Lot 60354 – 1883-94 Final Issues: 2 Annas in Varied Papers and

1883-94 Final Issues: 2 Annas in Varied Papers and Shades, with Registered Covers A scarce and highly specialized group of the final 2 annas issues, showing a wide range of paper types and shades, including greenish-yellow, yellow-green, orange-red, dull red, and red, on papers ranging from coarse yellow wove to green and semi-pelure wove. Also included is a block of six on green paper, adding further interest to this difficult group. Among the highlights is a local registered letter franked with 2 annas on yellow-green toned paper and ½ anna orange on white paper (plate state III, re-issue), bearing a Dogri registration marking. The adhesives are cancelled by the 9-bars “mahsul” obliterator of Jammu, with reverse date 8 August 1889. Also present is an original sheet of the 2 annas red on thin coarse yellow wove paper, distinct from the semi-pelure printing. A notable internal registered cover from Basohli to Kathua bears 2 annas red on thin coarse yellow wove paper together with ½ anna red on white paper. Of special interest is the bilingual registration mark in English and Dogri, while both stamps are cancelled by the Basohli 3-ring datestamp. Several important registered letters to British India are included: A registered cover from Srinagar to Bombay, bearing 2 annas orange-red on semi-pelure paper with ½ anna red on toned paper, cancelled by the “mahsul” obliterator. Transit and registration markings of Sialkot are present, with Bombay arrival. On reverse are 5 × ½ anna British-Indian adhesives, cancelled by the barred-L obliterator of the British Post Office at Srinagar. A registered letter to Amritsar, with boxed “R / KASHMIR” handstamp on front, franked with 2 annas on greenish-yellow paper and 1 anna greyish-green on toned wove paper, together with 2 annas and ½ anna British-Indian adhesives on ½ anna Queen Victoria postal stationery. The British-Indian adhesives are cancelled by the barred-L obliterator, while the stationery bears the curved circular Kashmir datestamp of the British Post Office at Srinagar. Dates shown are 14 September 1887 at Srinagar and 19 September 1887 at Amritsar. Another registered cover from Srinagar to Bombay bears a four-line registration handstamp with manuscript capital, weight, and date, franked with 2 annas red on yellow-green semi-pelure wove paper, 1 anna greenish-grey, and 2 annas plus ½ anna British-Indian postage on ½ anna Queen Victoria postal stationery, cancelled by the barred-L obliterator and Srinagar circular datestamp. A further registered letter from Srinagar to Amritsar bears 2 annas red on yellow-green paper, ½ anna red on toned wove paper, and 2 × 1 anna British-Indian adhesives on ½ anna Queen Victoria postal stationery, cancelled by the curved circular Kashmir datestamp of the British Post Office at Srinagar. The Srinagar and Amritsar markings show August 1887, representing a new earlier date for the boxed “R / KASHMIR” handstamp. Also included is an original proof of the defaced 2 annas plate, of which only ten examples are believed recorded. A fine and difficult assembly, rich in shade studies, paper varieties, registration markings, and important postal history. Ideal for the advanced collector or exhibitor. (SG £2000+)