Lot 60347 – 1878-81 “New Kashmir” Rectangular Issues: Specialized

1878-81 “New Kashmir” Rectangular Issues: A specialized and attractive group of the “New Kashmir” blue rectangular issues, comprising ½ anna, 1 anna, and 2 annas in a range of shades and paper varieties, together with a selection of informative covers. Included is a local letter from Srinagar to Jammu, franked with 2 annas slate in watercolour, cancelled by the small Srinagar circular seal in black (recorded in use 1877–1879). The reverse bears a native Jammu arrival dated 7 January 1879, representing an early usage. An outgoing cover from Srinagar to Amritsar shows cancellation by the duplex 5/L-6 of the British Post Office at Srinagar. The absence of the required Imperial adhesive resulted in a postage due marking, with arrival noted at Amritsar. Another outgoing cover to Sialkot bears ½ anna slate in watercolour on ½ anna Imperial postal stationery, both cancelled by the Kashmir duplex postmark, with Chappar arrival dated 9 July 1879. Also included is an outgoing cover to Wazirabad, bearing 1½ anna blue (on thick paper), cancelled by the Kashmir duplex 5/L-6, notably without a watercolour adhesive, dated 23 October 1878, with Wazirabad arrival marking on reverse. A further registered cover from Srinagar to Amritsar is franked with 1 anna orange on ½ anna Imperial postal stationery, cancelled by the Kashmir L-type obliterator. The expected 2 annas British-Indian adhesive is missing, with Kashmir and Amritsar markings on reverse. Of particular interest is a scarce local registered letter from Jammu, paying the third weight rate, bearing 4 annas brownish-orange on thin yellowish paper (Plate II), cancelled by the native Jammu duplex (mahsul) marking. A scarce and informative assembly, illustrating rates, mixed usages, and postal practices of the late rectangular issues. Condition generally fine to very fine, with strong exhibition potential (SG £1500+).