Lot 60358 – 1883-94 ½ Anna Red Shades on White Paper, with CoversAn

1883-94 ½ Anna Red Shades on White Paper, an attractive and well-rounded group of the final ½ anna issues, presented in a range of red and orange shades on white paper, together with a selection of interesting covers and postal history.

Included are:

½ anna orange on white paper

A part letter bearing ½ anna red-rose, cancelled by the Akhnoor 3-ring datestamp, addressed to Jammu

An internal letter with ½ anna red, cancelled by the rare 2-ring postmark of Bhadarwah (in use 1892–1893), with transit markings of Jammu, Kahuta, Batote, and arrival at Anantnag

Further notable covers include:

A letter from Jammu to Srinagar, bearing ½ anna brownish-red, cancelled by the 9-bar obliterator and the scarce 3-ring “Money Orders” postmark of Jammu, dated 7 April 1891

A cover to Amritsar, franked with ½ anna orange-red on white paper, tied by the 10-bar obliterator at Jammu, on ½ anna Queen Victoria British-Indian postal stationery, with Sialkot circular datestamp (11 January 1889); showing Samvat date 1945 (= 1889)

A letter from Jammu to Delhi, bearing ½ anna orange-red with a ½ anna British-Indian adhesive, cancelled by the 12-bar “mahsul” obliterator and native Jammu postmark, with Sialkot transit; showing a boxed “ONE ANNA” postage due marking, likely for overweight

An internal letter from Leh to Amritsar, bearing ½ anna orange on thin wove paper, dated 24 August 1887, cancelled by the Leh circular datestamp of the British Post Office, additionally tied by pen-stroke on ½ anna British-Indian postal stationery, with Amritsar arrival (4 September 1887)

A postal stationery postcard (1½ anna QV British India) uprated with ½ anna vermilion on pure white paper, sent from Leh to Kleinwelka, Germany, cancelled by Leh circular datestamp (29 April 1891) and Sea Post Office marking (16 May 1891)

A fine and cohesive group, illustrating the final phase of the Jammu & Kashmir rectangular issues through shade studies and diverse postal usages. Condition very fine, with strong exhibition appeal. (SG £2000+)