Nobody Expects Spam... Monty Python set of 6 and miniature sheet - 14 August 2025

A set which will be widely popular will be issued on 14 August, marking the 50th anniversary of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  The first programme of the television series Monty Python's Flying Circus aired on 5 October 1969.

As recorded in Wikipedia:

The programme came about as the six Pythons, having met each other through university and in various radio and television programmes in the 1960s, sought to make a new sketch comedy show unlike anything else on British television. Much of the humour in the series targeted the idiosyncrasies of British life, especially that of professionals, as well as aspects of politics. 

Their comedy is often pointedly intellectual, with numerous erudite references to philosophers and literary figures and their works. The team intended their humour to be impossible to categorise, and succeeded so completely that the adjective "Pythonesque" was invented to define it and, later, similar material. Their humour was not always seen as appropriate for television by the BBC, leading to some censorship during the third series. Cleese left the show following that series, and the remaining Pythons completed a final, shortened fourth series before ending the show.  

Six years ago, Royal Mail marked the 50th Anniversary with a slogan postmark used nationwide.

50 Years of Monty Python's Flying Circus slogan postmark used Norwich Mail Centre 04-10-2019

 

From Royal Mail 

Royal Mail is proud to celebrate one of Britain’s most influential and enduring comedy troupes with a special stamp issue dedicated to Monty Python. Synonymous with surreal humour, intellectual absurdity and anarchic creativity, Monty Python has left an indelible mark on global comedy while remaining unmistakably British at its core. 

From their groundbreaking television debut in Monty Python’s Flying Circus to a string of iconic films, their work has shaped the landscape of comedy for nearly six decades. This stamp issue marks the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail – a milestone for a film that redefined spoof cinema and cemented the group’s international status.

The stamps (Click on images to see larger versions) 

Set of 6 Monty Python's Flying Circus 1st class stamps issued 14 August 2025.

 

Royal Mail's descriptions of each of the six x 1st class stamps are for identification purposes only - how many different sketches (or situations/characters) can you identify? !  (Email, please rather than comment)

1. Terry Gilliam as A Man with a Stoat Through his Head

2. John Cleese as a Gumby Brain Specialist

3. Terry Jones as the Nude Organist, Lumberjack

4.  Ministry of Silly Walks

5. Graham Chapman as the Colonel, Nudge-Nudge.

6. Spam 

Miniature Sheet

A special 192 x 74 mm miniature sheet celebrating Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the cult 1975 film that parodied Arthurian legend with outrageous humour and unforgettable one-liners. 

Contains four 1st Class stamps, each featuring a still from a classic scene in the film and set against a whimsical illustrated background with the film’s logo and artwork Celebrates the 50th anniversary of the film’s release in 2025 – a milestone moment for one of the most quoted and beloved comedies of all time. A must-have for fans of Monty Python, British cinema, and offbeat cult comedy

Miniature sheet of 4 Monty Python and the Holy Grail 1st class stamps issued 14 August 2025.

The Black Knight’s defiant “‘Tis but a scratch!” 41mm x 30mm (perf 14.5 x 14)
 
King Arthur & his knights receiving their divine quest “That is your purpose, Arthur” 60mm x 30mm  (perf 14.5)

Sir Galahad’s near-miss in the Castle Anthrax – “You're lucky, you're not next to him!” 37mm x 35mm  (perf 14.5 x 14)

The panicked cry of “Run away! Run away!” from a failed charge 27mm x 37mm (perf 14)

Technical details and acknowledgements

Common Curiosity designed the 60 x 30 mm stamps which were printed in litho with conventional gum by Cartor Security Printers in sheets of 60.

