Latest Discoveries (archive) |
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The Post & Go 'Remembrance' Poppy label was reintroduced on 24th October 2016. Post Offices, in the main, seem to have new stock with the Year Code MAI6. However, in a number of instances, Royal Mail Series II machines seem to be using old stock with the Year Code MAI5.
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Poppy MAI6
(ex NCR)
|
Poppy The Postal Museum MAI5
|
Changes to Booklet and Business Sheet covers in conjunction with a change in Royal Mail corporate livery were issued on 20th October 2016. The change involves the use of a new typeface family called 'Chevin'. The 1st Class NVI colour Royal Mail Red has been reformulated and now appears in a noticably darker shade (this applies to both covers and stamps).
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An upgrade to the Post Office Post & Go NCR Machine network is being rolled in the course of the coming months. Machines will be installed with a third printer that will vend a new style of Open Value label (similar to the present large Horizon Labels). These new larger labels have a hidden date code MAI6 which occurs just behind the band of the Queens diadem. They don't carry phosphor bands and don't have die cut perforations. These new style of Open Value labels are vended for items over 100g. The first five offices to start providing these new labels came on-line on 20th September 2016.
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2nd Class Large Letter
|
1st Class Large Letter
|
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Year Code MAI6
|
The Postal Museum Post & Go RM Series II machine has a new overprint running between 14th September and 11th November 2016. The additional text is 'King Edward VIII 1936' with an odd crude Logo (80th anniversary of the issue of the King Edward VIII 1d). The overprint applies to both second and first class Machin labels.
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Autumn Stampex (14th - 17th September 2016) had Post & Go RM Series II machines vending the Poppy Label with 'The Battle of the Somme' and Tank Logo overprint.
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The Battle of the Somme - year code MAI5
|
The Post & Go Machin label in Bright Blue (Cyan) has been printed for the year 2016. The wavyline text has been changed so that the large lines of text that were the repeating 'ROYAL MAIL' strap are now '2nd CLASS' (this was first used for the Winter Fur and Feathers issue in 2015). The hidden year code is now in the form CL16S and is located in a central position opposite the Queens eyeline.
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New printings of the 2nd Class NVI England and 1st Class NVI Scotland definitives were made on 19/05/16. The Scotland design now uses only four plates - the Queens Head and Value Tablet is now a grey colour (these were silver previously).
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England 2nd NVI
|
Scotland 1st NVI
|
The new design of Horizon label was issued late in 2015. These were in a yellowish brown colour similar to the Post & Go labels with the hidden code MAI5. Apparently, the printers had used an incorrect Pantone colour for these and the 2016 printings have reverted back to the spec colour of olive brown.
Horizon Label - upper portion
|
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Yellowish Brown 2015
|
Olive Brown 2016
|
A new printing of the 2nd Class NVI Scottish Saltire Flag design has appeared. This was from a new Plate layout which provides a grid box with four positions. A printing date of 23/02/16 has been recorded for this new combination. Interestingly, only four ink colours have been used so that the Head and Value Tablet now appears grey (previously these had been printed with an additional silver plate).
A Special Limited Edition of the Prestige Booklet was available priced at £59.99. This had a Silver and Gold cover and each booklet was numbered (only 1926 were produced). Pane 3 had the central label produced in gold foil.
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Standard Premium Prestige Booklet
|
Special Limited Edition Prestige Booklet
|
Royal Mail Heritage Transport Post & Go labels were issued on 17th February 2016 for The Postal Museum Post & Go machine. The six designs depict a Post Boy (on horseback) 1640's, Mail Coach 1790's, Falmouth Packet Ship 1920’s, Travelling Post Office 1890’s, Airmail 1930's and Royal Mail Minivan 1970's. In a change, the usual six tariff rates were not available just one value - the '1st class to 100g'.
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Heritage Transport Post & Go Label
|
On the same day a software modification was made that affected the Machin design labels. This was the left justification of the Museum Logo (originally, the Logo was indented).
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Original Logo position - indented
|
Revised Logo position - left justified
|
Royal Mail Heritage Transport were issued on 17th February 2016 for Post & Go machines. The six designs depict a Post Boy (on horseback) 1640's, Mail Coach 1790's, Falmouth Packet Ship 1920’s, Travelling Post Office 1890’s, Airmail 1930's and Royal Mail Minivan 1970's. The year code is MAI6. Additionally, the Travelling Post Office 1890's - Locomotive design was produced by Walsall in Digitally Printed single design rolls (as the Sea Travel - Hong Kong design last year). Again, the phosphor was printed in gravure over the complete pictorial portion on the label.
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Gravure Post & Go Label
|
Digital Print Post & Go Label
|
Spring Stampex was held between 17th and 20th February 2016. An exhibition overprint was available on the Post & Go Machin design vended on RM Series II machines. The additional text included '500 Years of Royal Mail'. These occurred with hidden year codes MAIL and MAI3.
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
1p | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
May 2016 | ||
2p |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Feb 2016 | |||
5p |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Jul 2016 | |||
10p |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Feb 2016 | |||
20p |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
May 2016 | |||
£1 |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |||
£1.05 |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
22 Mar 2016 | |||
£1.33 |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Feb 2016 | |||
£2.25 |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Dec 2016 | |||
2nd | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
14 Sep 2016 | ||
1st Amethyst Purple |
REIGN
|
OI6R
|
Feb 2016 | |||
1st RM Red |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Aug 2016 | |||
2nd Large |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Feb 2016 | |||
1st Large |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |||
1st RMSF |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
10 Oct 2016 | |||
1st Large RMSF |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |||
SD 100g |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
10 Oct 2016 | |||
SD 500g |
MAIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |||
2nd | Business Sheets # | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Mar 2016 | |
1st RM Red | Business Sheets # | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |
2nd L | Business Sheets # | 50x2nd L |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |
1st L | Business Sheets # | 50x1st L |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Jul 2016 | |
1st Amethyst Purple | Booklet # | 6x1st |
REIGS
|
OI6R
|
Mar 2016 | |
1st RM Red | Booklet # | 6x1st |
MSIL
|
MI6L
|
28 Jul 2016 | |
1st RM Red | Booklet # | 4x1st, 2x1st |
MCIL
|
MI6L
|
20 Oct 2016 | |
1st Amethyst Purple | Booklet # | 4x1st, 2x1st |
REIGC
|
OI6R
|
21 Apr 2016 | |
2nd | Booklet # | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI6L
|
30 Mar 2016 | |
1st RM Red | Booklet # | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI6L
|
Mar 2016 | |
2nd L | Booklet # | 4x2nd Large |
MFIL
|
MI6L
|
Jul 2016 | |
1st L | Booklet # | 4x1st Large |
MFIL
|
MI6L
|
May 2016 | |
# These are printed with the new 'ROYAL MAIL' wavyline text in substrate |
Gravure/Litho - Normal Gum Issues
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
Gravure | ||||||
Litho | ||||||
2p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI6L
|
Windsor Castle | |
5p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI6L
|
Beatrix Potter | |
10p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI6L
|
Beatrix Potter | |
£1.05 | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI6L
|
Beatrix Potter | |
1st RM Red | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI6L
|
HM The Queen's 90th | |
1st Amethyst Purple | PSB | Mixed |
REIGP
|
OI6R
|
HM The Queen's 90th |
From the 1st February 2016 the British Postal Museum and Archive (BPMA) became 'The Postal Museum' as part of the build up to the opening of the new Museum in 2017. The Post and Go Machine labels were modified from that date to include the new name and the introduction of the Museums new logo. The designs are the Machin (with small logo), Union Flag and Heraldic Beast - Lion (large logo).
The Postal Museum
| |
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2nd Class Machin with year code MAI2
|
Machin with year code MAI3
|
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Union Flag with NO year code
|
Heraldic Beast with year code MAI5
|
The use of a new self adhesive substrate with additional security feature started to appear in January 2016. This takes the form of the 'ROYAL MAIL' wavy line text under the stamps - on the carrier paper. Initially, this was found on second class NVI Business Sheets ( 'MBIL' and 'MI5L'), however, the feature will be extended across the product range as new printings are produced. Counter sheets will not have this feature until mid 2016.
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New Self Adhesive Substrate with 'ROYAL MAIL' on carrier
paper
|
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
2nd | Business Sheet | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MI5L
|
Jan 2016 | |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Mar 2016 | ||||
1st RM Red | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MI5L
|
Feb 2016 | |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | ||||
2nd L | Business Sheet | 50x2nd L |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Apr 2016 | |
1st L | Business Sheet | 50x1st L |
MBIL
|
MAI5
|
May 2016 | |
MBIL
|
MI6L
|
Jul 2016 | ||||
2nd | Booklet | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI5L
|
6th Feb 2016 | |
MTIL
|
MI6L
|
30 Mar 2016 | ||||
1st Amethyst Purple | Booklet | 6x1st |
REIGS
|
OI5R
|
Feb 2016 | |
REIGS
|
OI6R
|
Mar 2016 | ||||
1st RM Red | Booklet | 6x1st |
MSIL
|
MI6L
|
28 Jul 2016 | |
1st Amethyst Purple | Booklet | 4x1st, 2x1st |
REIGC
|
OI6R
|
21 Apr 2016 | |
1st RM Red | Booklet | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI5L
|
Feb 2016 | |
MTIL
|
MI6L
|
Mar 2016 | ||||
2nd Large | Booklet | 4x2nd L |
MFIL
|
MI6L
|
Jul 2016 | |
1st Large | Booklet | 4x1st L |
MFIL
|
MAI5
|
6th Feb 2016 | |
MFIL
|
MI6L
|
May 2016 | ||||
Used versions of the 2nd NVI with the codes 'MRIL' and 'MI5L' started to appear in November 2015. These came from Large User Rolls of 10,000 used by bulk mailers. Mint versions came available in January 2016 and come on a pale greyish carrier with the reverse side numbered every tenth stamp.
