The postmark will appear on mail delivering in the W9 postcode area from today for a week (ie it was applied from yesterday). The W9 postcode area (Maida Vale) was chosen as it is where Sir Alec was born.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Sir Alec Guinness Birthday Slogan Postmark
Royal Mail have sent details of a special slogan postmark marking the centenary of the birth of Sir Alec Guinness, tying in with the
Remarkable Lives Stamps.
The postmark will appear on mail delivering in the W9 postcode area from today for a week (ie it was applied from yesterday). The W9 postcode area (Maida Vale) was chosen as it is where Sir Alec was born.
The postmark will appear on mail delivering in the W9 postcode area from today for a week (ie it was applied from yesterday). The W9 postcode area (Maida Vale) was chosen as it is where Sir Alec was born.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Is the 10g Airmail and postcard rate remaining on the new tariff ? - YES!!
Breaking News - the 10g airmail (International Standard) rate may not be disappearing on Sunday!
As I write there is uncertainty over what is happening to Airmail rates on Monday. According to the first downloaded rate chart, and the leaflet in Post Office branches, there will be no 10g rate from Monday 31 March.
But I have been told about a new download chart which shows that the 10g rate of 97p applying to both Europe and the rest of the world - which will please Postcrossers. There may also be implications for Post and Go machines.
For an up-to-date statement on what is happening on Post and Go machines from Monday 31st please see the Tariff-change blogpost.
I'm seeking clarification from Royal Mail !
UPDATE 1.45 26 March 2014
Royal Mail have confirmed that the rate for postcards and 10g letters worldwide will be 97p replacing the 88p current rate.
This will NOT apply to premium services, Tracked/Signed/Tracks+Signed: the minimum rates for these services will be postage +£5 outside the EU, ie £5.97 Europe and £6.28 World. EU 20g rate is £7.16 (including VAT at 20%)
Download the changed Postage Rates leaflet from Royal Mail's website (pdf).
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Slogan Postmarks for people featured on Remarkable Lives stamp issue
I'm short on details so far, but understand that special slogan postmarks - similar to those for Footballers and Doctor Who - were used from yesterday for the people featured on the Remarkable Lives stamp issue.
Here's the Dylan Thomas one, not a very clear example, unfortunately
Roy Plomley was born in Kingston, Surrey.
Barbara Ward was born at Heworth, Yorkshire
Joe Mercer was born in the Wirral
Kenneth More was born in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea
Sir Alec Guinness was born in London
Joan Littlewood was born in south London
Abram Games was born in Whitechapel, London
Max Perutzwas born in Vienna, and
Noorunissa Inayat Khan was born in Moscow.
I don't know whether the postmarks will be applied on mail going to their birthplaces or the places where they are best known, or did most of their work. Time will tell!
UPDATE 26.3.14
Royal Mail have provided these mock-ups for two other postmarks which are being used for Noorunissa Inayat Khan to London WC1 and Roy Plomley to the KT (Kingston-upon-Thames) postcode area:
The Dylan Thomas slogan is in Welsh this week and English from March 31st, on all mail addressed to Wales.
Max Perutz slogan used on mail to Cambridge - see here
Here's the Dylan Thomas one, not a very clear example, unfortunately
Roy Plomley was born in Kingston, Surrey.
Barbara Ward was born at Heworth, Yorkshire
Joe Mercer was born in the Wirral
Kenneth More was born in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea
Sir Alec Guinness was born in London
Joan Littlewood was born in south London
Abram Games was born in Whitechapel, London
Max Perutzwas born in Vienna, and
Noorunissa Inayat Khan was born in Moscow.
I don't know whether the postmarks will be applied on mail going to their birthplaces or the places where they are best known, or did most of their work. Time will tell!
UPDATE 26.3.14
Royal Mail have provided these mock-ups for two other postmarks which are being used for Noorunissa Inayat Khan to London WC1 and Roy Plomley to the KT (Kingston-upon-Thames) postcode area:
The Dylan Thomas slogan is in Welsh this week and English from March 31st, on all mail addressed to Wales.
More 2014 Machin definitive stamps are appearing
Just a week ago we announced the first Machin with a 2014 year code outside those in the Locomotives prestige book, and now I can show two more. Thanks to the reader who sent these pictures.