© 2025 Python (Monty) Pictures Limited under license from Bravado International Group Limited.
All rights reserved. Terry Gilliam as A Man with a Stoat Through his Head in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, photograph by Radio Times via Getty Images; John Cleese as a Gumby Brain Specialist, Graham Chapman as the Colonel, Terry Jones as the Nude Organist and Graham Chapman as a sales assistant at the Ant Counter in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, photographs TCD/Prod.DB/Alamy Stock Photo; dead parrot, photograph © Matthew Chattle/Alamy Stock Photo 

The miniature sheet (dimensions and stamp sizes above) is printed in litho on self-adhesive paper by Cartor Security Printers, with press sheets of 8 also available.

© 2025 Python (Monty) Pictures Limited under license from Bravado International Group Limited. All rights reserved. Old paper scrolls © Andrey Kuzmin/Alamy Stock Photo; vintage roll of parchment © Sergii Telesh/Alamy Stock Photo; ’Tis but a scratch! – Monty Python and the Holy Grail, photograph TCD/Prod.DB/Python (Monty) Pictures Limited/Alamy Stock Photo; That is your purpose, Arthur and Run away! – Monty Python and the Holy Grail, photographs Allstar Picture Library Limited/Python (Monty) Pictures Limited /Alamy Stock Photo; You’re lucky you’re not next to him – Monty Python and the Holy Grail, photograph Collection Christophel/Python (Monty) Pictures Limited/Alamy Stock Photo.

Collector sheet

"A striking Collector’s Sheet celebrating the outrageous humour and cultural impact of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.  Includes all six special stamps from the main issue, each presented in a self-adhesive format Paired with six labels featuring stills from some of Monty Python’s most famous sketches including the “Dead Parrot” confrontation, the “Upper Class Twit of the Year” race and the “Nudge Nudge” innuendo.  [The stills are black and white, as broadcast.]

Set against a theatrical backdrop with a stage curtain design and dramatic clouds and classic Monty Python logo, paying homage to the group’s original BBC opening sequences.   

Note: The Collector Sheet is printed in Litho and Self-adhesive. This is different from the set of stamps, which are printed in Litho and Gummed.

Monty Python Collectors Sheet of 8 stamps and black and white labels.

Fan Sheet 

A limited-edition fan sheet celebrating the cult classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, released to mark the film’s 50th anniversary in 2025.

Set against a bold, full-colour background featuring the iconic Holy Grail artwork with King Arthur and his knights raised triumphantly aloft.  Individually numbered and strictly limited to only 5,000 copies

Note: The Fan Sheet is printed in Litho and Self-adhesive, the same as the minisheet.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Fan sheet with 3 x 'Quest for the Holy Grail' 1st class stamps.

Products available

Set of 6 stamps, miniature sheet, first day covers (2), presentation pack, collectors sheet, fan sheet, Holy Grail medal cover, gold and embossed replica miniature sheet (edition of 500 at £150), framed set and miniature sheet (£45), framed collector sheet (£40).

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King Charles III definitives for Scotland - 14 August 2025

New country definitives for Wales were issued in November last year but  in accordance with Royal Mail’s environmental policy, all QE2 stocks of country definitive stamps were used before new stamps were printed.

The Scottish 1st and 2nd Class definitive stamps are now available for the first time featuring the King’s silhouette. The stamp designs featuring Scottish national symbols have been retained from previous country definitive designs. The 1st class stamp features a sculpture of the Lion of Scotland, the 2nd class stamp features a painting of the Scottish saltire.

These are the publicity images, but below are scans of date & traffic light corner blocks of the actual stamps, showing the 2nd class printed on 07/05/205 and the 1st class on 06/05/2025.

Scotland 2nd class King Charles III date block - issued 14 August 2025. 

Scotland 1st class King Charles III date block - issued 14 August 2025.

The stamps were designed by Tayburn: the Saltire was painted by Anton Morris, the Lion of Scotland was sculpted by Frank Pottinger RSA and photographed by Julyan Rawlings.

They are printed in litho on self-adhesive paper in sheets of 25 by Cartor Security Printers.

Official First Day Covers will be available from Royal Mail.

 

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August slogan postmarks - and other interesting postal matters

August may have started as July ended with the Euro winners postmark, but I haven't actually seen one dated August, or any August slogan other so far.  So this post starts at the end, with some counter date stamps from branch offices.

