Z For Zero Background

INTERESTING NEWS

Ian Billings has brought to our attention that an Eagle eyed collector has found what appears to two new security stamps (with slits in the shape of a paper clip) these are described as errors by the owner who placed them on eBay for sale.

Other collectors have their own ideas to the source of these stamps, you can read Ian's account and see pictures of of the find here.

Reader's Digest Coils

Apparently we've never discussed Reader's Digest coils here on the blog.
I was reminded of them the other day, so I thought I'd mention them here.

Reader's Digest coils are multivalue coils created by Royal Mail for
use by several large customers, most notably Reader's Digest. The coils
were groups of four stamps that paid the then-current second-class rate.
For example, a ½p Machin and three 4p Machins paid the 12½p rate.

They were issued from 1981 to 1995.

Reader's Digest used them on contest cards. They were attached to the
cards with a strip of soft adhesive. Readers could remove the stamps
and use them to return the cards in the mail. One such card is
pictured above.

Roy has more information on these coils on his web site here
and here, so I won't go into more details.

What got me thinking about the coils was an eBay lot of a forerunner
item. Apparently, before Reader's Digest had their own coils made,
they used a strip of ten 1p stamps. This card was recently sold on
eBay for £58!

I snatched the image from eBay to display here.

Does anyone know of other stamp combinations used by Reader's Digest?
Perhaps eight 1p stamps when the second-class rate was 8p?

And while we're on the subject, there's another coil related to
Reader's Digest. After the end of the multivalue coils, Reader's Digest
had Royal Mail create a special horizontal coil of the salmon pink
25p Machin. This paid the current first-class rate.

It probably wasn't used on contest entry cards, but I don't know what
it was used for. Can anyone tell me?

These stamps are notable because they are the only version of the 25p
salmon pink that does not have elliptical perforations. Apparently,
the elliptical perfs weakened the stamps so much that Royal Mail felt
the web would break while the stamps were slit and reeled.

(In this context, the "web" is the continuous roll of paper that is
put through the printing press, not a vast worldwide network and not
something used by Spiderman.)

I can't locate my copy of this 25p variety to illustrate, but you
can see it on Robin Harris' site here (scroll down the page).

--Larry

Choco Machins

A bit of light relief today. I was talking with a collector last week, the subject turned to gums on stamps before the advent of self adhesives and the flavour of PVAl gum, which I think is pretty tasteless.

The conversation continued and I brought up the subject of flavoured gums.

"What if Royal Mail came up with a chocolate flavoured Machin" came into the conversation, please don't go there I replied you may give them ( RM ) ideas. However flavoured stamps are nothing new.

Above: Here is a mock up of a 1st class stamp made entirely out of chocolate.

I remembered a few years ago that the Swiss produced stamps for a certain anniversary with a chocolate smell and flavour. I could not remember the whole story so I looked it up on the BBC website. Here it is dated 9th May 2001 if you are interested.

"The Swiss are not only one of the world's biggest producers and consumers of chocolate - they are even putting chocolate flavour on their postage stamps.

Letter boxes around the world will be smelling of Swiss chocolate as letters and packages are delivered bearing special chocolate commemorative stamps.

They are selling like hot cakes - or rather like Swiss chocolate - and post office counters across Switzerland are coping with a flood of demand for the new stamp.

Sold in blocks of four or 15, the stamp's design has them wrapped in a foil wrapper. It looks, smells and tastes like chocolate, and has been specially produced to mark 100 years of the Swiss chocolate makers federation.

Customers have only praise for the sweet smelling stamp, which they say gives them a true taste of Switzerland's famous national confection.

What next? Cadburys making and selling stamps!

Haagen-Dazs in Austria collaborated with the Austrian Postal Service to launch ice cream flavored stamps.

Instead of just looking cool on their envelopes, the stamps enable mailers get to sample flavors like Cookies & Cream, Macadamia Nut Brittle and Strawberry Cheesecake.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of cacao beans at the port city of Bayonne, the French postal service (La Poste) is issued a set of stamps depicting scenes from the history and manufacture of chocolate.


