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.