Burma Gandhi Postmark / Cancellation

Hello Gandhi Philatelists,

Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy new year 2012! May your collection grow manifold and you derive a greater sense of satisfaction from it!

Got some good news right at the beginning of the year, and that's what this post is about.

As you are aware, Burma (Myanmar) issued a special postmark on 2nd October 1969 to commemorate the Gandhi centenary. I have never come across a postally used (sent through mail) cover with the postmark, and have always seen on unused covers, either with the Mahatma's image as artwork or just blank covers.

The postmark I had in my collection all this while is shown below:

I have been harbouring suspicions about the authenticity of this postmark for quite some time now. The fact that this commonly available variety comes on so crisp a cover and that identically clean postmarks (on identical clean covers) are available in the Indian market fueled my curiosity. But with no counter-reference, I could not substantiate it.

Recently, I was able to procure another type of the Burma postmark from abroad, as shown below:

As you can see, comparing the 2 postmarks, there are some subtle differences:

1) Cover 1 - The stars on either side of "Rangoon" appear with centre portion enlarged and pointed ends blunt

Cover 2 - Stars well pointed

2) Cover 1 - The extremes of the 5 Horizontal lines are well-aligned.

Cover 2 - The extremes of the 5 Horizontal lines have an uneven and tapered feel, the shape similar to the brackets "(" and ")"

3) The fonts used in Covers 1 and 2 are also distinct.

I reached out to noted Burma philatelist Mr.Richard Warren, who has also authored a book on Burma Philately, requesting his help in identifying the genuine type. He was kind enough to reply immediately, and incidentally, he has recently written an article in the Journal of Burma Philately about the Gandhi Burma postmark.

From his notes, I could infer the following points:

1) The Burma postmark seen commonly is from "Rangoon". What we did not know is that it was also used from "Mandalay". I have never seen an example of the Mandalay postmark, and it would be great if readers can share it from their collections.

2) The postmark which I bought recently (2nd cover shown above, with pointed stars and tapered lines) is the genuine type of postmark. The one that I had in my collection earlier (1st cover with Gandhi image) is the most commonly available forged variety.

3) Apart from this common forgery, another postmark with distinct spacing between the stars and "Rangoon" is known to be a fake variety.

Now all the 3 types (known till date) are summarized below:

I'm glad that after all these years I could finally solve the Burma puzzle and get my hands on a genuine postmark!

Thanks, and looking forward to your comments,

Nikhil Mundra

www.gandhistamps.com

14th January 2012

==============

20th Anniversary of World Aids Day special cancellation on Gandhi Postcard from India - Is this Official World Aids Day special cancellation from India Postal Service ?

12/20/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

I was looking to add something related to Gandhi and Aids in my collection and I came across India Gandhi Postcard with  special cancellation issued on 20th Anniversary of World Aids Day in 1-12-2008.

I have no doubt about Gandhi Postcard but when it comes to special cancellation I start shivering.!! because I have seen lot of FAKE, Forgery and questionable Special Cancellation in Gandhi Philately, so I question this special cancellation issued for 20th Anniversary of World Aids Day (1998 - 2008).

I searched for more information about this special cancellation from India, but I did not find any useful information. So I am not sure whether this is Official Special Cancellation  on Gandhi Postcard or just regular rubber stamp on Gandhi Postcard?

Also there is no special cancellation available on (ebay.in) eBay India.!! which is also strange as you will see lot of postcards for sale but not with this special cancellation.!!

Currently wide variety (different theme) of this Gandhi Postcard with AIDS special cancellation is available on ebay.com from seller "staucy62" for $6. Of course there is  someone who bought this special cancellation.!!! ( I hope buyer did research before buying it.!!)

If you see following screen shot you will know that various Gandhi Aids and Cancer postcards are available without cancellation for very cheap on ebay India so I am not sure whether this is RARE special cancellation.?

I can buy following postcards and make my own rubber stamps and start stamping on this postcards.!!!! so I want to make sure what I am buying. Whether this is official cancellation from India Post or just another kind of hobby DIY (Do It Yourself).

It's easy to make rubber stamp. Download logo from UNaids.org or google images, then go to any local rubber stamp vendor or on internet and create your design and next 2-3 days you will get your rubber stamps and start your work.!!

As usual I’d be very grateful if blog readers could assist me in nailing this one. (Same way like reader "koolcals" helped me to find FAKE Mauritius Cancellation.!!)

Please let me know if you have more information about this cancellation so I can add this in my collection if it is indeed Genuine cancellation.

