Vignette (philately)

In philately, the vignette is the central part of a postage stamp design, such as, a monarch's head or a pictorial design, which often shades off gradually to the edges of the stamp.[1]

The central vignette is often surrounded by a frame which may be printed separately and is normally of a different colour. The plate from which the vignette is printed is known as the vignette plate.[2]

Printing errors have sometimes led to the vignette being inverted. Perhaps the most famous example is the Inverted Jenny.

Alternative meaning

A different use of the term vignette in philately is to describe publicity labels or poster stamps which do not have postal validity,[3] such as those produced in France during World War One by Delandre.

References

  1. ^ Carlton, R. Scott. The International Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Philately, Krause Publications, Iola WI, 1997, p.275. ISBN 0873414489.
  2. ^ Patrick, Douglas & Mary. The Hodder Stamp Dictionary, Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1973, p.261. ISBN 0340171839.
  3. ^ Mackay, James. Philatelic Terms Illustrated, 4th edition, Stanley Gibbons, London, 2003, p.165. ISBN 0852595573.