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Nepal - Collection Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl
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Lot# : 3001 Nepal
1808 (June): Royal document bearing a fine impression of the circular red seal of King Girbana Juddha of Nepal, who ascended the throne on the assassination (by the King of Palpa, who was soon to see his State annexed to Nepal) of his father, Rana Bahadur Shah, in 1806. Reverse of the document with various signatures including that of Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa. King Girbana Juddha died of smallpox aged just 19 in 1816. A scarce and most attractive document.
Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 260 CHFLot# : 3002 Nepal
1812 (Feb): Cover from Kachorwa, near Bettiah (Bihar) just south of the border with Nepal, addressed to the Prime Minister (Mukhtiyar) Bhimsen Thapa at Nuwakot (the old capital of Nepal, centrally placed in the valley area). Superb impression of oval negative seal handstamp in black on reverse. A rare cover.
Note: Bhimsen Thapa (1775-1839), was Prime Minister of Nepal when the British East India Company invaded Nepal in 1814. Eventually subdued with heavy losses by the British, the Gorkha forces have fought alongside the British Army ever since. Bhimsen Thapa committed suicide whilst under arrest in British custody in 1839.Starting bid : 300 CHFHammer price : not soldLot# : 3003 Nepal
1815 (March): Cover carried from Makwanpur and addressed honorifically to the King of Nepal, King Girvan Yuddhavikram Shah (1797-1816), with four negative seals (one circular and three oval) all superbly struck in black. Makwanpur Gadhi was the scene of a decisive victory for the East India Company's forces which numbered an enormous 17'000 men. The Treaty of Sigauli was ratified on March 4, 1816. A fine and very rare cover.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : 550 CHFLot# : 3004 Nepal
1836 (June 8): Entire letter from Kathmandu at double rate from Brian H. Hodgson, Postmaster in Nepal from 1824, British Resident in Nepal from 1833-1848, addressed to James Prinsep in Calcutta, struck on reverse with octagonal framed NIPAUL / POST OFFICE / POST PAID handstamp in brown with manuscript date of despatch below and rated '1 r. 2 a.' alongside. Calcutta G.P.O. arrival datestamp in red (June 14) alongside. Opens well for Exhibit display, an extremely rare postmark and cover in fine quality.
Note: Hodgson (1766-1858), was a recognised Naturalist and language scholar and was also an early exponent of vegetarianism. James Prinsep was also an English scholar and orientalist. He was the founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is best remembered for deciphering the Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts of ancient India.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 1,600 CHFLot# : 3005 Nepal
1836 (July 26): Entire letter from Kathmandu at seven times rate mailed from Brian H. Hodgson, Postmaster in Nepal from 1824, British Resident in Nepal from 1833-1848, addressed to James Princep in Calcutta, struck on reverse with octagonal framed NIPAUL / POST OFFICE / POST PAID handstamp in brown with manuscript date of despatch inserted (26 July 1836) and rated '3 r. 15 a.' alongside. Hellrigl states that just two covers recorded have the date inserted within the postmark. Calcutta G.P.O. arrival datestamp in red alongside. An extremely rare postmark and cover in fine quality, the highest known postage / heaviest cover from Nepal recorded from the 19th Century. An Exhibition item.
Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 2,800 CHFLot# : 3006 Nepal
1843 (April 11): Cover and complete contents written by Brian H. Hodgson, British Resident in Nepal just prior to his resignation in 1844, struck on reverse with extraordinary and very rare strike of oval framed 'NEPAUL / FREE' handstamp in red with date '12th April, 43' inserted in manuscript. An extremely rare marking, only discovered in 2002, with just 5 examples of this postmark recorded.