I emphasis on research before I buy any item in Gandhi Philately otherwise I have to regret like some of my past purchase.!!

Very nice cancel with usage of Logo/Emblem of United Nations. Permission from United Nations is required in order to use their Emblem. This is similar to using Emblem of India. 


By using UN logo it does not make it Genuine.!! One need to have permission to use. Check this  link to see who can use it.   http://www.un.org/MoreInfo/guide   (item #10)

Someone should have information about this special cancellation as they have to get cancellation from India Post or if it at there place then they have to pay 1500/3000 Rupees in 2008 and also needs to take permission to use UN Emblem.

So if it is Genuine then some local philatelist or club or government official will have something which can proof it is Genuine.

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/netscape/philately.html

I request all fellow collectors and well wisher if you have any info about this special cancellation please send it to me or comment in this blog so all Gandhi collectors as well as some other topical thematic collectors will also benefit by adding in their collection with peace of mind and they don't have to worry about any Fake item.!!

Again thanks for reading and  please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com

South Africa Gandhi Stamps : 1993 Special Cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi - How some stamp dealers increase price and make difficult for new collectors - Part 1 ?

12/12/2011

By Ketankumar Patel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

In 1993 South Africa issued special cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi to celebrate 100th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi arrival in South Africa. 

He came in  April 1893 as a lawyer to represent an Indian firm’s case, faced racial discrimination in South Africa.  In June 1893 he was thrown out of train on Pietermaritzburg station even though he had first class compartment ticket and that is on the special cancellation.

He experienced colour bar in various forms; decides to remain and fight race prejudice until 1915 thus spending 22+ years of his life in South Africa where he learned and experienced lot of things which he implemented in India to achieve freedom.

South Africa issued Mahatma Gandhi stamp very late compare to other countries because of  Nelson Mandela was using Gandhian principles to fight against  racial segregation enforced by the National Party governments of South Africa between 1948 and 1994, under which the rights of the majority 'non-white' inhabitants of South Africa.

So in 1993 it was a good start by government by issuing Mahatma Gandhi stamp who spend 22+ years in South Africa to fight against racism and Nelson Mandela used his principles to fight against apartheid.

Following is the cancellation issued by South Africa Postal service.

Now let see how some stamp dealer bother upcoming new collector. This is true story as it happens to me.

Following 2 screen shot will explain you  

As I was new in Gandhi Philately collection I was not aware of pricing about any philatelic material so in order to collect I was trying to win auction.

In March 2009 it was bought by me "vxvm" and other bidder was "kad_ss"

In April 2008 it was sold for $7.86 and bought by "kad_ss".

Disclaimer : Before this purchase I had done business(purchase only) with "kad_ss" other id "dkkphila" and also emailed with  him multiple time. No communications since 2+ years.!!!!

Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
Shill Bidding on Gandhi Stamps

My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.

My 100th blog post.

Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Gandhi FFC - First Flight Cover : One more Gandhi Rubber Stamp?? Emirates Airbus A380 Ryanair FFC London - Leipzig.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw Gandhi rubber stamp on lot of FFC from Emirates Airways.

Looks like nothing to do with Gandhi, but it's a  great marketing technique.!! I don't think it's even official rubber stamp from Emirates Airlines. (Correct me if you know it's official from Emirates Airlines.)

This is another way to make money from Gandhi!! Same way like printing stamps from smaller countries or creating Gandhi  error stamps or like other Gandhi FFC.

This FFC's are selling for $12.75 and to me it required more research for even considering it as a Genuine FFC. Lot of things to research such as FFC from which airlines Ryanair or Emirates Airlines, direct flight from south africa or stop over, FFC was taken out during flight stop etc.

 FFC is on November 3, 2011 and Emirates Gandhi Rubber stamp is October 1, 2011.!!

So beware of this Gandhi Rubber stamp. This FFC has nothing to do with Gandhi.!!

Also make sure about  Airbus A380 Gandhi FFC and Gandhi FFC after 1975.!! It's another way to make money by using current popular philatelic theme.

I know all experienced collector(now including me!!) are aware of all this in Gandhi FFC world but any new collector who will start Gandhi Philately after 3-4 years will have no idea what happen in 2011 and start buying it thinking it's rare ffc !! and when they will know about this then there is nothing but regret.!!!


Now look at the following and you surprised what are possibility in Stamps Philatelic collection ?

http://www.filatelia.fi/forgeries/blum.html

Following are some FAKE postmarks of FRANKFURT.!!!!!!!

