• Queen Elizabeth II

    Somaliland Protectorate QEII Definitive Stamps 1953-58

    September 18, 2025 - By 

    The Somaliland Protectorate issued a definitive stamp set for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, at the beginning of her reign. This set included 12 stamps, ranging in denomination up to 10 shillings, and is catalogued in Stanley Gibbons as SG137–148. These stamps were released while Somaliland was still a British protectorate, and they feature classic colonial-era designs with QEII’s portrait. They were printed by Bradbury Wilkinson, known for high-quality intaglio engraving, giving the stamps a crisp, tactile finish. All the stamps of British Somaliland were withdrawn from sale on 25 June 1960 as Somaliland obtained independence and merged with Italian…

  • Norvic Machins
    Books - Queen Elizabeth II

    Norvic Machin Security Checklist

    February 5, 2020 - By 

    A listing of stamps by value and type, with details of the Royal Mail products which produced each one, showing the more detailed numbering system we use. Dates of issue or discovery, and dates of printing are shown where known. A cross-reference table of the stamps based on the Stanley Gibbons catalogue is also included. The latest version includes the numbers in Gibbon’s Concise 2019. Also includes a table showing which stamps were issued in each year. This is a very useful and professional guide to identifying stamps of this type. As notified on the Stampboards forum today by Ian…

  • RAF Centenary Stamp Set
    General - Queen Elizabeth II

    Royal Mail : RAF Centenary 2018

    March 20, 2018 - By 

      The Royal Mail releases a new set of RAF centenary commemoratives today, along with a host of other related collectable items. Presentation Pack Written exclusively by RAF aficionado Graham Pitchfork. This wonderful collectible includes All six Special Stamps plus unique Red Arrows Miniature Sheet. Special feature on the RAF Aerobatic Team. An authentic Ministry of Defence security hologram and the official RAF100 logo. An overview of the RAF’s history from its inception in 1918 to the present.   There’s a lot more to chose from too including : RAF Centenary Stamp Set RAF Centenary Presentation Pack RAF Centenary Red…

  • Queen Elizabeth II

    GB QEII 1990 Machin 150th Anniversary of the Penny Black : Photogravure & Lithography

    March 20, 2017 - By 

    Some years ago I bought a dustbin bag stuffed full of GB material and amongst it were hundreds of this issue. At the time I noticed there were some differences in the printings but put them to one side and left them for many years. Recently I spotted some booklets for sale on an auction site and I figured here is my chance to nail down those different printings. I’m focusing on the 20p Brownish Black (and Cream). Stanley Gibbons Concise GB lists three printings; Harrison & Sons using photogravure, Walsall using lithography and The House of Questa also using…