to investigate covered by the survey was greater than the
varieties. So you can take your pick, if you can the circumstances in which the stamps were number of subjects listed. Taking account
make up your mind! produced, issued and used, at least until now. of multiples, the total number of ostensibly
So, is there any way to unravel the mysteries serpentine rouletted stamps included in the
surrounding this stamp? The best place Establishing the facts survey was 221.
to start would normally be the philatelic As the Specialised Catalogue (Ref 3) makes
literature, though in this case that proved clear, the variety is found only on the Statistical findings
to be pretty much a dead end. The earliest otherwise imperforate Great Britain 1d. Table 1 below includes all those 205 subjects
published reference to these stamps seems red-brown, Die I, Alphabet II, postage stamp, (221 stamps).
to be an article by AH Stamford in which issued between 1852 and early 1854. It is also Table 1: Primary List Of Subjects
he announced his discovery of the variety. only fair to mention that the catalogue does
Writing in The Philatelists’ Supplement to The not seek to perpetuate the myth of Treasury Subject No. of Apparently
No/
Bazaar in 1897 (Ref 1) he drew attention to involvement but makes it clear this was an Genuine Doubtful Indistinct
Type Subjects Faked
Image
a cover bearing an example of the stamp unauthorised variety. More of that later.
which had been signed at the bottom by In the absence of any useful background On
70 61 6 3
WE Gladstone, who was the Chancellor of information about the production and cover
On
the Exchequer when the cover was posted. distribution of these stamps, the only way piece/
In an effort to find a context for the stamp, forward seemed to be to acquire as much part
39 31 7 1
Stamford went on to state that ‘In the years information about the actual stamps and cover
1850 to 1854 (Archer, as is well known, covers themselves, and compile a database. Off
96 70 16 6
completed his experiments in 1850 or This proved to be easier than might first be paper
1851) the Treasury had been experimenting supposed. Because of the rarity of the items Totals 205 162 29 10 4
with various processes, and it seems not and their market value, an unusually large
BRITISH STAMPS
It was obvious from the start that some of nearly three weeks before the undisputed
the stamps described as Treasury Roulettes start of the serpentine roulette period as
were nothing of the sort. All suspect subjects noted above, and some of these, notably
(29) were excluded, together with a further Plates 133, 138 and 141, were probably taken
ten about which there were reservations; in from press several months previously (Ref 4).
addition four subjects proved impossible There may therefore be some doubt about
to classify because the characteristics of the identification of these plates.
the stamps were not sufficiently clear. The
basis on which items were excluded merits Postmarks. The obliterators used on the
some explanation. Apart from some obvious stamps themselves, including the loose
‘rogues’, e.g. stamps with Maltese cross copies, also provide important clues to the
cancellations, scans of the subjects were genuine stamps. The vast majority bore
Fig 2 Wave pattern 1
examined taking account of the uniformity, London obliterating marks, either the marks
regularity and consistency of the visible wave of the London Inland Office (with the
patterns, backed up where necessary and number contained in a diamond—Fig 5) or
possible with some basic measurements. London District office numerals in a circle
The opinions that had been expressed (Fig 6). Only about 20 per cent displayed
by the expert bodies were also taken into postmarks from outside London. The logical
account where relevant, though that does conclusion must be that the source of the
not necessarily imply agreement with those stamps was located in central London. The
opinions in all cases. minority of genuine examples bearing
Having excluded the suspect subjects, provincial postmarks can be accounted for by
the remaining 162 subjects were classified purchasers or their associates using stamps
by reference to their wave pattern. Three acquired in London on their travels.
distinctive wave patterns were noted on
genuine contemporary serpentine rouletted Varieties of serpentine roulette. The survey
stamps and these are separately listed in table establishes beyond reasonable doubt that
2 below. The type numbers assigned to these three distinctive types of serpentine rouletting
reflect only the relative commonness of each tool were used to separate imperforate stamps
Fig 3 Wave pattern 2
and have no other significance. during this period; it is probable that the
The breakdown of the subjects was as different tools were in simultaneous use in
follows: different places.
Type 1 is the predominant variety,
Table 2
accounting for 80 per cent of all serpentine
Subject No. of 4/3 Wave 3/2 Wave 2/1 Wave roulettes judged to be genuine, and all these
Type Subjects
Pattern Pattern Pattern stamps are assumed to have been severed with
(Type 1) (Type 2) (Type 3)
the same instrument. Type 2, with the 3/2
On cover 61 48 9 4 wave pattern, accounts for 13 per cent of the
On piece/ total, and Type 3 with the 2/1 configuration
31 25 3 3
part cover accounts for the remaining 7 per cent.
Off
paper
70 56 10 4 Origins of the
Fig 4 Wave pattern 3
Totals 162 129 22 11 ‘Treasury Roulette’
Starting with Stamford and the Treasury,
most theories about the origin of the stamps Three distinctive
The three different types of wave pattern
are illustrated (Figs 2 to 4). There can be
have centred on the involvement of some
official or semi-official body, and the reasons
wave patterns
little doubt that three different instruments
were used to produce the separations. In all
for this are considered below. This study
has, however, been based on a significantly
were noted on
three cases, these are true roulettes with small
sections of uncut paper at either the crest
larger and more detailed database than has
previously been available, and has provided
genuine serpentine
or trough of the waves, or both. The basic
facts about the stamps and their use can be
additional insights into the circumstances of
the usage of the stamp which provide helpful
rouletted stamps
summarised as follows: clues about their likely origin. The likely
scale of production has also been calculated,
Period of use. Apart from one cover and this has implications for theories about
apparently used in January 1852 (which could the possible role of public authorities in the
possibly be a date error for 1853), the data production of the serpentine roulettes.
is remarkably consistent and establishes the
period of use as November 1852 to March Attribution to official or
1854; the latter date, of course, marks the semi-official sources
general introduction of perforated stamps. Stamford’s attribution of the serpentine
rouletted stamp to the Treasury was probably
Plate range. Plating data is not complete and, prompted by Gladstone’s position as Fig 5 London Inland Office postmark
for the most part, there has been no attempt Chancellor of the Exchequer, but the result
to confirm the plate numbers attributed by has been to confer a semi-official status on
others to the stamps. However, subject to the stamp which, to some extent, appears to
the point made below, there is no reason have continued to colour people’s thinking.
to question the plate attribution in most Less charitably, perhaps, semi-official status
cases. The plate range noted is from Plate may be thought to inflate value.
133 (probably incorrect), then Plates 138 to Important though HM Treasury was,
173 with all plates except 140, 142-145, 155, and still is, in the affairs of the country,
159, 166 and 172 represented by at least one Stamford was mistaken in thinking it had any
example. Plate 157 is the most common with responsibility for perforation experiments, or
no less than ten examples. any other aspect of postage stamp production
However, it is worth noting that some of for that matter. Most people would be
the earlier plates (Plates 130-141, 143, 145 surprised to learn that responsibility for Fig 6 London District Office postmark
and 147) were defaced on 3 November 1852, stamp perforation in this era actually rested
G.S.M. July 2013 37
The ‘Treasury Roulette’
BRITISH STAMPS
with the tax man! Fortunately, an impressive cent survival rate suggests that over a period stamps would barely have made a dent in that
number of contemporary Inland Revenue of 15 months or more something like 20,000 demand. Another factor to consider is the
documents about perforation (and other stamps (or the equivalent of approximately 83 relatively even spread of usage of the stamps
aspects of stamp production) can still be sheets) might have been separated using the over the 17 months during which they are
found in the National Archives at Kew. Whilst serpentine rouletting tools identified. recorded; the data is drawn primarily from
these do provide interesting information The ‘Gough Scale’ is based on studies of covers, but also dated pieces:
about separation experiments and different early stamps on cover made by an eminent
types of perforating machines, unfortunately American postal historian, Jamie Gough. Serpentine roulette covers - used by month
for those of a romantic disposition, they In simple terms, he has found that for
are silent on the subject of any experiments every million normally issued stamps, some
which could have resulted in the serpentine 800-1200 covers could be expected to have
rouletted stamps. That might just be because survived. In the absence of information about
there weren’t any. the original number of serpentine rouletted
So the case for a Treasury connection rests stamps, the scale has been applied in reverse.
essentially on the existence of the Gladstone Assuming that the census figure of 61 covers
cover, and another one said to be addressed with serpentine rouletted stamps (see Table
in his handwriting, and, as suggested by 1) is a reasonable representation of what has
some, the fact that a number of the stamps survived, this would imply that up to about
are on covers sent to, or otherwise associated 50,000 stamps (or 208 sheets) were separated
with, Members of Parliament. The Gladstone by such instruments. This pattern of distribution implies that
connection, though undisputed, is a complete These two methods of calculation suggest the stamps were made available in small
red herring. The Treasury as an organisation a probable range of production of between quantities over a period of about a year, in
had no use for postage stamps because its 85 and 210 sheets (rounded) – a totally complete contrast to the distribution pattern
official mail, including any official letters sent insignificant figure compared to the nearly for the Archer-perforated stamps in 1851.
by Gladstone, whether to MPs or anyone else, 1.5 million sheets of 1d. postage stamps Although the Palace of Westminster cannot
was sent free of charge and unstamped. Only issued in 1853 alone. By way of comparison, be ruled out as the point of origin of these
Gladstone’s private mail required stamps this figure is also dwarfed by both of the stamps, the argument for its involvement
and, despite Stamford’s speculations, it is limited experimental issues of the Archer- is entirely circumstantial and is far from
hardly likely that the Department, noted for perforated stamps in 1850 and 1851. The convincing.
counting the pennies, would be supplying South Devon issue in the last three months
stamps for his personal use. of 1850 involved an estimated 1000 sheets Where gentlemen gather?
The covers sent to MPs, far from providing (or 240,000 stamps). The 1851 distribution, There is, however, another possibility which
evidence of Treasury involvement, actually which probably also took place over a deserves consideration. The census of the
do the exact opposite for the reasons given similar period, was confined to the House serpentine roulette covers suggests that
in the previous paragraph. MPs received of Commons and involved an estimated these stamps were not made available to the
mail from all manner of individuals. Why the 700-750 sheets. The fact that the serpentine ordinary man in the street.
Treasury should be singled out in this context rouletted stamps were issued in much smaller Collectors of early 19th century British
is baffling, unless that too is an ill-informed quantities and apparently over an extended covers will know that most tend to be legal
attempt to justify the traditional attribution of period of a year or more leads me to believe or commercial in nature. A fair amount of
this stamp variety. that the production and distribution of these personal correspondence also survives, of
In brief, there is neither documentary stamps was more likely to have been the result course, but more often than not recipients
nor other evidence to link the serpentine of a private initiative than from any sort of or senders are a pretty anonymous bunch.
rouletted stamps with the Treasury (or to any officially led project. The serpentine roulette covers are different.
other government institution for that matter). Including those sent to or by MPs, more than
How were the stamps half the 60 covers in the census are addressed
distributed?
The Gladstone The question that has baffled everyone is how
to prominent members of society or to people
residing at upmarket addresses. Where the
connection, though the stamps came into the hands of the people
who used them. This examination of the
senders can be identified, it is apparent that
they also come from the same social strata.
undisputed, is a surviving material, and especially the covers,
provides some possible clues. As previously
The question that arises is where might such a
select group of people assemble on a regular
complete red herring noted, approximately 80 per cent of all the
stamps judged to be genuine bear a London
basis as a matter of habit and, even more
to the point, have the time and occasion to
postmark, which suggests strongly that is engage in correspondence?
The scale of the operation where they originated. One of the unique features of 19th century
Amidst all the speculation about a Treasury Although I am not aware of any published London society was that peculiarly British
or other semi-official source for the stamps, reports about the number of Members of institution, the gentlemen’s club. Practically
one important matter seems to have been Parliament (MPs) directly associated with all the well-known clubs were well established
completely overlooked, namely how many covers bearing Treasury Roulettes, I know by the mid-1800s and catered for the good
serpentine rouletted stamps were actually that some collectors have drawn attention and the great, or at least those who aspired to
produced. The survival rate of stamps from to the point. The present census has in fact such status. The most prestigious clubs were
this period is not, in general, particularly identified nine MPs who were either senders concentrated in the St James’s/Pall Mall area
well researched. For the purposes of this or recipients of covers bearing these stamps. of London (Fig 7) which was conveniently
study two measures have been used. First, the That level of involvement is unexpectedly located close to the centres of political,
philatelists’ ‘rule of thumb’ estimate of an high and can hardly be the result of chance. administrative, legal and ecclesiastical life
overall 1-2 per cent survival rate for stamps of Moreover, several members of the House of in the capital, not to mention the arts and
this period, and second, what can be called Lords or their families are also associated with entertainment. The clubs provided their
the ‘Gough Scale’ which estimates the survival these covers. That raises the possibility that members with a wide range of services, and
rate of stamps on cover. the distribution of the rouletted stamps may such day-to-day requirements as stationery
On the first measure, the calculation is have had something to do with the Houses of and postage stamps would be readily available
based on the number of actual stamps with Parliament, but it would be unwise to jump to to them. An enterprising stamp supplier or
serpentine roulettes (174) in the census that any conclusions here. club servant might well have found a ready
were judged to be genuine. Because people I have already mentioned the sale of 700- clientele for his partially severed stamps.
tend to seek certificates for this kind of item, 750 sheets of the Archer stamps in the House Postal and other evidence supports this
there are probably relatively few genuine of Commons early in 1851, and this suggests argument. Five different covers bear the local
stamps unaccounted for. If, for the sake of a pretty healthy level of demand from that St James’s Street and Pall Mall postmarks,
argument, it is assumed that a grand total of quarter. On the other hand, the sale of 200 and another four of them are backstamped
200 of these stamps have survived, the 1 per sheets or more of the serpentine rouletted at the nearby Charing Cross district office.
38 G.S.M. July 2013
The ‘Treasury Roulette’
BRITISH STAMPS
Moreover, five covers have been recorded existence of more than one type of serpentine were to be redesignated as ‘unofficial’.
with the crests or seals of the Athenaeum roulette raises the question of which of But that is effectively how things stand in
(Fig 8), Brooks’s, Carlton, Traveller’s, and them, if any, should be singled out for this the present catalogue (with its reference
the United University Clubs, all of which special description. Other than on grounds to an unauthorised variety). And it needs
were located in, or adjacent to, Pall Mall. In of quantity, or maybe aesthetics, there is no to be remembered that the important
all, and avoiding double counting, no fewer feature that objectively marks one out as pioneering efforts of Henry Archer, among
than 12 covers (20 per cent of the total) being of superior quality or interest. It would others, who experimented with a rouletting
are geographically or otherwise directly therefore be invidious to distinguish between machine as a means of overcoming the
associated with the area in which the most them other than on grounds of their physical problems of separating individual stamps
prestigious gentlemen’s clubs were, and appearance and relative scarcity. from imperforate sheets were equally
indeed still are, located. This is, of course, not The logical and rational course would be unauthorised. Suffice it to say that those
proof positive of a connection between the to sever the link with the Treasury (which few enterprising individuals who produced the
clubs and the serpentine roulettes because it believe in, anyway), with all the overtones serpentine rouletted stamps have certainly
is possible that the stamps could have been that carries, and simply redefine the stamps left us with something very distinctive, rare
acquired elsewhere, but it does point to a as having an ‘unofficial serpentine roulette and interesting. In the real world any stamp
previously unsuspected link. applied by a person or persons unknown’. with such characteristics is bound to be
In the real world, however, tradition highly desirable and collectable, however it is
Conclusions will doubtless continue to exert a strong described in the catalogue.
The origins of the serpentine roulettes influence. There is, however, a serious point. And so, back to our prospective lottery
remain a mystery. There is no reason to Given the extent to which certificates are winner. He or she might now have a better
believe that there was any official or semi- now necessary for the sale of scarce to rare understanding of the serpentine rouletted
official involvement in their production, items like the serpentine roulettes, there is stamps and what to look out for in the market
and it is more likely that the stamps were a compelling case for liaison between the place. For anyone still aspiring to own a copy,
produced by an enterprising individual (or expert bodies to review their approach to there is a lot to be said for ensuring that it
individuals) operating on a relatively modest the serpentine rouletted stamps, and find a has a good certificate from a reputable body,
scale. Whoever may have been responsible, description which does not imply that the or trusted individual. Always remember,
he, or they, apparently had access to a market stamps have some kind of official status. however, that certificates record an opinion;
frequented by many of the more privileged Some may feel that the evolutionary chart they do not constitute a guarantee. Caveat
members of society. Whether or not this of official stamp perforation would be the emptor (let the buyer beware) remains the best
was via the gentlemen’s clubs will probably poorer if this attractive method of separation advice I can give.
remain a matter for debate.
What is certain is that the ‘Treasury
Roulette’ description is both misleading and
confusing. Not only is there no evidence to
The origins of the serpentine roulettes
link any of the stamps to the Treasury, the remain a mystery
Photo credit: David Holt. The Athenaeum 2012
C: Carlton LY
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Acknowledgements
I particularly want to pay tribute to my
friend and colleague, Tim Burgess, for
his unfailing support in setting up the
project and helping carry it through, not
least his discovery of the Stamford article
and his painstaking work in compiling the
database which forms the foundation of
the survey. I am also indebted to the three
major repositories of information about
the serpentine rouletted stamps: RPSL
Ltd; BPA Expertising Ltd and Karl Louis’
card index, all of whom have willingly
made their records available. Without
their support and cooperation this project
would not have been possible and I wish
to record my thanks.
References
1. AH Stamford, The Philatelists’ Supplement to The Bazaar, 24 February 1897.
2. Tim Burgess, ‘Experimental Separation in the 1d Red Stars’, Great Britain
Philatelic Society Newsletter, No 285, January/February 2004, p. 6.
3. Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Specialised Stamp Catalogue Volume 1: Queen
Victoria, 16th Edition, p. 123.
4. W de LM Messenger, ‘QV Line-Engraved Plates: Withdrawal and
Defacement’, The GB Journal, Vol 36, No 8, p. 67.