Microcapsules in the ink provided a chocolate scent that will reportedly last up to two years. The stamps went on sale on May 25th 2009; Costing 5.60€ for a sheet of 10 stamps.

Left: La timbres-chocolat

Im logging off for something to eat, all this talk of food has made me realy hungry.

2009 Prestige Book Machins

Roy has already covered the many new Machins in the 2009 prestige bookets here, here and here. Most of them are new because they are printed by lithography; earlier versions were printed by gravure.

There's some historical information about all this in an earlier post here.

If you would like to see a summary of all the new ones for the year, I just posted a new article on my web site here.

--Larry

Regional Machin Symbols - Part 4

At long last, here is the final article in my series on regional symbols and links to part 1, part 2, part 2a, and part 3.

Wales

When Welsh regionals were first issued (with all the other regions) in 1958, they were also sold in the English county of Monmouthshire, an area that was once part of Wales and retains many Welsh characteristics. Catalogs often referred to these regionals as issued for "Wales and Monmouthshire." In 1974, Monmouthshire was officially returned to Wales. Today, most catalogs and listings simply refer to Wales, although Scott retains the two names.




The Harrison photogravure regional Machins for Wales issued from 1971 to 1980 are represented by the 11p shown here with an enlargement of the symbol. As with the other regions, there are no variations of the symbol in the photogravure printings.

The first lithographed Welsh regionals appeared in 1981, printed by Questa. These had the first type of symbol, the one copied from the presentation pack artwork. This symbol is assigned Type I by all of the catalogs. The 17p of this type, issued in 1984, is shown with an enlarged symbol.




Its primary identifying characteristics of the Type I lithographed symbol are a closed eye with a white dot in the center (much like Scotland Type I), thin wing tips separated from the wings and a thin tail. The earlier photogravure symbol has an open eye, thick tips connected to the wings and a thick tail.

The corrected symbol did not appear on Welsh regionals until 1986. The revised 17p is shown here with its symbol. This symbol is referred to as Type II in all catalogs and looks much like the photogravure symbol, with open eye, thick attached wing tips and thick tail.




The 17p Type II is scarce, although it is the least expensive of the four scarce regionals. The 13p Type II is common.

As with the Northern Ireland versions, the 13p's and 17p's can also be distinguished by the background. The earlier stamps have the screened background and the later stamps are solid.

Although the Wales 31p was reprinted in 1987 as the Scotland one was, the symbol on the Welsh stamp remained Type I. Since all 31p lithographed Welsh regionals have the Type I symbol, that denomination does not appear in the chart.

Like the other regions, the Welsh 26p red and 28p violet were issued with both symbol types.

All Questa Welsh regionals after 1986 were printed with the Type II symbol and perforated 15 x 14.



The Walsall regionals that started in 1997 had an interesting characteristic – the "p" was omitted after the numeric value. This was in response to the Welsh Language Act of 1993 that required the Welsh and English languages to be treated equally in all public business uses. Royal Mail would have been forced to put both a "p" and a "c" (for ceiniog) on the stamps; instead, they decided to eliminate the currency symbol. The Welsh symbol, of course, remained Type II. The 26p rust regional printed by Walsall is shown here.

Machin regionals were discontinued in Wales in 1999.

Below is the list of Welsh regional Machins that have more than one type of symbol on the same denomination/color combination. Paper, gum and phosphor varieties are not included.

"Spec Catalog Type" is the type used by Deegam, Connoisseur and MCC. "Scott/SG Type" is the type used by Scott and Stanley Gibbons.

All regionals listed were printed by The House of Questa.

