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

WRITING IN THIS ISSUE

STAMP UPDATE

IN BRIEF

Obituary: Jeffery Matthews MBE

Matthews’ Machins

Ten notable stamps by Jeffery Matthews • Richard West looks back on the life and career of stamp designer Jeffery Mathews, picking out ten of his most notable GB stamps

‘Every postcard is someone’s relative’ • Philatelists value postcards and letters for their insights into postal history, but they have other stories to tell. AJ Bowen, who runs the Ephemera Search site for genealogists, explains how postal history and family history combine to help people understand who their families are and where they came from

Mediterranean perspectives: Euromed Postal • This year will bring the 10th vintage of a modern collecting field that started in 2014: the joint issues of the Association of Postal Administrations of the Mediterranean, abbreviated Euromed Postal. Michael Burzan explains

IN BRIEF

Cunning stamps • To celebrate the 40th anniversary of comedy classic Blackadder, we shoud all go forth and get the Royal Mail’s new set of stamps

Fitting for a King • The recent Royal Mail mini-sheet honouring King Charles’ coronation depict issues the new monarch is passionate about, in a medium that reflects their message

In the eye of the beholder • Beauty, and design, are both in the eye of the beholder, writes Richard West, as he reflects on the different approaches – and reactions – to the artwork on British stamps over the years

MARKET INSIGHT • AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

STAMP DETECTIVE • Our philatelic private eye spies another stamp set that’s likely to go up in value

LATEST INTERNET SALES • Your quick reference guide to recent online sales, in association with delcampe.net

Malta’s 1956 definitives • With the help of Malta’s definitive set of 17 values, ranging from ¼ penny to £1 and issued in 1956, Christer Brunström gives us a brief history lesson in stamps, whilst also detailing the latest offerings from the trade

Olympic boycott stamps: record broken! • In his last market column Michael Burzan asked if the unique German unissued Olympia Boycott stamp of 1980, in mint condition, might become the most expensive modern example, and now reveals the results of the sale

COLLECTORS’ CORNER

The Balkans • David Bailey completes his comprehensive philatelic tour of Europe with a look at the turbulent history and complex stamps of what was once known asYugoslavia, and Albania

The world of King Zog • Chris West looks at into the extraordinary history behind the ruler pictured on this stamp – Europe’s only Muslim monarch, who wasn’t born into the role, but created it for himself

Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1959 definitives • David Bailey discovers stamps from a short-lived entity that formed the last stop on the road to independence – legal or not

Alice in Wonderland • Nevermind stuff and nonsense! Feed your collection with postage stamps celebrating a classic work of fantasy as this month’s thematics guide takes a trip toWonderland

Seasoning a stamp collection with salt • Derrick Grose explores how the invaluable commodity that has played a significant...