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2nd NVI ex 10,000 rolls with
codes 'MRIL'
and 'MI5L'
|
The Machin head Post & Go labels with hidden year code MAI5 started to appear in December 2015. The colour of these is more of a yellowish brown colour whereas, the colour previously was more olive brown. Apparently, this was a deviation from the standard and subsequent printings will revert to the standard colour.
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Machin Head MAI4
|
Machin Head MAI5
|
A reprint of the year code MAI4 version must have occurred as they can also be found in the yellowish brown shade.
Royal Mail attended the 31st Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Hong Kong between 20th and 23rd November 2015. Two RM Series II Post & Go Machines were at the venue and Union Flag and Sea Travel - Hong Kong labels were vended with an overprint including 'Hong Kong November 2015'. In respect of the Sea Travel - Hong Kong label, these were from single design rolls. As only small quantities were required the base stock was digital printed by Walsall rather than in gravure - this was the first time this printing method had been employed by Royal Mail. The difference can be best seen by studying the wavyline 'ROYAL MAIL' text - the gravure print is much cleaner and crisper. Interestingly, the phosphor was printed in gravure over the complete pictorial portion on the label. Tallents House supplied version with code line beginning 'BNGB15'.
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Gravure Post & Go Label
|
Digital Print Post & Go Label
|
Post & Go labels for the Christmas period went on sale on 16th November 2015. These took the theme 'Winter Fur and Feathers'. As last year, two different designs were for the second class rates (the Mountain Hare and Redwing) and another two different designs for the first class rates (the Red Fox and Red Squirrel). In the case of the two second class designs, the background wavyline text includes lines of 'ROYAL MAIL' and lines with '2nd CLASS' and this line contains the year code CLI5S.
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2nd Class Winter Fur & Feathers
|
Europe rates Winter Fur &
Feathers
|
The Poppy design was re-issued on 19th October 2015 with year code MAI5 across the Post Office network of Post & Go machines. These were also available from RM Series II Post & Go machines at Enquiry Offices.
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Post Office - NCR
|
Enquiry Office - RM Series II
|
Autumn Stampex between 16th and 19th September 2015 had the now usual array of RM Series II Post & Go machines. The Machin design (no year code) had the overprint with the additional text 'Queen Elizabeth II Longest Reign'.
To mark The Queen becoming the longest reigning monarch on the 9th September 2015 a number of products were issued to celebrate this event including 1st class Machin counter sheets, a minisheet and a retail booklet. The 1st class Machin stamps appear in a new colour namely 'Amethyst Purple' and as with the Diamond Jubilee issue of 2012 the value tablet is positioned lower. The iridescent overprint text carries the legend 'LONG TO REIGN OVER US' with a hidden year code 'OI5R' (this is just in front of the Queens neck; source codes are behind the Queens hair bun). The Rugby World Cup custom booklet, issued on 18th September 2015, has the Amethyst Purple Machin stamps also.
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Long to Reign Over Us minisheet
|
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Long to Reign Over Us Booklet pane
|
Value | Source | Printer |
Code
|
Year Code
|
Issue Date | |
1st | Sheet | De La Rue |
REIGN
|
OI5R
|
9th Sep 2015 | |
REIGN
|
OI6R
|
Feb 2016 | ||||
@£4.93 | Minisheet with 1st, 1st, 1st, £1.52, £1.52 |
RCM-FNMT |
REIGM
|
OI5R
|
9th Sep 2015 | |
6x1st | Booklet | Walsall |
REIGS
|
OI5R
|
9th Sep 2015 | |
REIGS
|
OI6R
|
Mar 2016 | ||||
6x1st | Rugby World Cup Booklet | Walsall |
REIGC
|
OI5R
|
18th Sep 15 |
A RM Series II Post & Go machine was operational at the Steam GWR Museum in Swindon from 25th August 2015 - the Post & Go labels carry the identifying strap 'STEAM GWR'. Initially, the machine will vend the Machin and Union Flag designs.
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Design | Variant | Issue Date | |
'Steam GWR' overprint | |||
Machin | with Europe and World 100g rates; year code MAI3 |
25th Aug 2015 | |
Union Flag | with Europe and World 100g rates; no year code |
25th Aug 2015 |
Singpex Stamp Exhibition was held in Singapore between 14th and 19th August 2015. Royal Mail attended with RM Series II Post & Go vending machines. The Machin and Union Flag Post & Go labels were vended with a special Singpex 2015 overprint. As with the PhilaKorea Exhibition last year, two versions were available, one at the exhibition in Singapore and the other from Tallents House (the Philatelic Bureau).
Singapore 2015 - World Stamp
Expo
Image - ex Singapore versions (the Tallents House printed labels used an office code B8GB15) |
|
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Machin - year code MAI3
|
Union Flag - no year code
|
Location | Design |
Year Code
|
Office Code
|
|
Singapore | Machin |
MAI3
|
B8SG15
|
|
Flag |
MAIL
|
B8SG15
|
||
Tallents Hse, UK. | Machin |
MAIL
|
B8GB15
|
|
Machin |
MAI3
|
B8GB15
|
||
Flag |
MAIL
|
B8GB15
|
A RM Series II Post & Go machine was operational at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport from 28th July 2015 - the Post & Go labels carry the identifying strap 'The RNSM'. Initially, the machine will vend the Machin and Union Flag designs.
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Design | Variant | Issue Date | |
'The RNSM' overprint | |||
Machin | with Europe and World 100g rates; year code MAI3 |
28th Jul 2015 | |
Union Flag | with Europe and World 100g rates; no year code |
28th Jul 2015 |
The new design of the Horizon label was introduced at Europhilex on the 13th May 2015. The label is the same size as the prevailing design as this is determined by the current type of printer. The design follows the Post & Go style with the main preprinted portion occupying the upper right. The security die cuts within the design area only exit in one short vertical column towards the right hand side (through the back of the Queens head and shoulder). The new design will be rolled out to the Post Office network later in the year.
These started to appear in the Post Office network during July 2015.
A number of Royal Mail Series II Post & Go machines were in operation at Europhilex 2015 held between 13th - 16th May 2015. These were vending Heraldic Beast and Union Flag designs both of which did not have a special exhibition overprint. In the case of the Machin design, however, these did have the addition of 'Europhilex London / Penny Black 175'.
Design |
Year Code
|
||
Machin (olive brown) |
MAIL
|
||
Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
The Essen Stamp Exhibition was held in Essen , Germany between 7th and 9th May 2015. Royal Mail attended the show with RM Series II Post & Go vending machines which vended the Machin and Union Flag Post & Go labels with special 'Messe Essen 7-9 May 2015' overprints.
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Design |
Year Code
|
||
Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
'Messe Essen 7-9 May 2015' overprint | |
Union Flag |
MAIL
|
'Messe Essen 7-9 May 2015' overprint |
A minisheet was issued on 6th May 2015 to mark the 175th Anniversary of the Penny Black. These were printed in litho by Cartor. During the Europhilex exhibition held between 13th - 16th May 2015, a special numbered exhibition version was available at the show.
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175th Anniversary of the Penny Black minisheet
|
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175th Anniversary of the Penny Black 'Europhilex'
overprint minisheet
|
The BPMA will be marking the 175th Anniversary of the Penny Black issue. As well as a small exhibition, the RM Series II Post & Go machine at the museum will be vending a special overprint between the 6th May 2015 and 7th August 2015. The overprint will be applied to the Machin design only (second and first class NVI rates) and includes 'The BPMA - Penny Black 175' text beside a Maltese Cross graphic.
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with year code MAI3
|
with year code MAI3
|
The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton became the latest site to have a static RM Series II Post & Go machine. This was operational from the 14th April 2015 - the Post & Go labels carry the identifying strap 'The FAAM'.
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Machin 'The FAAM ' (MAI3)
|
Union Flag 'The FAAM'
|
Series | Designs |
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Machin | Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
14 Apr 2015 | |
Flag | Union Flag |
MAIL
|
14 Apr 2015 |
New Tariff Rates came into effect on 30th March 2015. In the case of Post & Go, the Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g rates were dropped and replaced by Europe 100g and Worldwide 100g rates. The following have been reported (Wincor machines have now been withdrawn) :-
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Europe 100g (year code MAI3)
|
Working Sail - Worldwide 100g
|
Series | Designs |
Machine
|
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Definitives | Machin |
NCR
|
MAIL
|
Apr 2015 | |
Definitives | Machin |
NCR
|
MAI3
|
30/03/15 | |
Definitives | Machin |
RM Series II
|
MAI3
|
30/03/15 | |
Definitives | Machin |
NCR
|
MAI4
|
30/03/15 | |
Definitives | Union Flag |
NCR
|
MAIL
|
Apr 2015 | |
Definitives | Union Flag |
RM Series II
|
MAIL
|
13/05/15 | |
Birds IV | Seabirds |
NCR
|
MAIL
|
? | |
Christmas | Robins |
NCR
|
MAI3
|
? | |
British Flowers | Spring Blooms |
NCR
|
MAI4
|
30/03/15 | |
British Flowers | Symbolic Flowers |
NCR
|
MAI4
|
Apr 2015 | |
British Flowers | Winter Greenery |
NCR
|
MAI4
|
Apr 2015 | |
Remembrance | Poppy |
NCR
|
MAI4
|
30/03/15 | |
2015 Issues | Working Sail |
NCR
|
MAI5
|
30/03/15 | |
2015 Issues | Heraldic Beasts |
NCR
|
MAI5
|
13/05/15 | |
2015 Issues | Heraldic Beasts |
RM Series II
|
MAI5
|
13/05/15 | |
A new Open Value group was also introduced for International Services - this covers the Large Letter category and has a code 'A' and text Lg Letter.
