Stamp Collector

Stamp Collector gives you all the information, news, expert advice, market insight and inspiration you need to build your stamp collection and get the most from your hobby. Every issue features the latest prices, expert collecting advice, in-depth guides giving you the lowdown on classic stamp sets, new stamps, postal history, first-day covers and much more. Our stamp stories shed light on intriguing stamps and why they were produced, and our stamp sidelines pages provide an insight into postmarks, first-day covers, Cinderellas, Post & Go and Europa stamps.

Stamp Collector

Welcome to Stamp Collector

stamp update • THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF STAMP COLLECTING AND ORGANISED PHILATELY. SEND YOUR NEWS STORIES TO US BY EMAIL TO: alison.boyd@warnersgroup.co.uk

IN BRIEF

new stamps

IN BRIEF

Panorama of Paris • With the Olympic Games being held in Paris this summer, Michael Burzan takes the opportunity to highlight some issues that focus on the French capital.

Celebrating 20 years of Peppa Pig • Since it first appeared on our TV screens in 2004, Peppa Pig has grown into a truly global phenomenon. To celebrate this anniversary, Royal Mail has released a set of stamps featuring everyone favourite pig family.

Anniversaries on Stamps • Following the release of Royal Mail’s ten-stamp set marking 100 Years of Commemorative Stamps, Richard West discusses how the issuing policy has changed over the years.

The Oil of the Philatelic River • A popular and rare provisional issue from the British Protectorate of ‘Oil Rivers’ has caught the eye of Devlan Kruck this month.

auction update

Introduction of penny postage in Transvaal

DIARY DATES

price £ watch • YOUR QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO ONLINE SALES, IN ASSOCIATION WITH DELCAMPE.NET

Football Fever • In readiness for the European Football Championships, several football issues are examined by Michael Burzan this month.

How to Collect Vietnam • While the Vietnam War of the 20th century may be more familiar with readers, the battle for sovereignty of this South East Asia country began in the 1800s. This complicated history is reflected in its stamp issues and makes for a rewarding collecting area, writes Christer Brunström.

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World’s First Known Postal Service • Paula Hammond begins a new series on ‘Philatelic Firsts’ by taking a look at the very earliest postal systems, which were developed in ancient Egypt.

Compulsory Registration • Following on from last month’s article on the early history of compulsory registration, Maurice Buxton continues the story into the 20th century.

A Load of Cold Air? • Initially conceived during World War I, the first working prototype of the hovercraft was created in the 1950s. Chris West reveals the fascinating history and current usage of this innovative craft.

Trees on Stamps • Richard Tarrant explores how different aspects of our dependency on trees can form a thematic stamp collection.

Feeding Poor Souls • A letter and associated items provide an insight into the life of the poor in Victorian Britain, writes postal historian John Scott.

The ‘Song of the Nibelungen’ • Among the more usual designs for child welfare stamps, an issue from Austria features a set illustrating the ‘Song of the Nibelungen’ – the founding legend of a unified Germany. David Bailey outlines the epic saga and how it was depicted on the stamps.

A CELEBRATION OF BRITISH STAMPS! • The 'Great Britain: A History in Stamps' stamp album is now available, featuring stamp guides, beautiful stamp images, and space to add your own stamps.

The Back of the Stamp •...