The 50 x 2nd large Business sheets with code MA14 and 'B' have a printing date of 07/01/14 (Richard reminds me that the MBIL is now to the right of the value, rather than to the right of the Queen.)
The 12x 1st Class books
with code M14L and 'T' have a packing date of 04/02/14
The 50 x 2nd large Business sheets with code MA14 and 'B' have a printing date of 07/01/14 (Richard reminds me that the MBIL is now to the right of the value, rather than to the right of the Queen.)
That brings the total to date to 6, with these four already in stock. We'll add the two new ones as soon as stock is available. And of course there are 4 more tomorrow, for the new tariff.
2931R.2W - 2nd class coil 10,000 printed by Walsall - M12L MRIL
4002P.3E - 2p From Classic Locomotives of the UK prestige stamp book M13L MPIL
4005P.3F - 5p ditto. 4005P.3E was in the Merchant Navy PSB with inverted perforations
2911.4 - 2nd class counter sheet
4002P.3E - 2p From Classic Locomotives of the UK prestige stamp book M13L MPIL
4005P.3F - 5p ditto. 4005P.3E was in the Merchant Navy PSB with inverted perforations
2911.4 - 2nd class counter sheet
Monday, 24 March 2014
Contents of Post and Go machines on change of tariff 2014
New postage rates will be introduced on 31 March 2014. In Post and Go machines the Worldwide 10g and Worldwide 40g stamps will no longer be relevant and they will be replaced by Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g stamps.
The new 'values' or 'service indicators' are expected to be available on Machin head, Union Flag, and Spring Flowers stamps, but will also be available on previous issues where they remain in the machines.
Mock-ups of what we can expect
In order to keep track of which designs of Post and Go stamps are available this post is available for readers to record what has appeared, and where - and on which type of machine, as the NCR version is rolled-out through the country. Mock-ups of what might be available
Some people have asked about FDCs for the new rates. Apart from the very first sets of brown which was sold in a pack of 5 values, and the first set of blue Machin heads, Royal Mail have only ever produced official FDCs for the designs, rather than the values. However FDCs can be obtained by dealers and collectors.
Only on-topic comments will be published!
UPDATE 28 MARCH 2014
For both Wincor-Nixdorf and NCR Post and Go machines (and the BPMA machine) I have reliable information that the new stamps will be available from start of business. A notice should tell customers wanting Worldwide 10g to buy Europe 20g. At a later date the Worldwide 10g option will be reinstated under the 'post an item' menu.
See PostagelabelsUK blog.
UPDATE 10 April 2014
Apologies for not adding this earlier: I thought it had been done, but I now rectify the omission! Regarding the future value of obsolete Post and Go stamps Royal Mail have advised:
"Existing P&G stamps for WW 10g and WW40g and other previously issued NVI’s for which there is no current postage value e.g. WW Postcard, will continue to be valid for the next applicable weight step up from its stated value i.e. WW 10g stamp will be valid at the WW 20g value and the WW 40g stamp will be valid at the new WW 60g value."
I'm not sure of the position now that the basic Worldwide 10g and Postcard rates have been re-instated to the tariff.
REPORT 31 MARCH 2014
Contrary to statements by some people who thought they knew something that Post Office Ltd and Royal Mail managers did not, the software changes for the new tariff were effected before the branches opened for business this morning.
Wincor-Nixdorf machines dispensed Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g stamps, and the Worldwide 10g and Worldwide 40g options were no longer available. To cater for the restored world postcard and Worldwide 10g letter rate of 97p, a magnetic notice was affixed to the machine advising customers who wanted to post such items to choose the "Letter Europe (up to 20g) option" for a 97p stamp (see pictures). Unfortunately the body of the machine is mainly plastic so the label placed on the red and white metal pictogram panel below the screen. One unfortunate side-effect of the software change is that instead of dispensing up to 99 stamps the machine will now only take orders for up to 20, meaning far more transactions. [However, it is still possible to purchase at least 5 x Collectors Sets of 6 in one transaction. I regard the reduction as a fault and have reported it as it does produce longer queues.]
The IAR Machine at the BPMA produced Machin stamps with MA13 and Union Flag with no year code.
Reports from two NCR machine locations referred to software problems. Apparently the machine displayed the 60g options, took the money, gave change and printed receipts but not stamps. The fault was reported before noon and it is to be hoped that it will be rectified by tomorrow. If it is, then 1 April will be the first day for NCR 60g stamps - unless anybody can tell me any differently ?