Want to read other Germany related blog posts then click following link.

http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/search/label/Germany

Again thanks for reading and  please share your thoughts in the comments section or you can email me at ketankumar@gmail.com.


Thanks
Ketankumar Patel.
My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.
My 100th blog post.
Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Special Cancellation issued on 50th Anniversary of USA Mahatma Gandhi Stamp

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Sorry for writing late on this 50th Anniversary Special Cancellation because I have to scan this. (as I can't get screen shot from EBay)!!

As all of you know that I write my opinion and investigation about Fake Special Cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi issued by different countries as well as regular post office cancellation on Mahatma Gandhi Philately material.

 And as I  THINK DIFFERENT (look my other Think Different Cover) then others so I thought why not have a Genuine Special Cancellation of Mahatma Gandhi from USA and I worked on it to make it possible.

Don't try to criticize (same way like my previous Think Different Cover) that stamps on it are not straight,  extra postage, rectangle cancel instead of fancy or circular, it has multiple cancellation by machine,  hand postmark cancel & special cancellation, too big cancellation, no respect for Mahatma Gandhi by cancelling on face etc. Only thing is to make sure that Cancellation is Genuine and Officially issued by USPS as per their rules and regulation.

USA was 2nd country in world to issue Mahatma Gandhi stamp after India. On January 26th 1961 USA issued 120 million 4 cents stamp and 40 million 8 cents honoring Mahatma Gandhi with other Champions of Liberty series stamps.

On January 26th 2011, it was 50th Anniversary of USA Gandhi Stamp. So I decided to honored Mahatma Gandhi 50th Anniversary of USA Mahatma Gandhi Stamp by issuing Pictorial Cancellation. I worked with USPS Fremont, CA and make this possible.

I take FULL RESPONSIBILITY and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC of this special cancellation so collectors don't need to waste time in investigation whether this is Genuine or Fake or possible forgery like I and Maulik have to weed out that from Germany, Nepal, Burma, Fiji, Czech Republic, Luxembourg etc.

It is mailed to my address by Certified mail. Also this special pictorial cancellation was designed by me and  issued(made) Officially by USPS, Fremont, CA.  


I have all paper work and email communications with USPS post office.

This Special cancellation is rectangle shape (as per USPS guidelines and rules) which has
1) Picture of Medal of Mahatma Gandhi taken from USA Gandhi Stamp.
2) Description "Celebrating 50th Anniversary USA Mahatma Gandhi Stamp 1961-2011"
3) Station Name: Mahatma Gandhi Station
4) Date and Place of Issue : January 26, 2011, Fremont,CA 94539
5) Mahatma Gandhi Quotes :" Be the change that you want to see in the world"

Very limited quantity  cover were made by me with this special cancellation on 26th January 2011(Very Rare than 10 Rupees Gandhi Service Stamp!!!!)  and  I will be mailing this cover to my philatelic friends so please write a comment when you received this cover.

This special cancellation covered were mailed from 2 different post office from Fremont. (94539 & 94537). You can see this on Certified label. And one of them has machine cancellation also from Oakland, CA with date Jan 26 and time PM. Only 2 certified covers were mailed and other cover were regularly postal stream mailed (cost cutting & don't need to prove that it was officially stamped because I am taking Full responsibility) and some of them were just stamped with special cancellation without postal stream so it will remain clean without any barcode and also remain in good condition.

It is lot of work to make this Officially USPS special cancellation cover as it requires
1) To design special cancellation as per USPS guidelines, standard, rules and regulations. (lot of requirements)
2) Submit USPS  Application for Special Cancellation 10 weeks in advance.!!
3) Work and Followup for approval and pay certain fees if applicable.
4) Design Cover and Print it  (this is too much work too!!)
5) Affix stamp (specially old gummed one!!)
6) Getting Special Cancellation
7) Get hand postmark cancel of post office of same date.
8)  Wait to get in mail to see how it looks an d be happy or regret of sending in a mail.!!
9) Enjoy and be proud that you did it.

Now I wonder why collectors/dealers comes out with all kind of FAKE items. It is lot of work for Genuine work.

This experience helps me to find different FAKE FFC with special cancellation because of all standard requirement by USPS to make special cancellation.

But making this as per rules and regulation and by using right address I don't have to use Fake mailing addresses, Fake identity on ebay to sell or need help of philately friends to sell this covers and try to hide it. When I was little I was taught that one lie will make you speak other lie and eventually you will get caught.!!

If you have any questions, concerns, suggestion, advice and/or criticism then please write your comments  in this blog post  or use Contact US form on top or  you can write me email.

Want to see more of this kind of my creation then click following links.

