A most comprehensive presentation of the first issues of India, from 1852 to 1854, was given to the members of the Royal Philatelic Society London by Pragya Jain FRPSL on 10 October. Starting from the one and two anna copper tokens, Pragya gave an enthralling study, detailing the early stamp issues from the first postage stamp of India, the Scinde District Dawk of 1852.
The presentation continued with the stamps printed by lithography, the half anna, one anna and two annas, each printed in a single colour, and the four annas printed in two colours. All four values feature the image of Queen Victoria, but the latter stamp is famously known for the rare error showing the Queen’s portrait inverted. Also included were essays in an unadopted design featuring a lion and palm tree, and the two annas in an elusive shade of emerald green. The study of the stamps was enhanced by many fine covers demonstrating the usage of the stamps. Pragya supported his presentation with a display in the frames.
Peter Cockburn FRPSL, giving the Vote of Thanks, described the presentation as ‘riveting’, a combination of wonderful stamps, magnificent covers, coming together to produce one of the finest collections of India ever assembled.
Pragya was presented with the Society’s plaquette by the Vice President, Simon Richards FRPSL.