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
1p | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Mar 2015 | ||
2p |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
5p |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
10p |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Jun 2015 | |||
20p |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
£1 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Mar 2015 | |||
£1.33 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
26/01/15 *1 | |||
£1.52 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
15/01/15 *1 | |||
£2.25 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
14/01/15 *1 | |||
£2.45 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
16/01/15 *1 | |||
£3.15 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
19/01/15 *1 | |||
£3.30 |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
19/01/15 *1 | |||
2nd | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Mar 2015 | ||
1st Red |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
1st Amethyst Purple |
REIGN
|
OI5R
|
9th Sep 2015 | |||
2nd Large |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
1st Large |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
1st RMSF |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Mar 2015 | |||
1st Large RMSF |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Mar 2015 | |||
SD 100g |
MAIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |||
2nd | Business Sheet | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MI5L
|
Mar 2015 | |
1st Red | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |
2nd Large | Business Sheet | 50x2nd Large |
MBIL
|
MAI5
|
Apr 2015 | |
1st Large | Business Sheet | 50x1st Large |
MBIL
|
MAI5
|
May 2015 | |
2nd | Booklet | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI5L
|
Apr 2015 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 4x1st, 2x1st |
MCIL
|
MI5L
|
6 Jan 2015 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 6x1st |
MSIL
|
MI5L
|
Jun 2015 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI5L
|
May ?/Aug 2015 | |
1st Amethyst Purple | Booklet | 6x1st |
REIGS
|
OI5R
|
9 Sep 2015 | |
1st Amethyst Purple | Booklet | 4x1st, 2x1st |
REIGC
|
OI5R
|
18 Sep 2015 | |
2nd Large | Booklet | 4x2nd L |
MFIL
|
MAI5
|
Sep 2015 | |
1st Large | Booklet | 4x1st L |
MFIL
|
MAI5
|
Mar 2015 | |
2nd | Coils |
MRIL
|
MI5L
|
Nov 2015 used only |
||
*1 : Date of printing |
Gravure/Litho - Normal Gum Issues
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
Gravure | ||||||
1st Amethyst Purple | Minisheet |
REIGM
|
OI5R
|
Long to Reign | ||
Litho | ||||||
1p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI5L
|
Great War 1915 | |
5p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI5L
|
Great War 1915 | |
10p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI5L
|
Waterloo | |
50p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI5L
|
Waterloo | |
£1 | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI5L
|
Waterloo | |
£1.33 | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI5L
|
Great War 1915 |
The 81p value from the Machin pane in the Inventive Britain prestige stamp booklet has been printed in an incorrect colour, It should be the prevailing colour of 'holly green', however, it uses the sea green / turquoise green colour (used previously on 20p, 47p, 64p, 81p (1st April 2008) and 68p values).
![]() |
|
Inventive Britain - Machin Pane
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
81p ex Inventive Britain Pane
|
81p Standard Colour ex sheet
|
Spring Stampex was held between 18th and 21st February 2015. The RM Series II Post & Go machines at the show were vending Working Sail, Machin and Union Flag labels (Guernsey Post and Jersey Post labels were available also). Originally, the Machin labels were to include a 'Stampex' overprint strap, however, this was changed so that only the Union Flag labels carried the 'Spring Stampex February 2015' overprint. The Machin labels were found both without year code and year code MAI3.
![]() |
Union Flag - Spring Stampex February 2015
No year code from RM Series II machines |
The BPMA will be marking the birth bicentenary of Anthony Trollope - the pillar box pioneer and novelist. In this conjunction, the RM Series II Post & Go machine at the museum will be vending a special overprint between the 18th February 2015 and 30th April 2015. The overprint will be applied to the Machin design only (second and first class NVI rates) and includes 'The BPMA - Trollope 200' text beside a pillar box graphic.
![]() |
![]() |
with year code MAI2
|
with year code MAI3
|
Two RM Series II machines were in operation at Crewe and Bradford North Enquiry Offices from December 2014. On 9th February 2014 these machines were replaced by two 'new' machines which are to be trialled for a six month period. These are still the basic RM Series II machine but include a Barcode reader. Additionally, software options allow customers to pay Postage Due and Customs Duty charges. Of note, the Post & Go labels carried Crewe or Bradford N(orth) strap lines below the tariff rate (this was removed with the tariff rate change on 30th March 2015). Additionally, the bottom code line has the first block starting with the letter 'C' and the second block starting with the letter 'M'.
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![]() |
Label ex 'Crewe' machine (MAI3)
|
Normal RM Series II Label
|
Series | Designs |
Office
|
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Machin | Machin (bright blue) |
Crewe
|
MAI2
|
9 Feb 2015 | |
Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
9 Feb 2015 | |||
|
|||||
Machin (bright blue) |
Bradford N
|
MAI2
|
9 Feb 2015 | ||
Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
9 Feb 2015 |
The Royal Marines Museum in Southsea became the third site to have a static RM Series II Post & Go machine. This was operational from the 13th January 2015 - the Post & Go labels carry the identifying strap 'The RMM'.
![]() |
![]() |
Machin 'The RMM ' (MAI3)
|
Union Flag 'The RMM'
|
Series | Designs |
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Machin | Machin (olive brown) |
MAIL
|
13 Jan 2015 | |
Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
Jan 2015 | ||
Flag | Union Flag |
MAIL
|
13 Jan 2015 | |
The Wincor Post & Go Machines have had a belated software upgrade to fix the tariff rate from 'Europe 20g' to 'Euro 20g / World 10g'. In doing so, the typeface uses the wrong size giving Large text (as was used for the original Post & Go labels). Those recorded so far include : -
Euro 20g / World 10g Rate
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
Wincor (Oct 2014)
|
NCR (available since Jun 2014)
|
Series | Designs |
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Machin | Machin (olive brown) |
MAIL
|
20th Oct 2014 | |
Machin (olive brown) |
MAI3
|
Nov 2014 | ||
Flag | Union Flag |
MAIL
|
Oct 2014 | |
Christmas | Robins |
MAI2
|
Nov 2014 | |
Farm Animals | Sheep |
MAIL
|
Oct 2014 | |
Pigs |
MAIL
|
Oct 2014 | ||
Cattle |
MAIL
|
Oct 2014 | ||
Freshwater Life | Lakes |
MAIL
|
Oct 2014 | |
Rivers |
MAIL
|
Oct 2014 | ||
British Flowers | Spring Blooms |
MAI4
|
Oct 2014 | |
Symbolic Flowers |
MAI4
|
Oct 2014 |
The BPMA RM Series II Post & Go machine has had an addition printing unit attached giving the system the ability to print from four different rolls. From 21st October 2014 the four labels being vended included the following (note : the change in text size and the repositioning of 'The BPMA') :-
![]() |
![]() |
Machin (Oct 2014)
|
Machin (28th April 2014)
|
Label Designs |
Year Code
|
Comments | |
Machin (olive brown) |
MAIL
|
The BPMA; 'Inland Airmail' removed |
|
Union Flag |
MAIL
|
The BPMA | |
|
|||
Poppy |
MAI4
|
The BPMA | |
Machin (cyan /blue) |
MAI2
|
The BPMA; First time without 'Inland Airmail' |
The Royal Navy Museum (NMRM) RM Series II Post & Go machine vended two new label variants from 21st October 2014 : -
![]() |
![]() |
The NMRN - Trafalgar Day
|
The NMRN - Remembrance
|
Series | Designs |
Year Code
|
Special text | |
Flag | Union Flag |
MAIL
|
Trafalgar Day | |
British Flowers | Poppies |
MAI4
|
Remembrance |
The Post & Go Machin design in Cyan / Bright Blue (for Second Class NVI rates) was found during September 2014 with the year code MAI4. Its appearance was from NCR machines reported on 22nd September 2014. The bulk of those found initially all seem to have the same interrupted phosphor band shift.
![]() |
![]() |
2nd Large with year code MAI4
|
year code MAI4
|
Post & Go British Flora II
- Symbolic Flowers
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
Euro 20g World 10g ex NCR
|
Stampex First World War Centenary
|
The second issue of the Post & Go British Flora series was issued on 17th September 2014. These can be found coming from all three machine types - namely Wincor, NCR and RM Series II.
Additionally, the Poppy design which has been produced in special single design rolls (to be generally available from 21st October 2014) was available at Autumn Stampex 2014 with a special overprint including the text 'First World War Centenary'.