13p Chestnut

Issue: 10/23/84
Spec Catalog Type: I
Scott/SG Type: I
Perf: 15 x 14
Background: Screened

Issue: 4/14/87
Spec Catalog Type: II
Scott/SG Type: II
Perf: 15 x 14
Background: Solid

17p Grey-blue

Issue: 10/23/84
Spec Catalog Type: I
Scott/SG Type: I
Perf: 15 x 14
Background: Screened

Issue: 8/18/86
Spec Catalog Type: II
Scott/SG Type: II
Perf: 15 x 14
Background: Solid

26p Red

Issue: 2/24/82
Spec Catalog Type: I
Scott/SG Type: I
Perf: 13.5 x 14
Background: Solid

Issue: 1/27/87
Spec Catalog Type: II
Scott/SG Type: II
Perf: 15 x 14
Background: Solid

28p Violet

Issue: 4/27/83
Spec Catalog Type: I
Scott/SG Type: I
Perf: 13.5 x 14
Background: Screened, Gradated

Issue: 1/27/87
Spec Catalog Type: II
Scott/SG Type: II
Perf: 15 x 14
Background: Solid, Gradated

--Larry

Aircraft On Stamps (The Lancaster)

Wow!

What a response, to the last post, no less than 6 emails asking "for more" I did not think that so many people were interested in this subject (aerophilately). Due to popular demand here is a second in the series, and the answer Micheal if you wish to use it is yes, please do so with pleasue.

As this is supposed to be a site dedicated to Machin definitives I am going to start with a reference to them. Below is one of my favourite booklets. This is the 5th booklet in a series of aircraft illustrations by peter Hutton titled Military Aircraft.

First issued 26 Jan 1981. The booklet was Printed by Harrison & Sons Ltd. and sold at face value for £1.15p. The front cover of this booklet shows a picture of both the Spitfire and Avro Lancaster in flight. It contains 10 x 11½p mushroom Machins. two types are available to collect selvedge at left and selvedge at right.





The Lancaster Mk 1

Roy Chadwick designed the Lancaster based upon the twin engined Manchester bomber - which was an operational failure due to using engines that did not produce enough power for the weight of the aircraft. The Lancaster was born by increasing the length of the fuselage, and widening the wings to handle another two engines, but most importantly as with the Spitfire the Lancaster used Rolls-Royce Merlin engines.

After WW2, Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris (shown below on this 31p stamp) said in a letter to Sir Roy Dobson of Avro.

"The Lancaster surpassed all other types of heavy bomber. Not only could it take heavier bomb loads, not only was it easier to handle, not only were there fewer accidents with this than with any other type throughout the war, the casualty rate was also considerably below other types.

I used the Lancaster alone for those attacks which involved the deepest penetration into Germany and were, consequently, the most dangerous. I would say this to those who placed that shining sword in our hands - Without your genius and efforts we could not have prevailed, for I believe the Lancaster was the greatest single factor in winning the war."

One such attack of WWII was that of "The Dambusters" led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the pilot and his comrades who manned 19 Lancaster's from 617 Squadron for the raid.

Recently we celebrated the 50th anniversary of this raid and several FDC were prepared for the occasion. Below is one of these covers you may find interesting.


50th Anniv Dam Busters Signed Edward Wass 617 Sqn Gunner.

17 May 1993 Scampton 50th Anniversary 617 Squadron special postmark. Special cover issued for 50th The Dam Busters No 617 Squadron. Personally Signed by Sqn Ldr E A Wass, gunner with Ivesons crew with 617 Sqn. Edward Wass went on the Tirpitz and Berchtesgaden raids.

left: Bombs away:

The world's only flying Lancaster makes a low pass over the Derwent Dam Instead of Germany's Ruhr Valley , it was Derbyshire UK but no less poignant for that. This was the exact spot the famous bombers had painstakingly prepared for their mission in 1943.

In dummy run after dummy run, the elite RAF crews planned their method of attack on the similar German targets.

I would have loved to have been here and I can just emagine this scene:

Amid the roar of the bomber's four Merlin engines the Lancaster bomber soars over spectators during its flypast over the dam. Two fighters of WWII, a Spitfire and Hurriane followed in its jet stream.