Note: A fine political letter from Hodgson mentioning 'Lord A' (Auckland), also explaining his reasons for his actions which led to his replacement as Resident in Nepal by H. M. Lawrence; addressed to Sir Thomas Herbert Maddock, from 1845 to 1849 the Deputy Governor of Bengal and President of the Council of India.Starting bid : 1,500 CHFHammer price : 1,500 CHFLot# : 3007 Nepal
1844 (Oct 31): Entire letter from H. M. Lawrence, the newly appointed British Resident in Kathmandu to the Residency, from Lucknow endorsed 'Paid' on front, reverse with fair strike of very rare framed 'NEPAUL / Paid' handstamp struck in maroon ink with rate '6 as.' and date '31 October' inserted in manuscript. 'LUKNOW / Paid' arrival in red adjacent (Nov 9). Contents refer to a possible visit to Nepal, with a caveat 'but remember that Hodgson encouraged the Chinese policy of this Durbar and except for Wallace ten years ago there never was one visitor up (here) for a season..'. A fine and rare entire with just 6 covers recorded with this marking during the pre-philatelic period.
Note: Letter written by Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence (1806-1857). British soldier and statesman in India, who died defending Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny and where a statue honours him to this day.
Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 1,300 CHFLot# : 3008 Nepal
1845 & 1848: Covers (2), with earlier cover addressed to the Nepalese Prime Minister, Mathabar Singh Thapa, struck on reverse with framed 'GORUCKPORE / Paid' handstamp in red (March 20) and charged 2 annas, and 1848 large part cover endorsed 'Paid' at lower left, clearly addressed to the Maharaja of Nepal, General Jang Bahadur, struck on despatch with framed 'DELHIE / 1848 JULY 27 / WEIGHT TOLA / PAID 6 as.' in red, mailed from the Nepalese spy Bala Sankar. A fine page.
Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 320 CHFLot# : 3009 Nepal
1846 (Sept 9): Historic document with circular seal of King Rajendra struck in bright red, with reverse showing signatures of members of the Government including the Prime Minister Gagan Singh (the Queen's lover) and of Jang Bahadur. Just days after this document was signed, on September 15, 1846 the Queen ordered Jang Bahadur to kill 55 high ranking Officials: the "Kot Massacre". Three days later Jang Bahadur was appointed Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister of Nepal; King Rajendra's throne being usurped by his son Surendra in 1848.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 320 CHFLot# : 3010 Nepal
1847: Covers (2), both from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu each struck with framed BENARES CITY / PAID handstamps in red, both annotated with dates in manuscript (April 11 and May 14 respectively) and each charged '6 as.' prepaid for weight up to 1 tola (just over 10 grams).Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 150 CHFLot# : 3011 Nepal
1847 (July 16): Cover from Segauli, Nepal, with manuscript annotation on front, addressed to the deposed King of Nepal, Rajendra Bir Bikram Shah (deposed in May, 1847), honorifically addressed and struck on reverse with superb strike of framed 'NEPAUL / Paid' handstamp in maroon ink, fully dated '16 July 1847' and rated '1 as.' in manuscript. An outstanding strike of this rare marking, with just 6 covers recorded with this marking during the pre-philatelic period.Starting bid : 1,500 CHFHammer price : 1,500 CHFLot# : 3012 Nepal
Incoming Mail 1849 & 1851: Covers (2) both from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu, Nepal. Earlier February 1849 cover with poor 'BENARES CITY / Bearing' handstamp in black with date '21 Feb.y 49' and rate '6' in manuscript; together with 1851 unpaid cover from the exiled Queen Rajya Laxmi (who ordered the infamous 'Kot Massacre') in Benares to Kathmandu again with poor 'BENARES CITY / Bearing' handstamp in black, dated '11 July / 51' and rated '9' annas in manuscript; both covers unusually endorsed 'To Nepaul' alongside the handstamps.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : not soldLot# : 3013 Nepal
1850 (April 1): Cover front and back, no side flaps, mailed from Kathmandu to a Mr. Peat, a Saddler in London, from Lieutenant C. H. Nicholetts, Assistant Resident in Nepal per the Overland Mail; endorsed 'Paid, via Calcutta & Southampton', struck on reverse with framed 'NEPAUL / Paid' handstamp in maroon ink, dated '1st April 1850' and rated '4 as.' in manuscript. Framed 'Calcutta / G.P.O. / Ship Letter' in red adjacent (April 8) and front with INDIA / PAID framed handstamp in red and manuscript '1s.' in red ink. London arrival (May 25) in red alongside. A fine and appealing item, believed to be the earliest "Overland Mail" cover from Nepal.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 1,500 CHFLot# : 3014 Nepal
1851 (July 30): Cover front and back, no side flaps, mailed from Kathmandu to a Mr. Peat, a Saddler in London, from Lieutenant C. H. Nicholetts, Assistant Resident in Nepal per the Overland Mail; endorsed 'Paid, via Calcutta & Southampton', struck on reverse with framed 'NEPAUL / Paid' handstamp in maroon ink, dated '30 July / 51' and rated '8 as.' in manuscript. Framed 'Calcutta / G.P.O. / Ship Letter' in red adjacent (Aug 7) and front with INDIA / PAID framed handstamp in red and manuscript '1s.' in red ink. London arrival (Sept 23) in red alongside. A fine part cover that displays well.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : 2,000 CHFLot# : 3014A Nepal
1851 (Sept 13): Cover from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu, addressed to the Maharaja of Nepal, Jang Bahadur, with faint framed 'Benares / Paid' handstamp in red and rated prepaid at 3 annas (for ¼ tola = approx. 2½ grams); splendidly decorated for his highness with gold leaf patches on front and on the reverse. Rare and most unusual.