These notes, which will only refer to England storing by county makes it a little easier when
and Wales, have been produced as an update checking for different offices and sizes of the
to my previous article (GSM April 2005) stamps, rather than an A to Z listing, which
following the discovery of a number of can sometimes be confusing when offices
new finds. Some of the information in my from different counties have the same name.
previous article has also been incorporated The details inside the outer ring appear to
in this article to save backtracking, and also have been a matter of choice of the person
to enable easier reference for the reader. making up the stamp, hence the layout from Fig 1 Early unframed marks take the form of
Please note that the words ‘stamp’ or ‘stamps’ some offices differ considerably. The year an inverted pear shape featuring the office
refer to the postmarks or cancels mentioned can be in two or four digits, and the day can name and two-line date, in seriffed letters
in these notes, and are not associated with appear either before or after the month.
adhesive stamps that are placed on mail to Likewise, the town name or a code letter can
pre-pay postage costs, which will be referred sometimes appear at the top or bottom of
to as adhesives where appropriate. the stamp.
Some examples show only the head office,
General terms while others have the town or county name
When normal datestamps wear out, are also included. With the above in mind, it is
lost, broken or even stolen, it is usual usual to find stamps with the same layout
practice for the postmaster to requisition a from a particular office, but if the stamp is
replacement. Pending the supply of a new broken down and then used again at a later
current cancelling stamp a stop-gap means date, a different assembler may have chosen
of cancelling mail would have to be brought to place the details in a slightly different Fig 2 Unframed marks were usually applied
into use. This problem was usually overcome format from when it was previously used in black ink, but may also be found in blue,
by making a temporary datestamp, normally (e.g. the day before the month instead of green or even red
using a skeleton case or circular frame that after the month). On the second occasion
incorporated a number of slots both in the of use, the stamp may have only had a short
inner case and around the circumference. life. When this has happened sometimes the
Loose type could be inserted into these slots impressions are said to be rare. However, one
to provide the desired details, such as head is only collecting a later usage of the same
office or sub-office name, county, town, date, stamp with a slight alteration. These should
time and year. Sometimes an identification be referred to as varieties and not separate
code or other mark is also added. issues. Early and late dates of usage can be
These make-do stamps have been referred helpful and show how often, or seldom, the
to by many names in the past, such as: stamp was in use. Obviously, a stamp that had
Climax, Emergency, Relief, Replacement, only a very limited use would be difficult to
Temporary, Travelling and Skeleton stamps. find and therefore can be classified as scarce.
In recent times the name Skeleton is used Although instructions were usually issued
more often than not, although the name with these Skeleton kits, it does not follow
‘Traveller’ or ‘Travelling’ stamps is still that they were strictly adhered to. As a result,
sometimes used when referring to the earlier all kinds of minor changes in the details
unframed types. Other uses for such stamps within the frame may be found. In a busy
can sometimes be for temporary offices, or office the stamp may have been quite quickly
new offices that are waiting for permanent constructed for use in order to cancel and
stamps to be issued. They are sometimes get the mail out on time. It was probably not
seen in use to perhaps alleviate the pressure overly important whether the day appeared
during peak times, such as Christmas or before or after the month, or whether the
holiday periods. The stamps were normally year was denoted in two or four digits.
made of a metal construction and assembled
rather like a child’s printing outfit. Rubber Early unframed marks
Skeleton stamps have also been used from As the volume of mail began to increase in
time to time in the same fashion. These will the mid-1830s, precautions were introduced Fig 3 Pear-shaped stamps, such as the
be discussed in a later article. to account for a replacement stamp should Gravesend mark shown here, were
I prefer to collect these markings by it be needed for any reason. The time had used during the second decade of the
county, e.g.: London, Essex, Kent, etc, come whereby certain types of mail had nineteenth century. However they can
noting the size of the outer ring inside which to bear a dated postmark. The so-called easily be identified by the distinctive
contains the office details. Collecting and Travelling or Skeleton kits became a vital part format of the date
42 G.S.M. July 2013
Skeleton Stamps
BRITISH STAMPS
of the equipment issued to every head
office to act as a temporary replacement
for worn or damaged stamps; an idea
which has survived into recent times,
although replacements are nowadays often
made locally. I have found no firm date
for the introduction of these replacement
stamps, but they were probably issued in
late 1836 or early 1837, and impressions
from them are generally recognised by their
uneven appearance.
These early unframed stamps were never
used in Ireland and Scotland; Skeletons
from these areas will be discussed at some
length in a future article. Examples from
some offices are rarely seen as the stamps
were not for general use, being put to use
for short periods of a few days only until a
new current issue was made available. Fig 4 An 1850 Skeleton stamp with an inverted
The earliest examples take the form of an letter in the office name
inverted pear shape with the office name in
seriffed letters in an arc at the top (Fig 1),
below which is a two-line date, usually
with a four digit year, with a cross, letter,
number or ornament below. They were
usually applied in black ink, but may
also be found in blue or green (Fig 2)
and very rarely in red. They may be seen
in use from 1838 onwards and some
offices were still using this type as late as
1849. Pear-shaped stamps similar to the
Skeletons are mainly seen in use during
the second decade of the nineteenth
century. The general layout of the later
stamp is usually better, but the date is the
tell-tale factor. Both examples are shown
for comparison (Fig 3).
Seriffed letters were replaced with sans-
serif letters from about 1843, although the
former type can be found throughout the
1840s from some offices. By 1850 all offices
were using sans-serif lettering. In most of
the impressions I have seen the lettering
varies slightly, and sometimes mistakes are
made whereby the letters or numerals are
seen inverted, or even placed in the wrong
position (Fig 4). However, some have been
seen from smaller, less busy offices where the
lettering is near perfect, probably as they had
more time to construct the stamp.
Framed Skeletons
Skeleton stamps enclosed in a circular
frame are seen from about 1843 onwards,
around the same time the sans-serif type
was introduced. The older, unframed
stamps overlapped the introduction of the
new framed stamps, but seem to have been
gradually phased out as the new designs were Fig 5 Examples of unframed stamps with sans-seriffed
issued and made available. The unframed letters are not often found
stamps are not frequently seen with sans-
seriffed letters (Fig 5).
Stamps having a circular design or frame
have been around since the introduction of
the Bishop marks, which first appeared in the
early 1660s. The early framed Skeleton stamps
can be recognised by their uneven layout,
which in many cases is quite noticeable. A
few examples may be found with seriffed
letters (Fig 6), but generally sans-serif
lettering was used.
The containing frame was generally
quite large, being approximately 35mm
in diameter. In the late 1840s, the frame
was reduced to approximately 32mm. In
1858 they were further reduced in size to
approximately 28mm. An example of this Fig 6 Examples of framed stamps with seriffed letters
size, taken from the proof books, shows
G.S.M. July 2013 43
Supplement
Skeleton Stamps
No 354 January 2010
BRITISH STAMPS
BRITISH STAMPS
Left and Below: Fig 13 Framed
stamps from 1906 and 1905
with clock times added
Below: Fig 17 A 1903 stamp with the letters SOM for Somerset
Smaller Skeletons
The smaller Skeleton stamps appear to
have been issued in the early 1890s and
the symmetry in most examples I have
seen is quite good. The size of the frame is
approximately 23mm (plus or minus 1mm)
and was probably decided upon by the
number of letters that could be inserted into
the stamp. The office name may have also
been taken into consideration before the
replacement kit was issued. Obviously, a
larger 25mm diameter stamp could
accommodate 18 letters, while the smaller
23mm stamps only had room for a maximum
of 12 letters (see Fig 8). Therefore, it would
be quite useless to send a 23mm stamp to
Bishops Stortford, or to one of the longer
Fig 18 A Paid Skeleton from 1906 with the date in a single line (Reduced)
named Welsh towns, like Llanfairfechan, for
example. Below: Fig 20 Later examples of
The four-digit year was reduced to two Fig 19: 1905 Skeleton marks
digits in the mid-1860s, although a few stamp with
examples may still be found using four digits the two-digit
in the first decade of the twentieth century. year format
These are quite unusual and are probably
due to an earlier issued stamp still being
serviceable. By the turn of the century, new
stamps only incorporated room for two digits
for the year, which were mostly placed nicely
in a central position (Fig 19).
These small Skeletons were no larger
than the normal issue of stamps, but many is difficult to ascertain whether it is of metal
impressions still show the give-away sign of or rubber manufacture, but with a little
unevenness and the lack of symmetry, as experience collectors will be able to recognise
shown in Fig 13, with the lettering being well them. A few examples of these later types are
off centre. Others may show only the slightest shown in Fig 20. The rubber stamps will be
hint of unevenness. discussed in the second part of my article.
By the mid-1920s most sub-offices, both
in the town and country areas, had been
equipped with metal datestamps. It must A note on modern large
have been quite a fiddly operation inserting single-ring rubber cancellers
the details into these small stamps. Even
the larger types must have been quite I have often been asked about the
troublesome at times, hence the amount significance of large single-ring
of nonconformity noticed. Once the office cancellations. In many areas, large single-
details were inserted, the stamps probably ring rubber cancellers are still being used
remained in this state so that only the date to cancel a single small adhesive. It appears
needed to be changed, if and when the stamp that there is no real explanation for using
was required for future use. such a large cancel. However, they are
In more recent times, Skeletons seem to more acceptable than ink jet machine
have been issued mainly to sub-offices that cancels for the adhesive collector seeking
did not cancel mail in the usual way. Their fine used.
datestamps were used as counter stamps or I have viewed some very large cancellers,
for dating registered mail, parcels, receipts, some of which measure up to 55mm in
postal orders or certificates of posting, etc, diameter, that have been impressed on
and in many cases time slugs ceased to a small envelope. Whether or not this
be issued, being replaced instead with an is normal practice for post offices, they
asterisk. Here again there is much non- do seem to add a touch of interest to a
conformity. Spelling mistakes, together collection, especially when being displayed,
with inverted letters seem to have been and comments are usually raised as to why
quite frequent. Some stamps had the name such a large postmark has been used.
inserted with all the letters facing either These large Skeleton stamps (both metal
inwards or outwards, while many others had a and rubber) are one of the few areas of
combination of both. postmark collecting where it is still possible
These metal stamps have survived into to find new varieties or even a unique
recent times, many of which are easy to spot, example to add to your collection. They
especially as they seem to have increased in may have been allocated for use on larger
diameter to allow for all kinds of information packets that machines could not handle,
to be included within them. The lack of or possibly used as an emergency canceller
symmetry is, in some cases, very easily when all the machines were busy, to help
noticeable. Indeed, some of the modern out with an overload of mail.
rubber stamps have very thin frames and it
46 G.S.M. July 2013
Machin Watch
BRITISH STAMPS
Machin Watch
By John M Deering
In his latest column for Machin watchers, John Deering dissects
the recent Doctor Who and Football stamp issues on the look-out
for new Machin varieties. In the process, he also discovers a bit
of an ‘own goal’ from Royal Mail, as far as some of the printed
information is concerned.
Machin Post & Go with 84th Scottish Congress 2013 inscription. Alongside is a 12×2nd retail booklet with
M13L date code. M13L date code picture courtesy of Connoisseur Publications (thanks James).
What a stamp-filled time we are all having at the moment, and this whole issue makes some sense; this month is a case in point. Thinking
month (welcome to ‘Machin Watch’ by the way) I am giving you a very of Post & Go for a moment, both Machin and Flag Post & Go stamps
full report on the two recent prestige booklets and their stamps. Here with inscriptions were available from Hytech machines at the recent
at ‘Machin Watch’ HQ, I yet again find myself deviating away from 84th Scottish Congress in Perth. Other things happing just now are
Machins for some of the time. As regular readers will realise, when the appearance of current 2nd and 1st Machins with M13L date codes.
a prestige booklet comes along, there might be pictorial definitives As things surface I will keep you informed (but to whet your appetite
and/or commemoratives contained that need covering so that the here is taster of a 12×2nd retail booklet with M13L). Enjoy!
Top tip: Walsall and Cartor—Gravure and litho to start is the value and/or the upper and lower frame edges. Litho
To help those who are new to Machins, or are less familiar with the stamps tend to have very clean and clearly defined edges to the
printers and their usual processes, and as a reminder to others, the frame and value, whereas gravure printings (generally) have much
following general notes may be useful: Walsall and Cartor are really less definition and a ‘wooliness’ to them, where the individual
sister companies (Walsall effectively owns Cartor) and although screening dots can be clearly seen.
they are in different countries, they really are one and the same; Take a comparable gravure Machin and you will see what I
I am guessing that sometimes a print job is given to Walsall who mean. Let’s use the 68p SG U3005 from Walsall; it is from the
subcontract it to Cartor, who then print it in litho (I think it is still Dahl, DY3, prestige booklet, has ordinary gum, and an iridescent
the case that Cartor do not have a gravure press). Conversely, if overprint with MPIL and M11L. You will notice there is poor
Cartor are given a large print job which requires gravure for part of definition and a ‘wooliness’ around the inside edge of the value.
it then that part would likely be dealt with by Walsall. This effect can also be seen along the upper and lower frame
In some cases (and particularly commemorative stamps with edges. Close inspection here also helps to confirm the printing
multiple colours) top-quality gravure and litho printings are direction, which is another attribute studied by some specialists.
becoming more difficult to distinguish, although Machin and Next, take a known litho stamp from a recent prestige booklet and
Emblem stamps printed in gravure and litho usually have very do the same—the 20p U3014 from the Doctor Who prestige booklet
different and distinguishing characteristics. To examine the fine will do nicely. Under magnification you will clearly see exactly
detail and tell the two processes apart all you really need is a what I mean by the differing characteristics, thanks to its clean and
reasonably strong magnifier (×10 is quite good) and the best place clearly defined edges.
The 68p (SG U3005) stamp from the Dahl prestige booklet is a typical
Walsall gravure printing; the edges of the value have poor definition and a
‘wooliness’ to them
The 20p (SG U3014) from the Doctor Who prestige booklet is a typical
Cartor litho printing; the value has clean and clearly defined edges
The Doctor Who prestige one each of the 5p, 10p, 20p and 87p Machin definitives, all surrounding a TARDIS label.
booklet, the TARDIS stamps, Apart from the open door, the TARDIS label is very similar to the stamp but, of course, it
doesn’t have The Queen’s head, value or phosphor bands; it is just a label.
and the Machins For a moment, let’s return to the controversy regarding who has printed what and in which
In the May ‘Machin Watch’ I provided a process. The credits in the booklet suggest that the self-adhesive miniature sheet pane (Dalek,
detailed report about the Doctor Who prestige Ood and so on) is printed by Enschedé in litho but, like the rest of the booklet, the pane
booklet’s unusual arrangement of the various is supposed to be from Cartor in litho (which it is). It is actually the loose miniature sheet
panes, and said that I would be back to the that has been printed by Enschedé, but (apparently) in gravure (not litho). Oh dear, this is
booklet to discuss the relevant stamps and all rather a mix-up, and very confusing (my brain has now gone to mush). My information
anything else of importance (which I am now comes care of a very reliable source within Royal Mail who ought to know as he is involved at
doing). There is quite a lot to tell you! the commissioning process (thanks ‘MF’). Consequently, I think we must take the view that
Helping put the booklet and its stamps printers and processes are as I have been informed. Close inspection certainly suggests that
into some sort of context, we need to be the two miniature sheets are not from the same stable. But the fun doesn’t end there; things
reminded about the primary issue, which is get even more interesting for the self-adhesive TARDIS stamps. The self-adhesive pane version
of 11 Doctor Who 1st sheet commemoratives has a different perforation gauge (15×15) to the TARDIS stamp in the loose miniature sheets
and a self-adhesive miniature sheet. The (15×14) and further confirms the probability that two entirely different printers might have
miniature sheet (with a white back) has four been responsible.
2nd commemoratives (Dalek, The Ood,
Weeping Angel, and Cyberman) and a single Printed by Cartor in litho is the self-adhesive miniature sheet pane the TARDIS stamp is
1st TARDIS pictorial definitive. In the booklet perforated 15×15, whilst the TARDIS stamps from other sources are 15×14.
are five stamp panes: the first (entitled
‘Hiding behind the sofa’) is a pane
version of the self-
adhesive miniature
sheet (with the design
of the next page
printed on its back so
it’s not plain like the
loose version). This
is followed by three
panes, which between
them encompass
the 11 Doctor Who
1st commemoratives
(both sheet and pane
versions are the same:
Cartor litho) and
then, nearly at the end
of the arrangement,
is an all-important
se-tenant definitive
pane (ordinary gum)
containing four 1st
TARDIS stamps and,
with iridescent overprint,
48 G.S.M. July 2013
Machin Watch
BRITISH STAMPS
How many different TARDIS stamps? The TARDIS stamps from the different sources are not only
As the 1st TARDIS stamps are really pictorial definitives, and in distinguishable by their different printing processes and perforation
view of all the different versions, I thought that readers might like gauges, but also from the gaps between their two phosphor bands.
a summary detailing them and their differences; all have two (side) Additionally, and surprisingly, the retail booklet stamps have another
phosphor bands. Mentioned in the May article and shown again easily overlooked detail—the overall size of the design area is a little
here, but this time with a cylinder number as I promised, is the Doctor bigger than on any of the other versions. Walsall’s TARDIS design area
Who self-adhesive retail booklet, which has four TARDIS stamps; it is actually the same size as a Machin and so I think it is more that the
is from Walsall and printed in gravure. As mentioned earlier, there other TARDIS stamps have a slightly smaller design area and this is
are the other two self-adhesive versions of the TARDIS, but yet to be noticed through the white border appearing to be a little wider than
discussed is another (fourth) self-adhesive version, which comes from normal. It is most noticeable on the se-tenant definitive pane because
the Cartor litho-printed generic sheet. The generic sheet contains the TARDIS design area looks very slightly smaller than the Machins
20 TARDIS stamps, each of which is adjacent and adjoined to a label they are adjacent to. The different printings also have differing
featuring (in different guises) various characters, creatures and beings shades, particularly the retail booklet stamps, which are a brighter
from the series (for some reason I particularly like the potato-headed and deeper purple to the right of the TARDIS, and a brighter blue
Sontarans). Finally, there is the se-tenant definitive pane from the towards the bottom left corner. To make things as simple as possible, I
prestige booklet which contains four TARDIS stamps, but as the pane am including a table detailing (apart from the shades) all the relevant
has ordinary gum, these versions are unique in their own right. differences, as follows:
The different sources of the 1st TARDIS stamps (all have two [side] phosphor bands)
Source Printer Gum Printing process Perf. gauge Gap between two Size of design area
(side) phosphor bands (to nearest ½mm)
(to nearest ½mm)
Retail booklet Walsal Self-adhesive Gravure 15x14 11½mm 17½x21½
Miniature sheet (including four 2nd stamps) Enschedé Self-adhesive Gravure 15x14 11mm 17x21
Hiding behind the Sofa pane (including four Cartor Self-adhesive Litho 15x15 7mm 17x21
2nd stamps) from prestige booklet
Generic sheet Cartor Self-adhesive Litho 15x14 7mm 17x21
Se-tenant Machin pane from Prestige booklet Cartor Ordinary gum Litho 15x14 7mm 17x21
The se-tenant Machin pane…. being from the Cartor stable and printed in litho certainly makes
I am sorry it’s taken so long to get to this bit, but the Doctor Who issue them important, this is not what makes them unique. What does make
as a whole really did need dealing with properly, especially in view them unique, and affords them full catalogue status, is their ordinary
of its complications. Now, and apart from the four TARDIS stamps, gum and their printing process in combination with the source and
the Cartor, litho-printed se-tenant definitive pane contains four totally date code within the iridescent overprint (MPIL/M12L).
new Machins (each with two [side] phosphor bands): 5p (U3012), When issued in March, the 5p, 10p, 20p and 87p with MPIL/M12L
10p (U3013), 20p (U3014) and 87p (U3020). The pane layout is as codes did not already exist, but MPIL versions of the 5p and 10p
follows: TARDIS / 10p / TARDIS (top row), 5p / TARDIS label / 20p appeared again with the issue of the Football Heroes booklet—but
(middle row), and TARDIS / 87p / TARDIS (bottom row). Whilst this time with M13L date codes. Although issued in 2013, the Doctor
G.S.M. July 2013 49
Machin Watch
BRITISH STAMPS
Football Heroes issue, the and playing at the same time, a sort of dream rarely gave the ball away. In June 1984, during
prestige booklet and the team. The 11 football heroes are as follows a match against Brazil, he dribbled past four
(or if you prefer skip straight to the next defenders and the goalkeeper to score a goal
definitive panes section for the actual stamps): of brilliance which is judged by some to be
Similar to the Doctor Who issue, Football Jimmy Greaves, England, Born: 20 the finest England goal of all time.
