Description

This extraordinary 1999 issue commemorates the history of aerostats and the great feat of the first non-stop round-the-world balloon flight (March 21, 1999). Designer D. Vangelli used a highly decorative, Oriental style here—each stamp depicts a colorful balloon soaring over intricately drawn architecture of Somali cities and mosques. The geometric patterns and saturated colors give the series a fairy-tale, almost magical atmosphere.

Detailed Set Composition (MNH Condition):

• 200 Sh. So: A red and white balloon over a blue and yellow city skyline with a characteristic minaret.

• 300 Sh. So: A classic balloon with a basket, shown against a night sky with a crescent moon symbol.

• 3500 Sh. So.: A richly decorated, yellow and blue aerostat floating over colorful architecture in full sunlight.

• Bloczek (2300 Sh. So.): The centerpiece of the collection, issued to commemorate the historic flight of March 1999. It depicts a pink balloon over the Pyramids of Giza, framed in a rich, openwork border resembling a decorative window.

Why Is This a Perfect Choice?

• Unique Design: The combination of aviation themes with Oriental ornamentation makes this series one of the most decorative in Somalia’s catalog.

• Significant Anniversary: The sheet documents one of the greatest achievements in the history of modern ballooning.

• Italian Craftsmanship: Roma printing ensures extraordinary detail sharpness, especially visible in the complex patterns on the souvenir sheet.