Pre-Decimal Machins - Spring Stampex 2017 Display
Introduction
50th ANNIVERSARY of the MACHIN STAMPS
A SPECIAL DISPLAY
A SPECIAL DISPLAY
First issued in 1967, the Machin series is the longest running issue in British philatelic history. This display looks at the first 54 months of the Machins in the £sd currency before decimalisation in 1971.
The first two frames are devoted to Arnold Machin the designer, early artwork from others who submitted their work to the Post Office in the mid 1960's, and sheets explaining some of the main features of the stamps. As the exhibit is not constrained by any regulations for competitions, material has been selected on the basis of what is interesting and often very scarce, plus illustrations of research work on the 6d value for instance, and the investigations into the preparation of a new set of stamps for decimalisation.
Stamps issued in sheets, booklets and coils are displayed.
The four high values show some unique imperforate material, whilst most known imperforate booklet panes are included, plus the imperforate 1d coil. Pre-issue mock up and artwork for the ground-breaking £1 Cook Book also has the rare 'phosphor bands printed on the gummed side' error.
An item in a lighter vein is a dramatic paper fold with the stamps detached to show how the perforations bear no relation to the stamp design.
Perhaps you will see something here to start you out on a Machin collection?