Machin News

IT IS OFFICIAL
Love stamp is accepted

Ok, I know it is not a Machin, but I feel this is worth a mention as I wrote about it some time ago recommending readers to purchase a few copies for investment. It seems my information was right, this stamp will become a sleeper in due course.

The Love stamp ( with ellipsed perforations) issued ( 16th January 2007 ) in the mixed Machin booklet celebrating Valentines Day has been given a selective Gibbons Catalogue number SG 2693. I do hope you took my advice and tucked a few away for that rainy day.

Now we can move on to the latest Machin news . I will try not to confuse you.

New Machin gummed sheets of ( 200) first & second class stamps with conventional gum, are to printed by De La Rue and will be issued on 5th June 2007.

It seems as though that there was no real need of a new definitive for normal first and second class mail up to the second PIP stage so the recently new stamps with a bigger value tablet will be phased out.

Details of changes to self adhesive booklets and business sheets have not been announced at this time, but it seems these will also revert back to the original design eventually.

I think this change back may be due to the fact that as the value tablets were larger than the originals, either the Post Office staff or the general public were confused and thought they were valid ( the same as the large stamps) for the PIP rate over and above the limit of ( 240 mm long x 165 mm Wide x 5mm in depth)

I have been informed that PIP (large) stamps will continue to be printed and used as normal for the larger letters ( max 353 mm long x 250 mm wide x 25 mm in depth.

Don't you just love changes? Well at least they give us more stamps, and Machins in particular to collect.

The new issues will be a reprint of the original ( normal sized ) 2nd & 1st class Non Value Denominated stamps with the service indicated in the bottom left corner which were in use prior to the recently new Pricing In Proportion stamps with the bigger value indicator at the top left.

Cylinder numbers for these new issue will no doubt be D1 Phos D1 for the second class and perhaps the same for the first class. Even though the 1st class stamps have been printed on the same cylinder by De La Rue previously.

PUZZLED?

So was I until I found out that the new values issued 27th March 2007 for the rate rise due in April do not show the De La Rue logo on the sheet, this includes the reprint of the 46p sheets, which must be a new cylinder, as the logo and the cylinder numbers D1 phos D1 was present on the previous printings. Old cylinders are disgarded or re worked when a certain value comes off sale.

The 50p value ( change of colour) which was also issued 27th March 2007 ) had no change and retains the De La Rue logo in the sheet ( see pic left) selvedge and the cylinder number D2.

So conclusions are, this is printed from the same cylinder as the previous 50p value and the change of removing the logo will not take effect until the cylinder wears out or needs changing.

According to my logic and the new cylinder blocks that I have seen , these sheets and future counter sheets will no longer be printed with the De La Rue Logo in the bottom left corner. Does this make sense?

I can think of no reason for this change, other than the fact that De La Rue or the Royal Mail no longer think their logo on the sheets is necessary.

Machins Make You Loco

Two instalments in one day (Am I spoiling you readers? :- )

Back to a subject ( Machins and Railways ) which I wrote about a couple of months ago.

Well would you believe it? First we discover a Pub with the name of Arnold Machin and now I find that there is a Locomotive with the same name. I do not know much about this engine, or for that matter if its name is dedicated to the same man. But I get this sneaky notion that it is.

What I do know

The engines home is now in Scunthorpe, England, UK. This is where these photographs were taken. Judging by the photographs (which I have downloaded). The engine is in Private hands, I think the present owners are The Eccles Slag Co Ltd ( their name is across the top of the cowling of the engine ) who sub contract for Corus, a steel making company. They ( Corus) have have a factory in Scunthorpe, England, UK. and are the third largest steel producers in the world.

Corus are a subsidiary of British Steel plc, and produce uncoated and coated strip, tubular, and semi-finished products.

Details of the registrations and the name of the engine can be seen on plates which are bolted to the cab: The actual makers of the Loco were WG Bagnall Ltd, of Stafford England, which is interesting in the fact that Arnold lived, was born and worked in the Potteries for Minton and Wedgwood as a sculpturer.

