vol. 47(5): 1-162

Gibbons Stamp Monthly

Plot

Contents
NEWSDESK
7 Newsdesk
Included ln this month's round-up of philatelic news from around the world: 'Post Office' Mauritius printing plate to be sold and Afinsa officials jailed for investment scandal.
16 Society News
More reports from the nation's Philatelic Societies.
20 Diary Dates
Forthcoming fairs and auctions.
24 Around the Houses
News of recent auction results.
BRITISH STAMPS
32 GB News
GSM investigates Royal Mail's latest six-stamp issue
celebrating the career of the world's best-selling fiction author, Agatha Christie.
34 Edward VIII: The Uncrowned King
The simple British stamps issued during the brief reign of King Edward VIII are in marked contrast to previous definitive issues. Douglas Muir describes the complex development of this simple but short-lived issue.
40 Machin Watch
_John Deering looks at some subtle changes to Royal
Mail's Machln products, unearths more new '16' date code dlscoveries and highlights changes in recent retail stamp booklets.
46 GB Specialised Supplement
The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.
SPECIAL FEATURES
50 The First Stamps of Imperial Germany
When Germany's first stamps were introduced in 1872, the country was still operating two different monetary systems. John Moody talks us through the development of this important first imperial issue.
54 The Central African Republic
Since its independence in 1959, the Central African Republic has experienced dlfficult tlmes. Mlchael Round shows how the nation's stamps reflect the troubled and often chilling history of the country.
62 The Poonch State Primitives
Christer Brunström reveals how, if you are willing to forgo the early rarities, a good representative collection of the
Feudatory State of Poonch can be within the reach of collectors on a budget.
64 Marcophilately — Beginnings and Beginners Postmark expert and author, David Horry presents a beginner's guide to marcophilately, with a particular focus on the postmarks of the King George VI era.
70 British Overseas Territories 1953-65
Noel Davenhill highlights the attractively designed stamps issued by the British Overseas Territories from the start of Queen Elizabeth ll's reign up to the mid-1960s.
76 Bright & Son
The philatelic business of Bright & Son was founded in Bournemouth in the later half the 19th century and later moved to London. Michael Peach assesses the business.
106 Basil goes to Bulgaria
In his first trip behind the former Iron Curtain, GSM's roving reporter, Basil Herwald, takes an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Bulgaria's philatelic bureau.
110 Favourite British Children's Literature
Many British children's literary characters have inspired stamp issues around the world. Jeff Dugdale examines the ten most popular British authors whose work appears on postage stamps.
REGULAR FEATURES
27 New Collector
In another mix of topics for new and seasoned collectors, John Holman looks back at Royal Mail's Battle of Hastings
issue of 1966 and explores the opportunities to make a collection based around this landmark battle. He then explains the significance of 1936 for philatelists.
48 Bookshelf
Reviews of the latest philatelic publications.
75 Stamp Hunting
Nimrod highlights stamps to look out for from the Union of South Africa.
123 Competition
Another chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.
124 The Unissued Stamps of Queen Elizabeth II
More tongue-in cheek fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.
124 Catalogue Column
Hugh Jefferies explores the consequences of Brexit on the stamp market and philatelic catalogues
NEW ISSUES
116 Stamp News in Brief
A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.
120 Panorama
Alison Boyd investigates the stories behind some of the latest stamp issues from around the world.
122 Shore to Shore
More issues from the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey.
125 Catalogue Supplement
An 1 7-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.