Martin Luther Memorial  Dedication Cover in Washington DC. (coming soon)

Washington, DC Gandhi Statue Cover on October 2nd. (This Blog post)

25th Anniversary cover of Gandhi Statue in New York.

Ottawa Gandhi Statue Unveiling Cover with Diwali stamp.

10th Anniversary cover of 911 Memorial with Gandhi Stamps and CDS from NY.

Unveiling cover of One of the Largest Bronze Sculptor of Gandhi with other Humantrains in Oakland, CA

50th Anniversary cover of Mahatma Gandhi USA stamp with Special Pictorial Cancellation.

Apple IPad Launch cover Think Different "Gandhi & Apple"

Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.

My 100th Blog post

(My Son's blog http://usapostman.blogspot.com)

Read my previous blog post about 50th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Stamp.
http://gandhiphilately.blogspot.com/2011/03/50th-anniversary-of-usa-mahatma-gandhi.html

1970 Hannover Messe Inauguration MaxCard with Germany 1969 Mahatma Gandhi stamp and special cancellation

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Thanks to my friend Jens Oetling in Germany for making this possible.

Recently my philatelist friend from  Germany send me 2 Maxcard with 1969 Mahatma Gandhi stamp on Hannover Messe card with special cancellation of  "Hannover  Messegelände " means Hannover Fairground issued on 25-4-70.

Looks like this Maxcard and Special Cancellation was issued to celebrate opening of  Hannover fair in 1970. The Hanover fairground is an exhibition area in the Mittelfeld district of Hanover, Germany. Featuring 496,000 m²  of covered indoor space, 58,000 m² of open-air space, 27 halls and pavilions and a convention centre with 35 function rooms, it is the largest exhibition ground in the world.


In 1970 Hall 1 was opened, then the largest exhibition hall in the world. It becomes permanent home to CeBIT, a subdivision of the Hanover Industry Fair.

Let me know what do you think about this Maxcard.

Other interesting blog post about Germany Stamp Collections.

1) FAKE cancellation from Winnenden.

2) Gandhi Special Cancellation or Rubber Stamp?

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.

My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.
My 100th blog post.
Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Think Different - Part 2 (Churchill & Gandhi)

Hello Gandhi Collector,

I am surprised by a USA collector/dealer who made above cover. In 1965 he was "Thinking Differently" and made this cover. Main point to look at this that Churchill & Gandhi together.

So don't look at Where is postmark cancel, How stamps are affixed on cover, Value of affixed stamps on cover(it's more than what's required in 1965), photo of Churchill used on cachcet, photo of tower used on cachect etc. Just enjoy cover as much you can without making a point/shot whoever made this and whoever is owning it right now or who did this whether it is Indian or Americian.!!

Learn from this cover and try to "Think Differently" instead of increasing value of Gandhi item by Shill bidding, FAKE Postmark Cancel, Making Fake Gandhi Used Register covers from Mauritius and other countries and lot of other things.

I really admire "Thinking Power" of that person who did all this effort to make this special FDC.

Once Winston Churchill called Gandhi "Naked Fakir".

Churchill quotes on Gandhi is "It is alarming and also nauseating to see Mr Gandhi, a seditious Middle-Temple lawyer, now posing as a fakir of a type well-known in the East, striding half-naked up the steps of the Vice-regal palace... to parley on equal terms with the representative of the King-Emperor"

Churchill opposed Mohandas Gandhi's peaceful disobedience revolt and the Indian Independence movement in the 1930s, arguing that the Round Table Conference "was a frightful prospect". Later reports indicate that Churchill favoured letting Gandhi die if he went on hunger strike.

So this is really interesting cover where 2 of them are together!! So this is known as positive creativity instead of negative creativity. So if someone Think Different they can do it both +ve or -ve things.

Also don't compare Apple and Oranges. Of course both taste good if it is purchased from good seller, but if it is purchase from bad seller than chance are it might not taste good. Also buyer will tell others that don't buy from that bad seller.!!! and also tell others to beware of buying from that bad seller. In Gandhi Philatelic world there are few bad sellers.!!

Any comments or concern are welcome and start Thinking Different.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
Shill Bidding on Gandhi Stamps

My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.

My 100th blog post.

Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Further Reading.
1) Think Different "Apple & Gandhi"


====================================================================

"Think Different" Gandhi & Apple.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

On April 3rd Apple came out with IPAD. You might be wondering what to do with IPAD & Gandhi Philately.!!

