Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Odd World - Belarus



My Belarusian collection of Odd/Unique stamps



                                                              Belarus Oval shaped space stamps

Red foil stamps
2018 - Christmas and Happy New year greetings stamps

Sunday, 21 August 2016

Cold Foil Stamp - Spain

To commemorate 35th Anniversary of the Constitutional court, Spain Post has issued a single stamp Miniature sheet on 23rd July 2015.  The uniqueness of this Miniature sheet is the cold foil printing technique. I have many hot foil stamps, but this is first one for cold foil.  (It seems recently Liechtenstein issued three cold foil stamps under 'Princely treasure' theme - I don't have them yet).




Brief look at Cold foil and Hot foil techniques:

In cold foil technique, gum is applied to the area where foil has to be placed and then the foil is pressed with the help of UV light.  Then colour is applied on the paper and foil through ordinary printing. Since the technique is very simple, the cost is less. Cold foil technique is preferred when large area needs foiling or when precision is needed. 

Whereas in Hot foil technique the design block (mould-like) has to be made and the foil is pressed on the paper with the help of this block. The colour is restricted to the colour of the foils available. Embossing can be done along with foil pressing.  It is not recommended for tiny area.  The block making and special printing make this technique costly.


Monday, 8 August 2016

Rio Olympics Miniature sheet : India

This year the world's largest sport event, The Olympic games, is happening in Rio de Janeiro.

The unique aspect of the event is that it is "Going go Green".   As an environment enthusiast I like this unique idea.  The 207 contingents were presented with saplings and a cartridge of soil.  These saplings will be planted to make an athlete forest.
Another innovative idea of this year Olympics is the introduction of refugee team.
India Post issued a set of 4 stamps to commemorate the Rio Olympics.

Did you know that Rio "was" the capital city of Brazil? Brazilia is the current capital.




Badminton, Shooting, Wrestling and Boxing are the events where India has strong contenders for medals.

Friday, 5 August 2016

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation: Chennai Philately Bureau


The second movie theatre and the first electric theatre in Chennai (erstwhile Madras) was established in 1900 by Warwick Major and Reginald Eyre.  It started its operation by 1913.  Sadly it served as a theatre for a brief period of 2 years.  In 1915, the government acquired this place and the Head Post Office started working from this building. Even today it is standing tall and serving as a Philatelic Bureau since 1998.  India Post has introduced Permanent Pictorial Cancellation on 31st March 1998 depicting the front view of the historic building.  Historic building and age-old hobby, nice combination.


Want list: Lithuania

Lithuanian Stamps and Miniature sheets - Want list.


[Lithuanian Satellites, type AFN]



[The Lithuanian Aviation Museum, type RO]   [The Lithuanian Aviation Museum, type RP]  


Miniature sheet of the below stamp:


[World Exhibition - Expo Zaragoza 2008, type WY]


[The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Antanas Gustaitis, type KX]   [The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Antanas Gustaitis, type KY]  


[Postal History, type ]