Both the Minton and Wedgwood's factories are also in based in Stoke, Staffordshire.

They ( W. G Bagnall ) first registered the engine as number 3151 in 1962. Of note is the fact that this is (was) long before Machin designed his famous plaster cast.

Was the engine named upon completion by the makers or after it went into service?

A second plate reads that it was registered in 1968 by the British Transport commission as Number 3309. there is also a third plate which reads 36 ( stroke) above the letter F. It is a long time since I collected train numbers but I am presuming this is the shed number. Either way, it is another interesting bit of trivia that us Machin enthusiasts can ponder over.

Machin Exhibition and a New Book

As mentioned in my previous post, this is the year, to mark the 40th anniversary of Arnold Machin’s portrait of The Queen.

Here is some more news that may interest you.

The British Postal Museum ( BPMA) has planned a major exhibition to explore the development of this iconic design. Due to open at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in July http://www.rca.ac.uk

The exhibition entitled "Timeless & Classic: Elizabeth Queen & Icon" will be a rare opportunity for more people to learn about how this design classic came about.

Another smaller exhibition at Freeling House will run from 4 May 2007 for a year. this will include photographic artwork, essays and plaster casts.

The main exhibition will be held at The RCA, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2EU. 19 July - 16 August 2007. Private viewing will be on 18 July (evening).

If you would like more information on this exhibition please contact the B P M A Exhibitions & Events Officer, Zoe Lewis zoe.lewis@postalheritage.org.uk by email or on telephone on 020 7239 5150.

The book

This anniversary will also be marked by the publication of a book entitled "A Timeless Classic: The Evolution of Machin’s Icon" written by BPMA Curator of Philately, Douglas Muir.

The book will be available to buy from the BPMA shop from the 5 May 2007 at a cost of £19.95 plus £2.00 postage and packing. You will be able to purchase this using a credit or debit card at their shop or by calling the shop on 020 7239 5125.

Michael Dodd, Arnold Machin and a Pub

Michael Dodd (pictued below) is not only a handsome chap ;-) but also fellow director and the publicity officer for the Internet Philatelic Dealers Association. He may not even know this himself, he had a mention in relation to his sponsorship of other collectors in the March 2007 British Philatelic Bulletin (vol. 44, Number 7) . Have you read it Michael?

In conjunction with the hobby of helping other collectors, and collecting stamps him self, in his spare time he runs a stamp dealing business CDD Stamps, Sydney, Australia and he also writes an interesting personal blog.

Just in case you have not visited his blog, http://blog.michael.dodd.com/blog here is the link. His musings go back a long way, as far back as 2005, so if you get the chance and have an hour to spare, click on the link above and read what he has to offer.

You will not be disappointed as his knowledge of philately is vast and varied , his blog is some times serious, some times humorous but always very interesting.

Back in October 2006 he wrote about a subject regarding a former post office here in the UK that has been converted into a public house. The name of this Pub believe it or not is "The Arnold Machin"

As this year (June 2007) is the 40th Anniversary of the Machin stamp and the late Arnold, who was was the designer will no doubt be in the philatelic news quite a lot over the coming months, deserves a paragraph or two.

Not to mention his image pictured below, rather than that of his plaster cast his photo will be introduced on millions of special first class stamps. for more information on these stamps see my previous post on the Machin Generic Smilers sheets.

A question I ask myself is "Will all these Royal Mail customers who stick Arnolds picture on a letter even know who he is I wander? Will they the public even see one of the stamps? I doubt it as they are only on sale as generic sheets, miniature sheets or prestige booklets, which are, as we all know designed and produced for collectors only.

Although I have stated I would have preferred Machin definitive stamps myself on the generic sheets, it is a bit of a shame really, that they are not available in normal sheet form, not much of a tribute to the man who's work is pictured on 180 billion stamps designed and printed with his name.

As my personal tribute to Arnold Machin O.B.E - R. A. - 1911 to 1999. I have resurrected Michaels blog article to a degree, I know he will not mind.