"Think Different" was an advertising slogan created for Apple Computer in 1997 . It was used in a famous television commercial & several print & billboard advertisment for Apple products with Images of different famous people around the world including Gandhi, Einstein, Martin Luther King etc. Apple's use of the slogan was discontinued with the start of the Apple Switch ad campaign in 2002.

(image update on 4/28/10 so readers can see 44 cents stamps)

I understand about using images of MLK, Einstein, Dalai Lama, Muhammed Ali (boxer) & others but Gandhi has great power as an icon from 1890- till today and also in future. If you look at him and you think about him than you will really impressed by his thinking "Think Different" who believed in simplicity, calm, rebellion without violence.

When he died, all his belongings -- Bhagavad Gita (Hindu holy book), his toothbrush & khadki cloth, fit inside couple of shoe boxes. Also he has no "WILL" and so no royalty of his books goes to his family members. So Apple Mac, iMac, iPod, iTouch, iPhone, iPad & i......? are simplicity in look.


So on 3rd April I also started "Think Different"and made a event cover during IPAD deputs.

This is a genuine postmark cancel from USPS postoffice with Gandhi stamp on the cover.

I also started thinking other than Gandhi Rubber Stamps.!! "Think Different"
I know this is not a great Gandhi cover or event related to Gandhi, but I think differently.!! Also all things here are genuine such as stamp, postmark cancel and also photo. Photo is used as per APPLE Inc. guidelines with corporate logo of Apple and also mentioned about "Courtsey of Apple Inc" on my envelope(Event Cover). Following is the link for photos and Apple guidelines.
http://www.apple.com/pr/pics/thinkdiffads.html

Any comments are welcome. Thanks for reading & start thinking differently like Gandhi.!! Don't think like Apple.!!

Want to see more of this kind of my creation then click following links.

Martin Luther Memorial  Dedication Cover in Washington DC. (coming soon)

Washington, DC Gandhi Statue Cover on October 2nd. (This Blog post)

25th Anniversary cover of Gandhi Statue in New York.

Ottawa Gandhi Statue Unveiling Cover with Diwali stamp.

10th Anniversary cover of 911 Memorial with Gandhi Stamps and CDS from NY.

Unveiling cover of One of the Largest Bronze Sculptor of Gandhi with other Humantrains in Oakland, CA

50th Anniversary cover of Mahatma Gandhi USA stamp with Special Pictorial Cancellation.

Apple IPad Launch cover Think Different "Gandhi & Apple"

Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.

My 100th Blog post

(My Son's blog http://usapostman.blogspot.com)

Read comment about this cover by clicking following link.

http://stampsofindia.com/newssite/download/433.pdf

Germany special Gandhi Postmark Cancel or Gandhi Rubber Stamp?

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw one more Gandhi Special Postmark Cancel from Germany. Thank God this one don't have Emblem of India.

This postmark cancel is different than which was for sale on ebay with Gandhi picture & Emblem of India with CDS of 2nd October 2009. But there are some similarities between this 2 postmark cancel.
1) Picture of Gandhi on postmark cancel.
2) Address (Town) on cover.
3) And lot more..........

It's amazing.!!

Following is the cover which has GANDHI special postmark cancel with CDS of May 6-10, 2009. Seems to me that India is welcoming this stamp exhibition at IBRA(Internationale Briefmarken-Ausstellung) 2009 in ESSEN, Germany. Name & Address is white-out is from this cover by me. If you want to do more research on this I can provide full scan.






After looking in to details on this cover it has 5 Rupees Stamp from India. Which is not sufficient/correct postage required for International mail by Indian post in 2009.
I have following questions about above Gandhi Postmark cancel.

1) What to do with Gandhi and this exhibition(expo) in Germany?
2) Is this offical cancel from IBRA with cachet of stamp exhibition?
3) Which philatelic society of India is Greeting this Exposition?
4) Do Indian Postal Service or Indian Goverment greets this exhibition?
5) Do Indian Embassy in Germany knows about it?
6) It has orange barcode so do you think it is commerical used (with insufficent postage)?
7) If commerically used than how it is valid with Indian stamp or only Indian stamp on cover?
8) Why Indian stamp on German Expo (IBRA) cover? Not sure whether this cover is mailed from India or Germany?

After thinking answers for all above questions, Will you consider this as Special Postmark Cancel or Special Rubber stamp?


Unless I don't get sufficent proof of this cancel, I will call it as Special Rubber stamp.!! Like my kids play with rubber stamps of butterfly, flowers, rainbow, princesses, disney characters etc. This is my personal opinion for this Gandhi Special Rubber Stamp because it is very hard for me to think as Special Postmark Cancel.