A second report was that when a 'Collectors Set' was selected, the 4 old stamp values were printed but the two 60g were not, so producing a strip of 4.
Contents of Machines
I'm grateful to the many correspondents who have phoned, left voicemail messages, and emailed, about what they have found in various machines from Truro to Glasgow and many points between. I'll summarise this and put some more pictures up in this same blogpost later.
Meanwhile, here is a picture of a collectors set of the Spring Flowers from Norwich, demonstrating the small figures of value used for the two 60g stamps, compared with the others. Also the weight line is inset compared with the Europe 20g but is in the same place as the Worldwide 20g.
Images from Norwich and supplied by readers. (Click on each for larger images)
Norwich
BPMA
Old Street, London, Sheep
Trafalgar Square/William IV Street Rivers
Old Street Flags
Durham Silver Street
Glasgow St Vincent Street
Pigs and Cattle
Harrogate Sheep
Leeds Birds 4
Spotted on eBay (not bought on 31 March but in April)
Birds 2 from Grimsby
And lastly, Lakes and Ponds from Paignton (update 15 May)
The new 'values' or 'service indicators' are expected to be available on Machin head, Union Flag, and Spring Flowers stamps, but will also be available on previous issues where they remain in the machines.
If you find any of these I will be interested in obtaining stock of both new values, both for myself and for customers. I still need Machin MA13, Union Flag MA13, Robin MA12, and all Freshwater Life.
Mock-ups of what we can expect
In order to keep track of which designs of Post and Go stamps are available this post is available for readers to record what has appeared, and where - and on which type of machine, as the NCR version is rolled-out through the country. Mock-ups of what might be available
Some people have asked about FDCs for the new rates. Apart from the very first sets of brown which was sold in a pack of 5 values, and the first set of blue Machin heads, Royal Mail have only ever produced official FDCs for the designs, rather than the values. However FDCs can be obtained by dealers and collectors.
Only on-topic comments will be published!
UPDATE 28 MARCH 2014
For both Wincor-Nixdorf and NCR Post and Go machines (and the BPMA machine) I have reliable information that the new stamps will be available from start of business. A notice should tell customers wanting Worldwide 10g to buy Europe 20g. At a later date the Worldwide 10g option will be reinstated under the 'post an item' menu.
See PostagelabelsUK blog.
UPDATE 10 April 2014
Apologies for not adding this earlier: I thought it had been done, but I now rectify the omission! Regarding the future value of obsolete Post and Go stamps Royal Mail have advised:
"Existing P&G stamps for WW 10g and WW40g and other previously issued NVI’s for which there is no current postage value e.g. WW Postcard, will continue to be valid for the next applicable weight step up from its stated value i.e. WW 10g stamp will be valid at the WW 20g value and the WW 40g stamp will be valid at the new WW 60g value."
I'm not sure of the position now that the basic Worldwide 10g and Postcard rates have been re-instated to the tariff.
REPORT 31 MARCH 2014
Contrary to statements by some people who thought they knew something that Post Office Ltd and Royal Mail managers did not, the software changes for the new tariff were effected before the branches opened for business this morning.
Wincor-Nixdorf machines dispensed Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g stamps, and the Worldwide 10g and Worldwide 40g options were no longer available. To cater for the restored world postcard and Worldwide 10g letter rate of 97p, a magnetic notice was affixed to the machine advising customers who wanted to post such items to choose the "Letter Europe (up to 20g) option" for a 97p stamp (see pictures). Unfortunately the body of the machine is mainly plastic so the label placed on the red and white metal pictogram panel below the screen. One unfortunate side-effect of the software change is that instead of dispensing up to 99 stamps the machine will now only take orders for up to 20, meaning far more transactions. [However, it is still possible to purchase at least 5 x Collectors Sets of 6 in one transaction. I regard the reduction as a fault and have reported it as it does produce longer queues.]
The IAR Machine at the BPMA produced Machin stamps with MA13 and Union Flag with no year code.
Reports from two NCR machine locations referred to software problems. Apparently the machine displayed the 60g options, took the money, gave change and printed receipts but not stamps. The fault was reported before noon and it is to be hoped that it will be rectified by tomorrow. If it is, then 1 April will be the first day for NCR 60g stamps - unless anybody can tell me any differently ?
