Latest Discoveries (archive)

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Post & Go - October 2016

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.

Poppy MAI6 (ex NCR)	Poppy The Postal Museum MAI5

Booklet and Business Sheets Changes - 20th October 2016

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).

Post & Go - September 2016

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.

2nd Class Large Letter	1st Class Large Letter

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.

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.

The Battle of the Somme - year code MAI5

Post & Go - Machin Second Class Label - August 2016

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.

Country Pictorials - from counter sheets August 2016

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).

England 2nd NVI	Scotland 1st NVI

Horizon Labels - 2016

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
Yellowish Brown 2015	Olive Brown 2016

Scotland Pictorial - 2nd NVI from counter sheets May 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).

Prestige Booklet - HM The Queen's 90th Birthday 21st April 2016

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.

Standard Premium Prestige Booklet	Special Limited Edition Prestige Booklet

Post & Go - The Postal Museum 17th February 2016

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'.

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).

Original Logo position - indented	Revised Logo position - left justified

Post & Go - February 2016

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.

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.

Secondary Hidden Iridescent Code - Year 2016 - February 2016

Gravure - Self Adhesive Issues

Gravure/Litho - Normal Gum Issues

Change of name for the BPMA - 1st February 2016

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
2nd Class Machin with year code MAI2	Machin with year code MAI3
Union Flag with NO year code	Heraldic Beast with year code MAI5

New Paper Substrate with 'ROYAL MAIL' wavy line text - January 2016

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.

New Self Adhesive Substrate with 'ROYAL MAIL' on carrier paper

Large User Rolls - January 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.

2nd NVI ex 10,000 rolls with codes 'MRIL' and 'MI5L'

Post & Go - December 2015

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.

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.

Post & Go - November 2015

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'.

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.

2nd Class Winter Fur & Feathers	Europe rates Winter Fur & Feathers

Post & Go - October 2015

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.

Post Office - NCR	Enquiry Office - RM Series II

Post & Go - September 2015

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'.

'Long to Reign Over Us' - 9th September 2015

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.

Long to Reign Over Us minisheet

Long to Reign Over Us Booklet pane

Post & Go - August 2015

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.

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)
Machin - year code MAI3	Union Flag - no year code

Post & Go - July 2015

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.

Europhilex Horizon Label - May 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.

Europhilex Post & Go - May 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'.

Essen Stamp Exhibition - May 2015

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.

The 175th Anniversary of the Penny Black Minisheet - May 2015

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.

175th Anniversary of the Penny Black minisheet

175th Anniversary of the Penny Black 'Europhilex' overprint minisheet

The BPMA - Penny Black 175 (6th May 2015) Post & Go labels

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.

with year code MAI3	with year code MAI3

Post & Go Labels - April 2015

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'.

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

Post & Go Machines - Europe 100g and Worldwide 100g / Designs.

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) :-

Europe 100g (year code MAI3)	Working Sail - Worldwide 100g

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.

Secondary Hidden Iridescent Code - Year 2015 identifier

Gravure - Self Adhesive Issues

Gravure/Litho - Normal Gum Issues

Inventive Britain Prestige Stamp Booklet (February 2015)

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 Stamp (February 2015) Post & Go labels

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 - Anthony Trollope Birth Bicentenary (February 2015) Post & Go labels

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

Post & Go Labels from Bradford North and Crewe - February 2015

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'.

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

Post & Go Labels - January 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

Post & Go Labels - October 2014

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)

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)

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

Post & Go Machin Design - September 2014

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 (17th September 2014)

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 - 80th Anniversary of Inland Airmail (August 2014)

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 (August 2014)

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

Large User Rolls of 10,000 (July / August 2014)

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

Cover Changes on Retail Booklets and Business Sheets - 31st July 2014

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)

• Telephone code number 08457 changes to 03457.
• Text code number 08456 changes to 03456.

Business Sheets (code for text numbers ONLY)

• Text code number 08456 changes to 03456.

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.

Permanent Post & Go RM Series II machine at the Royal Navy Museum

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'.

The NMRN Machin (no year code)	The NMRN Union Flag (no year code)

Post & Go RM Series II machines at York - July 2014

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

Post & Go Philatelic Carrier Card - July 2014

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

Post & Go Machin Design - June 2014

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 machines update - June 2014

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

2nd and 1st Large NVI from counter sheets

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.

1st NVI Royal Mail Red from Large User Rolls of 10,000 with year code MI3L (June 2014)

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.