Heroes combines 11 sheet 1st stamps, a February 1940, Caps: 57 (1959–67): Kevin Keegan, England, Born: 14 February
miniature sheet, a prestige booklet, and apparently one of the most instinctively-gifted 1951, Caps: 63 (1972–82): described by
a retail booklet—and all were issued on 9 goal scorers in the history of the game, Jimmy Bill Shankly (a Liverpool manager) as a
May to help celebrate the 150th anniversary Greaves played 57 times for England and born winner, Keegan was energetic, brave,
of the forming of the Football Association, scored 44 goals. Having begun his career and fast, strong, skilful, and had a real drive to
which took place in 1863. 140 years of the enjoyed huge success at Chelsea, Greaves succeed. He was a vital force in the Anfield
Scottish Football Association and the 125th spent nine years at Tottenham Hotspur, team of the 1970s that won seven major
anniversary of the Football League are also where he won the FA Cup (1962 and 1967) trophies. After moving to Hamburg in 1977,
celebrated in 2013, and so, in football terms, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1963). he was twice named European Player of the
the current year is particularly special. John Charles, Wales, Born: 27 December Year (1978 and 1979).
I have to confess that I am a heathen 1931, Caps: 38 (1950–65): seemingly judged Denis Law, Scotland, Born: 24 February
when it comes to football; it’s not something by many to be not only the finest Welsh 1940, Caps: 55 (1958–74): a prolific striker
I have ever followed and consequently my footballer of all time, but also Britain’s and nicknamed ‘The King’ by Manchester
knowledge is extremely limited. To give you finest all-round player, he was as brilliant United fans, Law was apparently outstanding
an overview of the issue a little homework and effective a centre-forward as he was a in the air as well as with the ball at his
was necessary, but beyond a brief résumé dominant centre-half. During a ground- feet. He had a speed and awareness that
and details of the players featured on the breaking and hugely successful spell with made him hard to mark; with a slim frame
11 different stamps I will leave the topic to Juventus from 1957 to 1962, Charles was and impish grin he was apparently quite
be covered by others. Though, what I learnt dubbed ‘The Gentle Giant’. deceptive. With impressive tackling skills as
during my research is that The Football Gordon Banks, England, Born: 30 well as his creativity and passing ability, he was
Association is the footballing governing body December 1937, Caps: 73 (1963–72): influential in midfield as well as up front.
of England, and that it was formed on the unquestionably the finest goalkeeper to have Bobby Moore, England, Born: 12 April
evening of 26 October in 1863. Apparently, played for his country, Gordon Banks was 1941, Caps: 108 (1962–73): a loyal servant at
various representatives (including captains an effective presence in the England goal West Ham United for 16 years, Bobby Moore
and secretaries) of several London and for almost ten years, including throughout attained idol status at the east London club,
suburban clubs, who at the time were playing the successful 1966 World Cup campaign. I while his place in the nation’s affections was
their own versions of the game, met to form gather that a truly astonishing save from the assured when he captained England to World
an Association and establish a code of rules Brazilian striker Pele during the 1970 World Cup glory in 1966. The most composed of
so that football could be regulated—and thus Cup has gone down in football history as the defenders, his ability to read the play and
The Football Association (FA) was born. The greatest ever made. put himself in the right place to break up an
rest, as they say, is history! George Best, Northern Ireland, Born: 22 attack was unsurpassed.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the FA, May 1946, Caps: 37 (1964–77): stated to be Bryan Robson, England, Born: 11 January
Royal Mail worked closely with the National a sublimely skilful player who could pass, 1957, Caps: 90 (1980–91): stated to be
Football Museum and came up with 11 shoot, tackle, head, and above all dribble with the most complete midfield player of his
legendary players to feature in the issue. the sort of effortless brilliance that manifests generation, Bryan Robson had seemingly
Further confirming my football ignorance, itself no more than once in a generation. inexhaustible stamina, and his readiness to
and no doubt astonishing some readers, I George Best also had the looks and charm to give everything he had made him a manager’s
now understand the significance of the 11 match his talent, and with the ball at his feet dream for both club and country. He was
stamps; i.e. that, including the goalkeeper, he is believed to be the most naturally gifted renowned for his determination and bravery
there are 11 players in a team. Also, hence footballer the nation has ever produced. on the pitch.
the clever title of the issue Footba11 Heroes.) John Barnes, England, Born: 7 November Dave Mackay, Scotland, Born: 14
In terms of when the chosen players were 1963, Caps: 79 (1983–95): quoted as being a November 1934, Caps: 22 (1957–65): a very
actually playing, the 11 footballing legends talented and graceful dribbler with impressive influential player of his time, Mackay was an
span 1950 through to 1995 and represent, speed and strength; apparently he was also a immensely strong, determined and notably
had they all been at the top of their game precise and creative passer and finisher, who hard-tackling midfielder whose relentless
50 G.S.M. July 2013
Machin Watch
BRITISH STAMPS
commitment in driving his side forward
became legendary. A precise passer and
regular goal scorer, Mackay enjoyed club
success at Heart of Midlothian, Tottenham
Hotspur and Derby County.
Bobby Charlton, England, Born: 11
October 1937, Caps: 106 (1958–70): believed
to be quite possibly the greatest English
footballer of all time, Bobby Charlton
was an attacking midfielder, possessed of
a thunderously powerful and accurate
long-range shot with either foot. Skilful,
committed and hard-working, with an innate
ability to find space and create it for others,
Charlton was noted for his sportsmanship
throughout his career.
The stamps and the prestige booklet
The 11 stamps (all 1st) are available in
sheet form and also in a miniature sheet
of two se-tenant rows (both of these formats
having ordinary gum), and are in a clever
arrangement. In terms of the sheet stamps,
the first five footballers are in one se-tenant
strip, whilst the remaining six are in another The two definitive se-tenant panes
strip, and the miniature sheet goes on to echo (1 and 4) from the Football Heroes prestige booklet (Reduced).
the same se-tenant arrangement by showing The Machins all have an MPIL source code, but with M13L date code
the 11 footballing heroes in a typical team
line up as if they were all photographed
together at the same time (five in the top row Definitive se-tenant panes
and six in the bottom). I have to say it’s all In addition to the two panes of Football Heroes commemoratives, the booklet also contains
been very well thought out and put together. two (yes two) definitive se-tenant panes. They are panes 1 and 4 (both with ordinary gum), and
In the prestige booklet are the same 11 are quite significant in relation to the stamps they contain. Pane 1 takes account of the fact
designs, but in self-adhesive form, which that the overall stamp issue features players from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and
make them unique. They are presented in Wales by including one each of four emblem-type 1st definitives (although those for England,
two panes (pane 2 and 3) which face each Scotland and Wales are not the usual emblem stamps we are used to in sheet form; instead they
other so all 11 players can be seen together. are St George’s Cross flag, Saltire flag, and Red Dragon flag). Pane 1 is the label pane (3×3)
The arrangement of the stamps is the same, with, in its middle, an attractive gold on white label featuring the FA logo/crest. Other stamps
although each is spaced apart from the other. in the pane are 1p and Royal Mail Red 1st Machins of which there are two of each. All eight
The booklet has a foreword written by the stamps each have two (side) phosphor bands. The pane arrangement is as follows: 1p / 1st /
Director of Football Development at The 1p Machins (top row), St George’s flag / FA label / 1st Machin (middle row), and Saltire / Red
Football Association, Sir Trevor Brooking, Dragon / Northern Ireland green fields (bottom row). Pane 4 is a much simpler affair being of
and goes on to discuss the 11 featured six Machins (2×3), each with two (side) phosphor bands, and are arranged as follows: 5p / 10p
players through the words of other famous (top row), 10p / 2p (middle row), and 2p / 5p (bottom row).
footballers. For example, Ray Clemence, who If we turn our attention to the Machin stamps in the two definitive panes things are actually
won 61 caps for England between 1972 and relatively straightforward (remember, contrary to what the booklet credits say the stamps in
1984 and who is now an England goalkeeping the panes are printed by Cartor in litho). They all have MPIL/M13L source and date codes
coach, talks about Gordon Banks. within the iridescent overprint and, in terms of their characteristics, are very similar to the
M12L date-coded stamps in the Doctor Who prestige booklet; i.e. typical litho with a slightly finer
iridescent overprint (with a little more space between their individual lines). The 1p, 2p and
1st stamps are completely new: the 1p and 2p because we haven’t had them before (regardless
of the date code) with ordinary gum and an iridescent overprint, and the 1st because it is the
very first time a Royal Mail Red-coloured 1st has appeared with ordinary gum. The 5p and 10p
stamps are new only because they have an M13L date code (M12L versions are in the Doctor
Who prestige booklet).
The four emblem stamps are quite interesting and for three of them this is their first outing
with ordinary gum, other than being within a miniature sheet (although self-adhesive versions
exist from generic sheets). Anyway, I will come back to them next month with a full report to
put them into context. But take a look at the phosphor bands on pane 1 and you will see that
Front and back covers of the Football Heroes the emblem stamps have wide bands (and thus a smaller gap between them). Next time I will
prestige booklet (Reduced) also discuss the Football Heroes retail booklet too.
Tailpiece already corrected. The £1.28 and £2.00 also exist with MA13, but
Before closing I wanted to leave you with a picture of the ‘Classic for the £2.00 it is the first high value to have a date code! Watch
Locomotives of Northern Ireland’ retail booklet, which was out, the Machin rollercoaster ride is about to begin again. What
issued in mid-June, and to tell you about De La Rue self-adhesive fun! Happy collecting.
sheet stamps which are appearing with an MA13 date code (yes,
MA13, not M13L). The new tariff stamps (which I have to yet Classic Locomotives
fully report on) were, when initially issued, printed by Walsall as of Northern Ireland
a temporary measure; they have M13L date codes. De La Rue are retail booklet, and
now printing again, and their versions of the 88p and £1.88 have alongside £1.88
the date code expressed as MA13! Both the Walsall and De La Machin from
Rue stamps are self-adhesive and gravure, and so this will be the De La Rue with
first time ever that the same sheet-printed denominated stamps MA13 date code
have two different formats of date codes. I suppose it had to (picture courtesy
happen sometime! Royal Mail’s preferred format is M##L rather of Connoisseur
than MA## and so De La Rue’s printing may be an oversight Publications).
BRITISH STAMPS
Stamp Variants in Royal Mail
Smilers Sheets—an Update. Part 2
By John Gray
Following on from his previous article in last month’s GSM, John
Gray provides an update on recent issues and emphasises the
importance of closely scrutinising the shape of perforations.
Perforation differences
The early Smilers sheets with water-activated
Right: Fig 2 The first business customised
gum were conventionally perforated and a
sheet with self-adhesive stamps was issued
few variations in perforation gauge occurred
by Buckingham Covers in January 2006 to
between stamps in Smilers sheets and counter
celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the First
sheets or booklets (see the previous article
Flights of Concorde
in GSM October 2011). Die-cut simulated
perforations were first introduced instead
of conventional perforation for the 20×1st
class self-adhesive stamps in the
Winter Robins Smilers sheet (LS 14)
printed by De La Rue and issued
in September 2003 (Fig 1, left). A
personalised version with similar die-
cut simulated perforations was also
available. The 1st class Winter Robins
stamp also appeared in the Christmas
Robins Smilers sheet (LS 27; Figure
1, right) printed by lithography by
Cartor and issued in November 2005,
but with different shaped die-cut
perforations (see later).
The first business customised sheet
with die-cut simulated perforations
was released in January 2006 for the
30th Anniversary of the first flights
of Concorde (Fig 2). It contained ten
definitive-sized Union Flag stamps
and was produced by Buckingham
Covers. Self-adhesive stamps with die-
cut simulated perforations now make
up the vast majority of Smilers sheets;
only one conventionally gummed
and perforated sheet (BC-384,
Doctor Who—the Eleventh Doctor
Fig 3 Sheets with circular labels. Top: The ‘I wrote to say…’ generic
Smilers sheet (left) and three personalised sheets issued in January
2008 were the first sheets to contain stamps with elliptical
perforations. Middle: The Smilers for Kids sheets issued in October
2008 and April 2009. Bottom: personalised Christmas 2008 Smilers
sheets with 2nd class (left) and 1st class stamps (right). The 2nd
class Christmas 2008 sheet was available only with 20 stamps, all
other sheets illustrated were available either as A4 sheets of 20
stamps or A5 half-sheets of ten stamps
BRITISH STAMPS
These later personalised Smilers sheets are
the only source of the Christmas 2006 1st and
2nd class stamps with elliptical perforations
booklet
(Fig 7). The stamps in counter sheets and
booklets printed in photogravure by De La
coil
Rue did not have elliptical perforations.
Christmas
Reprint
2006 generic
a
Fig 8 Top: Scans of the first self-adhesive Royal Mail stamps; booklet, a stamp from
a booklet of 20 printed by Walsall and issued on 19 October 1993; coil, coil stamp
printed by Enschedé and issued on 18 March 1997. Bottom: scans of the bottom
edge of stamps in Smilers sheets, showing the same stamps as in Fig 9. Red arrows
Fig 7 Christmas 2006 stamps from generic show the position of the interrupted die-cuts providing attachment points between
and reprinted personalised Smilers sheets. the stamp and adjacent label. a) stamp with non-elliptical round-ended perforation
Top: 1st class stamps; Bottom: 2nd class attached to a rectangular label; b) stamp with elliptical round-ended perforation
stamps. The elliptical perforations on the attached to a circular label; c) stamp with elliptical round-ended perforation attached
stamps from the reprinted personalised sheets to a rectangular label; d) stamp with elliptical square-ended perforation attached to a
are marked with red asterisks (*) rectangular label
Fig 10 Sheets with stamps with square-ended perforations. Left: Classic Locomotives of Scotland sheet (BC-371, produced by Benham and issued
on 2 April 2012). Middle: The Sinking of RMS Titanic sheet (BC-373, produced by Benham and issued on 28 April 2012). Right: Celebrating 50
years of James Bond commemorative sheet (CSS-017 produced by Royal Mail and issued on 1 May 2012)
Fig 11 Business customised sheets with stamps with square-ended perforations. Left: 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland sheet (BC-375,
produced by AG Bradbury as History of Britain sheet 84 and issued on 16 May 2012). Middle: Giant Pandas sheet (BC-376, produced by Benham
and issued on 18 May 2012). Right, 75th Anniversary of the Coronation of King George VI sheet (BC-381, produced by Buckingham Covers and
issued on 13 July 2012)
Square-ended perforations appeared business customised sheets contain stamps introduced specifically for Smilers sheets, and
in vertical A4 sheets of ten stamps from with square-ended perforations. The King two country definitives, have now appeared
April 2012, when the Classic Locomotives James Bible sheet (featured in last month’s with square-ended perforations. The Cake
of Scotland sheet (BC-371; Fig 10, left) GSM), produced by Bradbury and issued in stamp appeared in a business customised
containing 10×Train stamps was issued on November 2011, predates the introduction sheet for the 150th Anniversary of Alice in
2 April 2012. This was closely followed by of square-ended perforations in Business Wonderland (BC-375, Fig 11, left) on 16 May
the Sinking of RMS Titanic sheet (BC-373, customised sheets, and contains 1st class 2012, the Scottish Saltire stamp appeared
Fig 10, middle) containing 10×Ship stamps Christmas 2011 stamps with round-ended in the Giant Pandas sheet (BC-376, Fig 11,
on 28 April 2012 and the James Bond perforations, unlike the generic and middle) on 18 May 2012, and the Royal Seal
commemorative sheet (CSS-017, Fig 10, right) personalised Christmas 2011 Smilers sheets stamp appeared in a business customised
with 10×definitive-sized Union Flag stamps on (featured in last month’s GSM). This sheet sheet for the 75th Anniversary of the
1 May 2012. is the only source of the 1st class Christmas Coronation of King George VI (BC-381, Fig
Subsequently, all the Royal Mail 2011 stamp with round-ended perforations. 11, right) on 13 July 2012. All these sheets
commemorative sheets and most of the Many of the definitive-sized stamps contained ten stamps in a vertical A4 format.