The BPMA mark the '80th Anniversary of Inland Airmail' between 20th August and 20th October 2014 with a special overprint on their Post & Go machine. Labels carry a modified text including 'Inland Airmail 1934' plus an 'Inland Airmail' logo. The machine vends second class Machin labels (bright blue - year code MAI2) from one roll and first class Machin labels (olive brown - no year code 'MAIL' and year code MAI3 have been available) from the other. A second class collectors strip of six consisted of 3x2nd and 3x2nd Large was available for a few days only. Subsequently, the machine software was modified to vend just a strip two - 2nd and 2nd Large.
The BPMA Inland Airmail 1934
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
Second Class - MAI2
|
First Class - no year code
|
PhilaKorea Stamp Exhibition was held in Seoul, Korea between 7th and 12th August 2014. Royal Mail attended with RM Series II Post & Go vending machines. The Machin and Union Flag Post & Go labels were vended with a special PhilaKorea overprint. As with the Melbourne Exhibition last year, two versions were available, one at the exhibition in Seoul and the other from Tallents House (the Philatelic Bureau).
PhilaKorea 2014 - World Stamp
Expo
Images - ex Tallents House versions |
|
![]() |
![]() |
Machin - no year code
|
Union Flag - no year code
|
Location | Design |
Year Code
|
Office Code
|
|
Seoul, Korea | Machin |
MAIL
|
B8KR14
|
|
Machin |
MAI3
|
B8KR14
|
||
Flag |
MAIL
|
B8KR14
|
||
Tallents Hse, UK. | Machin |
MAIL
|
B8GB14
|
|
Machin |
MAI3
|
B8GB14
|
||
Flag |
MAIL
|
B8GB14
|
||
Flag |
MAI3
|
B8GB14
|
The latest Large User Roll printings are now available as mint versions from Tallents House (the Philatelic Bureau). These are self adhesive Walsall printings on a pale bluish grey backing / carrier paper. Every tenth stamp carries a number on the reverse.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
2nd - Year Code MI2L
|
with Number
|
1st - Year Code MI3L
|
Value |
Format
|
Source
|
Year
|
||
2nd |
10,000
|
MRIL
|
MI2L
|
Backing numbered * | |
1st RM Red |
MRIL
|
MI3L
|
Backing numbered | ||
Note : the 2nd NVI Walsall MI2L printing was originally available with the backing paper unnumbered throughout the roll. |
Minor changes to covers are being made to all Retail Booklets and Business Sheets from the 31st July 2014. The changes are to the STD code part of the telephone and text numbers :-
Retail Booklets (both codes for telephone and text numbers)
Business Sheets (code for text numbers ONLY)
![]() |
![]() |
ex 50x2nd Large
|
ex 50x1st Large
|
All these Retail Booklets and Business Sheets are still produced by Walsall carrying the FSC code C023216.
Format | Source |
Source Code
|
Year
|
|
6x1st RM Red | Retail Booklet |
MSIL
|
MI4L
|
|
12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI4L
|
||
12x1st RM Red |
MTIL
|
MI4L
|
||
4x2nd Large |
MFIL*
|
MAI4
|
||
4x1st Large RM Red |
MFIL*
|
MAI4
|
||
100x2nd | Business Sheet |
MBIL
|
MI4L
|
|
100x1st RM Red |
MBIL
|
MI4L
|
||
50x2nd Large |
MBIL*
|
MAI4
|
||
50x1st Large RM Red |
MBIL*
|
MAI4
|
||
The Source Code MBIL and MFIL is in the new position in front of front curl of Queens hair as per the other year code I4 printings. | ||||
A constant flaw can be found on the back cover of some
booklets (some plain / none cylinder booklets). This consists of three
yellow blobs of colour- see image below. Its confirmed on the 6x1st, 12x2nd,
12x1st, 4x2nd Large and 4x1st Large booklets. ![]() |
A permanent Post & Go RM Series II machine was installed at the Royal Navy Museum in the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth. The first day was the 28th July 2014 vending Machin and Union Flag labels (both labels without year codes). The labels include the overprint inscription - 'The NMRN'.
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![]() |
The NMRN Machin (no year code)
|
The NMRN Union Flag (no year code)
|
The York Stamp and Coin Fair was held on 18-19th July 2014. RM Series II Post & Go machines were vending Machin and Flag labels. This was the first time the new tariff rates - Euro 20g / World 10g, Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g appeared without a special overprint from these machines. The text 'World 10g' is no longer bold (as was the BPMA issue - see BPMA below) making it more like the NCR equivalent (see entries below). The Office Code Id was 'B7GB14'.
![]() |
![]() |
Machin (no year code)
|
Union Flag
|
Design |
No
Year |
Year
MAI3 |
||
Machin |
![]() |
![]() |
including Euro 20g / World 10g | |
Union Flag |
![]() |
x
|
including Euro 20g / World 10g |
A Philatelic Carrier Card / Collectors Pack containing Open Value Post & Go labels was issued on 7th July 2014. Five Open Values were in the pack namely : Second Class (2L), Second Class Large (2LG), First Class (1L), First Class Large (1LG) and Airmail (A). The first class labels (olive brown) have no year code and the second class (cyan) are MAI2. These labels mimic output from NCR machines but have in fact been produced as 'Specials' with office code 'B7GB14' and machine code 'C001' and transaction number 015 for all five labels - the print may not be produced by thermal printer. The pack is numbered 15 and was priced at £3.78
The Post & Go Machin design in Olive brown (for First Class NVI rates) was found during June 2014 with the year code MAI4. Its appearance was from NCR machines reported on 27th June 2014.
![]() |
![]() |
Worldwide 60g with year code
MAI4
|
year code MAI4
|
Post & Go NCR machines vending Pictorial labels with the 'Euro 20g / World 10g' rate are starting to appear using some of the older issues. The roll size for the NCR machine is larger than that for the Wincor machines and it was intended the old Wincor rolls would not be used on the new machines. However, it would seem that the roll size problem can be circumvented relatively easily.
![]() |
Euro 20g / World 10g Cattle
labels from NCR machines
|
Series | Designs |
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Machin | Machin olive brown |
MAIL
|
??? 2014 | |
Flag | Union Flag |
MAIL
|
Jul 2014 | |
Christmas | Robin |
MAI2
|
Jun 2014 | |
Robin |
MAI3
|
10 Jun 2014 | ||
Farm Animals | Cattle | 26 Jun 2014 | ||
Freshwater Life | Ponds | 25 Jun 2014 | ||
British Flowers | Spring Blooms |
MAI4
|
5 Jun 2014 |
Both the 2nd and 1st Large NVI values from counter sheets can be found with a missing 'L' from the word 'MAIL'. This occurs in the upper left corner just to the upper right of the value '2nd' or '1st'. The year code for these is MI4L.
Used examples of the 1st Royal Mail Red from Bulk Mailing companies have started to appear in June 2014. These carry the codes MRIL and MI3L. They were also found on letters sent out by Royal Mail to their shareholders - date stamped 11 Jun 14.
While it had been intended to drop the Worldwide 10g rate (this rate was not included on the 2014 Price Card - 'Our prices') Royal Mail have in fact retained the rate step with a price of 97p. This is the same as the Europe 20g rate. As a consequence, the Post & Go 'Europe 20g' label text will be modified to 'Euro 20g/World 10g'. This occurred for the BPMA machine on 28th April 2014 (this coincided with the change dropping the 'Postage Due 1914' tag).
![]() |
![]() |
It occurred on 5th June 2014 for NCR machines. Its believed the Wincor machines will not be modified.
![]() |
![]() |
As this 'Euro 20g / World 10g' rate change is unlikely to apply to the Wincor machines the host of previous series pictorial labels turning up is unlikely. This is because the NCR first class labels are wound onto a different larger size core which should prevent the previous issues being used in the NCR machine (this can, however, be circumvented). The Flowers - Spring Blooms is the current pictorial issue and the were produced by the printer in the large roll size.
Four new 97p values (same designs as for the 88p values) for each of the Country Pictorial definitive series were issued on 26th March 2014. The primary sheet had 8 panes of 25 with both the England and Scotland values assigned individual primary sheets, while the Northern Ireland and Wales values occupy the same primary sheet.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Oak Tree
|
Thistle
|
Linen
|
Daffodil
|
Value | Country | Design | Plate | Grid Positions |
97p | England | Oak Tree | pl C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 | All eight |
pl C1 C1 C1 C1 C2 | All eight | |||
97p | Scotland | Thistle | pl C1 C1 C1 C1 | All eight |
97p | N. Ireland | Linen | pl C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 | Left four (2x2) |
97p | Wales | Daffodil | pl C1 C1 C1 C1 | Right four (2x2) |
Now that the 2014 tariff rate changes have become effective we have the potential for any of the designs that have been issued since 2009 'popping up' with the new Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g rates. The following have been reported :-
Series | Designs |
Machine
|
Year Code
|
Reported | |
Definitives | Machin |
Wincor *
|
MAIL
|
31/03/14 | |
Definitives | Machin |
NCR
|
MAI3
|
31/03/14 | |
Definitives | Machin |
NCR
|
MAI4
|
27/06/14 | |
Definitives | Union Flag |
Wincor *
|
MAIL
|
31/03/14 | |
Birds I |
Wincor *
|
||||
Birds II |
Wincor *
|
Apr 2014 | |||
Birds III | Freshwater |
Wincor *
|
Apr 2014 | ||
Birds IV | Seabirds |
Wincor *
|
|||
Farm Animals | Sheep |
Wincor *
|
31/03/14 | ||
Pigs |
Wincor *
|
31/03/14 | |||
Cattle |
Wincor *
|
31/03/14 | |||
Freshwater Life | Ponds |
Wincor *
|
31/03/14 | ||
Lakes |
Wincor *
|
02/04/14 | |||
Rivers |
Wincor *
|
31/03/14 | |||
British Flowers | Spring Blooms |
Wincor *
|
MAI4
|
31/03/14 | |
Christmas | Robins |
Wincor *
|
MAI2
|
31/03/14 | |
Robins |
Wincor *
|
MAI3
|
|||
Note: the '60' of '60g' appears to be a smaller typeface from Wincor machines. |
New Open Value rates were also introduced including IS, IT and ITS for International services. From 5th June 2014, the 'Europe 20g' tariff rate was changed to 'Euro 20g / World 10g' on NCR Machines.
