Queen Victoria – Empire

Queen Victoria assumed the title of Empress of India in 1877. New stamps were issued between 1882 and 1890 with the inscription changed from EAST INDIA POSTAGE to INDIA POSTAGE. The stamps were printed in the standard size of 22½ x 18 3/4 mm to reduce the problem of perforating caused by the smaller size of the  India stamps at De La Rue. The new stamps had plainer engraving and were supplied at a cheaper rate to the Government of India than the older East India Company ones. The dies were carved in steel. Perforation was done with comb machines measuring a gauge of 14. 

Other than the older values, the new stamps had new values as 1 anna 6 pies, 3 annas and 4 anna 6 pies. A 6-anna value was also designed in an ochre shade but never issued. The 12 anna stamps were issued in 1888 and the 1 rupee came first in slate in 1883 and then in 1892 onwards as a bi-coloured one.