The pub owned by the J D Wetherspoons chain, near Stoke on Trent is a fitting tribute to Machin who was born and once based in the Potteries where the he worked for Minton and Wedgwood, which is as you know are the famous china and pottery companies.
I am wandering if the owners of this pub are aware of The 40th anniversary of his work and if they have anything planned in the form of a celebration to his name and the pub that bears it.



Perhaps they are are giving away free stamps, or better still free beer :-) . It might just be worth while paying a short visit just to take a few photos of the decor if they are.

I have been informed by a reliable source that it has not changed much from when it was A Post Office. The old post box ( left of the picture) is now used as a letter box for deliveries of mail rather than that of out going. There is a plaque of some description to the right of the door. The rest of the outside looks a bit spent and grubby, more like a old local police station to my mind, but saying this I am informed the inside is not so bad.

They have disposed of the queue rail, also the clerks and replaced them with a line of customers wanting a tipple from a bar person instead of a teller issuing postal orders or a book of stamps.

It is written that "The decor is not badly done out, as per most Wetherspoons. There is a small relation to postal history in side and a few pictures relating to the Machin theme on the walls, but nothing special.

Not that much really to remind us it was actually a working Post Office at all. Unfortunately its not a stamp collectors haven or even a collectors meeting place, it's the second home of various alcoholics and derelicts after a cheap pint."

If the Royal Mail wanted to pay a proper tribute to this man, I suggest they plough some of the millions made in profits from the sale of his stamps - re purchase this building and convert it into a museum to his work and memory. Now that is a nice thought!!

Modern British Philatelic Circle

The British decimal Stamp Study Circle which was the premier study association for Machins and Special issues merged with the GB DSB SC (last year) to form what I think is NOW the greatest stamp study association for collectors of GB. The new title as a result of the merger is now

"The Modern British Philatelic Circle"

MBPC was inaugurated on 1st January 2006 . It came about as the result of a merger between the two eminent specialist societies, the Great Britain Decimal Stamp Book Study Circle ( GB DSB SC ) and the British Decimal Stamps Study Circle ( BDSSC ) .

No matter what your Modern GB collecting speciality is, from Wildings to the latest Machins or special issues, booklets, miniature sheets, cylinder blocks, generic sheets, you name it, they describe it.

In my humble opinion The MBPC IS the the only place to be if you want updated information on ANY of these stamps. Nothing is left out, descriptions go as far as to describe the wrappers and post office posters.

For your membership fee (which is a bargain) in the region of £8.00 GBP per year they publish a journal 6 - 7 times a year (Bookmark) they also have up to date specialist booklet catalogues for sale. The latest being the specialised catalogue of Self adhesive booklets.

Please do not be put off by the word "study", as they have beginners, medium and intermediate collectors on board as well as the hardened Machin and Commemorative / special issue specialists. They ( the members) all freely share their accumulated knowledge and they come from all walks of life.

In short: This Circle offers a complete and comprehensive study with coverage of all aspects of modern GB, News-Sheets, Newsletters, up to date detailed specialist charts, diagrams, lists, details and dates of new and forthcoming issues, last but not least philatelic articles, regular letters to the editor and a questions and answers pages. You will also receive a free copy of the latest Deegam Report 5 times a year.

On top of this, they also organise quarterly meetings and hold regular members postal auctions where you can buy or sell duplicates or unwanted GB material, where I might add many a bargain can be obtained. Can you afford not to join? Take my advice if you are interested or collect GB, get your name down.

For information visit their website ( below) or contact the membership secretary

T.Wilkins, 3, Buttermere Close, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 3SD. UK .

http://www.mbp-circle.co.uk/

GB Stamps as investment

Financial advice is not my forte, but spotting and buying a good thing on the GB new issues circuit, I have not done to bad in the past.

Knowing in advance or speculating on a good thing can pay off, but not all of the time. Most of what is issued by Royal Mail is just confetti. but on occasion there are the odd bargains.