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
2p | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
Oct 2014 | ||
5p | Dec 2014 | |||||
10p | Apr 2014 | |||||
20p | Apr 2014 | |||||
81p |
|
16/01/14 *1 | ||||
97p | 17/01/14 *1 | |||||
£1 | Apr 2014 | |||||
£1.28 | Apr 2014 | |||||
£1.47 | 20/01/14 *1 | |||||
£2.15 | 21/01/14 *1 | |||||
2nd | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
22/01/14 *1 | ||
1st |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
Apr 2014 | |||
2nd Large |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
May 2014 | |||
1st Large |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
Apr 2014 | |||
SD 100g |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
Aug 2014 | |||
SD 500g |
MAIL
|
MI4L
|
Nov 2014 | |||
2nd | Business Sheet | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MI4L
|
Jul 2014 | |
1st | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MI4L
|
31 Jul 2014 | |
2nd Large | Business Sheet | 50x2nd L |
MBIL*2
|
MAI4
|
March 2014 | |
1st Large | Business Sheet | 50x1st L |
MBIL*2
|
MAI4
|
May 2014 | |
2nd | Booklet | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI4L
|
26 May 2014 | |
2nd Large | Booklet | 4x2nd L |
MFIL*2
|
MAI4
|
31 Jul 2014 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 4x1st, 2x1st |
MCIL
|
MI4L
|
15th Apr 14 | |
Booklet | 6x1st |
MSIL
|
MI4L
|
Jul 2014 | ||
Booklet | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI4L
|
March 2014 | ||
1st Large | Booklet | 4x1st L |
MFIL*2
|
MAI4
|
31 Jul 2014 | |
*1 : Date of printing | ||||||
*2 : The Source Code MBIL and MFIL has been repositioned to in front of front curl of Queens hair. |
Litho - Normal Gum Issues
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
1p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Inventive Britain | |
2p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Inventive Britain | |
10p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Buckingham | |
20p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Buckingham | |
81p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Inventive Britain | |
97p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Inventive Britain | |
£1 | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI4L
|
Buckingham | |
The Salisbury Stamp Show was held between 14-15th March 2014. RM Series II Post & Go machines were vending both the Machin and Union Flag labels (both were produced without and with date codes). This was the first appearance of the Machin RM Series II print with standard text (previously, they had 'Stampex 2014' overprint).
![]() |
![]() |
without year code
|
with year code MAI3
|
The first office to have the new NCR Post and Go machines became operational on 28th February 2014 at the Harpenden office in Hertfordshire. The main features include :-
![]() |
![]() |
'open value' second large letter
|
'open value' first class basic
letter
|
The typeface is broadly similar to that of the Wincor machines, however, the make-up of the bottom code line is different : -
![]() |
![]() |
Wincor Post & Go Machine
|
NCR Post & Go machine
|
Branch Office Id | Machine | Session No. | Transaction No. | Machine Supplier |
Six digits | One digit | Five digits | Two digits | Wincor - Nixdorf |
e.g 242007
1-05140-03
|
||||
Six digits | Two digits | Six digits | Two digits | NCR (2014) |
e.g 008033
68-000924-03
|
Spring Stampex was held between 19th and 22nd February 2014. A new Post & Go Machin label overprint was used for the exhibition, the text being 'Stampex 2014 19-22 February'. Both 'MAIL' (no year code) and MAI3 were vended during the show. The Post & Go machines at the show were new and these produced different coding on the bottom line, leading with the code block 'B2GB14' followed by the machine number ('A005' and 'A003' on the examples below), and then a four digit transaction number. These machines are known as RM Series II and are for exhibitions and special events only (Wincor Nixdorf machines in Post Offices will be replaced by NCR machines).
![]() |
![]() |
without year code
|
with year code MAI3
|
Also vended at the exhibition by RM Series II machines were the Union Flag (both no year code and MAI3) and Flowers Spring Blooms, both of which had the normal overprint (no 'Stampex 2014'). One RM Series II machine was vending Post & Go labels for Jersey Post with a Flag of Jersey design (these labels had Jersey tariff rates). This threw up another variant as the machine also vended the Union Flag which had a machine code 'J001'.
The Post & Go RM Series I machine at the BPMA is marking the anniversary of the introduction of the first Postage Due stamps with a new overprint - 'The BPMA Postage Due 1914'. These are available between 19th February and 5th April 2014. Both the Machin Head and Union Flag labels will carry the overprint. Additionally, 'MAIL' (no year code) and MAI3 have been vended for both designs. If you visit, its pot luck what rolls are loaded at any point in time.
![]() |
![]() |
without year code
|
with year code MAI3
|
Another version of the 2nd NVI Bright Blue from Large User Rolls has been discovered. These carry the codes MRIL and MI2L. Previously, these had been found with the year code MAI2 (ex Enschedé). Its believed that the new versions were printed by Walsall and that the 1st NVI Royal Mail Red was also produced, although not yet found. Mint versions of the 2nd NVI became available mid February 2014. The pale bluish grey backing / carrier paper does not carry numbers every tenth stamp (unlike the Enschedé versions).
During November 2013 two new Post & Go Labels were issued. The Robin pictorial label was used again for the Christmas period - new labels had the year code MAI3 (some offices still had last years stock with the year code MAI2) these were available from 5th November 2013. Also, the bright blue second class Machin Head label appeared with the year code MAI3. These were being vended from a travelling Post Office that was operating up until Christmas (see News 2013 page for details), these were first available on 20th November 2013.
![]() |
![]() |
Christmas - Robin MAI3
|
Second Class - Machin Head
MAI3
|
A new version of the 'Business Sheet' format was introduced for the Children's Christmas stamps on 5th November 2013. The sheets contained 25 (5x5) stamps arranged vertically, the sheet was concertina style giving three panels and no printing date or sheet serial number was on the reverse. The top panels show the standard product branding, Red Post Box (2nd) or Snowman (1st), FSC logo (C023216 - Walsall), Barcode and five stamps arranged vertically. Two sheets were produced, one 25x2nd and the other 25x1st. Between 2001 and 2005 the Christmas 'booklets' were concertina style units containing 24x2nd or 12x1st stamps which were arranged horizontally.
The Machin pane from the Merchant Navy Prestige booklet has thrown up a nice new variety. The ellipse perforation holes are NOT in the normal position - near the bottom of the vertical sides, but erroneously near the top of the stamps. It will be interesting to know whether this was the result of the perforation comb being 'pinned' incorrectly or whether comb block had been mounted 'inverted ' on the perforator. All Machin panes from the Merchant Navy booklet exhibit this variety. The panes were printed in Litho by Enschedé (the last time Enschedé printed panes for Prestige books was back in 2007 - British Army issue).
A USED copy of 1st NVI Gold with the hidden codes MRIL and year MAI2 has been reported with an August 2013 date. This is interesting as its the second 1st NVI Gold with a year code 12 (the other was from 12x1st booklet) for 2012 - the year of the 1st NVI Diamond Blue colour. The source code MRIL on the image doesn't show up very well.
The mint versions are available through dealers, however, its unclear whether Tallents House will stock them. They come on the pale bluish grey backing / carrier paper which is numbered.
Royal Mail had Post & Go RM Series I machines at the York Stamp and Coin Fair (19th - 20th July 2013) vending the Machin Head and Union Flag labels. Both these were new versions as they carry the year code MAI3 within the 'ROYAL MAIL' wavyline text.
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![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
with Year Code MA13
|
with Year Code MA13
|
Royal Mail had Post & Go RM Series I machines at the stamp exhibition held in Melbourne, Australia for the Australia 2013 Stamp Expo between 10th and 15th May 2013. These machines vended both Machin and Union Flag Post & Go labels with a 'Australia 2013 Stamp Expo' overprint. Tallents House (the bureau) also made the overprint available, however, the text on these is different, being - 'Australia 2013 World Stamp Expo'.
Australia 2013 Stamp Expo
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
A5AU13 (ex Melbourne)
|
A5GB13 (ex Tallents House)
|
The second private sponsored Post & Go labels were available at the 84th Scottish Congress held in Perth. This event occurred between 19th and 20th April 2013 with RM Series I machines vending Machin and Union Flag labels for the six standard Post & Go differing tariff rates.
The bottom code line used the Office code 'A4GB13'.
Two specific stamps were issued for 'The Recorded Signed For' tariff rate in November 2009. From April 2013 these two stamps have been re-issued with the revised text 'Royal Mail Signed For' to reflect the change in service name.