This link gives you some idea of the size of this massive war machine. Please use your back button to return to this page

There is also the chance for indiviuals to experience a ride in a lancaster . A day out to remember is offered (and bring a guest). one package includs a look inside the Lancaster and tour of the cockpit for £50.00.

The actual ride is just a taxy down the runway, ok if you can afford the price as this costs £270.00.

Places MUST be pre-booked! All guests go home with a certificate signed by the pilot who has done the taxy run that day. Make a few bob on the day get your covers signed too!

R. J Mitchel And The Spitfire

Shown below is a Machin pane showing R J Mitchell and the Spitfire. Issued 16 May 1995, Printed by Walsall Security Printers Ltd. in Lithography on OFNP(C)/PVAl paper


This is a Machin post with a difference. If you follow this blog, you will notice on a link inside the post "A Great Day Out"( below), that there is a reference to a Rolls Royce Merlin 724C engine.

This was one of a list of projects of the late Francis Machin, son of Arnold. The engine was kept at Francis’ home, Garmelow Manor, Staffs, but since his early death in 2007 the property and contents of the estate were put up for sale.

BTW, Garmelow was reported to have been been sold to an undisclosed buyer for £1.75 million. Nice to have the odd few quid tucked away! :-)

The Engine:

The Merlin is a liquid cooled 27 litre V12 piston aircraft engine with supercharger, designed and developed as a private venture by Rolls Royce (PV-12), first flown in 1935 and fitted to the Spitfires of Battle of Britain fame (designed by Joseph Mitchell) which were pivotal in the victory of World War II. The Merlin enabled aircraft to fly at least 100mph faster than before, reaching speeds of 450mph and greatly improving performance at high altitude.

It was reported that the Machin Merlin engine fetched £25.000 at auction, but since this report I have come upon some information which suggests that it possible that it did not meet its auction reserve.

The report informs us that "Francis cousin, on his mothers side, (Patricia Machin), Tom Newton has been appointed ‘Guardian of the Merlin’ until Francis’ children Alice, Henry and Louis can accommodate it. It is hoped to keep the engine in the family".

Some recent news and a little history of the engine:

This engine was one of four fitted to a Canadair McDonald Douglas DC4 Argonaut civilian plane of the 1950s, each 1800hp (this one is labelled ‘Right Wing Outer’). To great applause, the engine was fired up successfully for the first time since its arrival at , Cotesbach on 8th March 2009.

To keep the Merlin in tip top condition it needs to be fired up at regular intervals, and people were invited to join in the experience at the Stable Yard, Cotesbach Hall. Recent dates given for fireups in 2009 were on 4th April, 2nd May, 6th June, and 11th July. It gets a run at about midday on the first Saturday of each month at Cotesbach Hall, near Lutterworth (M1/M6/A14 junction) - entry is free!

Widely considered to be among the most successful engines produced during World War II, Merlin engines were also used in Hurricanes, Wellingtons, Defiants, Lancasters, Halifaxes, Mustangs and Mosquitos.

Another bit of Machin trivia.

Its a small world. To quote a news item from 1945.

“ A new type of voltage regulator invented by Mr Frederick Newton, and manufactured by Messrs Newton Brothers (Derby) Ltd, has, during the past four years formed an essential and integral part of almost every aeroplane, (including the Spitfire)warship, radar and gun sight installation.”

Fred Newton (managing director) was Tom’s grandfather and Francis Machins’s great uncle. Some 40,000 regulators were being produced monthly in the later months of the war, and Mr Newton was flown to the U.S.A. in 1941 for the purpose of assisting the production of the regulators there.

“The magnitude of the application of this one patent, and the essential quality for nearly all of the electrical equipment, afford striking tribute to the brilliant skill of Mr Frederick Newton” commented Colonel Cooper-Parry, Chairman of Newton Brothers.

Although his invention never attracted national recognition, rest assured that in Cotesbach the Machin Merlin will continue to celebrate his achievements, as it does every pilot and technical hand involved with this colossus of British engineering.

Do you still think Machins are boring?

