Stamps depict vintage classics

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The Philatelic Bureau of the Postal Department issued four new black and white stamps for the first time in the history of the postal service to mark World Post day.

These stamps come with images of four vintage and classic motor cars, in the denomination of Rs 5.00. The four vintage cars are, Austin 12, which came out of the production line in 1928, Rolls-Royce 20 manufactured in 1934, Jaguar SS 100 manufactured in 1937 and Morris Minor (1949).

"The four new stamps will fulfil the aims of worldwide stamp collectors, especially those who are interested in classic motor cars.

It is interesting to note that these cars are in good working condition even today.

It is expected that the aesthetic beauty of early years will induce many visitors to the hobby of stamp collecting" Postal Services Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga said.

The Postal Department will print 500,000 stamps from each stamp amounting to two million stamps.

However, certain parties point out that, fraudsters can easily print these stamps.

They further note that no country prints black and white stamps so far.