One of the most common requests I get is for a “simplified listing” of the Horizon Postage Labels currently available (as well as the ones that have been withdrawn), in order that collectors can determine how ‘complete’ their collections are . Shown here is the full list of the 29  Postage Label Indicators, showing the 22 currently being used (and so available on the two different variants of Gold Labels) as well as the 7 types that have already been withdrawn.

For each label shown there is/was a Welsh ‘Bilingual’ version available and two label overprint types- Thin and Thick lettering as well as two Machin gold label types (Original and the “August 10″ type).

This makes 44 label overprints (22 English 22 Welsh)  in 2 print styles (Thick and Thin)  on 2 different gold Machin label types as well as the existing white labels whose stocks are currently being rundown ~ who said that ‘The modern collecting alternative’ of UK Postage Label collecting was boring, easy or without variation?..

Don’t forget, however, that many of these labels already have a limited lifespan of future availability- The original white labels are no longer available for Post Offices to order , the ‘Thick’ style (From the original Horizon software) overprint only has a matter of weeks left before it is completely removed – the first variant of the Machin gold label will be not replaced and rumors of plans (apparently)  to remove some of the ‘rarer’ indicators before Xmas ’10 have been circulated…So..fill those gaps now!

An Office in Oxfordshire has been mis-supplied with ‘Welsh gold’ labels..

It has been reported today that a distribution of the Gold Machin Horizon Labels has taken place outside of Wales!-to some Branches in Kent – Further details to follow- in the meanwhile-check with your local PO to get some before they are withdrawn..

It has now been confirmed that the First Day of use of the Gold Horizon Labels in Wales was yesterday, April 20th 2010.

 Some branches having received their stock yesterday and all others in Wales receiving it  today.

Shown below is a FDC produced yesterday ‘machined’ (sic) into an inch of its life by the Cardiff FCT.

Please contact me if you would like to purchase a similar cover.

This week, the Post office have commenced its roll-out of its latest  software upgrade  (Known as “Horizon Online“). This will result in the appearance of all items printed in a Post Office changing slightly in appearance, which obviously includes Clerk-printed postage labels.

The noticeable features of the new labels include thinner lettering and the removal of the final digit  showing the  batch number indicator. (transaction counter).

“Post Office Ltd told us that the Horizon technology is being upgraded in a project called ‘Horizon Online’, which it expects to produce a fully automated system…”

Obviously once this upgrade is complete, the current series of Horizon Postage labels is expected to become obsolete-So fill those gaps now!

Cover showing example of ‘all in one’ Horizon postage label incorporating a Special Delivery barcoded label which was inserted into the printer in one piece.  Trialled in one branch (Albemarle Street , London W1) in June 2004.

An unannounced new Horizon postage label, bearing the Machin Head and with simulated perforations went on trial at Camden High Street Branch only , in London, on Monday 8th June 2009.

Printed by De La Rue in gold with security printing of wavy “ROYAL MAIL”

These labels were used on Royal Mail Special Delivery items only

After three months and three days, the trial has now (11th Sept 2009) come to an end.

No other branches will sell the label or any further extension will occur for the time being.

Any further developments may utilise a different label to that used at Camden High Street Post Office

This cover is available for purchase in our shop at £45

The Post Office have indicated that the last day of sale of the Horizon Gold Machin Head labels, currently being used at one branch (Camden High Street, London, NW1 ) will be 11th September 2009. No other branches will sell the label  or any further extention will occur for the time being.  Any further developments may utilise a different label to that used at Camden.

A reposting facility will be available for the last day only – All covers must reach Camden Town Crown office by next Friday (Absolutely no back dating will be possible) and payment to cover the Special Delivery rate of at least £4.95 must be made by Postal Order payable to ‘Post Office Ltd’ only.

Covers should be addressed to:

Branch manager

Camden Town Crown office

114-120 Camden High Street,

Camden
London, NW1 0RR

It may be necessary to restrict quantities if stock run low. RMSD Covers can only be sent to UK addresses.

(If any overseas customers require covers -please contact me asap- postagelabelsuk@gmx.com)

First Day Cover from the First Day of Operation at Old Street (205)  Crown Office , London EC1

Some Horizon Indicators are due to change from tomorrow 27/07/09 :-

1LL becomes 1LG

2LL becomes 2LG

BLL becomes BLG

AX becomes AAX

First day covers will be listed soon- in the meanwhile the now obsolete indicators are currently available on FDC in my Ebay shop.