The 1874-1882 Queen Victoria Official Issue – The First “On HMS” Overprint - Black
Between 1874 and 1882 the final series of East India service stamps was issued – this time with a new overprint – “On H. M. S.”. A total of 5 values (½a, 1a, 2as (two shades), 4as and 8as) were issued. All 5 values were overprinted in black while 2 values were overprinted in blue-black.
Service
The 1874 9 pies Queen Victoria Issue
In 1873 the ½a Die II value was issued. It was issued in two colors being deep blue and blue. The stamps were issued on paper with the Elephant’s Head as watermark and the blue stamp exists with inverted watermark and with inverted, reversed watermark.
Definitive
The 1874 1 Rupee Queen Victoria Issue
On the 1st September 1874 the 1-rupee value was issued. The stamps were issued on paper with the Elephant’s Head as watermark.
The 1876 Queen Victoria Issue
On the 19th August 1876 the 6as and 12as values were issued. The 6as value exists in two colors being olive-bistre and pale brown. The stamps were issued on paper with the Elephant’s Head as watermark and the 6as olive-bistre exists with inverted watermark.
Definitive
The 1874-1882 Queen Victoria Official Issue – The First “On HMS” Overprint – Blue-Black
Between 1874 and 1882 the final series of East India service stamps was issued – this time with a new overprint – “On H. M. S.”. A total of 5 values (½a, 1a, 2as (two shades), 4as and 8as) were issued. All 5 values were overprinted in black while 2 values were overprinted in blue-black.