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Other postmarks and postal markings

Our correspondent in Canada (SS) has sent a selection of cover scans with legible counter date stamps.

Heaton Moor Top 

Heaton Moor Top counter date stamp 19 November 2024

The branch was in the news in 2011:

An armed robber was dragged from his motorbike and detained by members of the public after a raid on a post office in Greater Manchester.

Police were called to Heaton Moor post office at around 10:00 BST after reports a masked man had threatened staff with a handgun.

He tried to flee on a motorbike with a large amount of cash, but was followed by members of the public who dragged him from his vehicle and disarmed him.  (BBC News)

 

 

Google's street view - from June this year, shows the post office with a nicely topped postbox outside.

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Bedhampton 

Bedhampton counter date stamp 29 April 2025

This branch had (in 2013, the date of the Google street view) a very nice floral arrangement, but toppers weren't quite so popular then.

Google street view of Bedhampton (Havant) branch post office 2013.

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Contingency Branch 64, 18 August - probably 2023/4

Contingency Branch 64

Unfortunately we don't know where this was used because the date is indistinct*. The British Postmark Society has records for two locations as the handstamps are used at 'Pop-Up' branches or Banking Hubs.

Update 6 August 

* PA has advised that CB64 has been at Ore, Hastings, since January 2021.

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Cotham Hill (Bristol) - not to be confused with Gotham, Nottinghamshire. 

Cotham Hill was changed into a pedestrianised area in the pandemic era of 2021, and this has been retained.  The Post Office is in the pharmacy.

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Stamford Hill 'morse-type' counter date stamp

This is one of the many Crown Offices which is being franchised from 12 September 2025. 

Stamford Hill London counter date stamp 1 June 2025

Stamford Hill post office, Google Street View 2024.

 

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Remember, slogan postmarks appearing in August will be added to this post, so check here before you spend time scanning and emailing.

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Britain's Stamp Magazine to close after 91 years - last issue is September, due next week.

One of the United Kingdom collectors' best-loved publications, Stamp Magazine, is to close after 91 years.  The September 2025 issue will be the last; unexpired subscriptions will be transferred to Stamp Collector magazine.

Cover of the September 2025 - and last - edition of Stamp Magazine.

Editor Guy Thomas said: 

"With declining sales and declining advertising revenue, coupled with rising printing and distribution costs, our publishers can no longer see a way to keep the magazine viable. I’m afraid that printed magazines (and, for that matter, newspapers) are in terminal decline."

Apparently they were never short of contributions from professional philatelic journalists and enthusiastic wannabees like me, but budgetary constraints presented a problem.

Some Stamp Magazine staff are being made redundant with immediate effect which presents them with a great deal of uncertainty.

I am sure my readers, many of whom will be their readers, wish them all well in whatever they do, whether it is further employment or retirement.

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Blog updates for August

I'll use this post to make short notes about anything added to earlier posts - including some quite old ones.

1. I've discovered a forgotten Postnote giveaway and added it in the appropriate post from last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Downstream access Royal Mail logo updated to Tudor crown.

Royal Mail announced a year ago that the adoption of the Tudor Crown by King Charles would mean a change to the cruciform logo.

John G reports that Royal Mail announced on 23 December 2024 that the Tudor Crown was to be included in the RM Access indicia by 23 December 2026, but they would accept and process mail with the Tudor crown before that date.

John includes this image of the new format:

 

Here are two small indicia from whistl (C9 10002) and two large indicia from UK Mail (C9 10001). 

A majority of indicia on mail still show the old St Edward’s crown, but I have also seen the Tudor crown on indicia from C9 10017 (The Delivery Group), C9 10020 (CitiPost Mail) and C9 10090 (licence-holder unknown). 

This will be another variant to look out for on direct mail with the King's head stamps printed on as well.

 

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British commmemoratives going off sale soon.