After researching for previous Gandhi Postmark Cancel from Germany, I can do research on this myself so I did not contacted Deutsche Post. If someone has contact with IBRA I would like to get more info on this if possible.

This postmark cancel is not as per design guidelines of Deutsche(German) Post. Following are links from Deutsche Post for special cancellation requirements. Check it out for more information.

1) Postal stamp with self promotion used for special anniversary or memorial event.
2) Sonderstempel used for anniversary, festivals, fairs and exhibition.

There is a huge difference in design requirement of this cancel compare to 2nd October 2009 cancel where only POSTHORNS were missing in the postmark cancel.
I think artist/creator of this postmark cancel learned from previous mistakes and make neccesary improvement in next release (bug fix for computer industries) but still there are more bugs.!! Next time they need to fix Gandhi Photo on the cancel so it looks completely different.!!
Why Germany?
According to me something is going on like Germany's BLUM Forgery so Gandhi collectors need to be aware of this kind of activities as currently we see it from Germany than we might see from other countries like it happen in 1969. Also World is very small now compare to 1969 so it is easy to keep your eyes open and you will see something not only in Rubber stamps but also how philatelic material prices are increased by collectors, dealers and reseller.

Let us know if you have more information about this Rubber stamp so we can change it to Postmark cancel. But I think it is a Rubber stamp.!!!

And also Christian Sperber thinks so. You can read his comments by clicking following link.

http://stampsofindia.com/newssite/download/432.pdf

Again thanks for reading this blog post and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com

===============================================================
On side note:-

Why collectors, dealers, resellers try to make Gandhi Postmark(rubber stamp) cancel. I am not sure what they are trying to do or prove by making this cancellation and why collectors buy them!!

One think is sure that someone wants to make money and someone wants to make their collection unique by buying expensive Rubber Stamps and win awards.!! But what we are trying to do is that we are not following the principles laid down by Gandhi.

Also it is easier and less expensive to make this kind of Rubber Stamp as no special equipment is need. So I guess greedy collectors and dealers try to take benefit!!

If someone wants to really show their art & creativity than they can start making use of personalized stamps with Gandhi theme, which is also cheap and easy to do. Also this is legal in certain countries so need to worry.

THE STATE EMBLEM OF INDIA & GANDHI Postcards and Postmark Cancel.

Hello Gandhi Collectors,

Recently I saw in philately world there is a great demand of official material and to supply this demand philatelic organisation all around world started using official/emblem of that counrty after getting permission from authorized countries. Today I am writing about "Emblem of India".

http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/STATE_EMBLEM_ACT2005.pdf

Above link will explain why it is ILLEGAL to use EMBLEM OF INDIA without permission of Goverment of India. Also it explain about penalty and fine for using illegally.!!

WHAT IS STATE EMBLEM OF INDIA:

The State Emblem of India is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emporer Ashoka, who ruled from 272 BC to 232 BC. It is preserved in the Sarnath Museum, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Lion Capital has four lions standing back to back mounted on a circular abacus. The frieze of the abacus is adorned with sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening Dharma Chakra (Wheels of Law). The abacus rests on a bell-shaped lotus.

The State Emblem is the official seal of India. As such, use of the State Emblem for official seal is restricted to the President, the Vice President, Union Ministers, Ministers and others Officers of the Central Government including diplomatic missions abroad, Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Commissioners and Administrators of Union Territories and Ministers and departments and offices of the State governments and of Union Territory governments and administrations who have adopted the State Emblem. Offices of Central Government permitted to use distinct emblems of their own may, however, use the same in their seals.

The State Emblem, on demi-official stationery used by Ministers, when printed or embossed should appear on the top left hand corner in blue colour,. The lettering like "Home Minister" or "Ministry of Home Affairs" should appear on the top right hand corner. The demi-official stationery used by officers should be embossed or printed in red colour except when an officer is specifically authorised to use such stationery in some other colour. Names of officers, however, should not be printed on such stationery.

The Members of Parliament may have the State Emblem embossed or printed on their stationery. The colour to be used for the purpose in the case of the Members of the Lok Sabha is green and red for the Members of the Rajya Sabha. Such stationery when supplied by the Chief Controller of Printing and Stationery, does not contain the names or addresses of the Members. But the Members may, at their discretion get such stationery, with their names and addresses printed at private presses approved for this purpose by the Government of India in the Ministry of Urban Development.

Where the stationery used by the Members of Parliament, contains the State Emblem it should not bear words like "Advocate, Supreme Court/High Court" and "Editor…..Journal", below their names in the letter-heads.

