Sirmoor Stamps
Sirmoor, also known as Nahan, was a princely state located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, within the political sphere of British India. Its postal history is characterized by the issuance of its own provisional stamps, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before integration into the broader British Indian postal system.
- Issued stamps
- 1879–1899
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Hindi, Urdu, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Sirmoor stamps
These issues typically featured local administrative markings or rudimentary designs, often reflecting the administrative language of the region, which was predominantly Hindi or Urdu alongside English. The state's postal autonomy ceased upon India's independence in 1947, after which its postal services were fully absorbed by the Indian postal administration.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Sirmoor stamps
- Look for inscriptions in Hindi (Devanagari script) or Urdu (Perso-Arabic script) alongside English.
- Many early issues are handstamped or crudely printed, often on various papers.
- Identify the 'Nahan' or 'Sirmoor' inscription, sometimes abbreviated.
Popular series
-
Provisional Issues
1879-1885
Early provisional issues, often handstamped or crudely printed, featuring local administrative markings in Hindi or Urdu.
-
Official Stamps
1885-1899
Stamps specifically for official use, often overprinted 'SERVICE' or similar, reflecting the state's administrative needs.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $200–$2,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific issue (especially early provisionals), and cancellations. Rarer varieties and errors command higher prices.
Catalogs. Sirmoor 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 Sirmoor stamps
Sirmoor stamps were issued by the princely state of Sirmoor (also known as Nahan) in British India, primarily between 1879 and 1899. These were provisional issues for local postal services before the state's postal system was fully integrated into British India's.
Yes, some Sirmoor stamps can be quite valuable, especially early provisional issues, rare varieties, and those in fine condition with clear cancellations. Common issues might range from $5-$50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Sirmoor stamps can be identified by their inscriptions, often in Hindi or Urdu, and sometimes 'Nahan' or 'Sirmoor' in English. Many early issues are handstamped or have a distinct, somewhat crude appearance. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Sirmoor stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically found under 'Indian Native States' or 'Convention States'.
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