Lot 60329 – Jammu & Kashmir – Pre-Stamp Period: Intaglio “Frank”

Pre-Stamp Period: Intaglio “Frank” Seals, 1861–1873A remarkable group illustrating the pre-stamp period of Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the significance of early postal markings prior to the introduction of adhesives. These early official markings are of exceptional rarity, with no more than 20 covers recorded, dated between 1861 and 1873, with usages noted in 1861, 1864–1867, and a late example in April 1873. According to the Anthony S. Bard archives, an early recorded item is dated 3 August 1861. Of particular importance is the present example, believed to be among the earliest known usages, bearing the orange-red Srinagar intaglio seal, dated 18 March 1861, on mail from Srinagar to Jammu. Cover from Srinagar with the octogonal orange-red seal to Jammu. The date on the cover is 5th Siam 1278 = 18. March 1861. Siam is another name for Ramadan. The Srinagar seal reads as (english): „By the grace of Sri Gadadhar – Post Office Srinagar – 1861 AD”. A highly significant and rare postal history item, representing the formative stage of organized postal communication in the region. Condition commensurate with age. Another cover Mail originating from Jammu and addressed to British India was routed via Sialkot (Punjab), where it entered the British-Indian postal system. At Sialkot, such letters were franked with a ½ anna British-Indian adhesive, cancelled, and forwarded onward. The transit marking applied was the “SEALKOTE 54” duplex, recorded in use from June 1865 through approximately September 1867, spanning the late pre-stamp and early adhesive periods. The Jammu intaglio seal, struck in dull red, bears the inscription: “By the Grace of Sri Raghunath – Post Office Jammu – 1859 AD.” A fascinating illustration of cross-administration postal handling during the formative years of organized mail exchange between Jammu & Kashmir and British India. Rare and fine.