Bahrain’s dedicated philatelists are licking their lips in anticipation for meeting once again in person, post pandemic restrictions, with a much-awaited auction.
They are waiting for a stamp of approval by the authorities to reignite their weekly sessions and despite the temptation, have resisted the option to gather, buy and sell online.
Renowned collector and Philately Society president Mohammed Hussain Janahi noted that despite the pandemic, enthusiasts from a range of age groups continue to collect and study stamps.
“Every stamp has a history and a culture, and if it dates back to the 19th century, then it is considered a prized possession and every collector’s dream,” Mr Janahi told the GDN.
“I started collecting stamps from around the world when I was 15 and, like any other hobbyist, the shape and colour of the stamp always caught my attention.”
The Bahraini has been collecting stamps for more than four decades and is proud of his extensive albums filled with stamps of myriad colours, from different eras and countries.
Within those pages lies the prized British ‘Penny Black’ dating back to 1840 – as well as the first Bahraini printed issue of 1960 with the picture of the late Hakim of Bahrain, His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who ruled Bahrain from 1942 until his death in 1961.
“Much of this collection comes from trading, either after meeting people in the Philately Society or finding those who have kept their near century-old family possessions carefully stored,” said Mr Janahi.
For him, the joy of philately comes from its art and educational value, rather than solely its investment value.
“While a stamp on its own may not hold much beauty, once you see the collection in an album, it becomes a complete painting,” he added. “These stamps are historical artefacts.
“For example, through Bahrain’s stamps, one can learn more about the kingdom’s history and its evolution since its independence. It is through the act of collecting that we can maintain much of Bahrain’s heritage and culture.”
Keeping stamps in mint condition requires specialised albums made exclusively for collectors. The society also has customised albums, made out of double special nylon, to keep the humidity out and to help keep the stamps upright to avoid any rips.
“We always advise newcomers to never put stamps or historic documents inside their pockets or wallets out of fear that they may get scarred and damaged from possible folding,” he explained.
He also highlighted how different stamps and their scarcity can lead to better investment returns in the future. For example, he has a collection of revenue stamp proofs which were never publicly released – now worth around BD1,500.
“Because these were not widely available, their production was very limited and their rarity defines their high price,” he added.
The society used to welcome fellow collectors and hobbyists every Thursday for an open auction, but closed temporarily during the pandemic in line with Health Ministry guidelines.
When asked by the GDN why they did not move their auction online, Mr Janahi explained that ‘there is a different feeling when you are sitting across from people who share the same passion as you’.
“You build friendships, you start asking about their collection and you learn a new chapter in your country’s history,” he explained. “Online, despite its many advantages, cannot carry that same community or understanding.”
The society hopes to open its auction doors again in the near future and hopes to attract more young collectors into the organisation.
“Our fear is that in 20 years, we will not be here and this hobby will die alongside all its beauty and cultural significance,” said Mr Janahi.“That is why we are trying to connect to the new generation.”
Initial suggestions to set up clubs in schools were thwarted by the authorities but the group feels there is still a glimmer of hope on the horizon. “Seeing the Education Ministry opening doors for activities such as chess and wrestling, it gives us hope to try again.”
aref@gdn.com.bh
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