The Members of Legislative Assemblies of Union Territfories and the Members of Metropolitan Council of Delhi may have the State Emblem embossed or printed on their stationery. The stationery containing the State Emblem, however, should not bear words like "Advocate, Supreme Court/High Court" and "Editor…..Journal", below their names in the letter-heads.

The State Emblem shall not be used for any trade or profession or in the title of any patent, or in any trade mark or design except in such cases and under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Governments under Section 3 of The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. Unauthorised use of the Emblem for such purposes is an offence under the Act.

Private persons, bodies of persons and sports associations are not permitted to use the State Emblem on their letter-heads, seats, crests, badges, house flags or for any other purpose except with the permission of the Government.(PIB Features)

Above Postcard is from Croatia with GANDHI postmark cancel issued on Oct 2nd 2009 has "EMBLEM OF INDIA". This is legal as it was issued in presence of Indian Consulate Officer from Embassy of India in Croatia. Also he attended this stamp exhibition.

This was issued during philatelic exhibition tribute to Gandhi from 30.9. to 30.10.2009. in Zagreb at HT Museum. It was exhibit of Mr. Ole-Fredrik Olsen from Norway. Above photo is from opening ceremony ( from left to right : Ivan Libric, president of Croatian Philatelic Federation; Mrs Dunja Radosevic, Director of Museum; Mr. Suresh C. Khurana, Embassy of India; Interpreter; Mr. Ole-Fredrik Olsen philatelist from Norway). This makes that this postcard was issued officially with STATE EMBLEM OF INDIA.

On the postcards are coats of arms of the Croatian Philatelic Federation, OFFICAL EMBLEM OF INDIA provided by Embassy of India and Association Lotos Zagreb. Text on postcard is in Croatian language: Days of Mahatma Gandhi - and "My life - my message".

So to all my fellow collectors if you are buying any postcards, postmark cancellation or any other philatelic material make sure it is offically issued by Indian Goverment or Indian Goverment has given Permission to use that.

Please beware of greedy dealer/reseller who are trying to abuse Gandhi Philatelic collection by creating unbelievable philatelic material.

Let me know if any quesitons or concerns. Any comments or further research on this topic is most welcome.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.com

FAKE Gandhi postmark cancel from Germany on 2nd October 2009 ???

Recently I noticed on ebay that there is one more postmark cancel by Germany on October 2nd 2009 on Gandhi's 140th birthday to celebrate United Nations International Non-Violence Day. Following is the postmark cancel.




I did some research on German Post website which is
http://www.deutschepost.de/dpag?xmlFile=828 & also I contacted them by email and got reply from them(email copy is attached). Also I contacted some local German Philatelist from whom I bought Gandhi related material and according to them they are not aware of this postmark cancellation.

This is amazing as GANDHI philately material is one of the most popular and searched on internet auction sites as well as in stamp shows noone has any idea about this postmark cancellation. How this is possible that no stamp collector/dealer from Germany has no idea.!!

My research indicates that following is authenticated philatelic material issued on October 2nd 2009.

1) United Nations:- $1 Gandhi stamp with FDC & Souvenir card
2) India :- 25 Rupees Gandhi stamp & FDC.
3) Croatia :- Gandhi Postmark Cancel.

So now my questions is what is this German GANDHI postmark cancellation?

Is it FAKE? (Read email from German Postal Service)

Unless I don't get sufficient proof I think it is.

Also above cover and other covers selling has postal barcode. This does not mean that this is not fake. We are now in modern world where everything is easy and quickly done using computer and printer so just don't blindly think that this is real.
Postal barcode can be printed on cover using Microsoft word !! and also using special software. Please read following you will get idea.
For USPS:-

http://blog.qualifiedaddress.com/2009/12/how-to-print-barcodes-in-microsoft-word.html
For German (Deutsche) Post:-

http://www.satoeurope.com/en/industry/post/postal_Deutsche_post.html

http://www.bytescout.com/bytescoutbarcodesdk_sample_deutsche_post_leitcode.html

If someone has any proof please let us know so we can update this.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.
My 100th blog post.
Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!



I got 2 reply from different department of Deutschepost and as per them this are not postmark from German Postal Service. Read following emails and let me know if any question about email.



Update on 3/10/2011

Genuine/Real postmark cancellation from German Post related to India was issued on 2/12/2011 for Indipex 2011 stamp exhibition in New Delhi. Check following and make see the difference. (You can see the POSTHORNS on both side of town name BONN!!)


