The opening days of the STAMPEX Spring 2013 Show have been deemed a success by philatelic enthusiasts over Twitter. The annual event, which began on February 20 and runs until February 23, is being held in Islington, London, and features a raft of traders, exhibitors and one off events.

Artist Angela Barrett signing "first day stamps" at STAMPEX in Islington

February 21 saw the Royal Mail release a set of stamps featuring illustrations of Jane Austen novels to mark the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. @RoyalMailStamps tweeted from the event yesterday: "Artist Angela Barrett was signing #JaneAustenStamp packs at #Stampex today. Did you get one?"

Such signed "first day stamps" are likely to increase in value significantly, while Stampex 2013 post and go collectors' strips are already surfacing on eBay.

Attendee Andy Donaldson commented over Twitter: "As a GB collector I found Bill Barrell, Martin Townsend and BB Stamps stands particularly popular (as always)."

Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we are particularly proud of the stamps we currently have for sale, which include this superb 1851 Black Empress.

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