A Perfect coronation Prestige Booklet


I thought this item had climbed and peaked in 2004 to a cat price of £40.00, but it seems I was wrong, demand is still very strong for the £1 (Dulac) Coronation stamp, and now interest is booming for the se-tenant Wildings 2 x 47p & 2 x 68p from the same booklet. (bottom left)

Printed in gravure by Walsall security printers on OBA free non phosphor paper (OFNP) with pva gum issue date 02/06/2003.

As a result of this interest, main dealers have announced another gigantic price rise for the Prestige booklet "A Perfect Coronation" It is now catalogued at a staggering £65.00.

Prices on eBay (buy it now) are still in the region of £30 - £39, but if you want a copy or extra

copies for investment I suggest you go into open bidding. Until the word gets around of this rise, and it is re catalogued as such you can still pick up copies of this booklet for a lot less.

The Machin pane (right) is just as important to specialised collectors, although it only contains se-tenant 1st class gold and 2nd class blue (4 of each) surrounding a centre label, these are still missing in se-tenant format from a lot of collections.

Use my advice and obtain your new issue prestige booklets direct from Royal Mail at the time of issue, hang on to them for a couple of years. If they zoom to a price(s) out of this world you have a great investment for little money. If they are going to increase by any realistic amount they will have started to show in this time (2 years) , if they dont show a significant increase you can always sell them for more than the face value as the 1st & 2nd class NVI stamps ( which seems to be the norm for contents in these Prestige books these days), as potage goes up they will rise in value with postal increases every year just the same.

Slings & Arrows / Swings & Roundabouts

Saying this about postal rates rising each year, how long before Royal Mail revenues department cottons on to the fact that collectors are saving these "Forever stamps"(as the Americans call them) keeping them stored up for ages and used for cheap postage?

Since 1990 when these NVI indicated stamps came on the scene 1st class postage has increased from 18p to 34p. This amounts in math as 100% + profit if you bought them at face?

I do not think using them as postage is an investment myself, when you take into account the fact that inflation runs into 3% - 4% each year this money invested in basic NVI postage would be better off in a high return savings account. But then again we are collectors first and foremost and if we did not buy them we would have no NVIs in our collections would we?

Multi Value coil Tail End

Even a display expert would have trouble mounting this item

On show above :

Is a folded se-tenant strip of six Readers Digest (15p value) 4p + 4p + 4p + 3p ACP/ DEX multi value coils. What is interesting about these strips is they are attached to the coil tail end, which very unusual. I have seen coil leaders but never tail ends.

The Strips are catalogued as number 06 of the multi value coils which were printed by Harrison and Sons. Issue date 10.10.1989

What are Readers Digest strips?

Some multi value coils were provided by Royal Mail for special customers, these were affixed in strips of 4 stamp to a card with wax, and used as return postage for promotions.

These coils were also sold eventually through philatelic counters, which must be the source of this particular item.

IE: Readers Digest, Drive Magazine and Marshal Ward are three of those known to use strips as promotional return postage. But they have always been known to collectors as readers Digest Coil Strips.

This is the first time I have come across an item like this in 30 years of collecting Machins. There can not be many of these in collections, so I have no idea of the catalogue or resale value. I can inform you I picked it up, in amongst a selection of other goodies on eBay.

If you are interested, it is for re sale, but I rather than put a ptice on it will to offers. If you want more scans Email me on gbmachins@lineone.net

The Strip:

The actual strip with the tail end paper is folded seven times and is approx: four feet (48" inches) (140 cm) long. The Six se-tenant strips of stamps amounts to approx 20 inches (55 cm) of this leaving the tail to measure approx 2 feet four inches ( 28 inches or 80 cm )

Stamp one shows: where it is attached to the tail, a selvedge to the left which is perforated through across the bottom quarter. This is actually a double selvedge folded under and stuck to the rear of the stamp.

How neat it is this for a centre piece to display in an exhibition, but how whould one mount it?

GB Commemorative Year Packs

Last week whilst packing and sorting through some stamps I came across several GB Year Packs. These are illustrated presentation packs that are issued each year by the Royal Mail, they contain every set of Special Issue stamps released though out that year.