A second report was that when a 'Collectors Set' was selected, the 4 old stamp values were printed but the two 60g were not, so producing a strip of 4.
Contents of Machines
I'm grateful to the many correspondents who have phoned, left voicemail messages, and emailed, about what they have found in various machines from Truro to Glasgow and many points between. I'll summarise this and put some more pictures up in this same blogpost later.
Meanwhile, here is a picture of a collectors set of the Spring Flowers from Norwich, demonstrating the small figures of value used for the two 60g stamps, compared with the others. Also the weight line is inset compared with the Europe 20g but is in the same place as the Worldwide 20g.
Table of contents as advised to 2 April.
Please see added comments for ongoing details of machine contents,
which will only be shown here if they are new stamps to the list.
Please see added comments for ongoing details of machine contents,
which will only be shown here if they are new stamps to the list.
Location
|
Contents
|
Comment
|
Norwich
|
Machin
undated. Also Robin MA13
Spring
Blooms
|
1
out of order
|
York
|
Machins
in both.
|
|
Barnsley
|
Spring
Blooms
|
|
Camden
High Street
|
Cattle,
Union Flag
|
|
Truro
|
Flags
Birds 3 |
Birds 3 available on 31 March, only just reported.
|
Sutton
(1 m/c)
|
Spring
Flowers
|
|
Croydon
(6 m/c)
|
#1,3,6 Flags no year code; #2 spring blooms;
#4 Machins no year code; #5 Robins MA13 |
|
Darlington
|
#1
Cattle; #2 had Flags on Saturday
|
|
Trafalgar
Square
|
#1 Spring
Blooms, Rivers
in all other machines
|
|
Aldwych
|
Machins
(no year) in both
|
|
Old
Street
|
Sheep;
Flag (no year); Machin (no year)
|
|
Holborn
|
Machin
(no year); Rivers
8 April update: Lakes |
|
Baker
Street
|
Rivers
(both)
8 April update: Ponds |
|
Paddington
|
Flag
(no year)
|
|
Glasgow
(branch?)
|
Pigs,
Cattle
|
|
Harrogate
|
Sheep, Flags
|
|
Leeds
|
Birds 4, Pigs
|
|
Birmingham
Pinfold
St
|
2
out of order; most had Machins
One:
Flowers jammed, second flowers jammed, so replaced with Flag
|
|
Basildon
WHS
|
Machin
no year
|
(no
magnet)
|
Southend-on-Sea
|
1.
Spring Blooms; 2. Machin (no year)
|
(magnet)
|
Golders
Green
|
Machin (no year)
|
(magnet)
'Newvision' on receipts
|
Blackfriars
Bridge
|
Machin
(no year)
|
(no
magnet)
|
Cirencester
(NCR)
|
Machin
– Col Set of 4, no 60g
|
|
Stroud
(NCR)
|
Machin
– Col Set of 4, no 60g
|
|
Bristol
|
2
x Flags; 3 x Spring blooms
|
(machines
labeled with contents)
|
Durham
|
Spring
Flowers; Robins MA12
|
|
Plymouth
|
Machins (no year)
|
All 3 machines
|
Macclesfield
|
Spring Blooms (1st and 2nd)
|
-
|
Manchester (Spring Gardens)
|
Machins in 2 m/c)
|
One machine not working
|
Sydenham (NCR)
|
Machins (1st and 2nd)
|
All working well Tuesday 1 April with upgrade.
|
Grimsby
|
Birds 2
|
Seen on eBay 20 April, with April purchase date (see below)
|
Images from Norwich and supplied by readers. (Click on each for larger images)
Norwich
BPMA
Trafalgar Square/William IV Street Rivers
Pigs and Cattle
Spotted on eBay (not bought on 31 March but in April)
Birds 2 from Grimsby
And lastly, Lakes and Ponds from Paignton (update 15 May)
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Happy New Year! Security Machins enter 2014.
I am pleased to announce that the first 2014-coded Machin Security stamp is now available, the 2nd class counter sheet. The printing date is 22/01/14
This is the fourth new Machin definitive to appear this year. All are available on our shop.
2931R.2W - 2nd class coil 10,000 printed by Walsall - M12L MRIL
4002P.3E - 2p From Classic Locomotives of the UK prestige stamp book M13L MPIL
4005P.3F - 5p ditto. 4005P.3E was in the Merchant Navy PSB with inverted perforations
2911.4 - 2nd class counter sheet
This is the fourth new Machin definitive to appear this year. All are available on our shop.
