Lot 60344 – 1866-67 An extensive and highly specialized collection

1866-67 An extensive and highly specialized collection of the Second Composite Plate issues, offering a comprehensive study of this complex and fascinating series.The second composite plate comprises two horizontal strips of five subjects, with the upper row of ¼ anna and the lower row of 2 annas. These denominations reflect the special reduced-rate provision for European visitors to Kashmir, applicable to both regular and registered correspondence. The ¼ anna was printed exclusively in black watercolour, while the 2 annas was produced in shades of yellow, the two values always printed separately.The collection includes:A strip of five of the ¼ anna black on native paper, very fineA local letter bearing ¼ anna black, cancelled by the red Srinagar seal, with Sialkot transit and Amritsar arrival markings, notably without postage due (Jaretzky expertise)Two unused pairs in black and grey-black (positions 1–2 and 3–4)A foreign letter to Lahore, bearing 4 annas black (Kashmir) and 2 annas British India, cancelled by the Kashmir 5/L-6 duplex (in use 1875–1880), with Murree transit and “TOO LATE” markingAlso present are:Two distinct shades of 2 annas buff (yellowish-brown) on native paper, used with Kashmir duplex cancellationsAdditional unused shades of 2 annas yellow, including a strip of five on native paperA particularly intriguing domestic letter bears a mixed franking of ½ anna blue, 1 anna orange-red, and 2 annas yellow (the latter two somewhat faded). The cover has been the subject of collector study, suggesting:Possible registered usageAddress to spice merchants in JammuA manuscript reference to an amount of 400 (possibly monetary)A likely date of 7 November 1875Multiple seals and markings, including the number “74”, possibly of symbolic or administrative significanceFurther highlights include:4 annas shades in sage green (early and late impressions) and emerald green, showing clear to watery impressions, both unused and used4 annas and 2 annas on piece, cancelled by the red Srinagar sealAdditional 4 annas examples as singles and strips, illustrating impressions from the single die8 annas scarlet, including used examples with Kashmir cancellations, as well as unused singles (3) and a pairA selection of reprints in fancy coloursA rich and wide-ranging collection, encompassing rare multiples, covers, and shade studies, offering exceptional scope for advanced research and exhibition. Condition generally very fine (SG £3000+).