Normally different variations are not found in cachets of FDCs issued by Indian Post & Telegraph Department. However, it is noteworthy to see variations in engraved design of the FDCs of stamps of Saints & Poets, which are the first issues printed by 'Photogravure' in India and are released on 1-10-1952. In this issue we find cancellations in two languages viz. Hindi and English. Two important observations are to be made here:

One is that in English cancellation month is shown in letters as '1 OCT 1952'. While in Hindi cancellation it is shown in numeric as '1-10-1952'.

English Cancellation

Hindi Cancellation

Second is that in Cancellation, an Open Book is shown on which 'JAY HIND' is written in Three lines on both sides of the Book.

In the cachet of this FDC, Symbols of Peacock, Book & Veena, which are associated with Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) are shown in an artistic design. It may be so as Saints and Poets are considered as Devotees of Goddess Saraswati. On close look, philatelists would find differences in

Peacock Feathers,

Veena,

Book in between Peacock and Veena,

Bridges on Veena and

Signature (probably of engraver) below Veena.

It is worth noting that these different engravings on FDCs are found on one or more covers from different philatelic bureaus. Philatelists are requested to see all above factors in each engraving. They would definitely mark the variations. Here all these varieties are shown.

Type 1

Signature of engraver intrudes into the rear resonator of Veena. The Book is not very much fully opened.

Type 2

Here tail of last letter of Signature below the rear resonator is going little longer i.e. up to 3/4 of the round of resonator. The Book is more than 3/4 opened as right half of the book is not fully opened.

Type 3

Here Peacock Feathers are dark and thickly organised. The Book is more than 3/4 opened as right half of the book is not fully opened. The signature is not touching the rear resonator and is having the long tail of the last letter which is going beyond the round of rear resonator.

Type 4

Here tail of last letter of Signature below the rear resonator is so long that it is going beyond the round of resonator. The book is 3/4 open and left half of the book is plain. It is also observed that there is a 'Shadow' impression below the front resonator of Veena (above the words 'Indian Posts') and a Small Semi Circle beneath the year '1952'.

Type 5

Here Peacock Feathers are not thickly organised and gives an image of light plumage with some space between the feathers. The Book is not fully open as right half of  the book is not fully opened. The signature is not touching the rear resonator and is not having the long tail of the last letter which is seen in some other engravings.

Type 6

Here Peacock Feathers show beautiful plumage. The Book is fully open. The signature is not touching the rear resonator and is not having the long tail of the last letter which is seen in some other engravings. The Bridges on Veena are as if in bold relief.