2931R.2W - 2nd class coil 10,000 printed by Walsall - M12L MRIL
4002P.3E - 2p From Classic Locomotives of the UK prestige stamp book M13L MPIL
4005P.3F - 5p ditto. 4005P.3E was in the Merchant Navy PSB with inverted perforations
2911.4 - 2nd class counter sheet
Monday, 17 March 2014
ROYAL MAIL'S FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME TO COMMEMORATE THE GREAT WAR
Royal Mail will issue a landmark series of Special Stamps each year from 2014 to 2018 to commemorate the Great War. The set will feature 30 stamps, with six being produced each year. The first set of stamps will be issued in July this year.
From Press Release
"The stamp range will provide a wide-ranging and inclusive commemoration. Themes that will be covered during the five years include:
-
How artists, including writers and painters, interpreted the events
-
The role of non-combatants and civilians
-
The role of the Services
-
The role of women
-
The contribution of the Commonwealth"
These are the stamps that will be issued on 28 July 2014
For this issue a new 1st class Poppy stamp, designed by Fiona Strickland, has been commissioned by Royal Mail Group Ltd © 2014. The other stamps show:
Poetry: ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon, September 1914
Portraits: Private William Cecil Tickle, 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment
War Art: A Star Shell by Christopher Richard Wynne Nevinson, 1916
Remembrance Memorials: The Response, Newcastle, sculpted by Sir William Goscombe John RA Artefacts: Princess Mary’s Gift Fund box
The stamp issue consists of a set of 6 stamps and a prestige stamp book containing the six stamps and two definitive panes. The usual stamp cards, first day covers and presentation pack will also be issued, along with a Coin Cover. More details will be on our website later. See the full Press Release here.
UPDATE 18 August 2014
The pictorial stamps issued in sheets have two phosphor bands except for the 'Starburst' painting and 'We Will Remember Them' poetry stamps which are all-over phosphor. We now know that all 6 pictorial stamps in the PSB have all-over phosphor which means that at least 4 will have a separate listing in some catalogues. They are certainly different stamps and we have them in stock now.
Full details, including ultra-violet pictures, on our website.
List of Post Offices with NCR Post and Go machines
By popular request part of the blog will list Post Office branches which have NCR Post and Go machines, as they are reported to me. Only comments which refer to this, the date that the machines went live, or content of the machines will be published on this post.
All reports so far which have mentioned machine/kiosk numbers show machines are numbered 67, 68, 69 etc. Number 67 has been described as a 'master', with the others all 'slaves'.
Note: as the NCR machines are being installed all over the country, with some speed, I can no longer keep the table up to date, but will continue to accept comments about new locations. Note that the Spring Blooms stamps are also appearing in NCR machines.
UPDATE 1 June 2014: A new list of NCR branches, provided by Post Office Ltd, can be found here. The list has not be checked against information we already have and no start dates are shown. That list will be updated with extra information as received and all future comments may be made there.
(1) Dalston
22.3.14 - According to Malcolm (see commnets)
"Sydenham, Poplar and S Woodford all have building work progressing with S Woodford probably closest to finishing with kiosks due next week with no promises according to the staff there" - see above
I was told several weeks ago that Truro is undergoing a refit, so that may be the first in the SW.
[2] Muswell Hill and Hoddesdon
All reports so far which have mentioned machine/kiosk numbers show machines are numbered 67, 68, 69 etc. Number 67 has been described as a 'master', with the others all 'slaves'.
Note: as the NCR machines are being installed all over the country, with some speed, I can no longer keep the table up to date, but will continue to accept comments about new locations. Note that the Spring Blooms stamps are also appearing in NCR machines.
UPDATE 1 June 2014: A new list of NCR branches, provided by Post Office Ltd, can be found here. The list has not be checked against information we already have and no start dates are shown. That list will be updated with extra information as received and all future comments may be made there.
