Hints & Tips - Measure the Width

To determine the width of a Phosphor bar can sometimes be tricky. The correct method is to determine the measurement of the gap between the bars in mm ( not the band/s).

Subtract the distance measured from 21 mm, which is the normal width. ( vertical Machins only with 2 bands or one side band). I do have a distance reference for most Machins written in a text book.

To continue; IE: If your measurement of the gap is 12mm subtract this from 21mm which will = 9mm, divide by two and we have 2 x 4.5 mm bands.

Measuring Magnifiers

There are many loupes on the market. I myself I have two that magnify and measure with accuracy. The first one is a German made "Meetloep" x 10 with adjustable scale up to 10mm with 0.01 & 0.05 divisions, this was recommended to me years ago by James Skinner.

I choose another later, for general use, this is a "Ted Pallar" x 10. Pallar inc have a comprehensive list of magnifiers and are well know for quality and resilience.

The image of the print, perforations on all stamps and in particular the phosphor bars (with a UV lamp) are easily visualized and can be accurately measured with this handy little tool.

This one (left) has served me well as it is now 5 years old.

Summing it up : A precision Magnifier of fine quality, with a removable coated achromatic lens. It has high resolving power with a wide visual field and is provided with measuring scale of 20mm in length, with 0.01 & 0.005" divisions. Perfect use on a desk at the home or office, its small (eyepiece: 18mm. The field of view ( 36mm) has a scale diameter of 26mm. The height is 44mm.

The weight is only 56g so it is portable, which is great for taking to shows or exhibitions, it also comes with a case, lens cap and cloth .

A Review: The New MCC Catalogue

If I had to describe this catalogue in one a word it would be IMPRESSIVE. Price wise for the volume of information it contains, one word again BARGAIN.

I do have a couple of negatives, but this is just me being picky. Basically it is a revamped copy of the original 2004 catalogue in two volumes. Admittedly the images are now in full colour which makes an attractive addition. The chapters are reorganised and are a little easier to follow, I think the layman may struggle at first finding his/ her way around, but this is mainly due to fact that it covers every theme and topic that you could wish for.

I only noticed one mistake, the picture of VC prestige booklet was included twice instead of World of Invention, but I did dash through the contents so its possible there are more.

I would have liked to see De La Rue cylinder blocks with inset and short bands listed and priced. But as the saying goes "you cant have everything".

This new catalogue now has soft covers (paper back) which I feel due to the amount of use it will get, it will not take the punishment of time. But saying this another updated new version will be available again 2010.

Compared to the of the existing loose leaf catalogue. New content includes a section on Wilding definitives including, singles, booklets , panes, cylinder blocks and coils which is well written and easy to follow.

All new issues including country stamps in all formats are included. Also recent De La Rue cylinder blocks, the different papers and gums are dealt with ( a mine field in their own right) , all date & warrant blocks, booklets and panes are listed. Valuations ( prices) are sensible and are taken from the latest auction realisations, and a cross reference from several dealers lists.

If you collect GB Definitives or are a serious Machin specialist, this book is a 'must have' and its a credit to the dedicated group of committed enthusiasts that contributed.

I find the booklet & pane section invaluable as it includes all the different printing plate cylinder numbers, most errors booklets including miscuts.

In a nutshell

Over 1200 pages with to many sections to mention. Numerous separate sections covering practically all aspects of GB definitives and postage dues.

Pre-Decimals, Singles, Errors, Coil issues, Cylinder blocks, Warrant blocks, High values, Castles, Stitched books, Stitched panes, Machine books, Counter books, Christmas and Greetings books, Window books, Regionals, Dues and Training stamps and last but not least Wildings, Boots labels, and Miniature sheets.

Each section edited by an expert in his own field, Fully illustrated throughout with hundreds of colour pictures and diagrams. Each item is priced with genuine retail realisations (where known) and it includes all issues up to and including the new rates implimented in April 2007.

The Price for this is £35.95 + Postage packing, which is cheaper (UK only) if you buy direct from eBay .

My last word, in one, RECOMMENDED

Jeffrey Matthews Stamp designer

Someone could write a book on the work of Jeffery Mathews, he has done so much over the years for collectors of Machins, and has certainly put his mark on the designs of Stamps from Great Britain.

This will just be short lowdown on some of his achievements and as usual your comments are welcome.

Jeffrey Matthews began his career in the late 1940s and is one of Britain's leading graphic designers. His earliest commission for the Post Office dates from 1959 and his first adopted design was issued in 1965 commemorating the 20th anniversary of the United Nations.
In conjunction with his wife who worked under the pseudonym Charity Boxhall, he has worked on a large range of philatelic products.

Apart from significant work on the Country's range of definitive stamps he has made a particular contribution to the design of special stamps on royal and heraldic themes including, the 1984 'Heraldry' issue, and the 1998 'The Queen's Beasts'. One of his most important designs was for the Double Headed Penny Black Definitives of 1990, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

He was also instrumental in the design of the Regional Machins or country definitive stamps as they are known.

Stamp Show 2000

One of my favourites is this miniature sheet shown above.

The Royal Mail celebrated the Stamp Show 2000 on 22 May 2000. A miniature sheet was issued featuring eight stamps illustrating the colour palette of designer Jeffrey Matthews. The Jeffrey Matthews Colour Palette was started in 1984 in order to return stamps to the original concept of a light tone for the Queen's head on a solid background. This sheet comprises of eight stamps in colours from his palette: 4p, 5p, 6p, 10p, 31p, 39p, 64p, and £1.00 and two pictorial labels.

The upper pictorial label features the shield and crest of the Post Office while the lower is a visual pun of the Jeffrey Matthews palette showing the eight colours of the definitive stamps along with the JM-monogram.The miniature sheet was printed by De La Rue Security Print.