Lot 60346 – 1867-78 Jammu & Kashmir – Rectangular Issues: Specialized

1867-78 Jammu & Kashmir – Rectangular Issues: Specialized Collection with Covers and Shades. A highly specialized and attractive collection of the Jammu & Kashmir Rectangular issues, comprising nine covers (including several ex Masson) together with a range of stamps in distinct shades of red, including chestnut, Venetian red, orange, and orange-vermilion. Included is a domestic letter (undated) bearing 1 anna orange-vermilion, representing the second weight rate, cancelled by the brick-red Srinagar seal (in use 1866–1877). A notable foreign letter to Calcutta, franked with 1 anna orange-vermilion (with opinion by Peter Holcombe), shows Sialkot c.d.s. and Calcutta arrival markings, together with a postage due marking of 1 anna increased to 2 annas, and a further 2 annas due handstamp, alongside a framed “RECEIVED TORN” marking (Holcombe certificate). Also included is a foreign letter combining 1 anna orange with British-Indian adhesives (1 anna and a pair of 2 annas), paying the second weight and registration rate (1 anna forwarding, 4 annas registration), all cancelled by the Cashmere duplex 325, dated 8 November 1873 (ex Masson). A further highlight is a registered letter from Srinagar to Amritsar, bearing 2 × 1 anna brown-orange in combination with British-Indian adhesives (2 × 1 anna and 2 × 2 annas), paying 2 annas letter rate and 4 annas registration fee. Cancelled by the Cashmere 325 duplex, with registration marking (27 June 1874), “TOO LATE” marking, Rawalpindi transit (1 July), and Amritsar arrival (2 July) (certificate Sismondo). An exceptional foreign letter from Leh to Birkenhead (Great Britain) bears 1 anna brown-orange, cancelled by Leh c.d.s., with British-Indian adhesives (2 and 4 annas) cancelled by 3/L-3 obliterator and Kashmir duplex 5/L-6. Another important item is a foreign letter bearing 1½ anna brownish-red (oil colour, Jammu composite plate 1877–78), cancelled by the 3/L-3 obliterator at Leh, with a 6 annas British-Indian adhesive (dated June 17, 1877). The reverse shows a remarkable series of transit markings including Srinagar, Murree, Railway, Bombay, and a “TOO LATE” marking, with arrival at Birkenhead (5 August 1877). A postage due marking is additionally noted. A rich and diverse assembly, including many rare covers, strips, and single stamps, offering significant scope for advanced study and exhibition. Condition generally very fine (SG £5000+).