On checking the catalogue value I was very surprised to see they are going up in value and some are becoming hard to acquire.



As I am having a clear out due to my relocation and my main interest is now Machins I have listed them on eBay with a start price at one third cat. The finish date is 25th March, which is next Sunday.

If you Fancy a dabble at them, there are about 10 packs listed along with some great Machin bargains. Postage for combined or extra wins will however be implemented but this will only be added for the extra weight should more than item be won.

These packs look to be a good investment for the future so if you can afford to tuck them away for another couple of years they should continue to rise in value at a nice steady pace.

The URL for my listing is http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZgbmachins

Please take a look

Catalogues - Gibbons Concise

Question?

I collect run of the mill Machins and have yet to get to grips with specialisation, which Catalogue should I use?

Answer

I myself, as you may have noticed if you read this blog do not actually collect " run of the mill" stamps as you put it, so the best advise I can give is to use the latest up to date information available at this time for basic issues (both mint and used).

"Collect British Stamps" published by Stanley gibbons is produced each year, in full colour it will give you a basic listing and market values * of all GB stamps including Machins, this is within most collectors budgets. Price Aprox £10.00.

My first choice however would be The SG "Concise" Catalogue, this is probably the best on the market at this time for an average collector. It also gives prices and more general information to that of the basic "Collect GB" described above.

This (Consice) is also now printed in colour, which in my opinion gives it more value for money than previous printings (pre 2004). Deeper background information on the other GB issues is also listed, which includes special issues and all reigns from Victoria to the current date of publication.

Price wise compared to other mainstream and specialised catalogues it is relatively inexpensive. A new or latest copy from Stan Gib with delivery, can be purchased for around £32.00

* Please note: Stanley Gibbons do not publish supplements so there are no updates to these catalogues, which means you have to renew every couple of years to keep abreast of market values. Saying this Gibbons values are well over inflated, so it pays to deduct a third from their prices for a reasonable valuation.

If you just need a illustrated check list and are not to bothered about updated price lists I recommend that you visit one of the online auction sites such as eBay or Yahoo where you can purchase an older or used copy of the Concise for much less.

This, the latest issue (left) was up for grabs last week from a private seller at £18.95, postage and packing was extra, again not an over expensive buy ( in fact quite cheap ) P& P was in the region of £2.50.

Machin Smiles for the Camera

Twelve months ago I was so looking forward to this issue, but as usual The market will be once again flooded with loads of stamps that no one really wants.

Due for release in June to compliment the miniature sheet and Prestige booklet which will be issued to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Machin definitive The "Machin Smilers Sheet" was added to the program. This sheet is said to have been designed to look like a page from a collector's album.

Originally called "Smilers" due to the fact several of the first issues of this type contained "Smilers" special issue stamps .

Recently collectors have given these a change of name to that of "Generic Sheets". I have my own name for them "Rip off sheets" Just my opinion but there are far to many of these sheets being issued. I think its fair to say that one is issued with every other release, not to mention extra sheets for shows and exhibitions.

I feel and find from comments of other collectors that this is just another money making exercise from Royal Mail that has got out of hand, saying this someone must be buying them, well they would as they were designed to extract as much money as they can from poor collectors wallets.

I have to admit I have never bought one for my self, they do nothing for me whats so ever. Anyway now that I have had a moan, I will get down to business and describe what will be on offer.

The Machin sheet (shown above at a reduced size) will consist of 20 x 1st class Machin Special issue stamps with a difference, these will depict a portrait of Arnold Machin himself smiling for the camera.

Sadly there are no official Machin definitives that will be of interest to Machinites or are valid for postage on this sheet. What will be of interest are reproductions printings of pre decimal Machins which will be depicted on the labels ajoining the stamps . These are the complete basic range ½d, 1d, 2d, 3d, 4d sepia, 4d red, 5d, 6d, 7d, 8d red, 8d blue, 9d, 10d, 1/-, 1/6, 1/9, 2/6, 5/-, 10/-, £1.

