Wadwan Stamps
Wadwan was a princely state located in the Kathiawar Agency of Gujarat, within the Bombay Presidency of British India. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the British Raj, utilizing the extensive Indian postal network, though it also issued its own distinctive provisional stamps for local use.
- Issued stamps
- 1888–1892
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- English, Gujarati
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Wadwan stamps
The language appearing on these issues was primarily English and Gujarati, reflecting the local administrative environment under indirect British rule. The state ceased to exist following Indian Independence in 1947, with its postal administration eventually being fully absorbed into the postal system of independent India.
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.
- WADWAN STATE
How to identify Wadwan stamps
- Look for the distinctive 'WADWAN STATE' overprint, often in Gujarati script and English.
- Examine the underlying stamp, which will be a definitive issue of British India from the late 19th century.
- Pay close attention to the surcharge value and its alignment, as variations exist.
Popular series
-
Provisional Surcharges
1888-1892
Stamps of British India overprinted with 'WADWAN STATE' and new values for local use.
-
Service Stamps
1888-1892
Provisional issues with 'SERVICE' overprints for official use.
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
- $100–$1,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific surcharge, condition, and rarity of the underlying British India stamp. Unused examples and those with clear overprints command higher prices. Forgeries and fakes are known, especially of the rarer surcharges.
Catalogs. Wadwan 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 Wadwan stamps
Wadwan stamps are provisional issues from the former princely state of Wadwan, located in British India. They consist of regular British India stamps overprinted with 'WADWAN STATE' and new values for local postal use between 1888 and 1892.
The value of Wadwan stamps can range from a few dollars for common varieties to several hundred or even over a thousand dollars for rare surcharges, specific printings, or stamps in pristine condition. Rarity is often tied to the specific British India stamp used and the overprint variation.
To identify Wadwan stamps, look for the 'WADWAN STATE' overprint, usually in both English and Gujarati, on stamps originally issued by British India. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Wadwan stamps are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under 'Indian States'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons (often within the 'Indian Native States' sections). These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, printings, and estimated values.
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