Stamps: Cochin: Multi Award Winning Collection

Edited on 04 02 25:

Printing by the lithograph method, also known as stone printing, involved transferring the matter to be printed onto a stone (lithograph), inking it properly, and then printing. With repeated use, scratches would develop on the stone, and fine grains would come off, causing the ink to settle into these areas. This led to flaws such as lines and spots in the final print.

Note: Entire handwriting is done by Dad, including the diagrams.

An elaborate study of the printing flaws found on the 3-Pies Carmine & 9-Pies Blue stamps of Maharaja Kerala Varma II from Cochin State, a former princely state in India. These stamps were issued between 1892 and 1950, with the last series featuring Maharaja Kerala Varma II in the years 1948-1950.

Key Features of the Collection:
Study of Printing Flaws

The exhibit meticulously documents various printing defects in these stamps.
It highlights plate flaws found in regular, official, and surcharged versions.
Flaws include misalignment, ink spots, overprint shifts, broken lines, and missing perforations.

Types of Stamps featured:

3-Pies Carmine:
Three variations: Regular, Service, and Service & Surcharged.
9-Pies Blue:
Seven variations:
Regular
Surcharged in black
3-Pies with smaller native letters (surcharged in black)
3-Pies with bigger native letters (surcharged in black)
6-Pies surcharged in red
3-Pies surcharged in red
Service on C & G S, and Service & Surcharged in black (3-Pies)
Illustrations of Printing Flaws

The collection includes detailed diagrams pinpointing flaws on each stamp.
The flaws are annotated with arrows and descriptions, showcasing errors in:
Lettering
Ornamental designs
Turban and facial features of the Maharaja
Frame and conch design elements
Specific Printing Flaws Identified

Ink misalignment & smudging
Overprint shifts to the left or right
Missing or extra lines in the Maharaja’s turban
Breaks in ornamental lines
Errors in native script letters
Variations in perforations and pinholes
Smaller or bigger font discrepancies in overprints
Historical & Philatelic Importance
This study is valuable for philatelists and stamp collectors interested in Indian princely states’ postal history. Cochin was among the few states that had its own postal system, known as the Anchal Department, making these stamps historically significant.