2016-02-17 Wed

A series of nine essays for the 1855 Indian issue will be under the hammer at an upcoming postage stamp sale at the India, 1855-1902 De La Rue Issues auction in London on 24th February.

The ink and pencil drawings, valued at US $21,800-26,200, were created in 1854 and show the evolution of the stamp’s design. The first British stamp issued for use across all of India was the 1854 issue, which featured low postage rates and was made available to locals as well as colonials.

The essay featured in the sale was created for the second official issue in 1855, which was manufactured by English printing house De La Rue. It bears a portrait of a young Queen Victoria in an oval, along with the value and the words EAST INDIA POSTAGE.