56 G.S.M. July 2013
Smilers Sheets
BRITISH STAMPS
A horizontal A4 sheet containing 20×Union
Flag stamps with square-cut perforations was
issued on 27 July 2012, celebrating the Host
Cities of the Olympic games from 1896 to
2012 (BC-382, Fig 12, left). Because horizontal
A4 sheets of 20 stamps are likely to be printed
in a direction perpendicular to vertical A4
sheets, this sheet is a source of a nominally
different Union Flag stamp, although any
differences due to printing direction are, as
yet, undetected.
The Union Flag stamps in the personalised
Red, White and Blue Smilers sheet have
recently appeared with square-ended die-cut Fig 12 Union Flag stamps with square-ended perforations. Left: The Host Cities 1896–2012
perforations. The A5 half-sheets (Fig 12, sheet (BC-382, produced by Benham and issued on 27 July 2012. This is first issue of Union Flag
right) available at Spring Stampex 2013 at the stamps with square-ended perforations in a horizontal format A4 sheet. Right: Two Red, White
Business Design Centre, Islington, London, and Blue personalised A5 half-sheets from Spring Stampex 2013, showing a close-up image of
from 20 to 23 February contained stamps the author!
with square-ended die-cut perforations.
Photographs for the label were taken on an It appears that square-cut perforations adhesive stamps that have been issued in
iPad and transferred using the Royal Mail are now the norm for Smilers sheets Smilers sheets in the past have reappeared
Smilers app to a Laser Jet Pro 400 printer for printed by Cartor. The change is reported with square-cut perforations over the past
printing on A5-size half-sheets. The printer to be a response to a recent reminder year or so, there are several more that have
was unable to print on full A4 sheets. from Royal Mail of the need to achieve the not yet appeared with square-cut perforations.
The Celebration, Poppies and England original specification for die-cut simulated These include the Love, Teddy, New Baby,
Lion 1st class stamps all appeared with perforations, which was to match as closely Thank You, Balloons and Present stamps that
square-ended die-cut perforations towards as possible the perforations of traditional are currently available for personalisation
the end of 2012. The 2012 British Cycling gummed stamps (British Philatelic Bulletin, from Royal Mail, and the Aircraft and
Victory sheet (BC-386, Fig 5) containing March 2013). Round-ended die-cut Automobile stamps that were introduced in
the 10×Celebration stamps appeared on 11 perforations were apparently introduced 2010 for business customised sheets. It will
September, the King George III sheet (BC- by the printers for operational reasons, be worth keeping an eye on future issues of
393, Fig 13, left) containing 10×England Lion to facilitate the high-speed mechanical personalised Smilers and business customised
1st class appeared on 19 November and The stripping of the matrix, when necessary. sheets for these stamps, and for others
Great War 1914–1918 sheet (BC-394, Figure However, this would not apply to Smilers containing further unannounced changes.
13, middle) containing 10×Poppies stamps sheets where the matrix is retained as part of
was released on 28 November. The Firework the sheet design, and it appears the die-cut Acknowledgements
stamp with square-ended perforations was tool makers referred to specifications for I am extremely grateful to Adrian
used in the vertical A4 commemorative sheet previous jobs rather than to the original Royal Bradbury, Lorna Ford of Benham, and
(CSS-019, Fig 13, right) commemorating the Mail specifications. This recent Royal Mail Gina Chantler of Buckingham Covers for
150th Anniversary of Notts County Football initiative would suggest that round-ended details of perforations on their recent
Club, and issued on 10 November 2012. This die-cut perforations are unlikely to reappear business customised sheets. I am also
sheet therefore potentially provides a source in Smilers sheets in the near future. indebted to Graham Howard for the
of the stamp printed perpendicular to the information available in his collectors’
stamps in the Lunar New Year sheets (LS 80 Future prospects guide and website.
and LS 84). Although many of the definitive-sized self-
Below: Fig 13 Sheets with stamps with square-ended perforations. Left: The King George III 1760-1820 sheet (BC-392, produced by AG Bradbury
as History of Britain sheet 86 and issued on 19 November 2012). Middle, The Great War 1914–1918 sheet (BC-393, produced by AG Bradbury as
History of Britain sheet 90 and issued on 28 November 2012). Right: Notts County Football Club commemorative sheet (CSS-019 produced by
Royal Mail and issued on 10 November 2012)
GB Catalogue
A supplement to Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Specialised Catalogue
Self-adhesive stamps printed in gravure by WALSALL from Business Sheets Type BS36 (50× 1st stamps)
2013 (3 JANUARY). DIE CUT PERF. 14½×14(E). TWO BANDS (blue fluor).
U-shaped slits. “MBIL” iridescent overprint and date code “M12L”. NFCP/SA
UJW47 (=S.G.U2968a) (1st) Vermilion (ex.BS38).. ... ... ... ... ... ... 1∙50 1∙50
The top U-shaped slits have breaks at top but examples of No. UJW48 are
continuous.
Walsall (1st Large) Vermilion (2012). Self-adhesive from business sheets of 50 Type BS36 top panel 1st (Large) vermilion with FSC notice
2013 (3 JANUARY). DIE CUT PERF. 14½x14(E). TWO BANDS (blue fluor). (1st ) (Large) Top Panel with source code “B” (MBIL) at bottom right within security
U-shaped slits. “MBIL” iridescent overprint and date code “MA12”. NFCP/SA cut second full line up and “MA12” third line up above “ge” of Large on each stamp
UJW48 (=S.G.U2973) (1st Large) Vermilion (ex. BS39) .. ... ... ... ... 1∙90 1∙90 Spec. No. Issued Value Spec. No. Top panel
BS39 3.1.13 1st (L) vermilion UJW48 (S.G.U2973) 16∙00
Printed in Gravure by Walsall
Section W 2013. 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LONDON UNDERGROUND
Business Sheet top panels with 2012 year dates
(2nd) Top Panel with source code “B” (MBIL) at top right corner and “M12L” second
line down left corner
Inscribed 50×2nd Large with FSC panel before the barcode at right
(2nd) (Large) Top Panel with source code “B” (MBIL) at right opposite the corner of (2nd) W2703 Steam Locomotive on Metropolitan Railway, 1863
dress and “MA12” two lines above “ge” of Large (2nd) W2704 Navvies excavating ‘Deep Cut’ Tube Tunnel, 1898
(1st) W2705 Commuters in Carriage, 1911
Spec. No. First seen Value Spec. No. Top panel (1st) W2706 Boston Manor Art Deco Station, 1934
BS36 4.4.12 2nd (L) bright blue UJD14A (MA12) 15∙00 £1∙28 W2707 Train on Deep Cut Line, 1938
£1∙28 W2708 Canary Wharf Station, 1999
Business Sheet with stamps commemorating the Silver Jubilee 2013 (9 JANUARY). 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LONDON UNDERGROUND
The stamps illustrate the major events of the railway which became to be known as
As Type BS27 see April 2013 supplement The Tube; the miniature sheet, issued on the same day, depicts posters advertising
The Tube. The initial service between Paddington and Farringdon Street via Kings
Type BS27 50×1st (Large) with source code “B” undated Cross became the Metropolitan line in 1863. The numbers of passengers grew
steadily and by the World War II the underground provided protection to Londoners
(1st) (Large) Top Panel with source code “B” (LBE) behind The Queen’s hair at sheltering from the blitz. The ultra-modern Canary Wharf Station, designed by Sir
right. Issued as a Jubilee commemorative no date code was necessary. Norman Foster, is depicted to bring the story up to date. The famous map by Harry
Beck of the London Underground was shown on the British Design Classic issue of
Spec. No. Issued Value Spec. No. Top panel 13 January 2009. The stamps were conventially gummed and printed in lithography
BS37 25.4.12 1st (L) slate-blue UJW42 (LBE) 15∙00 by Cartor. The sheets of 50 (two panes up 5×5 with horizontal gutter margin) were on
nonfluorescent coated paper with 2nd class one centre phosphor band and “all over”
phosphor (others) all with (blue fluor) and PVA gum. The stamps were designed by
(1st) Vermilion printed in Gravure by Walsall Hat-trick Design and the miniature sheet was by NB Studios.
BRITISH STAMPS
Plate Nos.
W2703 (=S.G.3423) (2nd) C1(×4), (C1) phosphor
W2704 (=S.G.3424) (2nd) C1(×4), (C1) phosphor
W2705 (=S.G.3425) (1st) C1(×4), (C1) phosphor
W2706 (=S.G.3426) (1st) C1(×4), (C1) phosphor
W2707 (=S.G.3427) £1∙28 C1(×4), (C1) phosphor
W2708 (=S.G.3428) £1∙28 C1(×4), (C1) phosphor
The colours were greenish yellow, bright magenta, new blue and black (reading
down).
Plate blocks of eight (2×4) are needed to include the four squared (2×2) box with
two spots shaded indicating “A” panes left and “B” panes right indicated by the stock
codes. The 1st class “A” position was printed from all four on one of three plates plus
one position on the 2nd class and £1∙28 “B” primary sheet. Therefore there were three
primary sheets comprising of 100 stamps arranged in four counter sheets (5×5) each. WP2711
The left vertical margin shows a grid box opposite row two and plate numbers C1×(4) (Actual size 154×56mm)
opposite row 4 and at right barcode and stock code opposite rows 1/2, traffic lights WP2711 (containing Nos. W2710×2, UJW49×4) (9.1.13) ... ... ... ... 7∙25
opposite row 4 and sideways FSC mark opposite row 5. No.PM35 was initially sold at £3∙60. A notch at top right of the cover was for
identification by the blind.
Barcode and stock code numbers were printed in the right margin sideways
reading down opposite horizontal rows 1 and 2. Booklet Cylinder Numbers
Spec. No. Value Barcode Stock Code
W2703 (2nd) 5 014721 134741 NVIS LUA Pane No. Cyl. No. Phos. No.
W2704 (2nd) 5 014721 134758 NVIS LUB WP2599 W1(x6) W1... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8∙50
W2705 (1st) 5 014721 134765 NVIF LUA The cylinder numbers were printed sideways reading up vermilion, iridescent,
W2706 (1st) 5 014721 134772 NVIF LUB phosphor, followed by bright magenta, new blue, greenish yellow, black, and deep
W2707 £1∙28 5 014721 134789 P128 LUA blue opposite “LONDON UND” reading up opposite the stamp showing the Boston
W2708 £1∙28 5 014721 134796 P128 LUB Manor Art Deco Station.
B. Miniature Sheet. 9 January 2013 (sold at £3∙52) Type SA6. 1st class standard
2013 (9 JANUARY). DIE CUT PERF. 14½×14(E). TWO BANDS (blue fluor).
U-shaped slits. “MCIL” iridescent overprint and date code “M12L”. NFCP/SA
UJW49 (=S.G.U2968b) (1st) Vermilion (ex.PM35) ... ... ... ... ... ... 1∙50 1∙50
Add to APPENDIX J
Pane comprising 2×(1st) showing Boston Manor Art Deco Station printed in gravure Type PM35, London Underground 150th Anniversary
with “all over” phosphor (blue fluor) and 4×(1st) two bands, Machin (vermilion) No.
UJW49 die-cut perf. 14½×14 (E), U-shaped cuts, “MCIL”, above centre cross at right PM35 (9.1.13) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 7∙25
and “M12L” at left above The Queen’s hair. No.W2710 with die-cut perforation 14½ No.PM35 was initially sold at £3∙60. A notch at top right of the cover, was for
self-adhesive. identification by the blind.
The idea of selling envelopes and postcards cases pre-printed stamp albums provided members, including the likes of Robson
with a device to show that basic postage spaces for these cut-outs. This was to be a Lowe. But it failed to keep going and it
had been prepaid, was first introduced feature of British philately for the remainder ceased operating about 60 years ago. With
by the British Post Office in 1840. The of the 19th and much of the 20th century. the publication of a catalogue specific to
stationery issued for this new innovation The collecting of postal stationery British Postal Stationery by Dr Alan Huggins
was designed by William Mulready, with 1d. remained a Cinderella subject; I can in 1970, this category of stamp collecting
and 2d. envelopes and letter sheets being remember my father telling me when I gradually became more widely recognised
issued. These have now become the highly started my own stamp collection that these as an important and integral part of
collectable Mulready stationery, and despite were not ‘real’ stamps. But over the years, philately. 20 years later, consideration was
their chequered beginnings, they are widely collectors realised that postal stationery once again given to the idea of forming a
regarded as an important part of British formed an important part of the postal society especially devoted to the subject. In
philately. Over the next decade or so the idea history of their collecting area, and that the September 1992 an inaugural meeting was
of using prepaid stationery, in addition to complete postal history story could not be held at the Union Jack Club in London,
adhesive stamps, spread across the globe and told without including many of these items. attended by enthusiastic collectors and the
eventually, when the General Postal Union Other enlightened collectors appreciated new Postal Stationery Society was born. It has
(later the Universal Postal Union) came that the field of postal stationery was so big, grown in importance and stature ever since.
into being in 1874, it became a requirement that collections dedicated to this aspect Although there have been other postal
that all member countries offered prepaid of philately alone was possible, even when stationery catalogues published over the
envelopes and postcards as part of their concentrating on just one country, or even years, none have matched the detail included
services to the public. a specific period of time in one country. in that written by Dr Huggins in 1970. By the
Postal stationery was gradually moving away start of the new millennium, all were well out
A collector's delight from being considered a Cinderella field to of date. In a joint project, Dr Alan Huggins
Throughout the Victorian period, the becoming an important and integral part of and myself decided to rectify this situation
range of stationery available to the public postal history. and in 2007 a new, but simplified catalogue
expanded, until by the end of the century The international governing body for of British postal stationery was published,
it covered everything from straightforward philately, the Fédération Internationale de bringing the listing of all known British
envelopes to items as diverse as receipts for Philatélie (FIP) defines postal stationery as postal stationery up to date. It is a task that is
posting and tough registration envelopes. In ‘comprising postal matter which either bears ongoing and may never end.
1855 it also became possible in Great Britain an officially authorised pre-printed stamp or Finally, with the help of a number of
for private firms and individuals to have device or inscription indicating that a specific internally renowned collectors and the
their own envelopes, paper and card turned face value of postage or related service has backing of the FIP, postal stationery in Great
into prepaid stationery, which they could been prepaid’. Included within this definition Britain is now a respected part of our hobby.
use themselves or sell to the public. Many are international reply coupons and modern There are a number of postal stationery
other countries followed suit. This provides NVI stamps, which do not carry a face value societies around the world catering for
collectors today with a wonderful variety of but show prepayment for a particular service. specific needs, but the Postal Stationery
material, helping to tell a particular story or So in other words, if an item of stationery Society based in Great Britain covers the
simply enhance a collection. has a stamp printed on it showing a value or whole world of stationery collecting. It
As the 19th century progressed, postal service paid for, then it’s postal stationery. issues a full colour journal four times a year,
stationery became an important part of the conducts two auctions and has many other
postal service worldwide, but in Great Britain Origins of the Society services for its members.
it was not something that people wanted to A postal stationery society was originally Much more information can be obtained
collect. The ‘stamps’ were often cut from formed in Britain in the middle of the 20th on the Society’s website, www.postalstationery.
their envelopes and postcards, and in some century with many eminent collectors as org.uk, or by writing to the Society’s
membership secretary, Edward Caesley,
Trepheane House, 5 Tenderah Court, Church
Hill, Helston, Cornwall TR13 8NP. You can
also email him at caesley@btinternet.com
An example of the originally much-derided, but now highly desirable,
Mulready envelope, plus a registration envelope printed in 1878
Engraved designs
In a report by a Parliamentary Postage Rate
Commission in 1898 it was mentioned that
just under 4 million foreign rate postcards
were sold per annum; this was taken into
consideration when the cost of their
production was decided. In 1899, following
a meeting of the UPU, it was agreed that
engraved designs could henceforth be
included on the cards. Britain introduced
two new cards (Fig 3), which were carmine
in colour and now included the Royal Coat
of Arms. The wording was also amended,
omitting the word ‘only’ from the front. Figs 3 In 1899 Britain
The single card is H&B CP35, and the introduced new cards with the
reply-paid card has two versions, H&B CP36 Royal Coat of Arms (Reduced)
(unperforated), which needed to be cut or
torn to separate the two parts, and CP37 (perf
14/3). These cards are slightly larger than the
first issue, being size ‘f’ (140×89mm), again
printed by De La Rue in London.
Destinations
I try to obtain nicely used cards sent
to as many different destinations as
possible. So far I have them used to
most European countries, including
Trieste and Turkey, but none yet to
Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein,
Poland or the Vatican. Surprisingly, I
have only got cards to Egypt, Algeria
and Morocco in Africa, especially as
so many ex-pats from the UK were
living on that continent around
the relevant period. I have cards to
Canada, Newfoundland, the USA,
Mexico, St Thomas (then part of the
Danish West Indies, but purchased
by the USA in 1916), Grenada,
Guatemala, Argentina, Brazil and Peru
in the Americas. Then to Persia (now
Iran), India, Ceylon, Bengal (now
Bangladesh), Java (now Indonesia)
and Australia.
