RSCD HELP PLEASE -- MATRIX

Hi Guys

Can someone help me please

I have seen a few articles on GB stamps stating that the matrix is missing.
I understood the Matrix to be a group of squares , placed as a small grid in
the margin of the sheet. however, the article is discussing these stamps as
singles, in which case the margin is not available for inspection .

Have I mis understood or confused the term " matrix" please

Many thanks

David

On Jan 9, 12:39 pm, "David Hicks" wrote:
Hi Guys

Can someone help me please

I have seen a few articles on GB stamps stating that the matrix is missing.
I understood the Matrix to be a group of squares , placed as a small grid in
the margin of the sheet. however, the article is discussing these stamps as
singles, in which case the margin is not available for inspection .

Have I mis understood or confused the term " matrix" please

Many thanks

David



Hello David:

I hope that this explains the MATRIX to you.

Background:

Changes to booklet design were the result of conformance to the
Disability Discrimination Act of 1995. The new design is aimed
at helping blind or partially sighted people as well as those who
have difficulty in handling small objects due to diseases such
as arthritis. Under the Act, disabled people have the right to
access services regardless of their disabilities.

The changes begin on the front cover. The design has been
simplified to include simply a statement of the contents in
large text, easier to see than the small images of the inside
stamp that were featured on the old cover. The Royal Mail
logo is the only other element on the front cover. The color
of the cover matches the color of the stamps inside, and
this, too, probably helps people with visual disabilities to
identify the booklet.

The cover of the booklet has been enlarged by 5mm so
that when folded, the back edge sticks out beyond the
front edge. This helps customers orient the booklet
correctly and makes the booklets easier to open. The
booklets containing first class and second class
non-denominated stamps have notches at the top
right edge, one notch on booklets with first class
stamps and two on booklets with second class
stamps. Booklets containing airmail stamps do
not have notches.

The Matrix

The paper surrounding the individual stamps is
known as "the matrix," (no relation to the movie
of the same name).

In the new format booklets, this paper matrix has
been removed. This allows the self-stick stamps
to stand out from the background, making them
easier to remove. It also makes it easy to rub
one's finger over the backing to see how many
stamps remain. (Even customers with no
disabilities sometimes found these self-stick
stamps difficult to remove from booklets, so
everyone is likely to welcome this change.)

See image below.
(booklet page with paper matrix removed)
http://www.gbstamps.com/images/m_bkl...002_inside.jpg

Specialist collectors will be interested to know
that the cylinder numbers, formerly printed on
the matrix, now appear on the 5mm extension
strip of the back cover. For the first time since
this format of booklet was introduced in 1987,
the cylinder number can be seen without
opening the booklet.

Pane of forged stamps showing the paper
MATRIX between the stamps.
http://www.gbstamps.com/machins/imag...rgery_pane.jpg

Pane of genuine stamps showing the removal
of the paper MATRIX between the stamps.
http://www.gbstamps.com/machins/imag...nuine_pane.jpg

GB 2007 (MATRIX INTACT) -
1st CLASS CHRISTMAS DATE SHEET of 25.
http://i3.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/cf/d0/da60_1.JPG

For the last few years, the Post Office has
presented employees with a gift of half a
sheet of 1st Class Christmas stamps
with the Matrix Included. The normal sheets
(i.e. available to the public) were sold with
the paper matrix REMOVED.

Singles run about 2 GBP with blocks (4) at
8 GBP and traffic light blocks (4) at 10 GBP.
Cylinder blocks of 6 run about 35 GBP.

Now here is a REAL error. A 2nd class
Business Sheet (PIP) totally imperforate
with matrix complete.
http://www.norvic-philatelics.co.uk/...dPIPsheet4.jpg

Blair

On Jan 9, 12:39 pm, "David Hicks" wrote:
Hi Guys

Can someone help me please

I have seen a few articles on GB stamps stating that the matrix is missing.
I understood the Matrix to be a group of squares , placed as a small grid in
the margin of the sheet. however, the article is discussing these stamps as
singles, in which case the margin is not available for inspection .

Have I mis understood or confused the term " matrix" please

Many thanks

David


David:

Or maybe you meant this stamp?
http://lh6.google.com/stamp2000/Rd9Y...jpg&imgmax=640

8*)

Blair

Thanks Blair

Just when you think you've got to grips with this hobby -----*!)"("&"^%"%%
!!!!
Ah well, learned something today, --- something new tomorrow

David

Nah,, saw the Film, found it more confusing than the stamps