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![]() |
![]() |
Recorded Signed For (old)
2009-2012 |
Royal Mail Signed For (new)
2013 |
Four new 88p values (same designs as for the 87p values) for each of the Country Pictorial definitive series were issued on 27th March 2013. These were all printed on the same primary sheet which had 8 panes of 25, interesting the England value occupied five panes with the other countries occupying just one pane.
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![]() |
88p England
|
88p Scotland
|
Three new counter sheet values were issued on 27th March 2013 comprising 78p, 88p and £1.88. The prevailing contract for counter sheets was held by De La Rue, however, in the light of relocating their printing facility from Dunstable to Gateshead (late 2012 / early 2013), Walsall produced stopgap printings for the three values. These are readily identifiable in singles as they have the year code MI3L (De La Rue's versions will have the year code MAI3). The cylinder block grid box has just four positions as the Chesnut press uses cylinders that do not have the width capacity that is available on the De La Rue ATN press. Additionally, the sheets bear the Walsall FSC code C023216.
![]() |
![]() |
£1.88 Walsall printing
|
£1.88 De La Rue printing
|
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
10p | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
Aug 13 | ||
20p | Jul 13 | |||||
78p | Sheet (Walsall) |
MAIL
|
MI3L
|
05/02/13 *1 | ||
Sheet (De La Rue) |
MAI3
|
Jul 13 | ||||
Pres Pack |
MAI3
|
|||||
88p | Sheet (Walsall) |
MAIL
|
MI3L
|
04/02/13 *1 | ||
Sheet (De La Rue) |
MAI3
|
|||||
Pres Pack |
MAI3
|
|||||
£1.28 | Sheet |
MAI3
|
Apr 13 | |||
£1.88 | Sheet (Walsall) |
MAIL
|
MI3L
|
07/02/13 *1 | ||
Sheet (De La Rue) |
MAI3
|
|||||
Pres Pack |
MAI3
|
|||||
£2 | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
Apr 13 | ||
2nd | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
Sep 13 | ||
2nd Large | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
Jun 13 | ||
1st Red | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
Sep 13 | ||
1st Large | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
Sep 13 | ||
1st RMSF | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
|||
1st L RMSF | Sheet |
MAIL
|
MAI3
|
|||
2nd NVI | Business Sheet | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MI3L
|
Mar 2013 | |
2nd Large | Business Sheet | 50x2nd L |
MBIL
|
MAI3
|
Aug 2013 | |
1st Red | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MI3L
|
Apr 2013 | |
1st Large | Business Sheet | 50x1st L |
MBIL
|
MAI3
|
Oct 2013 | |
2nd NVI | Booklet | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI3L
|
Mar 2013 | |
2nd Large | Booklet | 4x2nd L |
MFIL
|
MAI3
|
Aug 2013 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 6x1st |
MCIL
|
MI3L
|
9 May 2013 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 6x1st |
MSIL
|
MI3L
|
Feb 2013 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI3L
|
Apr 2013 | |
1st L Red | Booklet | 4x1st L |
MFIL
|
MAI3
|
Aug 2013 | |
1st Red | Rolls | 10,000x1st |
MRIL
|
MI3L
|
11 Jun 2014 | |
*1 : Date of printing |
Litho - Normal Gum Issues
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
1p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Football | |
2p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Football | |
2p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Classic Locos | |
5p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Football | |
5p * | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Merchant Navy | |
5p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Classic Locos | |
10p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Football | |
50p * | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Merchant Navy | |
1st Red | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI3L
|
Football | |
* The ellipse perforation holes are set near to the top of the vertical sides |
The Spring Stampex exhibition held between 20th and 23rd
February 2013 had further additions to the Post & Go Label range printed
by RM Series I machines. A new colour for the Machin Head version was issued
on 20th February 2013 for the second class tariff rates. This is a bright blue
/ cyan colour for 2nd and 2nd Large values. Interestingly, these now carry a
year code - MA12 which can be found in front of
the Queens forehead. These will be available from larger offices at some point
(in the event, they did not appearing during 2013).
Also, another exhibition 'Special' was vended with 'The Coronation 60th Anniversary'
text, again issued on 20th February 2013 - these do not have a year code. Six
values were available including 1st, 1st Large,
Europe, Worldwide 10g, 20g and 40g rates.
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![]() |
Second Class Machin Head
|
'Coronation' overprint
|
A RM Series I machine has been in operation in the foyer of the British Postal Museum & Archive from the 3rd December 2012. The overprinted text includes the strap The B.P.M.A (not 'The British Postal Museum & Archive' as had originally reported). Initially, the machine vended the Machin Head and Robin designs which was replaced by the Union Flag design from 21st Feb 2013.
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Machin Head (from 3rd Dec 2012)
|
Union Flag (from 21st Feb 2013)
|
Two RM Series I machines were in operation at a special Camden Christmas Post Stop (North West London) between 16th November and 24th December 2012. The machines Office/Transaction code line included ANGB12 (ADGB12 in December) and A3 or A4. Note: these machines were not located in the Camden Post Office but at Camden Lock Market in the Stables Market area.
Machine | Source | Design |
Year Code
|
Loc Code | Operational | |
RM Series I | Reel A | Robin #1 |
MI2L
|
ANGB12* | 16 Nov to 24 Dec 2012 | |
Reel B | Machin #2 |
none
|
||||
#1 The only source of
RM Series I printed Robin 'MI2L'
code labels #2 The first time the Worldwide 40g rate has appeared from RM Series I with the Machin Head |
||||||
* this code changed in December to 'ADGB12' and was probably changed automatically by software. | ||||||
Both designs could be purchased for the six different tariff rates in continuous strips of six. |
The Robin Post & Go label has been re-issued for the 2012 Christmas period. This differs from the original printings in that a Year Code has now been added.
![]() |
Christmas 2012 - Robin; with Year
Code
|
![]() |
Year Code MA12 (above 100g)
|
The first private sponsored Post & Go labels were available at the 94th Philatelic Congress of Great Britain held in Perth. This event occurred between 20th and 22nd October 2012 with RM Series I machines vending Machin and Union Flag labels for the six standard Post & Go differing tariff rates.
The bottom code line used the Office code 'AOGB12' (Autumn Stampex used A9GB12).
Further Cartor printings of the NVI Country Pictorials (to add to the Scottish 2nd and 1st values issued 27th June 2012) are appearing. The 2nd NVI for England and 1st NVI for Wales were reported during Aug/Sep 2012 both of which have a print date of 11/07/12. From the plate grid position of these values, two other value/country combinations are likely to turn up for this date.
Value | Country | Design | Printer | Plate Grid Position |
2nd | England | Three Lions | Cartor | Upper left; other three positions shaded out |
1st | Wales | Dragon | Lower right; other three positions shaded out |
The 76p Pink sheet printing was originally printed from ink cylinder D1 in combination with two others values - the £1.10 and £1.65 respectively. Thus the 76p came with four cylinder grid positions - from the left hand column of the primary sheet. A latter printing from ink cylinder D2 has now appeared. This came from a different primary sheet format that only contained the 76p value and so cylinder D2 can be found with 12 cylinder grid positions. Additionally, colour imprint has been repositioned and so now occurs in the cylinder block (this is similar to the 87p, £1.28 and £1.90 values) and FSC logo and info is adjacent to rows 1 and 2.
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Business Sheets of 50 x Large
NVI (Issued 31st Mar 2009)
2009 printings : with the hidden source code 'ROYBL' |
The Customised booklet - 'Celebrating 50 years of NAFAS
(National association of Flower arrangers)' was discovered, back in 2009, to
have an 'A' omitted from the 'ROYAL MAIL' iridescent layer (click
here to view). We can now add the 2009 Business Sheets of 50 to this class
of variety. The missing letter is the 'M' of 'MAIL' and is located behind the
rear of the band of the diadem and occurs on all stamps within the Business
Sheet. This variety occurs for both the 50x2nd Large and 50x1st Large Business
Sheets that carry the hidden source code 'ROYBL'
with no hidden date codes - this implies a common iridescent cylinder was used
for both values.
Self Adhesive jumbo rolls of 10,000x2nd produced for Commercial Bulk Mailers have been reprinted and are now available (the 10,000x1st version is probably available also but has yet to be confirmed). The contract for producing these has now been taken over by Enschedé. They can be identified by the source code 'MRIL' and year code 'MAI2'. The year code is interesting in that all other standard sized definitives have the year code 'MI2L' whereas these use the the last two characters of word 'MAIL' - this form is generally used for Large sized definitives. Additionally, the backing / carrier paper is different - the colour is now pale bluish grey (this is similar to the backing paper used for retail coils sold in boxes of 100 and 200 back in the late 1990's).
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![]() |
2nd NVI
|
2nd NVI (back)
|
ex 10,000x2nd Bulk Mailer Rolls (printed by Enschedé)
|
Reprints of the Country Pictorial NVI values are starting to appear (27th June 2012 saw the Scotland values issued) now that Cartor has taken on the contract. These are Litho printings using a counter sheet size of 50 (5 rows x 10) which differs from the 87p and £1.28 values (see below). The two Scottish values are printed side by side from the same plates. Four grid positions are present with the 2nd NVI values occupying the upper or lower right hand boxes while the 1st NVI values occupy the upper or lower left hand boxes.