I have other cards marked ‘Late Fee’
which have been uprated with 1d. lilac
adhesive postage stamps, and two which
although having ‘late fee’ markings, were
not uprated, having the small circular
‘Too Late’ mark lettered ‘FBOPO’. These
are addressed to Switzerland in October
1892 and Germany in 1902. A card,
addressed to Bohemia, was redirected to
another town in that territory and has
two different receiver marks; another
card dated December 1896, addressed
to Sweden and preprinted in German, is
from Stanley Gibbons Ltd (Fig 7), then at
391 Strand.
It is rare to find
used cards which still
have the reply-paid Fig 7 The front and back of an 1896 postcard from Stanley Gibbons
It is rare to find used cards which still have local newspapers the addressee could use to were transferred to the new printers, who
the reply-paid portion attached, especially advertise his business. continued with the same two formats, but
with both parts having been used, but I have using carmine to deep carmine inks.
a few with the reply part unused. One to King Edward VII It would seem that new dies for the King
Argentina in 1909 took 25 days for delivery, The ‘foreign rate’ cards continued into the George V issues were not yet chosen, hence
but the reply portion was not used. Used next reign with new cards issued in 1902 the continuation of the King Edward VII dies,
reply cards seem to attract a premium, as they having similar wording, but now the ‘stamps’ even after his death. However, these printings
have a British ‘stamp’ cancelled with a foreign bore the King’s head (Fig 9) and not a are not easy to positively identify (CP56b
postmark, and fewer seem to have survived. full-length portrait. Again printed by De La being a 1d. value, and CP57b having the reply
It is disappointing that the British PO did not Rue in carmine, the single 1d. card (CP46) portion). The latter is still to be confirmed
add a receiver mark when such cards arrived and the 1d. + 1d. double card (CP47, now (but see note about FPO below).
in the UK. without perforations), had the type ‘b’ Arms A third printing of the single card shows
Many cards were used by business firms, (same as the Queen Victoria arms), on buff a slight variation in the positioning of the
as a postcard was easier and cheaper than coloured card, size ‘f’. I have CP47, sent from Arms, which have them placed over the ‘A’ of
sending a sealed letter, and seems to have London on 17 November 1902, addressed to ‘Britain’ on CP56c. These issues were rather
been just as quick. For instance I have cards an officer in the German Army (probably a short-lived.
to Brazil taking 21 days, to Guatemala, 36 collector, as there is no message and the reply I have a few of the King Edward VII cards,
days, and to Peru, 45 days. These times may portion was not used). mostly to European addresses, but one, which
well have depended on dates boats sailed The next issue was in 1908, again by De was sent to Mexico from London on 30 April
from the UK and which routes they took. La Rue, but in pale carmine, in both formats 1906, is marked via New York, and took 15
The Civil Service Co-operative Company (CP56a and CP57a) with the ‘Arms’ over the days to arrive. Three others have unused reply
used to emboss their initials (in blue) on ‘T’ of ‘Britain’, but omitting the words ‘This cards still attached. Another is a type CP46,
the front of their cards (Fig 8), with their side for the address’. unoverprinted and postmarked from the
name and address printed on the back. A King Edward VII died on 6 May 1910. The British Post Office at Constantinople, Turkey,
card from Jersey (1897) to Germany, written contract for printing Post Office stationery in 1904 and sent to Liverpool.
in English, is signed by a Francis E Balleine was awarded to McCorquodale & Co in Whether British Forces Post Offices
as Vice Consul and gives details of which 1911, and the De La Rue plates and dies overseas stocked any postal stationery
64 G.S.M. July 2013
Postal Stationery Society Special
Fig 9
King Edward VII
foreign postcard
King George V
In 1912, a new 1d. single card, bearing the
‘Downey’ head and Coat of Arms of the new
King was issued (CP62), followed in 1913 by
a double card (CP63) without perforations.
Both were similar in size to previous issues. Fig 10 ‘Court Cards’ borrowed their design from the first
I have two type CP62 cards overprinted issue red foreign rate cards but required an adhesive stamp for postage
‘LEVANT’, and both used to the UK. One
is postmarked Constantinople in 1913 and was a single 1d. (CP72) which had the ‘MacKennal’ head and was issued in 1917. This is rated
the other postmarked Smyrna in 1914. I ‘rare’. No other red ‘Foreign’ cards were issued.
have a card sent to St Thomas, which is a This represents an interesting and rewarding aspect of British postal stationery with an
fine example of a ‘Downey’ head card and overseas connection, with many cards still available in dealers’ boxes.
is postmarked from Folkestone with a nice Although not strictly postal stationery, some ‘Court Cards’, (those with black and white
double-circle mark dated 7 December 1914, illustrations of London landmarks) were issued and used in the 1897–98 period, having the
(during World War I and uncensored) sent by same design (except for the ‘stamp’) as the first issue of the red foreign rate cards, and I
one private individual to another. assume that these may have been printed to order by a commercial concern. They required an
The final foreign rate card to be issued adhesive stamp and the four I have are addressed overseas at the1d. rate (Fig 10).
G.S.M. July 2013 65
Postal Stationery Society Special
Adding to the
complications
Complications arose in 1904 when
the overall design of the cards
was changed to include space for,
and instructions relating to, the
application of the sender’s address,
‘Nom et adresse de l’expéditeur Naam
en adres van den afzender’ in four
lines printed at right angles to the
rest of the card and linked by an
asterisk to a legend ‘* Indication
facultative. – Onverplichte opgave.’
or ‘* Optional indication. – Non
obligatory task.’.
On 1 June 1905, the design
of the 10c. imprint stamp was
replaced by an effigy of King
Leopold II Type ‘Grosse Barbe’ but
without the row of ‘Pearls’ on
both the 10c. and 10c.+10c. cards.
In January 1908, the asterisks
in brackets ‘(*)’ to the left of the
Bandalette and the associated
legend at the bottom of the card was
replaced with ‘(2)’. The asterisk form of linkage was modified in 1908 being
On 1 January 1909 the Bandalette was replaced with (1) for the sender’s address and (2) for the bandalette. In 1909
separated completely from the imprint the bandalette was separated from the imprint stamp but only on the 5c. card
stamp on the 5c. card, thus eliminating the
row of ‘Pearls’. The separation was slightly
greater than that needed just to eliminate the
pearls. This wider separation was retained on
subsequent designs.
Also in 1909, the 5c. card
was redesigned with the space
for the sender’s address, still
printed at right angles on the
left, but now reading ‘Nom et
adresse de/l’expediteur/(Indication
facultative)’ or ‘Optional
indication’ in three lines
separated by two vertical lines
from the Dutch equivalence,
‘Naam en adres van/den afzender/
(Niet verplichtend)’ ‘Non
obligatory task.’. The 10c. card
in the same design but with the
‘Grosse Barbe’ imprint stamp was
issued in 1910.
Collecting Mauritius
Postal Stationery
By Alan Huggins
Alan Huggins introduces the delights of collecting Mauritius postal 20° 10’ 0” S, 57° 31’ 0” E
stationery and provides a listing of the many items produced for use -20.166667, 57.516667
on the island, with illustrations selected from his own collection.
Fig 13 The 1938 King George VI 12c. registration envelope intended for internal use uprated with adhesive stamps
for overseas airmail postage
NEW ISSUES
2011–12 Foreign Postal Stationery
By Geir Sør-Reime FRPSL
Geir Sør-Reime takes us from Ecuador to Norway as he continues
his annual tour of foreign postal stationery.
Ecuador: Pre-stamped scenery
and nature postcards
Ecuador
Postcards
16 January: Images of Ecuador (I), 24
different $1.97. Stamp imprints and picture
sides: Scenery and nature of the provinces of
Ecuador, including six cards with images from
the Galapagos Islands.
13 May: Canton of Francisco de Orellana, ten
different $1.97. Stamp imprints and picture
sides: Scenery and nature of the area.
13 May: Canton of Mejia, ten different $1.97.
Stamp imprints and picture sides: Scenery
and nature of the area.
9 July: Yasuni National Park Protection
Fund, five different $1.97. Stamp imprints
and picture sides: Fauna and landscapes of
the park.
9 July: Images of Ecuador (II), 25 different
$1.97. Stamp imprints and picture sides:
Touristic images of Ecuador.
16 August: First South Pacific Stamp
Exhibition, Quito, $1.97. Stamp imprint and
picture side: Paddle steamer Ecuador. Front
illustration: Culture Centre of the Catholic
University of Quito.
3 September: Child Drawings, four $1.25.
Stamp imprints and picture sides: Drawings
showing a. Bird flying out of cage, b. Bird
with key in beak looking through window, c.
Butterfly, d. Ball coming out of canon with
law-book decoration, dove of peace, national
flag, people raising their hands.
26 November: City of Guayaquil, ten different
$1.97. Stamp imprints and picture sides:
Scenery of the city.
Pre-stamped envelope
25 November 2011: Letters to Women, $1.25.
Stamp imprint: Hand-written letter, woman.
26 June: Visit of President of Indonesia to Estonia: 125th Birth Anniversary of Jaan Jaago
Ecuador, $1.97. Stamp imprint: President
Belgado of Ecuador. Front illustration:
Monument.
Estonia
Postcards
6 January: First Winter Youth Olympic Games,
Innsbruck and Seefeld, Austria, NVI (€1.34).
Stamp imprint: Mascot. Front illustration:
Participants.
12 January: 125th Birth Anniversary of Jaan
Jaago (wrestler), NVI (75c.). Stamp imprint,
front and picture side illustrations: Photos of
Jaago.
21 April: Centenary of Tartu Academic
Male Choir, NVI (75c.). Stamp imprint:
Photo of 1912 members. Front illustration:
Conductors. Picture side: Logo.
11 May: Estonian Maritime Museum, NVI 12 December: 25th Anniversary of Estonian organisations in Finland issued a series of pre-
(€1.34). Stamp imprint: Seaplane. Front Heritage Society, NVI (75c.). Stamp imprint: stamped Christmas cards (both single cards
illustration: Museum building. Picture side: Logo. Front illustration: Members doing with stamp imprints directly on the cards; and
Interior of museum building. fieldwork. double card with pre-stamped envelopes).
6 June: UEFA Under 19 European Football These cards are sold by Finnish post-offices,
Championships, Estonia, NVI (€1.34). Stamp Finland stationers, book stores and other outlets.
imprint and front illustration: Football Christmas postcards Each organisation has its own stamp
players in action. Similar to Åland, a number of charitable design. In 2012, such cards and pre-stamped
G.S.M. July 2013 89
Foreign Postal Stationery
Moldova
Postcards
Moldova: Pre-stamped postcard of Roman
13 October 2011: 575th Anniversary of
Wolverine Monument in Edinet
Chisinau, six 70b. Stamp imprint: Arms of
Chisinau. Picture sides: Buildings of the city.
15 June: Statues of Mihai Eminescu (poet),
six 90b. Stamp imprints and picture sides
feature statues of Eminescu in different towns
in Moldova.
27 August: Roman Wolverine Monument in
Edinet, 90b. Stamp imprint and picture side:
Monument.
6 September: Nicolae Sulac (musician)
Museum, Sulac, 90b. Stamp imprint: Portrait
of Sulac. Picture side: Birthplace.
12 October: 260th Anniversary of the
Mazarache Church in Chisinau, 90b. Stamp
imprint and picture side: Photos of church.
Base photo credit: Paul Bica. Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook in the background. New Zealand
‘O’ in ‘POUNDS’ is a vertical oval (Figs 18
and 19)3.
New Zealand’s general purpose revenue
stamps may sometimes be found on
complete document (equivalent to postage
stamps on cover!) with a mix of issues
as well as low value postage and revenue
stamps, as well as, of course, on piece.
Some legal documents may be found with
a range of revenue stamps but cancelled
at different times. Payment of the total
sum could be effected in instalments;
thus for example £55,002 13s.4d. of estate
duty payable may have been paid in full
(with a £55,002 ultra-high value stamp and
some lower value stamps), or in several
instalments—but not necessarily made in
equal payments.
Whether on document, on piece or
soaked off, many perforate revenue stamps Fig 22 ‘GVR' stamp duty cypher label
may be found imperforate. Revenue stamps
had to be affixed to vellum—a greasy
document made from animal skin—and
they were prone to flick off the surface King Edward VII (both imperforate) or References
of such documents. The solutions to this King George V was attached, covering the 1 Postage Stamps of New Zealand, volume
problem were twofold: i) the perforations tin foil to help retain the revenue stamps VI, Royal Philatelic Society of New
were often trimmed off (to avoid catching on the document. Up to 1920 the King Zealand.
on other papers on desks, and ii) they were George V cypher labels may be found perf 2 Kiwi Catalogue of New Zealand Revenue
additionally tied to the document by tin 10; whilst those from the 1930s will be and Railway Stamps, 5th edition,
foil strips. On the reverse of the document found perf 11. The latest recorded date Mowbray Collectables, 2013.
where the tin foil pierced the document a of cypher label use is 5 October 1933. 3 New Zealand Stamp Collector, volume 60
label bearing a cypher of Queen Victoria, Trimmed labels exist (Figs 20 to 22). number 3, p.84.
The four stamps issued on 1 March 2013 for about the Roman Catholic Church and the to elect the new Pope. However, all the
the Sede Vacante—the brief period of time Vatican in particular since the mid-1970s, Cardinals, including those over the age
when the office of the Roman Pontiff is no I was not completely surprised. Pope, now limit, took part in the important General
longer filled—were released not because Blessed John Paul II, who died in April 1995, Congregations, held in the Paul V Audience
of the death of a Pope but because of the suffered from extremely bad Parkinson’s Hall, in the Vatican, from 4 March until and
historic and dramatic resignation of Pope disease but took the decision to remain in including 11 March. During that time, there
Benedict XVI. Nothing of any particular office until the end of his life. I felt sure that were more than 160 interventions, some
note was expected to happen in the Vatican Pope Benedict would not want illness or old Cardinals spoke twice, on every aspect of the
on 11 February 2013. There had been age to impair his ability to lead the world’s life and work of the Catholic Church.
speculation in the media about the health of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics effectively during Everyone involved, including secretaries,
Pope Benedict XVI, then 85 years old, but difficult times with the constant glare of a 24- is under a solemn oath of secrecy and so
nothing more. During the morning, Pope hour news media agenda. Fr Fernando Lombardi, the Jesuit Papal
Benedict took part in a routine Ordinary On 28 February 2013, the last day of his Spokesman was only able to brief the
Public Consistory called in order to approve Pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI met with accredited media—about 5000 in total,
the causes for the canonization of new members of the College of Cardinals in the including about 800 permanently accredited
Saints. At the end of the assembly, with no Clementine Hall at the Vatican. At 5.00p.m. members of the Vatican Press Office—in a
prior warning, Pope Benedict XVI began he said his final farewells and was driven by general but helpful way.
addressing the Cardinals in Latin. He said: ‘I car the short distance to the Vatican helipad Great Britain did not have a Cardinal-
have come to the certainty that my strengths where he travelled by helicopter to Castel Elector in the Conclave. However, Cardinal
due to an advanced age are no longer suited Gandolfo, and the Apostolic Palace of Castel Cormac-Murphy O’Connor, Emeritus
to an adequate exercise of the Petrine Gandolfo, situated about 24km south-east Archbishop of Westminster, who reached
ministry.’ The German Pope announced of Rome, that serves as the Pope’s summer the age of 80 on 24 August 2012 and was
his resignation as from the evening of 28 residence. Vatican Television showed superb therefore unable to vote in the Conclave, did
February 2013, at 8.00p.m., adding: ‘The See live pictures of the helicopter as it circled take part in the General Congregations.
of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and made
and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme its way over the familiar tourist attractions Stamps of the
Pontiff will have to be convoked by those surrounding Rome. Sede Vacante, 2013
whose competence it is.’ Shortly after his arrival at Castel Gandolfo, The Vatican Press Office made the official
Pope Benedict briefly addressed the large announcement in a bulletin about the four
The resignation of Pope crowds packed in the courtyard. When Sede Vacante stamps on 1 March 2013, the
Benedict XVI the clock on the wall struck 8.00p.m. the date of issue. ‘The Philatelic and Numismatic
The historic and dramatic announcement was Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI, which had Office of the Governorate of Vatican City
received in stunned silence by those present. begun on 19 April 2005, was over! State has issued four stamps with the image
Soon afterwards, the resignation of Pope of an angel raising the pavilion (umbraculum)
Benedict XVI was officially confirmed by the Conclave to elect of the Apostolic Camera, the work of Italian
Vatican Press Office. Within seconds this was the new Pope artist Daniela Longo.’
a breaking news-story throughout the world! Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are The stamps, the seventh in the series of
Having written and broadcast extensively permitted to vote in the actual Conclave Vacant See stamps, were printed using the
offset process in sheetlets of ten by Cartor in
France—70c. for mail to Italy; 85c. for mail to
Europe; €2.00 for mail to the Americas; €2.50
Vatican City for mail to Oceania.
commemorative The Vatican notice emphasised: ‘The
cover postmarked 11 issue of Vacant Papal See stamps is intended
February 2013, the date to commemorate the event and ensure the
that Pope Benedict XVI continuity of the issue of postal stamps, to
announced his dramatic be used to send correspondence from the
and surprise resignation Vatican City only during the period of the
as Bishop of Rome, Vacant Papal See itself.’ It was made clear that
Supreme Pontiff and their philatelic use is allowed afterwards and
Head of the Vatican City that the Vatican Post Office would continue
to sell them to collectors. Stocks quickly
became exhausted and were not replaced.
100 G.S.M. July 2013
Vatican Post Office Sede Vacante Stamps
The Cardinal-Electors
Taking part in the Conclave were 115
Cardinal-Electors, that is Cardinals who
have not yet reached their 80th birthday, Vatican City Sede Vacante stamp on
though one had in fact just celebrated his commemorative cover with special
80th birthday but was allowed to vote as the cancellation, Tuesday, 12 March 2013, the day
process had already begun. Of these, 60 were the 115 Cardinal-Electors entered the Sistine
European, including 21 from Italy; 19 from Chapel to elect the new Pope
G.S.M. July 2013 101
Vatican Post Office Sede Vacante Stamps
Vatican City commemorative cover
with the three Sede Vacante stamps
Latin America; 14 from North issued on 15 June 1963, following
America, 11 from Africa; ten from the death of Pope, now Blessed
Asia and one from Oceania. A two- John XXIII, on 3 June that year—
thirds majority was required to elect postmarked 19 June 1963
the new Pope.
