Gibbons Changing The Sovereign Binders

https://www.stanleygibbons.com/wind...s-r5482.html

This may interest a few GB collectors using the Windsor albums. The link is to the listing on the SG site for the new version of their 22 ring binders. They took pains to explain why they did this and I give them credit for that. A new set of two binders now costs 79 Pounds. Or, about $100 US. I know they have the springback binders as a less expensive option but I love the ring albums, I seem to be all set for awhile, I have my GB collection in eight binders with one of these being virtually empty so no immediate issue.

These look to be designed to match their revised Commonwealth series.

22-ring binders in this size are not uncommon. It seems to be a fairly standard size in Europe. I think Yvert & Tellier makes a 22-ring France album in this size, and Marini in Italy makes the same 22-ring albums. In fact, I think Y&T get their binders from Marini. Maybe Stanley Gibbons does, as well? Not sure. This is similar to the use of Davo albums (produced in the Netherlands) which are sold by Stanley Gibbons as "their" albums with only slightly different cover designs.

I mention this because some collectors might want to consider purchasing new or used binders from these other manufacturers at lower prices. SG prices have never been very "discount". If you're searching for used copies of these binders, be sure to search under the names of all three sellers.

OK, time to air one of my gripes about album publishers.

The binder linked to is very attractive, especially the grained surface. I have to ask how do they expect users to label them? Most self adhesive labels will not adhere long to uneven surfaces such as this. The older Windsor binders had a smooth place on the spine perfect for this. These do not. I'd bet they contracted with someone not familiar with collecting to produce these.