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![]() |
2nd Scotland
|
1st Scotland
|
Two new values for the Country Pictorial definitives were issued on 25th April 2012 for each of the four countries. The values in question were the 87p and £1.28 and retain the same designs as the 68p and £1.10 values which they replace. The counter sheet size was 25 stamps. The plate arrangement for the England and Scotland values followed the style set with the 2011 printings (87p : 4 left grid positions; £1.28 : 4 right grid positions;). However, the laydown for the Northern Ireland and Wales values was new with a single plate producing four different value / country combinations - N.Ireland values occupy the four left grid positions and Wales values occupy the four right grid positions.
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![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
87p N.Ireland
|
£1.28 N.Ireland
|
87p Wales
|
£1.28 Wales
|
Country |
4xLeft Grid Positions
|
4xRight Grid Positions
|
England |
87p : 4xplate grid positions
|
£1.28 : 4xplate grid positions
|
Scotland |
87p : 4xplate grid positions
|
£1.28 : 4xplate grid positions
|
N. Ireland |
87p : 2xplate grid positions
- right
£1.28 : 2xplate grid positions - left |
None
|
Wales |
None
|
87p : 2xplate grid positions
- right
£1.28 : 2xplate grid positions - left |
The format of the counter sheets issued in 2012 has been revised to include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) information which occurs adjacent to rows 1 and 2. As a result of this the colour imprint has been repositioned down adjacent to row 3 (and so will occur in the cylinder block of 6).
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![]() |
2011 Counter Sheet
|
2012 Counter Sheet
|
For the year 2012 the iridescent wavyline 'ROYAL MAIL'
was used the standard definitive range, however, first class values in the colour
diamond blue used the iridescent wavyline 'DIAMOND JUBILEE'. The position for
the standard NVI definitive is the same as 2011 (in front of the front cross
of the Queen's diadem) but takes the form 'MI2L'.
For the Large Letter rate the form is 'MAI2'.
All the 1st class NVI Machin values were issued in the Diamond Blue colour during
2012 and the iridescent overprint text used was 'DIAMOND JUBILEE' - hidden source
codes were used (the 'O' in the word 'DIAMOND')
but year codes were not. In the case of the NVI Large stamps, the hidden source
code occurs with the first 'E' in the word 'JUBILEE'.
Gravure - Self Adhesive Issues
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![]() |
MI2L
Year Code
|
Diamond Jubilee overprint
|
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
50p | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
3rd Jan 2013 | ||
68p | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
25/01/12 *1 | ||
76p | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
25/01/12 *1 | ||
87p | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
25 Apr 12 | ||
£1 Ruby | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
07/02/12 *1 | ||
£1 Brown | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
3rd Jan 2013 | ||
£1.28 | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
25 Apr 12 | ||
£1.90 | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
25 Apr 12 | ||
2nd NVI | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
13/02/12 *1 | ||
1st NVI * | Sheet |
MOND
|
n/a
|
6th Feb 2012 | ||
1st Red | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
3rd Jan 2013 | ||
2nd Large | Sheet |
none
|
MI2L
|
29/02/12 *1 | ||
1st Large* | Sheet |
ILEE
|
n/a
|
Mar 2012 | ||
1st Large Red | Sheet |
none
|
MAI2
|
3rd Jan 2013 | ||
2nd NVI | Business Sheet | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MI2L
|
Mar 2012 | |
1st NVI * | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBND
|
n/a
|
6th Feb 2012 | |
1st Red | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MI2L
|
3rd Jan 2013 | |
2nd Large | Business Sheet | 50x2nd L |
MBIL
|
MAI2
|
Apr 2012 | |
1st Large* | Business Sheet | 50x1st L |
ILBE
|
n/a
|
Mar 2012 | |
1st Large Red | Business Sheet | 50x1st L |
MBIL
|
MAI2
|
3rd Jan 2013 | |
1st NVI * | Booklet | 6xmixed |
MCND
|
n/a
|
31st May 2012 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 6xmixed |
MCND
|
MI2L
|
9th Jan 2013 | |
1st NVI * | Booklet | 6x1st |
MSND
|
n/a
|
1st Oct 2012 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 6x1st |
MSIL
|
MI2L
|
3rd Jan 2013 | |
2nd NVI | Booklet | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MI2L
|
Jan 2012 | |
1st Gold | Booklet | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI2L
|
Apr 2012 | |
1st NVI * | Booklet | 12x1st |
MTND
|
n/a
|
6th Feb 2012 | |
1st Red | Booklet | 12x1st |
MTIL
|
MI2L
|
3rd Jan 2013 | |
2nd Large | Booklet | 4x2nd L |
MFIL
|
MAI2
|
Jul 2012 | |
1st Large* | Booklet | 4x1st L |
ILFE
|
n/a
|
Mar 2012 | |
1st Large Red | Booklet | 4x1st L |
MFIL
|
MAI2
|
3rd Jan 2013 | |
2nd NVI | Rolls | 10000x2nd |
MRIL
|
MAI2
|
Mid 2012 | |
2nd NVI | Rolls | 10000x2nd |
MRIL
|
MI2L
|
2013/14 | |
1st Gold | Rolls | 10000x1st |
MRIL
|
MAI2
|
Jul 2013 | |
1st Red | Rolls | 10000x1st |
MRIL
|
MAI2
|
3rd Jan 2013 | |
* Colour : Diamond Blue
with 'Diamond Jubilee' overprint *1 : Date of printing |
Gravure/Litho - Normal Gum Issues
Value | Source | Format |
Year Code
|
|||
5p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI2L
|
Dr Who | |
10p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI2L
|
Dr Who | |
20p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI2L
|
Dr Who | |
87p | PSB | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MI2L
|
Dr Who | |
1st NVI * | Minisheet | 6x1st |
MMND
|
n/a
|
6th Feb 2012 | |
1st NVI * | Prestige | Mixed |
MPND
|
n/a
|
31st May 2012 | |
* Colour : Diamond Blue with 'Diamond Jubilee' overprint |
As of December 2011 some Post and Go machines were still vending labels with the Large typeface and some had interesting variations - the 'Worldwide up to 10g' with the 'up to 10g' omitted and the 'Worldwide up to 40g' with the 'up to 40g' with compressed typeface.
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Post & Go - Text errors
|
During November 2011 a new version of the Horizon label started to appear with a revised layout of the Die Cuts that feature within the body of the design giving two vertical columns - one indented from the left and the other indented from the right. This new layout may well be an attempt to address operational problems still being experienced by counter staff with the Horizon label. These first occurred with just sheet numbers on the reverse of the label set, however, a change was soon made to include a code letter prefix - most letters between 'A' and 'Z' have been seen.
![]() |
![]() |
Revised Die Cut layout
|
Code prefix to Serial Number
|
In late September 2011 (26th September 2011 has been
seen) the Horizon software was upgraded with the result that the Machin Horizon
labels print now included two additional codes - these are Royal Mail internal
accounting codes. The first occurs after the 'Royal Mail' strapline and is the
letter 'c' in the example below - each service indicator e.g '1LG' will have
a corresponding accounting code. The second occurs after the 'POSTAGE PAID UK'
text and is a '4' in the example below, this code indicates VAT rating
(for further details - Click
here).
During the first half of 2011 the Horizon two part cut label sets started to appear with a printed Sheet Serial Number on the reverse of the carrier paper. The serial number occurs centrally (printed horizontally between the two Horizon Labels in relation to the images on the reverse) and consists of 9 digits printed by an ink jet printer.
New rate value definitive counter sheets were issued on 29th March 2011. These are self adhesive sheet printings using the same sheet format as the low values (see below) and have the iridescent overprint with the hidden year code MIIL. They have the four additional security 'U' shaped die cuts. Initial cylinder numbers are all D1.
Value | Colour | Printer |
Sheet
|
Printed
|
Notes | |
68p | Sea Green | De La Rue |
25
|
11/01/11
|
12 Cyl grid positions | |
76p | Pink |
10/01/11
|
4 Cyl grid positions | |||
£1.10 | Lime Green |
10/01/11
|
12 Cyl grid positions | |||
£1.65 | Sage |
10/01/11
|
4 Cyl grid positions |
Low value definitive counter sheets have been reprinted on self adhesive paper and were issued on 8th March 2011. These are printed in sheets broadly in line with the prevailing 50p and £1 values, however, these low values will NOT have the iridescent overprint but do have the four 'U' shaped die cuts. The counter sheet size is now 25 stamps, coming from primary sheets of 300 (12x25). In the case of the 2p, 5p and 20p values, a shared primary sheet is used which means only 4 cylinder grid positions will occur for each value (the 2p occupies left grid positions, the 5p occupies central grid positions and the 20p occupies right grid positions). The initial cylinder numbers are all D1.
![]() |
20p Cylinder Grid Position -
Bottom Right
|
Value | Colour | Printer |
Sheet
|
Printed
|
Notes | |
1p | Maroon | De La Rue |
25
|
05/01/11
|
12 Cyl grid positions | |
2p | Dark Green |
04/01/11
|
4 Cyl grid positions | |||
5p | Ash Pink |
04/01/11
|
4 Cyl grid positions | |||
10p | Light Tan |
04/01/11
|
12 Cyl grid positions | |||
20p | Light Green |
04/01/11
|
4 Cyl grid positions |
The secondary hidden code within the iridescent wavyline
'ROYAL MAIL' text for the year 2011 came in two forms. The position for the
standard NVI definitive has changed from that used for 2010 in that it is now
printed in front of the front cross of the Queen's diadem and takes the form
'MIIL'
.