Previous Sede Vacante
stamps
Meanwhile, it is well worth recalling
some of the pervious Vatican Post
Office Sede Vacante stamps, special first day Vatican City first day cover
covers and cancellations. Following the with the four stamps issued to
death of Pius XII on 9 October 1958 the commemorate the Papacy of
Vatican Post office issued a second set of Pope Paul VI, Cardinal Giovanni
Sede Vacante stamps on 21 October that year Battista Montini, who was
(SG 279/81). Cardinal Angelo Roncalli, the elected Pope on 21 June 1963—
Patriarch of Venice was the surprise choice postmarked 16 October 1963
of the Cardinal-Electors. He took
the name John XXIII. Pope, now
Blessed John XXIII died on 3 June
1963, and the Vatican Post Office
issued a third set of Sede Vacante
stamps on 20 June that year (SG Vatican City first day cover with
406/8). the three Sede Vacante stamps
At the Conclave which followed, issued on 23 August 1978,
the Cardinal-Electors elected following the death of Pope Paul VI
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, on 6 August that year
the Archbishop of Milan, as the
new Pope. He took the name Paul
VI. He continued the Second
Vatican Council—opened by Pope
John XXIII during 1962—and
closed the Council in December
1963. The following year he visited the Holy
Land, and became the first Pope in more
Vatican City first day cover
than 150 years to travel beyond Italy. Pope
with the three Sede Vacante
Paul VI died on 6 August 1978 and a fourth
stamps issued on 12
set of Sede Vacante stamps was issued on 23
October 1978, following the
August that year (SG 702/4).
death of Pope John Paul I
Pope Paul VI was succeeded by Pope John
Paul I. He died on 29 September 1978, after
only 33 days as Pontiff. The fifth set
of Sede Vacante stamps was issued on
12 October that year (SG 705/7).
During the Conclave on 16
October 1978, the Cardinal-
Electors stunned the world by
electing Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, Vatican City first day cover with the
the Archbishop of Cracow in four stamps issued on 11 December
Poland, then under the grip of 1978 to commemorate the short 33-
communism, as the new Pope. day Papacy of Pope John Paul I—26
He was the first non-Italian Pope August to 28 September 1978
to be elected since 1522. He took
the name John Paul II. Pope, now
Blessed John Paul played a leading
role in the demise of communism,
the ending of the Cold War, and
the emergence of the Third World on the Vatican City first day cover
world stage. with the three stamps
After a long and successful papacy, Pope issued on 22 March 1979 to
John Paul II died in extremely poor health on commemorate the election
2 April 2005. Three Sede Vacante stamps were of Pope John Paul II, on 16
issued on 12 April that year (SG 1446/8). October 1978—the first
Pope from Poland and the
Pope Francis first non-Italian Pope since
On 13 March 2013 the Cardinal–Electors in the 16th century
the Sistine Chapel took everyone, including
the media pundits, by complete surprise,
when they elected 78-year-old Cardinal Jorge
Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Vatican City Sede Vacante
Aires, as the new Pope, during the fifth ballot set on first day cover, with
of the Conclave held in the Sistine Chapel. cancellation 12 April 2005,
The new Pope took the name Francis, after autographed by Cardinal
Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis is the Cormac Murphy-O’Connor,
265th successor of St Peter, the Supreme then Archbishop of
Pontiff, the Bishop of Rome, the Head of Westminster, who took part
State of the Vatican City, and the leader of the in the Conclave that elected
world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. Pope Benedict XVI
102 G.S.M. July 2013
The Postmarks of Southern Rhodesia during the King George VI Period, 1937–1953
Fig 3 A minefield! mDCs from Queen’s Mine, 1938, Iron Mine Hill,
1948, Lonely Mine, Nil Desperandum Mine, 1942, Beatrice Mine,
Turk Mine and Wanderer Mine, 1938
Fig 4 With side fleurons—Chatsworth mDC*, 1939 and Fig 5 Guinea Fowl mDC, Fig 6 KGVI Salisbury mDC, 1943
Odzi mDC*, 1942 1941(computer enhanced)
The literature
Southern Rhodesia’s postmarks have been
written about since Knight and Mitchell
published The Postmarks and Principal Postage
Rates of Southern Rhodesia to 1924. In 1940
HC Dann wrote The Romance of the Posts of
Rhodesia—published by Frank Godden and
was one of the first books to deal with the Fig 8 Mount Silinda sDC*,
postmarks of both Southern and Northern 1951 (computer enhanced)
Rhodesia and Nyasaland, up to 1935. We had
to wait until 1997 when Ted Proud published
his Postal History of Southern Rhodesia, for an Gwanda, Gwelo, Hartley, Highlands, Kopje, Marandellas, Plum Tree, Que Que, Raylton,
update. Southern Rhodesia was not dealt with Rusape, Selukwe, Shabani, Umtali, Victoria Falls and Wankie (Fig 2).
by Reginald Courtney Cade in his handbook
The British Colonial Stamps in Current Use as it Harder examples
presumably wasn’t under the jurisdiction of The harder examples of the mDCs often emanate from remote mines such as Antelope Mine,
the Crown Agents. Beatrice Mine, Eldorado, Gath’s Mine, Iron Mine Hill, Jumbo, Legion Mine, Lonely Mine,
The King George VI period ends on 31 Mayfair Mine, Motopa Mine (Eastnor), Nelly Mine, Nil Desperandum Mine, Queens Mine,
August 1953 when the Bradbury, Wilkinson Surprise Mine, Turk Mine and Wander Mine (Fig 3).
Queen Elizabeth II definitives were released. Some of the older ones, such as Chatsworth and Odzi, have side fleurons (Fig 4).
Southern Rhodesia postmarks are usually Other notable mDCs are Achnashee and Britwell (which both closed in 1939), Birchenough
found on the King George VI definitive Bridge, Chirundu (1939), Coro Park, Dadaya, Dahlia, Duchess Hill, Great Zimbabwe (which
series, which makes them fairly easy to read closed in August 1947), Guinea Fowl, Gwaai Settlement, Heany Camp, Hope Fountain,
but somewhat uninspiring. Keynshamburg, Kirriemuir, Lydiate, Mabelreign, Makaha, Marco, Marula Tank, Mt Hampden,
There are some 26 Post Offices and 183 Mtepetepa, Musume, Ncema Dam, Ngondoma, Outspan Halt, Park River, Rocky Spruit,
Postal Agencies found within the King Seignury Drift, Soti Source, Triangle, Tuli (which was closed in 1938), Vumba and Willoughbys
George VI period (Fig 1). Halt (Fig 5).
The standard issues during the period A mDC inscribed ‘K G VI Salisbury’ was a camp for the Light Battery, Signallers and Medical
were the medium and Large Double Circles Corps (Fig 6).
(mDCs and LDCs) which abound at the GPO Extra Large Double Circles (LLDC) are noted at the larger post offices and at Gokwe,
in Salisbury and the major towns such as Raffingora (from 1951), Mtepetepa and Sawmills—throughout the period (Fig 7).
Bulawayo, Causeway, Fort Victoria, Gatooma, Small Double Circles with asterisk (sDC*) are noted at Mount Silinda and Tegwani (Fig 8).
104 G.S.M. July 2013
The Postmarks of Southern Rhodesia during the King George VI Period, 1937–1953
Short-lived
Short-lived small Single Circles (sSC) are
all particularly difficult to find—Antelope Fig 9 Kumalo sSC,
Mine (1937), Battlefields (1949), Beit 1942; Trelawney,
Bridge (Limpopo) (1949), Belingwe (1939), 1951 (computer
Bikita (1950), Bushtick (1949), Craigmore enhanced)
(1941), Daisyfield (1939), Dawsons (1939),
Dett (1947–48), Eastnor (1949), Eiffel Flats
(1939), Felixburg (1939), Filabusi (1949–50),
Glendale (1949), Greendale (1951), Gutu
(1950–1953), Hatfield (1947), Insiza (1940),
Kumalo (Airport) (1942), Macheke (1937
and 1941), Mashaba (1940), Matetsi (1951), Fig 10
Meyrick Rark (1947), Mt Hampden (1942), Bulawayo SP
Miami (1950–51), Moffat (1942), Mondoro ‘It Is Quicker
(1949), Mtoko (1949), Nkai (1949), Rurgwe to Telephone’,
(1940), Ruwa (1949), Show Grounds 1950
Salisbury (1952–53), Somabula (1939),
Thornhill (1949), Trelawney (1951), Turk
Mine (1947), Victoria Falls (1943), Wanderer
Mine (1939), Wellesley (1939), West
Nicholson (1950) and Wilton (1947) (Fig 9). Fig 11 Southern Rhodesia Madame Joseph forgeries, 1937-42
Krag Machine Slogan Postmarks are found
at Salisbury and Bulawayo at the beginning of
the reign with ‘Universals’ being introduced
in 1946 (Fig 10) and a Krag at Que Que and a
‘Universal’ at Gwelo in 1951.
There are four Madame Joseph forgeries
noted for Southern Rhodesia (Fig 11).
Postmarks for Southern Rhodesia
occasionally appear on eBay. Next time out
I’ll be heading north into Northern Rhodesia.
Back to Bahamas
I now return to my earlier travels to The Bahamas where I have discovered an entirely
new postmark for Dundas Town—28 June 1951 (Fig 12). This mSC is completely
different to Ted Proud’s D2 having larger type (Fig 13). It came from a lot in Sandafayre’s
April sale. It is extremely unusual for a standard issue postmark to suddenly appear after
60 years—which just shows how rare the postmarks of some of the Bahamaian Outer
Islands are. The date is noted by Ludington and Proud but neither realising this was a
different ‘species’. Charles Freeland has shown me another copy which is on stamp but
undated—are there any more out there? Let me know on horry@talk21.com if there are.
Fig 13
©2013 Warner
Bros. Ent. Inc. All
Rights Reserved.
MAN OF STEEL
and all related
characters and
elements are
trademarks of and
© DC Comics.
Above and
left: The
lenticular
miniature
sheet
Stamp Hunting
STAMP HUNTING
Quality GB/Commonwealth “Summer” Offers!
Having traded for more years than I care to remember, I have recently retired to Corn-
Nimrod suggests some wall. I have a very good stock to sell over the coming months all at the keenest prices at
around 1/10th Cat Value or less – so don’t miss out!
These lots are ideal for collectors or dealers. No duplication – even in the largest lots. No
could turn out to be something of a sleeper, with the James Coe, 42, Trelawney Avenue, Poughill, Bude, Cornwall. EX23 9HB
Phone: 01288 359700 Email: Lesley.coe26@gmail.com
6d. dull purple (107) an especially elusive stamp at TERMS: Cash, Cheque, UK Postal Orders with order or use Paypal. Strictly POSTAL ONLY.FREE
the moment. Fine used examples of the 1904–11 £1 UK 1st Class Signed-For post.World : £4.00 towards Tracked and Signed-For Mail
purple and black/red (93) are very scarce but not No quibble refund/guarantee. All items photographed.
currently in demand; however, if you need this stamp Telephone or email enquiries welcome.
In 1397, the Kalmar Union united Norway, Sweden and Denmark Denmark, like Belgium, has, despite the problems with the
under one monarch, Erik, and his guardian, Queen Margrete I. Eric, succession of King Christian IX (see below), enjoyed an unbroken
the grandnephew of Margrete, had been King of Norway since line of succession since Christian VIII came to the throne in 1863; the
1389, and succeeded to the thrones of Denmark and Sweden in present Queen Margrethe II, is the seventh in this sequence.
1396. In 1809, Sweden declared its independence and a The first Danish stamps were issued in April 1851 during the reign
constitutional monarchy was established. In 1814, Denmark of King Frederick VII, but it was not until November 1904, during the
ceded Norway to Sweden, and in 1849 Denmark itself became a reign of King Christian IX that Denmark issued stamps portraying the
constitutional monarchy. head of the ruling monarch.
Faroe Islands
The first settlers on the Faroe Islands were Irish Monks in the late 7th and
early 8th centuries, with predominately Norse settlers arriving in the 9th
century. The Faroe Islands came under the control of the Kingdom of
Norway in 1035, and in 1380, when Norway and Iceland entered a union
with Denmark, the Faroe Islands became a part of the dual monarchy of
Denmark and Norway. Within the Kalmar Union of 1397, they remained
under the control of Norway, but in 1814, when Norway was ceded to
Sweden, Denmark retained possession of the Faroe Islands.
Danish stamps were used in the islands from 1870. Between 1940 and
1945 the islands were under British administration to prevent their seizure
by the Germans who had occupied Denmark.
In 1948, the Faroe Islands were given self-government within the Danish
Kingdom, with their own flag, but Danish stamps continued to be used
until 1975, when the Faroe Islands issued their own.
There are no royalty definitive stamps, but there are two
commemorative miniature sheets; the first issued in 1997 to commemorate
the Silver Jubilee of Queen Margrethe II, and the second in 2004 for the
marriage of Crown Prince Frederick and Mary Donaldson.
Iceland
Irish and Scottish monks were the first recorded visitors to Iceland
in the 8th and 9th centuries, but they left before the Nordic settlers
arrived in the late 9th century. In 1262, Iceland was brought under
the Norwegian crown. In 1380, Norway and Iceland entered a
£50 Stanley
Gibbons
voucher to be won!
union with Denmark, and in 1662, Iceland was forced to accept
the absolute monarchy of the King of Denmark. In 1814, when
Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden, Iceland remained under Just read through this month’s GSM and find the
Danish rule. In 1874, Denmark granted Iceland a constitution answers to the ten questions printed below. Write the
with limited home rule, which was expanded in 1904, with the answers (the source is not required) on a postcard or
appointment of the first Minister for Iceland in the Danish cabinet. sheet of paper, add your name and address (in block
On 1 December 1918 Iceland became an independent sovereign letters) and post to: GSM COMPETITION (July), Stanley
state in a personal union with Denmark, until 17 June 1944, when, Gibbons Limited, 7 Parkside, RINGWOOD, Hants,
as the result of a plebiscite, the islanders decided in favour of
BH24 3SH.
becoming a republic.
Danish post offices were opened in Iceland on 1 March 1870 The senders of the first all-correct entry opened on
with Danish stamps being used until the first Iceland stamps were 2 September 2013 will win a £50 Stanley Gibbons
issued on 1 January 1873. However, it was not until 1902 that voucher. The correct answers will be published in the
Iceland issued the first definitive stamps that depicted the head of October GSM.
the Danish ruling monarch—King Christian IX. There were just
two types, one for normal use and an official version with its centre REMEMBER: Include your name and address;
in sepia. Do NOT include any correspondence or cash;
Post early.
The 1902 definitive and
official stamps depicting COMPETITION QUESTIONS
King Christian IX
1 What was GVH Kneale chairman of in 1958?
2 In his article published in 1897, AH Stamford
In 1907, during the reign of King Frederick VIII, only two announced the discovery of what?
types of stamps were issued, again a regular definitive and an
official, both showing the double heads of Kings Christian IX and 3 What was established in September 1992 at the
Frederick VIII. Union Jack Club in London?
Similarly, during the 35-year reign of King Christian X, only two
types of definitive stamps were issued that depicted his head. 4 Tin foil strips were used to affix what to certain
documents?
The 1907 One of the
5 Early examples of what can be recognised by their
definitive two definitive
depicting designs issued
uneven layout?
the heads of in Iceland 6 Which artist painted the double portrait of Princes
Christian IX and during the reign
William and Harry in 2009?
Frederick VIII of Christian X
7 In which new issue does a stamp trigger an App?
8 Who designed the full-length portrait of Queen
Between 1921 and 1930, stamps from the reigns of Kings Victoria on the red 1d. postcard of 1892?
Christian IX, Frederick VIII and Christian X were surcharged.
In 1928, the 10a. scarlet stamp of King Christian X, and in 1929 9 Which European monarch had only two definitive
the 50a. claret and grey double-headed stamp of Kings Christian stamps bearing his likeness issued during his reign?
IX and Frederick VIII, were overprinted with the image of an
aeroplane and issued as airmail stamps. 10 What was the title of the publication written by
HC Dann In 1940?
5a. surcharge on a 16a.
King Christian IX and King COMPETITION RESULT
Frederick VIII definitive
The winner of the £50 SG voucher in our April
competition was DM Robinson MBE, Witney,
Oxfordshire.
The correct answers were: (1) The rescue of the
Nordenskjold Expedition, (2) Late fee was reduced
10a. and to ½d., (3) Rt Hon Frederick G Kellaway, (4) Perkins
50a. values Bacon, Harrison’s, De La Rue (5) Royal monogram,
overprinted for GR/V, (6) Die-cutters for Machin ‘U’ shaped slits, (7)
use as airmail Black Rats, (8) Danish Gold Coast, (9) Holy Cross,
stamps (10) Stuart Rose
Iceland did issue a set of three stamps in 1937 to Employees of GSM or any company in the Stanley
commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King Christian X, and they Gibbons Group or their families are disqualified from
were the last royalty stamps to be issued before it became a
Republic in 1944. entry. No correspondence can be entered into. The
Join me next time as we continue with Germany/Prussia, decision of the Editor is final and legally binding.
Hanover and Württemberg.
