STANLEY GIBBONS, 1920 PRICE CATALOGUE OF STAMPS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES, PART 2.

A charmingly nostalgic view into the past with this 970 page Stanley gibbons catalogue.

A clue to the difference in values then and now is that (at a brief study), the prices are in shillings and pence, I haven’t yet spotted one with a pound (£) sign! The stamps depicted are all ink-blocked, black and white images.

As usual with older books however, there is a lot of background information to be gleaned by those who know what they are looking for, which isn’t always present in more modern tomes. Actual type differences on stamps from Siam for instance, or Tahiti.

The cover has what seems like an ancient trace of glue down the front leading edge, and a little on the back cover. The covers are faded, and for the most part shiny, as if varnished, and have minor bumps to the top tips.

The covers have come away from the binding on the front and spine and only half the linen binding is attached at the back surface. This can be repaired but careful handling will ensure that it does not progress further. There is an occasional light crease or whatever but for the most part the pages are clean and tight. A lovely old book, full of character and showing that it has been used for what it was originally intended. That it still exists at all after 85 years hard wear is a testament to the workmanship that went into it! What changes have there been in the world since this book was new?