The Large NVI definitive has the year code positioned in front of the Queen's
neck (between the '1st' and 'ge' of Large) and takes the form 'MAII'
and the source code is behind the Queen's neck.
Gravure - Self Adhesive Issues
![]() |
MIIL
Year Code
|
Value | Source |
Year Code
|
||||
50p | Booklet | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MIIL
|
Morris | |
68p | Sheet |
none
|
MIIL
|
11/01/11 * | ||
76p | Sheet |
none
|
MIIL
|
10/01/11 * | ||
£1 | Sheet |
none
|
MIIL
|
30/08/11 * | ||
£1.10 | Sheet |
none
|
MIIL
|
10/01/11 * | ||
£1.65 | Sheet |
none
|
MIIL
|
10/01/11 * | ||
2nd NVI | Sheet | xxxxxxxxx |
none
|
MIIL
|
22/11/10 * | |
1st NVI | Sheet |
none
|
MIIL
|
22/11/10 * | ||
2nd Large | Sheet |
none
|
MAII
|
24/11/10 * | ||
1st Large | Sheet |
none
|
MAII
|
23/11/10 * | ||
2nd NVI | Business Sheet | 100x2nd |
MBIL
|
MIIL
|
11/11/10 * | |
1st NVI | Business Sheet | 100x1st |
MBIL
|
MIIL
|
16/11/10 * | |
2nd Large | Business Sheet | 50x2nd L |
MBIL
|
MAII
|
11/02/11 * | |
1st Large | Business Sheet | 50x1st L |
MBIL
|
MAII
|
31/01/11 * | |
2nd NVI | Booklet | 12x2nd |
MTIL
|
MIIL
|
Mar 2011 | |
1st NVI | Booklet | 6x1st |
MCIL
|
MIIL
|
Thunderbirds | |
6x1st |
MSIL
|
MIIL
|
Mar 2011 | |||
12x1st |
MTIL
|
MIIL
|
Apr 2011 | |||
2nd Large | Booklet | 4x2nd L |
MFIL
|
MAII
|
22 Mar 2011 | |
1st Large | 4x1st L |
MFIL
|
MAII
|
22 Mar 2011 | ||
* Date of Printing |
Gravure / Litho - Normal Gum Issues
Value | Source |
Year Code
|
||||
68p | Prestige Bkt | Mixed |
MPIL
|
MIIL
|
Roald Dahl | |
76p* |
MPIL
|
MIIL
|
Aerial Post | |||
1st NVI* |
MPIL
|
MIIL
|
Aerial Post | |||
1st NVI | Minisheet | 10x1st |
MMIL
|
AMII
|
14 Sep 11 | |
* Litho Printed |
A new type of printer was used to produce the Post & Go labels at the Stampex exhibition in February 2011. This produced the Type II - Compact text albeit with a slightly 'taller' typeface. Notice the '20g' elements on the line below 'Europe'; and the code line - second group has 2 digits (was 1), third group has 6 digits (was 5).
![]() |
Type II - Compact (Stampex Feb
2011)
printed by Hytech machine |
With the introduction of the 'Birds' pictorial Post and Go labels it was necessary to modify the machines software to cater for the new design. These 'Bird' designs called for the Point of Sale text to be compacted and printed on the left hand side. Apparently, this software change could not been carried out remotely and an engineer had to attend site to upgrade each machine. As a consequence, some machines were modified prior to the 'Birds' introduction date of 17th September 2010, resulting in the Machin design label being used with the revised 'compact' point of sale text.
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![]() |
Type I - Original
|
Type II - Compact
|
The point of sale text can be found having two formats for the date - the original uses obliques as separators while more recently hyphens have been used as separators. In conjunction with this change the text is lighter / thinner than before.
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Heavy / Bold Text
Date Format : 17/06/10 (with obliques) |
Light / Thinner Text
Date Format : 26-07-10 (with hyphens) |
With the greater use of the Machin Horizon labels, operational difficulties were being experienced when feeding the two part cut label set into the printer for the second time. In order to address this problem new versions have been produced with straight edges and rounded corners replacing the simulated die cut perforations. These revised versions were first introduced on 23rd August 2010 at the Old Street Post Office in London EC1.
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Straight Edged Machin Horizon
Label
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The England Country Pictorials use a solid silhouetted Head printed in silver with the full bleed versions being printed between 2001 and 2003. These all had a common Head Type I - ribbon flowing and almost detached from hair. With the change to the 'white' framed design (14 Oct 2003) a new Head Type II was introduced - ribbon bunched and protruding out of the hair. Then in late 2005 the Head Type I version reappeared. There followed a crossover period when both Head Types were in use before the Head Type I became the norm. Interestingly, the Head cylinder number did not change for printing the two different Head Types for the 72p, 2nd NVI and 1st NVI values, whereas, the 44p did use a different Head cylinder.
White Framed England Country Pictorials
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Head Type I (Ribbon flowing)
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Head Type II (Ribbon bunched)
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Value | Design | Cyl | Date | Type | ||
44p | Oak Tree | Sheet | D1 D1 ph D1 | 07/02/06 | Bunched | |
08/02/06 | Bunched | |||||
D1 D2 ph D1 | 04/04/06 | Ribboned | ||||
05/04/06 | Ribboned | |||||
72p | Tudor Rose | Sheet | D1 D1 ph D1 | 03/02/06 | Bunched | |
09/02/06 | Bunched | |||||
07/07/06 | Ribboned | |||||
10/07/06 | Ribboned | |||||
M/S | Nov 06 | Ribboned | Lest We Forget | |||
2nd NVI | Three Lions | Sheet | D1 D1 ph D1 | 10/04/03 | Bunched | to 22/07/05 |
07/11/05 | Ribboned | to - date | ||||
PSB | Feb 05 | Bunched | Bronte | |||
M/S | May 07 | Ribboned | Wembley | |||
1st NVI | Lion & Shield | Sheet | D1 D1 ph D1 | 06/04/03 | Bunched | to 06/09/04 |
17/08/05 | Ribboned | to - date | ||||
M/S | Apr 07 | Ribboned | Celebrating England | |||
G/S | Apr 07 | Ribboned | Glorious England | |||
PSB | Sep 07 | Ribboned | British Army | |||
G/S | Sep 07 | Ribboned | Glorious U.K | |||
The 1st NVI Dragon design in the Wales Country Pictorial series has be found with an interesting colour variant. Originally, the second cylinder was printed using a Lemon / yellow colour, however, recent printings have used a Black with this second cylinder. These later printings with the Black colour emanate from De La Rue (Dunstable).
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Second D1 Cylinder printed Lemon
De La Rue (Byfleet) |
Second D1 Cylinder printed Black
De La Rue (Dunstable) |
Value | Design | Cyl | Date | Printer |
Second
Colour Cyl |
1st NVI | Dragon | D1 D1 D1 D1 ph D1 | 25/06/03 | De La Rue (Byfleet) |
Lemon
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09/09/04 | De La Rue (Byfleet) |
Lemon
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02/06/05 | De La Rue (Dunstable) |
Black
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22/08/06 | De La Rue (Dunstable) |
Black
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Celebrating 50 Years of NAFAS
(Issued 21st May 2009)
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The Customised booklet - 'Celebrating 50 years of NAFAS
(National association of Flower arrangers)' has been discovered to have an
'A' omitted from the 'ROYAL MAIL' iridescent layer.
This occurs by the left frame - in front of the
Queens lips on all 4 of the 1st NVI gold stamps and applies to the complete
NAFAS issue. Other customised booklets (e.g British Design Classics 1 to 4)
do not exhibit this variety.
Two of the Prestige Booklets produced by Cartor contain a value tablet using an erroneous typeface. The story goes that Cartor had not been supplied with the fonts for the '4' and '5' and so used digits from another font family (clearly, no representation back to Royal Mail was made). Additionally, the colour on the 54p value is appreciably different - the 5p is darker. Both these stamps will become Key Machin singles 5p - SG Y1743t; 54p Y1757.
54p Value Tablet / Colour
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Normal Numerals
Jeffery Matthews Standard |
Erroneous Numerals
Classic Album Covers Panes |
Classic Album Covers | £8.06 |
7 Jan 2010
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~ Pane 1 | 4x20p, 2x60p, 2x54p | Cartor | Litho | |
~ Pane 4 | 5x10p, 2x22p, 2x5p | Litho | |||
The Royal Society | £7.72 |
25 Feb 2010
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~ Pane 2 | 4x54p, 4x22p | Cartor | Litho |
A second hidden code within the iridescent wavyline 'ROYAL MAIL' text was introduced for 2010 printings. This occurs in front of the Queens forehead and represents the 'year' code taking the form 'MAIO' across the range of printings.
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MRIL
and MAIO
codes
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The cover of 12x1st Retail booklets has been discovered with a new print setting. These occur on books with the additional security features (issued from 31st March 2009). Both covers can be found on cylinder combination W5 W1 W1 with the Hidden Code MTIL (no year code). The normal books have the large '12x1st' text 59mm from the right hand side of the white Barcode box, while the variant has the '12x1st' text set at only 54mm. The normal book is the top image below :-