2004 his designs Agencies 2011 to the miniature sheet that recaptured
depicting Robins were While individual artists will have their specific the historic Thames Pageant that celebrated
used for the ‘Winter talents—as already made clear, many can The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Christmas
Friends’ series, and embrace a multitude of challenges—with an 2012.
in 2008 he worked agency that embraces a team of designers, With its policy of ensuring that its stamps
with The Agency on one can have all the skill one needs ‘under have local relevance, Isle of Man Post is
the Manx Bird Atlas one roof’. So increasingly Isle of Man Post fortunate in having such a wealth of talent on
set. In 2009 a series has been turning to design agencies on the its doorstep, talent that knows what it takes to
titled ‘Country File’ island, where is found the necessary skills create a successful stamp design.
featured six of his to translate
bird paintings. More an idea into
recently, in 2011, a stamp-sized
six more of his bird piece of paper.
paintings were used for the Christmas series The first
with its theme ‘Birds in Winter’. time such an
It seems a major leap from wildlife to the agency was
TT Races, but such is the appeal of the Isle of used came in
Man. Manx born designer, Ruth Sutherland, 1998 for the
has a passion for these races, and so in 2001 series to mark Two stamps
was invited to design the set in honour of the Isle of from the
motorcycle champion, Joey Dunlop. The Man TT Races Harry Potter
motorcycle and the 50th series issued
was also anniversary of in 2003 and
prominent Honda. Chosen designed by
in George was the aptly- The Agency
Formby’s named The
film, No Agency, a name
Limit, scenes that would
from which be linked to many subsequent stamp issues
were used covering a diverse range of topics. Perhaps
by Ruth most notable was the series in 1999 dedicated
for her set in 2004 to mark the centenary of to the Manx-born musicians, the Bee Gees,
the birth of this famous entertainer. In the the set and two miniature sheets celebrating
film, Formby played George Shuttleworth, their unforgettable hits.
who dreams of winning the TT race. Next, in The company was also responsible for
2005, came the 50th anniversary of Yamaha, the designs of the issues that featured two
followed two years later by a landmark issue, phenomena of the big screen, the Harry
on the occasion of the centenary of the Isle Potter series and The Lord of The Rings trilogy.
of Man TT motorcycle races. In 2012 she One of the Isle of Man’s leading companies
designed the set that honoured cyclist, Mark supplying a wide range of print and designs
Cavendish. is Mannin Media. The 2001 set to mark the Two stamps
Another renowned motor sports artist is centenary of the death of Queen Victoria from The Lord
Peter Hearsey who, after living in London was designed by the company. One of its of The Rings
for some years, moved to the Isle of Man in employees, now retired, is Eddie Cassidy. series issued
1977. He became a full-time painter, mainly He is credited with several sets from 2000 to in 2003 and
specialising in automotive subjects, after 2010, including that to mark the World Cup designed by
being invited to exhibit in the United States Football Championships in Japan and South The Agency
in 1989. However, his versatility is clearly Korea in 2002, the bicentenary of the Battle
demonstrated by his stamp designs. He of Trafalgar in 2005, and in 2009 the 40th
designed the 2010 set for the 50th anniversary anniversary of the First Moon Landing. He
of the Model T also designed two sets in conjunction with
Ford (designed Peter Hearsey as previously mentioned.
with Eddie Fusion Design based on the island was
Cassidy, who will established in 2005. The following year its
be mentioned team of graphic designers was responsible for
again later); the two sets; featuring Peel Cars and Manx links
miniature sheet with Washington.
for the centenary Working with several agencies is Emma
in 2009 of the Cooke. She came to the Isle of Man in 2000, 22p stamp
sinking of the first as Studio Manager of The Agency. In from the
SS Ellan Vannin, 2006 she designed her first set for Isle of Man 2001 set
a steam packet; Post in her own right, the Christmas series for marking the
the series to mark the European Vintage that year. centenary
Ploughing Championship in 2007 (also In 2007 she was appointed Studio Manager of the death
designed with Eddie Cassidy); International of Kcreative, this studio then becoming very of Queen
Polar Year also in 2007; Post Office active in stamp design with, for example, Victoria
Vehicles in 2003; the miniature sheet that involvement with no fewer than five issues
accompanied the Isle of Man at War series in in 2008, the subjects ranging from Cunard
2000; and Manx Buses in 1999—a very diverse Liners, Banknotes, British Motor Racing,
mixture. Motor Manx Worthies and A Walk in the The cartoons
sport has not Ballaugh Curragh. This studio has of Harold
been entirely continued to be involved with Manx ‘Dusty’
neglected, stamp design. Miller were
however, as In 2010, however, Emma Cooke represented
in 2009 he formed her own agency, EJC Design, in a set
designed the set and from that time has created several designed by
featuring British issues, ranging from the Cartoons of EJC Design
Motor Racing. Harold ‘Dusty’ Miller and Manx Cats in in 2011
G.S.M. July 2013 115
New Issues
NEW ISSUES
Shore to Shore
Island Hopper previews forthcoming stamp issues
Isle of Man—serving the three-foot gauge of the Isle of Man Tramways border incorporating railway company crests
and Electric Power Co following suit in and advertising headlines.
island by rail September 1893. The expansion of these This issue will no doubt appeal especially
With 2013 representing the 140th new rail systems were a revolution for the to railway enthusiasts and captures perfectly
anniversary of the Isle of Man Steam Railway Manx community, ferrying cattle to market, a time when a more leisurely pace was the
and 2014 being the 120th year of the Manx children to school and distributing mail. norm; a pace which is happily still part of the
Electric Railway, The Isle of Man Post Office They remained integral to Manx life until the Manx experience.
have produced an issue to celebrate both. 1950s, when road transport came to the fore.
These stamps echo back to the late 19th These routes and trains have been
century, a time when the railways were sympathetically maintained over time to
launched to provide excursions for the provide today’s tourist with a leisurely
holiday-boom tourists. Although initially experience of days gone by.
intended to visit the local beauty spots, Released on 17 May, this issue features
castles and villages, this formed the catalyst a set of six stamps, alternately featuring
for the construction of a railway linking the both steam and electric running stock set
capital, Douglas, in the East with the rest of within the rugged and picturesque island
the island. landscape and illustrated with an intricately
The first of the steam routes, a three-foot detailed treatment of photographs. Each
gauge railway, was opened by the Isle of Man 28.5×42.5mm stamp represents the look
Railway Co in July 1973, with the electric and feel of tourism posters, with a colourful
116 G.S.M. July 2013
New Issues
Panorama
PANORAMA
Dean Shepherd looks at the stories behind some new and
recent issues
Happy Matariki!
To the Māori people of New Zealand,
when the star cluster known as Matariki
(commonly known as Pleiades or The
Seven Sisters) appears in the night sky
in late May or early June it signals the
start of the New Year and a time of new
beginnings. Fittingly, New Zealand
Post’s latest six-stamp Matariki issue,
released on 5 June, celebrates the Māori
New Year with the use of the koru. This
beautiful scroll-like pattern symbolises
new life and regeneration and can
be found in many Māori and New
Zealand art forms. In addition to the
koru, each stamp also includes aspects
of traditional Māori culture that have
particular significance during the time
of Matariki.
The first of two 70c. stamps in the New Zealand Post's six-stamp set celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year
set uses the koru pattern to represent the
elegant shape of a blooming piko shoot as The $1.40 stamp features an ornate nguru on the shape of the hammerhead shark, the
it begins its transformation into a rauponga (flute) with intricate koru shapes carved into mangopare symbolises strength, determination
(fern leaf). The artwork surrounding the fern it. In the background is the face of Hine and an unwillingness to yield. It is shown
represents the domain of Tāne Mahuta—the Raukatauri, the Māori Goddess of Flute Music. swirling around a traditional Māori kotiate
God of the Forest. The $1.90 stamp design shows a traditional (club). Together, the kotiate and mangopare
A koru pattern symbolising the winds of pātaka, or storehouse, which has been represent the domain of Tāmatauenga, the
Tāwhirimātea (the God of the Weather) is elaborately carved with koru patterns. This God of War and Balance.
shown on the second 70c. value. Also shown represents the concept of planting and The $2.90 stamp shows a swirling koru
is a traditional manu tukutuku (kite), which storing kai (food). In the background is a pattern that represents a pātiki (flounder
to the Māori , acts as a messenger between depiction of Rongo-mā-Tāne, the God of fish). The pātiki pattern is used in many Māori
Heaven and Earth. The background design Cultivated Food. carvings—particularly in pātaka and waka
shows a sunrise, representing the first day A symmetrical koru pattern is used to create (canoes). It is the symbol of hospitality, and
of Matariki, set against a dramatic sky—the the mangopare design depicted on the $2.40 can represent the catching of fish from the
domain of Tāwhirimātea. stamp. This traditional Māori design is based domain of Tangaroa, the God of the Ocean.
Catalogue Column
Hugh Jefferies reports
The return of the Trinidad Toucan
Back in 2001, Trinidad and Tobago released a 75c. surcharge on its then
current $2.25 ‘Birds’ definitive showing the Channel-billed Toucan, the
surcharge being applied to both the Script CA diagonal and ‘Spiral’ CA
watermarked stamps (SG 894/a).
The birds were replaced shortly afterwards
by the ‘Endangered Wildlife’ and in 2005
by the ‘Herbal Medicine’ definitive sets, but
now, more than a decade later the Channel-
billed Toucan has made a return, this time
surcharged $1.00.
I am grateful to Steve Zirinsky of New York
for bringing this item to my attention and
for providing scans of the stamp and of three
examples used on cover. Steve reports that the
Post office in Trinidad and Tobago gives a print
figure for the surcharge of 100,000 and an
issue date of 7 November 2012. However, one
of the three covers, to St. Lucia, is backstamped
on arrival 20 Aug 2012 and the other two both date from September.
Reports of earlier dates would be welcomed.
Copyright Notice The contents of this Catalogue Supplement, including the numbering system and illustrations, are fully protected by copyright. No part of this supplement may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of Stanley Gibbons Limited.
Requests for such permission should be addressed to the Catalogue Editor.
aUStraLia
May 2013
CORRECTION: Re-number Nos. 3918/48
(Greetings Stamps - Special Occasions,
Surfing Australia and Top Dogs, May 2013
supplement) to Nos. 3917/47.
1681 Beyer Peacock
Steam Locomotive
No. 10 G. H. Wood 1665 Tracing and Messaging (to
leaving Douglas reunite separated families)
Station, July 2009
407 Tiger
(Des Motiur Rahman. Litho Security Printing
Press, Gazipur)
2010 (28 Sept). 35th Anniv of Diplomatic
Relations between Bangladesh and the
People’s Republic of China. Year of the 412 Mahatma Gandhi at 416 Probashi Kallyan Bank, Banknotes
Tiger. P 13. Laksham Railway Station
1042 407 50t. multicoloured and Globe 420 Hardella thurjii
A miniature sheet issued from Bangladesh (Des Motiur Rahman. Litho Security Printing (Des Anowar Hossain. Litho Security Printing (Des Anowar Hossain. Litho Security Printing
was sold in a folder at an exhibition centre in Press, Gazipur) Press, Gazipur) Press, Gazipur)
China, but was not issued in Bangladesh. 2011 (10 Feb). Indipex 2011 World Philatelic 2011 (20 Apr). Inauguration of Probashi 2011 (17 July). Rare Species of Turtle. T 420
Exhibition, New Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi’s Kallyan Bank. P 12½. and similar horiz design. Multicoloured.
Visit to Noakhali, 1946. T 412 and similar 1059 416 10t. multicoloured P 14×13½.
square designs. Multicoloured. P 13½. 1069 10t. Type 420
1049 10t. Type 412 a. Horiz pair. Nos. 1069/70
a. Horiz strip of 3. Nos. 1049/51 1070 10t. Geoclemys hamiltonii
1050 15t. Mahatma Gandhi and others
at Noakhali, 1946 Nos. 1069/70 were printed together, se-
1051 20t. Mahatma Gandhi at Noakhali, tenant, as horizontal pairs in sheets of 100.
1946
A Rare Animals of Bangladesh miniature
Nos. 1049/51 were printed together, se- sheet containing four 10t. stamps depicting
tenant, as horizontal strips of three stamps in Frog Euphilyctis hexadactylus, Monkey
sheets of 99 and sheetlets of six. Trachypithecus phayrei, River Dolphin
Platanista gangetica and Fishing Cat
408 Abu Nayem Mohammed Prionallurus viverrinus was issued on the same
Nazibuddin Khan (Khurram) 417 Rabindranath Tagore and date. It was sold for 100t., a 60t. premium over
Shlaidaha, Kushtia the face value.
(Des Jasim Uddin. Litho)
2010 (14 Dec). Abu Nayem Mohammed (Des Anowar Hossain. Litho Security Printing
Nazibuddin Khan (Khurram) (1954-71) Press, Gazipur)
Commemoration. P 13. 2011 (6 May). 150th Birth Anniv of
1043 408 3t. multicoloured Rabindranath Tagore (poet). T 417 and
similar horiz designs. Multicoloured. P
13½.
1060 10t. Type 417
a. Block of 4. Nos. 1060/3
1061 10t. Rabindranath Tagore and
Shahjadpur, Sirajganj
1062 10t. Rabindranath Tagore and
413 Bowler 421 Heliopais personata
Dakkhindihi, Khulna
(Des Manzare Shamim. Litho Security Printing 1063 10t. Rabindranath Tagore and (Des Anowar Hossain. Litho Security Printing
Press, Gazipur) Patishar, Naogaon Press, Gazipur)
Nos. 1060/3 were printed together, se- 2011 (17 July). Birds of the Sundarbans. T 421
2011 (23 Feb). ICC Cricket World Cup, tenant, as blocks of four stamps in sheetlets
Bangladesh. T 413 and similar vert and similar horiz designs. Multicoloured.
of eight. P 13½×12.
designs. Multicoloured. P 12½. A miniature sheet containing the four 10t.
1052 20t. Type 413 1071 10t. Type 421
stamps was sold for 100t., a 60t. premium over
409 Emblem a. Horiz strip of 4. Nos. 1052/5 a. Sheetlet. Nos. 1071/82
face value.
1053 20t. Batsman 1072 10t. Leptoptilos javanicus
(Des Aminul Islam Talukder Azad. Litho 1054 20t. Wicket-keeper 1073 10t. Haliaeetus leucogaster
Security Printing Press, Gazipur) 1055 20t. Fielder 1074 10t. Bubo coromandus
2011 (27 Jan). Population and Housing MS1056 127×91 mm. 50t. Umpire, batsman 1075 10t. Pelargopsis amauroptera
Census. P 13½×14. and players. Imperf 1076 10t. Halcyon coromanda
1044 409 3t. multicoloured Nos. 1052/5 were printed together, se- 1077 10t. Alcedo meninting
tenant, as horizontal strips of four stamps in 1078 10t. Halcyon pileata
sheets of 120. 1079 10t. Todiramphus chloris
1080 10t. Treron bicincta
1081 10t. Gorsachius melanolophus
1082 10t. Pitta megarhyncha
Nos. 1071/82 were printed together, se-
tenant, in sheetlets of 12 stamps.
418 Planting Sapling
(Des Begum Rafika Khan. Litho Security Nos. 1083/6, T 422 are left for Traditional
Printing Press, Gazipur) Musical Instruments, issued 21 July 2011, not
2011 (1 June). National Tree Plantation yet received
410 Children Campaign. P 14×13½.
1064 418 10t. multicoloured
(Des Muhammad Ashraf Shiddike. Litho
Security Printing Press, Gazipur)
2011 (9 Feb). 7th National Cub Camporee. P
14×13½.
1045 410 10t. multicoloured
414 Emblem
(Des Sadatuddin Ahmed Amil . Litho Security
Printing Press, Gazipur)
2011 (24 Feb). Anti-Corruption Day (9 423 Coin of Sultan Fakhr al-Din Mubarak
December 2010). P 12½. Shah (1334-49) (image scaled to 65% of
1057 414 5t. multicoloured original size)
(Des Jashim Uddin. Litho Security Printing
Press, Gazipur)
419 Kazi Nazrul Islam 2011 (21 July). Coins of the Independent
Sultans of Bengal (1st series). Sheet
(Des Anowar Hossain. Litho Security Printing 140×110 mm containing T 423 and
411 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Press, Gazipur) similar horiz designs. Multicoloured. P
and Followers 2011 (24 June). International Nazrul 13½×12.
Conference. 90th Anniv of Publication of MS1087 10t. Type 423; 10t. Coin of Sultan
(Des Motiur Rahman. Litho Security Printing Poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) by Kazi Nazrul Shams al-Din Ilyas Shah (1342-57) ; 10t.
Press, Gazipur) Islam (1899-1976, Bengali poet and Coin of Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Azam Shah
2011 (10 Feb). Return to Bangladesh of Sheikh musician). T 419 and similar vert designs. (1389-1410); 10t. Coin of Sultan Jalal al-Din
Mujibur Rahman, 1972 (“ Bangabandhu’s Multicoloured. P 13½×14. Muhammad Shah (1415-32)
Homecoming Day”). T 411 and similar 1065 10t. Type 419
square designs. Multicoloured. P 13½. 415 Bangabandhu a. Block of 4. Nos. 1065/8 A miniature sheet was issued on 21 July
1046 5t. Type 411 Square Fountain, Dhaka 1066 10t. Kazi Nazrul Islam and Nazrul 2011 for Phila Nippon 2011 World Stamp
a. Horiz strip of 3. Nos. 1046/8 Academy, Trishal Exhibition, Yokohama. It contained five 10t.
1047 5t. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Des Motiur Rahman and Jasim Uddin. Litho 1067 10t. Kazi Nazrul Islam wearing hat stamps depicting Imperial Palace, Tokyo,
waving to crowd Security Printing Press, Gazipur) and building with arches Sakura-Cherry blossom, Sumo wrestling,
1048 10t. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 2011 (26 Mar). 40th Anniv of Independence. 1068 10t. Kazi Nazrul Islam as old Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto and Mount Fuji, and
(1920-75, first President of Sheet 110×110 mm containing T 415 and man and sculpture at Nazrul was sold at 100t., a 50t. premium above face
Bangladesh) similar vert designs . Multicoloured. P 12. Museum value.
261 Motantanyane
(Ipomoea obscura)
2047 Durga Prasad
(Des Gwithie Kirby. Litho) Chaudhary
2011 (1 Jan). Flowers. T 261 and similar vert
designs. Multicoloured. P 13×13½. (Des Brahm Prakash. Litho Security Printing
1157 2p.60 Type 261 Press, Hyderabad)
1158 4p.10 Ledelele (Xenostegia tridentata) 2012 (31 July). Durga Prasad Chaudhary
1159 5p.50 Tsebe-tsankuku (Ipomoea (founder of Dainik Navjyoti newspaper)
magnusiana) 388 First Aid Training (St. John Commemoration. P 13½.
1160 6p.10 Kgane (Ipomoea bolusiana) Association of Fiji) 393 Collared Lory (pair) 2885 2047 5r. multicoloured
2068 Scroll
(Des Alka Sharma. Litho India Security Press)
2013 (11 Jan). Silk Letter Movement (planned
anti colonial revolt, 1913-16). P 13. 2073 Badges
2913 2068 5r. multicoloured
(Litho Security Printing Press, Hyderabad)
2013 (2 Mar). Third Battalion Parachute
Regiment (Special Forces). P 13½.
2921 2073 5r. multicoloured
2079 Srikurmam
2063 Mahabalipuram
Temple, Srikakulam
(Mamallapuram)
Lighthouse (Litho Security Printing Press, Hyderabad)
(Des Sankha Samanta. Litho Security Printing 2013 (11 Apr). Architectural Heritage of India.
Press, Hyderabad) 2069 Swami Temples. T 2079 and similar vert design.
Vivekananda at Multicoloured. P 13½.
