The humble habbata (door knocker), a relatively small and insignificant item, has been chosen to feature on a set of four stamps.

The stamps, with face values of EUR0.26 (Lm0.11c), EUR0.51 (Lm0.22c), EUR0.63 (Lm0.27c) and EUR1.77 (Lm0.76), are 44.0mm x 31.0mm in size, with a perforation of 13.9mm x 14.0mm (comb).

The habbata entered architectural history many years back as a matter of necessity. However, it has survived the mechanical and electric doorbell and become part of our street embellishment.

Available in numerous motifs, shapes and sizes it often reflects the personality and taste of the house owner. Buildings throughout the Maltese Islands can boast some exceptionally fine examples that qualify as veritable works of art.

Perhaps the most traditional motif in the islands is that in the shape of a dolphin. These are still manufactured in significant quantities and much in demand.

The four examples chosen by the artist for this issue are found on the doors of the Ministry of Finance in South Street, Valletta (EUR0.26) the Museum of Fine Arts, also in South Street (EUR0.51); the Department of Industrial & Employment Relations in Melita Street, Valletta (EUR0.63); and the Museum of Archaeology in Republic Street, Valletta (EUR1.77).

These stamps are available as First Day Covers, in mint or cancelled format, and as souvenir folders and presentation packs. The stamps will be on sale from 5 March at all MaltaPost postal branches in Malta and Gozo, the MaltaPost Mobile Unit, and the Philatelic Bureau (telephone 2596 1740, e-mail philately @maltapost. com). Additional information on this and other issues is available on the MaltaPost website www.maltapost.com.