Bhopal
Bhopal 1883-1900 Oval Lithographed
1883-1900
The oval lithographed stamps of Bhopal, first issued in the late 19th century, are among the most distinctive and celebrated of Indian princely state postage. These stamps, introduced during the rule of Nawab Shah Jahan Begum, feature intricate designs and vibrant colours, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the period. The oval shape sets them apart from the typical polygonal stamps, making them highly sought after by collectors. The stamps often depicted symbols of the state, inscriptions in Persian script, and occasionally portraits of the ruling Nawab their lithographic production process allowed for detailed and ornate patterns, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the printers.
H.H. Nawab Shah Jahan Begam
Oval Seal
1883/ 1896
Sg:IN-BH 48
¼ A . Blue green. Perf rough
Closely spaced curved corner lines
1883
Sg:IN-BH 49
¼ A . Blue green. Perf rough
Double edge line. JAN instead of JAHAN
1896
H.H. Nawab Shah Jahan Begam
Oval Seal
1884
Sg:IN-BH 50
¼ A. Bright green. Imperf
Verticle line under 2nd H of SHAH
Sg:IN-BH 51
¼ A. Blue green. Perf 9½
Verticle line under 2nd H of SHAH
Sg:IN-BH 52
½ A. Black. Imperf. Laid
Vertical line under AH of SHAH
No dots after H H
Sg:IN-BH 53
½ A . Black. Perf rough
Letters B L / C I in the corners
Sg:IN-BH 56
½ A . Red. Imperf
H.H. Nawab Shah Jahan Begam
Oval Seal with Corner Letters BLCI
1886-1888
Sg:IN-BH 54
¼ A. Bright bluish green. Imperf. Wove paper. 1886.
Letters B L / C I in the corners.
N of NAWAB reversed
Sg:IN-BH 55
¼ A. Green. Perf rough.
Wove paper.
1886
Sg:IN-BH 57
¼ A. Black. Imperf.
Wove paper.
Letters in upper corners smaller.
1886.
Sg:IN-BH 57
¼ A. Black. Imperf.
Wove paper.
Letters in upper corners smaller.
1886.
H.H. Nawab Shah Jahan Begam
Oval Seal with Corner Letters BLCI
1890-1899
Sg:IN-BH 59
½ A. Red. Imperf
Letters B L / C I in the corners.
Inscription NWAB
1890
Sg:IN-BH 60
½ A. Red. Wove
Letters B L / C I in the corners.
Inscription NWAB
1890
Sg:IN-BH 61
¼ A. Green. Imperf
Value in small characters.
Lower left corner has a ‘G’.
1894
Sg:IN-BH 62
¼ A. Green. Perf various
Value in small characters.
Lower left corner has a ‘G’.
1894
Sg:IN-BH 63
¼ A. Green. Imperf
Vertical line under HA of SHAH
1898
Sg:IN-BH 64
¼ A. Pale green. Imperf
Oval narrower. Stops after HH, space after Nawab
1898
Sg:IN-BH 65
½ A. Black. Imperf. Laid
Vertical line under first H of SHAH
1898
Sg:IN-BH 66
½ A. Black. Imperf. Wove
Letters B L / C I in the corners, Inscription NWAB.
1899
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