2012 (23 Dec). Lighthouses. T 2063 and Kanyakumari, 1893 2927 5r. Type 2079
similar vert design. Multicoloured. P 13.
2928 20r. Arasavalli Temple, Srikakulam
2906 5r. Type 2063 (Des Sankha Samanta. Litho Security Printing
MS2929 120×81 mm. Nos. 2927/8
2907 20r. Alleppey (Alappuzha) Press, Hyderabad)
Lighthouse 2013 (12 Jan). 150th Birth Anniv of Swami
MS2908 104×85 mm. Nos. 2906/7 Vivekananda (1863-1902, Hindu 2074 Officers
monk and spiritual leader, founder of (Litho India Security Press)
Ramakrishna Mission). T 2069 and similar
square designs. Multicoloured. P 13. 2013 (7 Mar). 50th Anniv of Officers Training
2914 5r. Type 2069 Academy, Chennai. P 13.
a. Block of 4. Nos. 2914/17 2922 2074 5r. multicoloured
2915 5r. Swami Vivekananda and
World Parliament of Religions,
Chicago, 1893
2916 5r. Swami Vivekananda and Belur
Math 2080 Mumbai Post Office
2917 20r. Swami Vivekananda,
2064 Boy examining Flower Dakshineswar Kali Temple and (Litho)
(Des Dr. Tridha Gajjar of National Institute of birthplace
2013 (12 Apr). Heritage Buildings. T 2080 and
Design, Ahmedabad. Litho Security Printing Nos. 2914/17 were issued in ordinary similar horiz design. Multicoloured. P 13.
Press, Hyderabad) separate sheets of 40. They were also printed 2930 5r. Type 2080
together, se-tenant, as blocks of four stamps in 2931 5r. Agra Head Post Office
2013 (3 Jan). Centenary of Indian Science sheetlets of 8.
Congress Association, Kolkata. P 13½. MS2932 120×68 mm. Nos. 2930/1
2909 2064 5r. multicoloured
2075 Sahir Ludhianvi
(Litho Security Printing Press, Hyderabad)
2013 (8 Mar). Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-80, Urdu
poet and Hindi lyricist) Commemoration.
P 13½.
2923 2075 5r. multicoloured
1509 Drum
1513 Papilio
(Des Gert Dooreman. Litho)
machaon (Old
2012 (21 May). 50th Anniv of Burundi and World Swallowtail)
Rwanda Independence. T 1509 and 1517 Hommage à
similar vert design. Multicoloured. P 11½. (Des Marijike Meersman) Céres
4450 1 (€1.24) Type 1509 2012 (25 June). AIR. Butterflies (2nd (Des Luc Derycke)
4451 1 (€1.24) Woven pot issue). Booklet Stamps. Self-adhesive.
1505 Canaries 2012 (8 Oct). Art. Jacob Jordaens Exhibition,
Nos. 4450/1 were for use on international Polyvalent phosphorescent paper. Die-
cut 10½×imperf (one side). Royal Museum of Fine Art, Brussels. P
(Des MVTM) mail.
4464 1513 1 (€1.20) multicoloured 11½.
2012 (16 Apr). Pets. Booklet Stamps. T 1505 The following stamps were issued on 23 4477 1517 1 (71c.) multicoloured
and similar horiz designs. Multicoloured. No. 4464 was inscribed ‘A PRIOR’ and was for
June 2012 at Salle des Sports, Marche-en- on international airmail.
Self-adhesive. Die-cut 10½. Famenne and on general release from 25 June
4437 1 (71c.) Type 1505 The booklet has straight outside edges
2012. giving stamps with either left or right edges
4438 1 (71c.) Guinea Pig
4439 1 (71c.) Cat imperforate depending on position.
4440 1 (71c.) Goldfish The following stamps were issued on 14
4441 1 (71c.) Two Budgerigars September 2012 at Temsifil 2012 Exhibition
4442 1 (71c.) Pony and on general release from 17 September
4443 1 (71c.) Chihuahua 2012.
4444 1 (71c.) Two Gerbils
4445 1 (71c.) Two Dwarf Rabbits
4446 1 (71c.) Collie
The booklet has straight outside edges
giving stamps with either left or right edges
imperforate depending on position. 1518 St. Martin’s
1510 Volcan ensorcelé
Festival
(Des MVTM)
(Des Pieter Gaudesaboos)
2012 (25 June). Art. Pierre Alechinsky (artist
and founder of CoBrA). Booklet Stamps. 1514 Gil&Jo (by Jef Nys) 2012 (8 Oct). St. Martin’s Day. P 11½.
T 1510 and similar horiz designs.
Multicoloured. Self-adhesive. Die-cut (Des MVTM)
4478 1518 1 (71c.) multicoloured
wavy edge. 2012 (17 Sept). This is Belgium. Tenth
4452 1 (71c.) Type 1510 Anniversary. Sheet 195×120 mm
4453 1 (71c.) A propos de Binche containing T 1514 and similar
4454 1 (71c.) Sans espoir de bâtiment multicoloured designs showing cartoons,
pour Anvers ni même pour cartoonist’s name given. P 11½.
l’Escaut MS4465 1 (71c.)×10, Type 1514; Bob de
4455 1 (71c.) Parfois c’est l’inverse Moor (28×41 mm); André Franquin (28×41
4456 1 (71c.) A la ligne (vert) mm); Marc Sleen (28×41 mm); SU (Willy
4457 1 (71c.) Aquarelle estampillée Vandersteen) (38×24 mm); Hergé (32×36
1506 Titanic and Lifeboat (vert) mm); Lucky Comics (Morris) (28×41 mm);
(Des François Schuiten and Kris Maes. Recess 4458 1 (71c.) Labyrinthe d’apparat Jije (Jerry Spring) (41×28 mm); Studio
and photo) (vert) Jacobs (E. P. Jacobs) (41×28 mm); Peyo
4459 1 (71c.) Encreur (vert) (41×28 mm)
2012 (16 Apr). Centenary of Sinking of Titanic. 4460 1 (71c.) Nuages en pantalons No. MS4465 was on sale for €6.50.
Sheet 146×105 mm containing T 1506×2. 4461 1 (71c.) Le dernier jour
Multicoloured. P 12×11½. 1519 Bales of Hay
MS4447 3 (€3.09)×2, Type 1506×2 Nos. 4456/9, the vertical stamps, are laid
at right angles, giving the appearence od (Des Inge van Damme (from photographs by
The stamps of MS4445 were for use on horizontal stamps. Bart Van Leuven))
international mail.
No. MS4445 was on sale in a folder 2012 (8 Oct). Regions. Condroz. Sheet
containing 3D glasses, for viewing the sheet, 152×185 mm containing T 1519 and
for €8.99. similar multicoloured designs. P 11½.
No. MS4445 was also available to purchase MS4479 1 (€1.20)×5, Type 1519; Fontaine
separately, for €7.14, to customers who Castle; Glasses of beer; Belgian Blue cattle
had already received the glasses via their (33×40 mm);Collegiate Church of Notre-
subscription. Dame and view of Dinant from Meuse River
1515 Zenobe Gramme (Training (49×37 mm)
A stamp of a similar design was issued by Ship)
Aland. No. MS4479 was for use on international
(Des William Vance) mail and was on sale for €4.95.
2012 (17 Sept). 50th (2011) Anniv of Launch of The following stamps were issued on 27
Zenobe Gramme. Temsifil 2012 Exhibition. October 2012 at Provincial Hof, Bruges and on
P 11½. general release from 29 October 2012.
4466 1515 1 (71c.) multicoloured
No. 4466 was printed in sheets of ten
1511 Cabaret au Bord stamps with an enlarged left margin inscribed
de la Rivière (Jan for the anniversary.
Brueghel the
Younger)
(Des Jean Libert)
2012 (25 June). Philately without Frontiers.
Philatelic Collection of Prince Albert II of 1520 Apatura ilia
Monaco Exhibition, Bruges, 2012. P 11½.
(Des Marijike Meersman)
1507 Floristan 4462 1511 1 (71c.) multicoloured
No. 4462 was printed in sheets of ten 2012 (29 Oct). Butterflies (3rd issue). Coil
(Des Luc Derycke. Litho) Stamp. Self-adhesive. Die-cut 14.
stamps with an enlarged upper margin
2012 (21 May). Jef Geys Exhibition, Royal inscribed for the exhibition 4480 1520 1 (71c.) multicoloured
Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. P 11½. A stamp of a similar design was issued by 1516 Acer No. 4480 was printed with the surplus paper
4448 1507 1 (71c.) multicoloured Monaco. macrophyllum around the stamp removed.
1525 Devil
(Des Marijke Meersman)
2013 (21 Jan). Characters from Fairy Tales.
Booklet Stamps. T 1525 and similar horiz
1521 Statue of Jan designs. Multicoloured. Self-adhesive.
Breydel and Pieter de Die-cut.
Coninck 4487 1 (71c.) Type 1525
4488 1 (71c.) Troll 1231 Emblem
(Des Jean Libert. Eng Guillaume Broux. Recess 4489 1 (71c.) Ghost 1228a Suzanne Mubarak and Library 2009 (15 July). al-Quds—2009 Capital of Arab
and photo) 4490 1 (71c.) Wizard Facade Culture. P 13½×13.
2012 (27 Oct). Promotion of Philately. Grand- 4491 1 (71c.) Witch
4492 1 (71c.) Gnome 2009 (5 May). Mubarak Public Library, 2512 1231 150p. multicoloured
Place, Bruges (UNESCO world heritage
site). Sheet 160×184 mm containing T 4493 1 (71c.) Fairy Damanhour. P 13×13½.
1521 and similar multicoloured designs. 4494 1 (71c.) Giant 2507 1228a 150p. multicoloured
P 11½. 4495 1 (71c.) Prince
MS4481 1 (71c.)×5, Type 1521; Belfrey; 4496 1 (71c.) Elf
Maison Boechoute, Craenenburg, Die Nos. 4487/96 were printed in booklets of
Maene and Pathe Cinema (horiz); Le Panier ten stamps. The booklets have straight outer
d’Or; Provincial Court (horiz) edges giving each stamp either right or left
The horizontal stamps of MS4481 are laid at edge imperforate, with two stamps in each
right-angles giving the appearence of vertical booklet having lower edge also imperforate.
stamps, and the stamp showing Le Panier d’Or
is inverted.
No. MS4481 was on sale for €6.50 (including
premium). 1231a Championship Emblem and
Paraguay Flag
1228b 2009 (5 Oct). FIFA U-20 Football World Cup
StaMP BOOKLetS Championship, Egypt. Sheet 230×144
2009 (11 May). First Egypt Post Creative mm containing T 1231a and similar horiz
2012 (16 Jan). Mythical Creatures. Self- Forum. P 13½×13. designs showing championship emblem
adhesive. 2508 1228b 150p. multicoloured and flags of competing countries,
SB153 €6.50 Nos. 4411/20 country name given. P 13×13½.
MS2513 150p.×16, Type 1231a; Brazil;
2012 (16 Jan). Write. Uruguay; Germany; Nigeria; South Korea;
SB154 €5.95 One pane. Nos. 4423/7 Venezuela; Ghana; United Arab Emirates;
South Africa; Egypt; Spain; Italy; Hungary;
2012 (12 Mar). Franco Dragone. Self-adhesive. Czech Republic; Costa Rica
SB155 €4.95 Nos. 4429/33
1522 Saint
Martin’s Church, 2012 (25 Jun). Art. Pierre Alchinsky. Self-
Kessenich adhesive.
(Des Frédéric Thiry) SB156 €6.50 Nos. 4452/61
2011 (2 Nov). Christmas. T 1522 and similar 2012 (25 Jun). Butterflies. Self-adhesive.
vert design. Multicoloured. Self-adhesive. SB157 €6.50 No. 4463×10
. Polyvalent phosphorescent. Die-cut perf
10×imperf. 2012 (25 Jun). AIR. Butterflies. Self-adhesive.
4482 1 (71c.) Type 1522 SB158 €4.95 No. 4464×5
4483 1 (€1.03) Saint Mard Church,
Vieux-Virton 2012 (17 Sept). Tree Leaves. Self-adhesive.
SB159 €6.50 Nos. 4467/76 1232 Symbols of China and Africa
No. 4482 was for use in Belgium and No.
4483 was for use on mail within Europe. 1229 Globe
2012 (29 Oct). Christmas. Self-adhesive. 2009 (8 Nov). Fourth Ministerial Conference
Nos. 4482/3, respectively, were each printed SB152 €9.90 No. 4484×10 2009 (14 May). Suzanne Mubarak Women’s of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum
in two rows of five stamps in booklets of ten. SB160 €6.50 No. 4483×10 International Peace Movement. Cyber (FOCAC), Sharm El Sheikh. P 13×13½.
The booklets have straight outer edges giving Peace Initiative. 2514 1232 150p. multicoloured
each stamp either upper or lower horizontal 2013 (21 Jan). Christmas. Self-adhesive. 2509 1229 150p. multicoloured
edge imperforate, with two stamps in each SB162 €6.50 No. 4487/96
booklet having right edge also imperforate.
1246 Emblem
2010 (21 July). 50th Anniv of Egyptian
1237 Emblem and 1960 10m. Stamp Television. P 13½×13.
(Type 204) 2529 1246 E£1 multicoloured
2010 (22 Mar). 50th Anniv of Arab League. P 1252 Emblem and
13×13½. Stylized Graph
2520 1237 200p. multicoloured
2010 (20 Oct). World Statistics Day. P 13½×13.
2535 1252 30p. multicoloured
1040 Atatürk
509 Kranjska Klobasa (Carniolan Sausage)
O1034 Flower 2011 (19 May). 130th Birth Anniv of Atatürk.
(Des Edi Berk and Tomo Jeseničnik) Sheet 94×64 mm. P 13×13½.
2012 (23 Nov). Gastronomy. T 509 and similar 2011 (18 Apr). Official Stamps. Type O1034 MS4049 1040 90ykr. multicoloured
horiz design. Multicoloured. P 11½×12. and similar vert designs. Multicoloured.
1026 77c. Type 509 P 14×13 (with one elliptical hole on each
a. Pair. Nos. 1026/7 horiz side and one star-shaped perf on
1027 77c. Sautéed potatoes each vert side).
1028 Rug from Uşak O4035 10ykr. Type O1034
Nos. 1026/7 were printed, se-tenant, in
horizontal pairs within the sheet O4036 1ylr. Orange and yellow composite
(Litho Fersa Ofset Ltd)
flowers
StaMP BOOKLetS 2010 (17 Nov). Traditional Turkish Arts - Rugs. O4037 2ylr.80 Stylized peacock feathers, blue
Multicoloured. P 12½×13½. background
2010 (26 Nov). New Year. 4018 80ykr. +10ykr. Type 1028 O4038 6ylr. Stylized peacock feathers,
SB35 €2.70 No. 918×12 4019 110ykr. +10ykr. Kayseri multicoloured background 1041 Military Aircraft
3311 Eagle
(Des Edith Kessler. Avery Dennison, Clinton,
South Carolina)
1044 Adult Hand clasping Child’s Hand 2012 (3 Jan). Pre-sorted First Class Mail.
2011 (28 June). 90th Anniv of Social Services Coil Stamps. Self-adhesive. Die-cut 3319 Cockerel 3320 Centaur
and Child Protection Agency. P 13½. imperf×perf 11.
4054 1044 90ykr. multicoloured 5186 3311 (25c.) multicoloured (orange)
5187 3311 (25c.) multicoloured (yellow)
5188 3311 (25c.) multicoloured (green)
3307 Bauble 3308 Bauble
5189 3311 (25c.) multicoloured
(Des William J. Glicker. Litho) (turquoise)
5190 3311 (25c.) multicoloured (blue)
2011 (13 Oct). Christmas (2nd issue). Baubles. 5191 3311 (25c.) multicoloured
Self-adhesive. (magenta)
Nos. 5186/91 were printed in coils with the
surplus paper around the stamps removed 3321 Cockerel 3322 Cow
and the designs alternating along the coil. on Perch
(a) Booklet Stamps. Litho. Ashton-Potter (USA) Colour of side panel given.
1045 Wrestlers Ltd, Williamsville, New York. Die-cut perf 11.
5172 3305 (44c.) multicoloured
2011 (8 July). 650th Year of Kirkpinar Oil 5173 3306 (44c.) multicoloured
Wrestling. Sheet 119×89 mm containing 5174 3307 (44c.) multicoloured
T 1045 and similar horiz designs. 5175 3308 (44c.) multicoloured
Multicoloured. P 13×13½.
MS4055 90ykr. Type 1045; 90ykr. Falling
wrestlers; 1ylr.30 Standing wrestlers with
heads lowered; 1ylr.30 Wrestlers and
referee (b) Booklet Stamps. Litho. Banknote
Corporation of America Inc, Browns Summit, 3312 Sanctuary II (Doug West)
3323 Eagle
North Carolina. Die-cut perf 11. (Des Richard Sheaff. Photo Avery Dennison,
5176 3305 (44c.) multicoloured Clinton, South Carolina) (Des Derry Noyes. Litho Banknote
5177 3306 (44c.) multicoloured Corporation of America Inc, Browns Summit,
5178 3307 (44c.) multicoloured 2012 (6 Jan). Centenary of New Mexico North Carolina)
5179 3308 (44c.) multicoloured Statehood. Self-adhesive. Die-cut perf 11.
5192 3312 (44c.) multicoloured 2012 (20 Jan). Weather Vanes. Self-adhesive.
Die-cut imperf×perf 12.
5204 3319 45c. multicoloured
5205 3320 45c. multicoloured
(c) Size 22×24 mm. Automatic Teller Machine 5206 3321 45c. multicoloured
Stamps. Photo. Avery Dennison, Clinton. South 5207 3322 45c. multicoloured
Carolina. Die-cut perf 11½×11. 5208 3323 45c. multicoloured
5180 3305 (44c.) multicoloured Nos. 5204/8 were printed in coils with the
5181 3306 (44c.) multicoloured surplus paper around the stamps removed
5182 3307 (44c.) multicoloured and the designs alternating along the coil.
1046 Van Castle 5183 3308 (44c.) multicoloured 3313 Shirt 3314 Shirt No. 5209 is vacant.
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