Royal Mail have announced the off-sale dates before Christmas for the following issues:

31 August - Dame Shirley Bassey

30 September  - Blackadder and Discworld

31 October - Flying Scotsman (the last QE2 stamp) 

31 December - Iron Maiden

I would suggest ordering before those dates if you want to be sure of getting any of these, especially the last as your order might not be dealt with as quickly during the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

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Thanks to Peantus we're over 10 million views!

I've been monitoring the page views figure, but I was barely at my desk yesterday so didn't notice it bust the 10 million figure.  Thank you everyone, did anybody capture the moment?

Screen capture 16 July 17.00

Screen capture 18 July 10.30

If only I was an 'influencer' I could be rich !

 

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This won't be Peanuts - Basic products £64.80, the full bundle another £95! Set of 8, issued on 24 July 2025.

Ever since the stamp programme was announced we wondered whether there could possibly be a redeeming factor in this issue: that is, something other than an American comic strip. But no, the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip is being commemorated by Britain's Royal Mail.

Royal Mail reason and inspiration

Royal Mail are celebrating the internationally loved comic strip ‘Peanuts’ on the occasion of its 75th anniversary in 2025.

The first black-and-white Peanuts daily strip launched on Monday, 2 October 1950, in a modest seven newspapers. As many more papers signed on, it led to the longer Sunday episodes in colour, from 6 January 1952. It expanded to the UK in February 1953, first featuring in the Daily Sketch, before switching to the Daily Mail in May 1971.

Charles Schulz devoted himself to putting his pen to paper and turned his ‘repertory company’ of assorted children, a beagle and a little bird into the American comic-strip masterpiece Peanuts. Seven days a week for nearly 50 years, the comic was enjoyed in as many as 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries by an estimated 350 million readers. Reprints still run in some 2,000 papers in print and online – proof that Peanuts remains highly popular with young and old a quarter of a century after Schulz’s final original strip appeared on 13 February 2000.

Each stamp in the set of eight, se-tenant pairs, features Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends in a British style theme of the much-loved comic strip including: the classic Snoopy pose on a Royal Mail Pillar Box, playing Football (or Soccer as Charlie Brown may have called it), Charlie Brown and Snoopy “enjoying” the British Weather and a Birthday Tea Party among others. 

The stamps 

8 x 1st class stamps marking the 75th anniversary of American comic strip 'Peanuts'.

Technical Details

The 41 x 30 mm stamps were designed by Interbang and printed by Cartor Security Printers in lithography with regular gum, perforated 14½ x 14.  Copyright © 2025 Peanuts Worldwide.

Collectors Sheet & Fan Sheets

I don't recall a previous collector sheet having only 8 stamps - if the set had 8 normally two were duplicated.  This sheet is litho and self-adhesive making the stamps different to those issued in counter sheets. (Price £14.80)

 

 

The Peanuts Gang Fan sheet and Snoopy Fan sheet contain four 'gang' stamps (the eighth one shown above) or four Snoopy stamps (the first one above) respectively. Price £8.

Products available

Set of 8 stamps, first day cover, presentation pack, collector's sheet, stamp cards, Peanuts character pack of set of stamps, Peanuts Gang Fan sheet, Snoopy Fan sheet. silver-plated medal cover, framed stamp set, framed collector's sheet, limited edition (1000) gold stamp ingot of the Snoopy stamp.

 

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King Charles II 4 x 1st class booklet, new 2025 printing with new crown

This booklet was first seen on eBay and was probably first found in a Post Office branch.

Enquiries of Stamps & Collectibles revealed the following:

 

Post Office Ltd needed more stock, and called it off from the printer earlier than Royal Mail's planned distribution later in the summer.  As they have been made available it is likely that Stamps & Collectibles will get them to the trade and to collectors with standing orders, sooner than expected.

Update: the booklet has been announced in  this week's Trade Briefing.

From comments: RM Advice Note - this Booklet is being issued by RM on 11/09/2025 (UB475) 

See King Charles III definitives - new printings 2024 and 2025

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