In this issue

"In the December issue, we investigate the complex history of the attractive and iconic Lakatoi pictorial issues of British New Guinea and Papua, produced in three different ways by various printers from 1901-32.

We also examine the collectability of Great Britain’s registered postal stationery, from the age of Queen Victoria to that of Queen Elizabeth II, and we present a thematic guide to falcons and kestrels, the rapid raptors which have been celebrated philatelically more than most bird groups.

Commonwealth Classics features the 1935 definitive issue of Kenya, Uganda & Tanganyika, the first combined issue from those colonies, while Black Magic looks at the circumstances in which a Penny Black might be used on a Mulready lettersheet. Great Engravers hails the work of Karl Bickel, credited with transforming the stamps of Switzerland.

Our news pages give our verdict on two special issues from Royal Mail, celebrating the Gruffalo and Christmas, along with other interesting new releases from around the world. Auction highlights include an American treasure which sold for a seven-figure sum, and our columnists and readers offer their forthright opinions on the latest talking points."

‘Oh Help! Oh No! It's A Gruffalo!'

A Royal Mail stamp issue on October 10 marked the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Gruffalo, the popular children’s picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

3 mins

The Finest Cuts For This Year's Christmas Fare

Royal Mail’s Christmas stamps, released on November 5, take a religious approach this year, featuring classy biblical scenes created by paper-cut artists Hari & Deepti.

1 min

Day Of Reckoning

However painstakingly compiled, your collection is destined to be broken up and recycled. It’s not a question of if, but when, and how?

2 mins

Ship Of State

Recess-printed, lithographed, typographed and overprinted, the attractive Lakatoi issues of British New Guinea and Papua are a complex series with myriad varieties

7 mins

Roaring Success?

The first stamp issue for Kenya, Uganda & Tanganyika in 1935 might have united three postal administrations, but its design and printing were far from uniform

2 mins

Man Of Peace

Karl bickel not only transformed and rejuvenated Swiss stamp design in the mid-20th century but also built a monument to peace in his spare time

3 mins

Read all stories from Stamp Magazine

Stamp Magazine Description:

"As Britain's longest-running independent philatelic magazine, Stamp Magazine offers a wide range of news, features and opinion to interest, entertain and inform you, whatever you collect.
Our news pages are lively and well-informed, and the GB Collector section gives you the inside line on all upcoming British issues. Our features are the best-written and best illustrated in the world of philately, and our regular columnists pull no punches. Stamp Magazine publishes 12 great issues a year."