The labels are very nice, but I would have prefered it vice versa ( postally valid Machin stamps and the labels depicting Arnold ). Its my guess, so would the majority of Machin collectors.

What is interesting is the labels will also show the issue date and official colour descriptions of the re production pre decimal stamps.

New Machin Definitives

In a previous post I informed you that it will cost more to post letters in the UK from April 2nd. I speculated that the rise would effect all postal rates including the pricing in proportion larger letters , and overseas mail.

The latest news is, as suspected, expect rate rises right across the board. European, worldwide and large letter( first and second class) rates are to rise as well as rates for normal sized letters up to 100 gr.

Inland Rates:

For this new rise several new stamps are needed. Images of the five new Machins due for release on 27th March 2007 and the 46p machin which is to be reissued have been posted in the March philatelic Bulletin. (see below)

Standard letters up to 100gr will increase. First class by 2p from 32p to 34p and second class by 1p from 23p to 24p. Existing Ist class and 2nd class NVIs will still be valid at the new rate.

The basic rates for Large Letters will increase by 4p from 44p to 48p (1st class) and by 3p from 37p to 40p (2nd class).

International rates :

Basic Europe rate 10gr and postcards: Also a rise of 4p from 44p to 48p. (earlier 'E' rate stamps still valid).

Worldwide rates:

10gr and postcards: Again a 4p rise to 54p.
20gr rate: will rise by 6p to 78p.
40gr rate: An increase of 5p from £1.17 to £1.24 .

The Surface mail 20gr rate is increased from 42p to 46p, and this will be served by the re issue of the 46p old gold stamp . Although this is not a new stamp it is likely that new printings will be made on The dull paper currently used by De La Rue , so this will be of interest to collectors of types of paper.

Prestige Booklets

Just a short post today as I am busy in other quarters.

Its still early days, but you may be interested to know I am adding a few new pages to my website http://www.gbmachins.co.uk

It occurred to me that pictures of the covers, panes and information on these prestige issues was difficult to obtain, so to fill the breach so to speak I am making a start.

Only a few pages are done at this time, but I will be adding to them daily ( time permitting) until the complete list is online and available to all.

To pay a visit click on to the link above, when on site click Prestige Booklets for your preview.

Straight Edges on Machins

On this blog I try to give out Machin information that is difficult to find on other web pages . This next short piece is on one of those subjects that are rarely explained or indeed rarely wrote about. I hope you will it find interesting.

Imperforated (yes) Error (no!)

During the late nineteen eighties (1987) Royal Mail experimented with with the way in which some of their bar code booklets were manufactured. As a result of this, for a period of about three years some completed booklets were trimmed or guillotined after the assembly, resulting in several new stamps issued during these times having straight edges instead of perforations on all sides.

As the experiment went on for three years or so, there are many straight edged single values to collect, including double headed anniversary stamps, which were issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the penny black in 1990.

The complete list of stamps issued runs into many variations of different values, including 1st class, second class and numerical values, and different colours of the same values with bright or dull papers papers. The list is to long to name them all here, but I can show you a complete pane which will give you an idea of what to look out for.

These stamps are often overlooked by philatelists when they are forming a Machin collection, as they are only mentioned ( listed) in specialised catalogues. All the varieties of straight edged stamps are collectable and some of the rarer types fetch very good resale prices.

The booklet pane below right originaly cost £1.56 on the day of issue, today (as singles ) it is catalogued perhaps 10 x or more of the initial face value.

What to look for

You will notice that there are four different stamps in the make up of this pane.

Stamp one has a straight edge to the top, stamp in position two is cut both on the top and right edge, stamp three, just on the bottom and stamp four has straight edges right and bottom.

Booklets are still readily available on auction sites if you are prepared search for them and pay the premium, as are some of the singles both used and mint.

First day covers on the other hand showing these issues are getting harder to find, so if you come across any, tuck them away for that rainy day, you will not regret it.

Keep em peeled