More images of the fire up can be found here

A Great day out

Have you ever had a pang of jealousy? I have, and it is all down to a story told by Philip Hairman who is a member of the Sheffield Philatelic Society . In short here are a few snippets from his written account concerning a A Grand Day Out

On Tuesday, September 2nd 2008 several Machin collectors arranged a trip to Staffordshire where they met Adam Tedstone, Adam was the solicitor for the sale of Machin estate Garmelow Manor. Their first port of call was Cuttlestones Auctioneers where they were shown three items to be auctioned. The first was the original plaster relief mould of the Machin head used to in preparing the Machin pre-decimal stamps. We wrote about this these auctions on this blog last year, here is the link to this post if you missed it.

The second item they came across was the art work that Arnold Machin produced for the 2d pre-decimal definitive stamp. The last item in the Cuttlestone sale was a plaster cast for the obverse of a coin.

This was only the begining of their adventure, Adam then took them to the Machin family home, which was up for sale, Garmelow Manor. We also wrote about this house and posted several pictures of the house and the grounds on this blog. these were donated by L.


Left is a picture of the Victorian letter box at the bottom of the drive at Garmelow.

To continue with Philip's tale:

The house was opened up for them and they wandered round it at leisure! In one of the rooms there was framed original art work for the Machin head stamps. Some of this artwork was reproduced in the prestige booklet celebrating Arnold Machin's life and the 40th Anniversary of the stamps issue. Sitting on one bench was a letter from the Royal Mail informing Arnold that his design for the definitive stamps had been accepted and it was being presented to the Queen. On another shelf was a plaster mould of Prince Charles, perhaps it was to be the replacement on the Machin stamps!



In one display frame was an interesting article from 1956 when Patricia chained Arnold to a lamp post. The ornate Victorian lamp post was due to be pulled down and Arnold wanted to make a protest against its removal. The event was recorded in the daily papers. This is also mentioned in a link from the Stoke -upon -Trent website that Larry mentioned some time back.


Above the lake and boathouse at Garmelow Manor. You can read the complete story of Philips visit and see some of the pictures he took here. Go to page 4

Last Day Of Issue

Newbie: postagelabelsuk: adds to Vince Patels post concerning The Horizon Gold Machin Head Postage Label. He writes on The Machin Forum:

"The Post Office have indicated that the last day of sale of the Horizon Gold Machin Head labels, currently being used at one branch (Camden High Street, London, NW1 ) will be 11th September 2009. No other branches will sell the label or any further extension will occur for the time being. Any further developments may utilise a different label to that used at Camden."

More details on further developments for this issue will be given when we receive them.

More Birmingham Postmarks

Like most philatelists I have many interests, not just Machins. One of these interests is a collection of old postcards depicting Birmingham cancels and local scenes from my area. I like to compare the scenes with recent cards or photographs. If anyone is interested in this type of postal history I will scan a few to show you. Let me know !



Born in Birmingham, West Midlands and a Machin collector the other fascination I have always had are Machin definitve covers bearing special hand stamped postmarks depicting Birmingham or Birmingham streets.

Recently I showed you some cacheted Machin covers from Adrian Bradley bearing special local hand stamps from the area where I used to live.


Ian Billings often produces several others on his website. thanks to Ian I can show you these.


Above: The Kings Head, Alcester Road: And one of my all time favourites Machin Road to name but two.

Although I no longer purchase these (due to the fact I can no longer afford them). I have always been particularly keen out of interest to find newer covers bearing the names of local streets etc that I know. I find them even more interesting if the Street relates to my own life history in some way.

One other recent set of Machin covers from Bradbury bear the name, Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Road . This road I know very well. These are again are limited edition covers with a special hand stamp. I hope you like them as much as I do.

Below in order are three covers:

New security Machins (low values)

New security Machins (high values)

New values for April 2009 (rate change)




By the way, if you do not like the content of these posts please do let me know, just because I or Larry are interested in a certain subject does not necessary mean that you are too. If you have Machin material you would like us to show others or if you like a subject that you would like us to mention, again please send us scans or let us know.