Number
|
Location
|
Live
|
Comment and date
|
|
| 008033 | Harpenden, Herts | 28.2.14 | 2nd class MA12 in RH m/c; MA13 in LH | 22.3.14 |
| 004134 | Leighton Buzzard Beds | 13.3.14 | 1st and 2nd both MA13 in m/c 68 | 13.3.14 |
| Grantham, Lincs | - | No details available | - | |
| 013004 | Muswell Hill, London | 14.3.14 | 2nd #67 MA12, #68 MA13, 1st class MA13 in both | - |
| 005226 | Kettering Northants | 11.3.14 | 1st MA13; 2nd MA12 in 67, MA13 in 68 | - |
| 008523 | Stroud, Glos | 21.3.14 | 3 machines all MA13 | - |
| 015523 | Cirencester, Glos | 26.3.14 | - | - |
| 013002 | Kingsland High St, Dalston [1] | - | 2nd class MA12 | 17/3/14 |
| 037005 | Hoddesdon, Herts [2] | 21.3.14 | Started 1st MA13, 2nd MA12 | - |
| - | - | - | 2nd MA13 in #68 | 26.3.14 |
| 025007 | Sydenham | 24.3.14 | 1st and 2nd both #67 and #68 | |
| 018002 | Poplar | - | Due to go live 26/3 but awaiting delivery of machines and Horizon terminal | - |
| - | South Woodford | - | Awaiting delivery | - |
| - | Walthamstow Central | - | Two machines installed, staff awaiting training | - |
| 023201 | Harborne, Birmingham | 27/3/14 | 2nd MA12, 1st MA13 in both machines | - |
| - | Banbury | - | Expected 4/4/14 2 machines | - |
| - | Bracknell | - | 'Soon' - new PAG office | - |
| - | Plymouth | - | 3 before the end of April | - |
| - | Eastcheap | Five machines, 67 - 71 All MA13 |
- | |
| - | King Street, Action | 3 machines all MA13 | - | |
| 008113 | Cambridge | 3 installed by 22 April. Date to be confirmed. | Cambridge City, 57-58 St Andrew Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3BZ | |
| - | Harlow | 2 machines now installed | - | |
| 006504 025511 002006 017937 012137 017907 010941 004900 ? |
Trowbridge Nailsea Acton Bognor Banbury Eastbourne Faversham Camberley Stockport |
10 April 9 April 7 April 8 April 4 April 9 April 7 April 4 April ? |
2 machines 2 machines 3 machines 3 machines 2 machines ? 2 machines ? 3 machines |
- |
| 002820 | Dundee | 11 April | ? MA13 | - |
| - | Oldham | 4 April | 2 machines | - |
| - | Dartford | n/k | 3 machines | - |
(1) Dalston
22.3.14 - According to Malcolm (see commnets)
"Sydenham, Poplar and S Woodford all have building work progressing with S Woodford probably closest to finishing with kiosks due next week with no promises according to the staff there" - see above
I was told several weeks ago that Truro is undergoing a refit, so that may be the first in the SW.
[2] Muswell Hill and Hoddesdon
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
British Postmark Bulletin 7 March
A number of people have emailed about discrepancies between the postmark reference numbers shown on our website and as in the printed version of the Bulletin sent out this week. The Bulletin was printed from an early proof in error. The numbers on our website, taken from an email sent by Royal Mail last Friday, are correct.
I don't know whether a new version of the Bulletin is being posted.
I understand that a reprint was mailed to subscribers.
I understand that a reprint was mailed to subscribers.
NCR Post and Go - what do collectors want?
When they were first introduced Post and Go machines had two primary functions: dispensing stamps in fixed 'values' (or service indicators) for customers to take away and use later; and dispensing labels for immediate posting of letters and packages to inland and international destinations. The latter could be of various weights and values.
Post and Go Stamps (as designated by Royal Mail) were pictorial with, first, the Machin head and later a selection of birds, farm animals, etc, with which most collectors are familiar.
Post and Go Labels (the ones for immediate posting) were printed on non-pictorial labels, the design of which has changed over time.
The variable data shows the weight, price, and in some cases part of the UK postcode, as well as the Post and Go data string, and a 'Post By' date.
Now, with the introduction of the new range of NCR Post and Go machines at Harpenden the system has changed, so collectors face a dilemma. No more white labels means that the 'Post and Go Label' data is now printed on what until now we have known as Faststamps, as 'Open Value' labels.
Here are examples taken from eBay sellers. On the left, the conventional Collectors Set of Faststamps with the 6 current 'values'; on the right and below, examples of the traditional 'Label' data printed on Open Value Machin heads - a basic set of 1st and 2nd class inland standard (L) and large letters (LG) and a 28g Airmail letter costing £1.88.
