Indore Holkar Stamps
Indore Holkar was a major princely state located in Central India, within the broader geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional stamps, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the integration of these independent postal systems into the British Indian postal network.
- Issued stamps
- 1886–1941
- Region
- Asia, Indian Subcontinent
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Marathi, Hindi, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Indore Holkar stamps
Stamps from this era typically feature the name of the state, "Indore," often in English alongside Devanagari script, reflecting the linguistic environment under the Holkar dynasty's rule. The state's postal autonomy ceased following India's independence in 1947, leading to the eventual absorption of its postal services into the modern Indian postal system.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- INDORE
- HOLKAR
- INDIA
How to identify Indore Holkar stamps
- Look for 'INDORE' and 'HOLKAR' in English, often accompanied by Devanagari script.
- Many stamps feature the portrait of British monarchs (Victoria, Edward VII, George V) alongside local inscriptions.
- Pay attention to watermarks (often star or crown and 'INDIA' types) and perforations, which can vary.
Popular series
-
First Provisional Issue
1886
The very first stamps issued by Indore Holkar, often featuring the state's name in both English and Devanagari script.
-
Official Stamps (Service)
1889-1904
Stamps specifically overprinted or issued for official government use, marked 'SERVICE' or similar.
-
King Edward VII Issues
1904-1911
Stamps featuring the portrait of King Edward VII, reflecting the influence of the British Empire, alongside local inscriptions.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $1–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Common stamps are readily available, especially those in lower denominations. Rarities include errors, specific printings, high denominations, and stamps in superb condition, particularly those on cover. Early provisional issues and official stamps can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Indore Holkar stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Indore Holkar stamps
Indore Holkar stamps are postage stamps issued by the princely state of Indore, located in Central India, between 1886 and 1941. These stamps were used for internal postal services within the state before its postal system was integrated into British India's network.
The value of Indore Holkar stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while rare varieties, errors, high denominations, or stamps in pristine condition, especially on original covers, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance play a crucial role in their valuation.
Indore Holkar stamps are identifiable by the inscription 'INDORE' and 'HOLKAR' in English, often alongside Devanagari script. Many also feature portraits of British monarchs. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Indore Holkar stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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