A dignified, ageing gentleman sits outside what is ostensibly a large glass case full of little pieces of seemingly ordinary, multi-coloured scraps scattered behind shelves. On closer inspection, however, it is obvious that there is a whole world behind the faded glass that houses Shabbir A. Slatewala’s stamp collection. That’s why, the faces of Abraham Lincoln, Queen Elizabeth and Jawaharlal Nehru all look gravely out at you from their places behind the glass.

Slatewala’s stamp shop is easy to miss among the blinded array of the neighbouring stalls selling CDs and DVDs, jewellery and other bric-a-brac. The shop has been in the family since 1938, when his father, Asghar Slatewala, sold watch-straps, pens, lighters and cutlery. “We get these mostly from collectors, not individuals, and we have been buying and selling stamps here since 1960,” says 75-year old Slatewala, adding that he has stamps that date back to 1840, when stamps first began to be used.

“There’s no saying how many customers come in each day. Sometimes we have no time at all and are busy throughout. On other days they only trickle in, but I have no complaints,” says the silver-bearded Slatewala, who has studied philately in detail. “To run a business like this, as a hobby, you need two things. Money and time,” he says.

Slatewala explains that the stamps can be grouped into different themes — birds, animals, butterflies, countries, even shapes and sizes. “Some come to buy the stamps as gifts for other people, and some to teach children. Older students come to buy them to use in projects and presentations,” he explains.

Though he followed his father’s footsteps and took an interest in the same business, Slatewala’s son is not in the same line. “He is a computer engineer and has designed the website for the shop. He is interested in the art, but doesn’t have the time,” he says, smiling understandingly and adding, “This is like a drug, it’s intoxicating and once you’re hooked, you can’t let go of it.”

When asked whether anyone has ever tried to break in and steal his collection, Slatewala responds with a quick grin, “Not many understand the true meaning of these stamps. If they steal it, they will have to come back to us to sell it.”

Slatewala’s passion for his collection reflects clearly in his eyes. He talks of the stamps with a fondness that clearly goes beyond the call of duty and business. “Those who collect stamps treat them like their sons. They won’t allow anyone to touch them. At home, my family knows better than to touch my collection,” says Slatewala, who can spot a stamp and peg its value, authenticity and its country of origin within seconds.