Somebody suggested to me that Collectors will no longer want the Faststamps, but will collect different 'Open Value' labels.
But the number of different Open Value LABELS is enormous, taking account of weight (including parcel rates), destination and special services such as Royal Mail Signed For, Special Delivery 1pm, Special Delivery 9am, Special Delivery Saturday Guarantee, Airsure, International Signed For, etc. The cost of the most expensive single label must be approaching £30 at current rates, maybe higher.
So where does the collector stop (or even start)? Some say the 'Collectors Set' should not be the traditional set of 6 values (2 for 2nd class), but a representative set of 6 'Open Value' labels. But what constitutes a 'representative set' ? When I posed this question, I was told that they should be the same as on the Faststamps, but Open Values - ie
1st class|| 1st Large || Europe 20g|| World 10g || World 20g || World 40g
1L £0.60 || 1LG £0.90 || A £0.88 || A £0.88 || A £1.28 || A £1.88
But - apart from the fact that this (at current rates) would produce two labels with the same value - why have 3 extra airmail labels? Maybe more representative would be a set with 1st, 1st Large, 1st RMSF, Special Delivery, Airmail - that's 6. But which Airmail? To have Worldwide as well as Europe would need one more - but International Signed, Tracked, and Signed and Tracked, and Surface would need another 4.... and so it goes on.
I think these should all be collected as postal history - on cover - but how will you collect them?
Suggestions please!!
Update 14 March 2014: Here's my latest one and the observant will see that it has a different branch code. This one is from Leighton Buzzard
From the comments (anonymous - thank you)
"there are three other Post Offices which have NCR machines, Grantham, Kettering and Muswell Hill (in London)"
Post and Go Stamps (as designated by Royal Mail) were pictorial with, first, the Machin head and later a selection of birds, farm animals, etc, with which most collectors are familiar.
Post and Go Labels (the ones for immediate posting) were printed on non-pictorial labels, the design of which has changed over time.
The variable data shows the weight, price, and in some cases part of the UK postcode, as well as the Post and Go data string, and a 'Post By' date.
Now, with the introduction of the new range of NCR Post and Go machines at Harpenden the system has changed, so collectors face a dilemma. No more white labels means that the 'Post and Go Label' data is now printed on what until now we have known as Faststamps, as 'Open Value' labels.
Here are examples taken from eBay sellers. On the left, the conventional Collectors Set of Faststamps with the 6 current 'values'; on the right and below, examples of the traditional 'Label' data printed on Open Value Machin heads - a basic set of 1st and 2nd class inland standard (L) and large letters (LG) and a 28g Airmail letter costing £1.88.
Somebody suggested to me that Collectors will no longer want the Faststamps, but will collect different 'Open Value' labels.
But the number of different Open Value LABELS is enormous, taking account of weight (including parcel rates), destination and special services such as Royal Mail Signed For, Special Delivery 1pm, Special Delivery 9am, Special Delivery Saturday Guarantee, Airsure, International Signed For, etc. The cost of the most expensive single label must be approaching £30 at current rates, maybe higher.
So where does the collector stop (or even start)? Some say the 'Collectors Set' should not be the traditional set of 6 values (2 for 2nd class), but a representative set of 6 'Open Value' labels. But what constitutes a 'representative set' ? When I posed this question, I was told that they should be the same as on the Faststamps, but Open Values - ie
1st class|| 1st Large || Europe 20g|| World 10g || World 20g || World 40g
1L £0.60 || 1LG £0.90 || A £0.88 || A £0.88 || A £1.28 || A £1.88
But - apart from the fact that this (at current rates) would produce two labels with the same value - why have 3 extra airmail labels? Maybe more representative would be a set with 1st, 1st Large, 1st RMSF, Special Delivery, Airmail - that's 6. But which Airmail? To have Worldwide as well as Europe would need one more - but International Signed, Tracked, and Signed and Tracked, and Surface would need another 4.... and so it goes on.
I think these should all be collected as postal history - on cover - but how will you collect them?
Suggestions please!!
Update 14 March 2014: Here's my latest one and the observant will see that it has a different branch code. This one is from Leighton Buzzard
From the comments (anonymous - thank you)
"there are three other Post Offices which have NCR machines, Grantham, Kettering and Muswell Hill (in London)"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