Post & Go - Tariff Rate Correction from 'Europe 20g' to 'Euro 20g/World 10g'

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.

Country Pictorials - Printings of the 97p values March 2014

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

Post & Go Machines - Europe 60g and Worldwide 60g / Designs.

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 :-

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.

Secondary Hidden Iridescent Code - Year 2014 identifier

Gravure - Self Adhesive Issues

Litho - Normal Gum Issues

RM Series II Exhibition Post & Go Machines.

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 New NCR Post & Go Machines for the Post Office Network

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 :-

• The machines are able to vend both second and first class labels
• Two services are offered :-
  • fixed rate tariff : two second class NVI and six first class NVI values.
  • 'open value' tariff : using preprinted labels (unlike the Wincor machines which used plain labels) giving the tariff rate, VAT code, weight and Postcode akin to Horizon labels.

'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

New Post & Go Machines at Spring Stampex 2014

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'.

B.P.M.A Postage Due 1914 - 19th February 2014 to 5th April 2014

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

2nd NVI Bright Blue from Large User Rolls of 10,000 with year code MI2L (Late 2013/early 2014)

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).

Latest Post & Go labels with Year Code changes (November 2013)

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

Children's Christmas stamps - issued 5th November 2013

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.

Machin Pane from The Merchant Navy Prestige Booklet - issued 19th Sep 2013

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).

1st NVI Gold from Large User Rolls of 10,000 with year code MAI2

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.

Post &Go Machin Head and Union Flag with year code MAI3

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.

with Year Code MA13	with Year Code MA13

Post & Go Australia Expo May 2013

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)

Private Sponsored Post & Go Labels - Scottish Congress April 2013

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'.

Royal Mail Signed For - 2nd April 2013

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.

Recorded Signed For (old) 2009-2012	Royal Mail Signed For (new) 2013

Country Pictorials - Printings of the 88p values March 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.

88p England	88p Scotland

78p, 88p and £1.88 - March 2013

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

Secondary Hidden Iridescent Code - Year 2013 identifier

Gravure - Self Adhesive Issues

Litho - Normal Gum Issues

Spring Stampex 2013 - RM Series I Post & Go Machine

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.

Second Class Machin Head	'Coronation' overprint

British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) - RM Series I Post & Go Machine

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.

Machin Head (from 3rd Dec 2012)	Union Flag (from 21st Feb 2013)

Camden Christmas Post Stop - RM Series I Post & Go Machines

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.

Post & Go Christmas 2012 - Robin Labels

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)

Private Sponsored Post & Go Labels

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).

NVI Country Pictorial Sheet printings

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.

76p Pink Sheet printings

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.

Business Sheets - Missing Letter in wavyline 'ROYAL MAIL' text

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.

Jumbo Stamp Coils for Commercial Bulk Mailers

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).

2nd NVI	2nd NVI (back)
ex 10,000x2nd Bulk Mailer Rolls (printed by Enschedé)

Scotland Country Pictorials 2012 - Printings of 2nd and 1st NVI values

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.

2nd Scotland	1st Scotland

Country Pictorials - Printings of the 87p and £1.28 values April 2012

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.

87p N.Ireland	£1.28 N.Ireland	87p Wales	£1.28 Wales

Counter Sheet Format

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).

2011 Counter Sheet	2012 Counter Sheet

Secondary Hidden Iridescent Code - Year 2012 identifier and Diamond Jubilee codes

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

MI2L Year Code	Diamond Jubilee overprint

Gravure/Litho - Normal Gum Issues

Post & Go Labels

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.

Post & Go - Text errors

Horizon Labels - New Die Cut Layout

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).

Horizon Labels - Serial Numbers on the reverse of the counter Sheetlets

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.

Self Adhesive - New Rate Value Counter Sheets March 2011

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.

Self Adhesive Low / Make-up Value Counter Sheets

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

Secondary Hidden Iridescent Code - Year 2011 identifier

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

Gravure / Litho - Normal Gum Issues

Post and Go Labels ~ Spring Stampex 2011

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

Post and Go Labels ~ Point of Sale Text

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.

Type I - Original	Type II - Compact

Machin Horizon Labels - variations in the Point of Sale text

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.

Heavy / Bold Text Date Format : 17/06/10 (with obliques)	Light / Thinner Text Date Format : 26-07-10 (with hyphens)

Machin Horizon Labels - Straight Edges

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.

Straight Edged Machin Horizon Label

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England Country Pictorials - Two Differing Silhouette Head Types

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