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Premium-Service-Philatelie@deutschepost.de
Date: Jan 22, 2010 4:47 AM
Subject: Your inquiry
To: kxxx@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Patel,

Thank you for your inquiry.
Deutsche Post AG did not issue any postmark from Ghandi`s birthday.




Kind regards
Jutta Frimberger
Premium Service Philatelie

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Philatelie
Franz-Zebisch-Str. 15
92637 Weiden

3632 Junior Assistent Premium
Tel.: 0180 3 245442



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sonder-Werbestempel@deutschepost.de
Date: Feb 1, 2010 6:31 AM
Subject: AW: Gandhi postmark handstamp on October 2nd 2009 from Winnenden, Germany,
To: kxxx@gmail.com


Dear Mr. Patel,

Thank you for your require.

The postmark is not a postmark from the German Post. You can recognize this, because there are no posthorns on it.

I am sorry, the person who has created the postmark is unknown.

Kind regards

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Anna Girbert

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Philatelie
Stempelvertrieb
Franz-Zebisch-Str. 15
92637 Weiden
Tel: 0961 - 3818 3636
Fax: 01805 - 24 68 76
e-mail: Anna.Girbert@DeutschePost.de
e-mail: Sonder-Werbestempel@DeutschePost.de
Webseite: http://philatelie.deutschepost.de/philatelie/



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Also if you see there is no POSTHORNS on this cancel. This posthorns are small design on both sides around the name of the city on the cancel.

You can see this posthorns at following link on German postal service.

http://philatelie.deutschepost.de/philatelie/stempel/stempel_pew.jhtml?id=cat180029&navAction=jump

http://philatelie.deutschepost.de/philatelie/stempel/sonderstempel.jhtml?id=cat180029&navAction=jump

Following postmark cancel is genuine which has 2 posthorns on both sides of the name of city (Barnstorf) where as Gandhi postmark cancel that is missing(maker of this Gandhi postmark cancel did not notice this!!)





******** Also read about frogeries in German Postmark Cancel **********
While researching on this German Cancel I found very interesting material related to Germany postmark handstamp forgery.
It is very important to read before you buy any Gandhi related material from Germany including this as well as other FFC available from that country.
http://www.filatelia.fi/forgeries/blum.html

Following link will display more than 650 FAKE postmark handstamp. You can see by clicking following link and than choose the first alphabet of German city.
http://www.phila-kompass.de/index.php?id=73&no_cache=1&tx_kbsystem_pi1[showUid]=90

Gandhi Postmark Cancel issued by Croatia on 02-Oct-2009

On 2nd October 2009 Croatia issued special postmark cancel to honour Mahatma Gandhi on International Non-Violence Day observed by United Nations.

Following are the 2 postcard with Postmark Cancel from Croatia Post Office. I verified with Croatia Postal Service and also I have a proof of that this is genuine postmark cancel (not a rubber stamp).

Any comments or concerns about this Croatia Postmark Cancel is welcome.


Again thanks for reading and  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thanks

Ketankumar Patel.
Shill Bidding on Gandhi Stamps

My First year experience in Gandhi Philately.

My 100th blog post.

Gandhi Stamp Collecting is SCAM. My 3 year experience tell me Yes!!

Gandhi 1969 Cancels - Possible Forgeries

There are 4 known infamous cancels of Gandhi Centenary.

1. Fiji - Previously reported

2. Below is the from Rangoon, Burma.













3. The one below from Luxemburg.

















4. The 4th and Final one from Czech Republic.













The authenticity of all the above is in serious question. I have physically handled all 3 of them. The covers appeared crisp and the size, appearance, gum and make appear very similar to the ones I could have bought from any general store in Mumbai.

Also, I have compared the "probable" authentic Luxemburg cancel that I own and purchased from a dealer based in Luxemburg. Attached below is an example. The cancel is bigger in size as compared to the one displayed above and is also much clearer.

Specifically for Luxemburg and Czech cancels
1. The ones mentioned in the Manik Jain catalog are very similar to the examples above. One on the stamp itself and one on the left of the cover.
2. There are no known usages of these cancels on any article that would have been posted.
From Fiji and Burma there are known usages in existance and it is a debatable issue whether any cancel issued and available in abundance on a plain cover with no known postal usage is genuine.

An Example of probably an authentic Luxemburg Cancel.



Inexpensive I would say, anywhere from US$15 to $25 and a Space filler for sure!!!!! The problem with these cancels is how do you compare it with an original when there is none. There is no catalog available other than the one from Manik Jain which in itself poses a debatable question on authenticity of material printed in it.