Provenance: Collection Jochen Heddergott, London & Brighton Auctions (March 20, 1980).Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 1,300 CHFLot# : 3015 Nepal
1855: Small envelope sent unpaid from Calcutta to Prime Minister Jang Bahadur in Nepal struck with circular CAL / G.P.O. datestamp on despatch (Oct 11) in black, struck on arrival with fine framed 'NEPAUL / Bearing' handstamp in black. Fine large negative seal handstamp in black at alongside. An exceptionally rare cover with just 2 recorded strikes of the 'Nepal / Bearing' handstamp known, this being the earliest recorded.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 4,200 CHFLot# : 3016 Nepal
1856 (Aug): Stampless cover with full original contents sent by Rana Udip Singh (Maharaja, Prime Minister of Nepal, 1877-1885), struck with trilingual negative seal in black on reverse reading GENERAL RUN WOODECE SING KOOR RANAJEE in black. An outstanding cover, a similar usage was in the Heddergott collection, lot 8.
Note: Rana Udip Singh introduced Nepal's postmarks (1879) and the first stamp issue (1881).Starting bid : 250 CHFHammer price : 440 CHFLot# : 3017 Nepal
1861: Official stampless cover and contents from Lt. Col. George Ramsay mailed to Seetapore endorsed at top 'On H. M's. Service', and signed at left 'G. Ramsay, Resident', treated as fully paid and struck on reverse with NEPAUL / G.P.O. datestamp (Nov 3), Lucknow transit cds (Nov 9) and Seetapore arrival cds (Nov 11) in red. A fine and scarce cover, the earliest recorded Official cover mailed from the Residency Post Office in Nepal.
Note: Contents state that Ramsay was about to take a week's tour of the District by pony, and "Jung Bahadur intends to cross the Urrah Muddee on about the 20th December...after a short tour of the lately ceded territory...his object in crossing a portion of the Northern Oude is merely to avoid the difficulty of moving through the mountains as the Nepalese have no terrace in that quarter - he will give you no trouble and his people will pay promptly for everything provided you don't make too much of him. He is very vain and very weak..."Starting bid : 400 CHFHammer price : 1,000 CHFLot# : 3018 Nepal
1862: Cover from Kathmandu to Benares, somewhat trimmed and obverse repaired, struck on reverse with NEPAUL / G.P.O. datestamp (Oct 20) in red denoting prepayment, mailed by Krishna Bahadur, brother of the Prime Minister / Maharaja Jang Bahadur with wonderful trilingual circular negative seal of sender in black and Benares arrival cds (Oct 26) in red alongside. Possibly sent under Official auspices or stamp removed.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 240 CHFLot# : 3019 Nepal
1876 (Aug): Stampless cover and contents mailed from the village of Tappa Rautahat to Commander-in-Chief Rana Udip Singh in Kathmandu, with both letter and cover struck with six different ornamental negative seals in black. A fine and unusual entire.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 220 CHFLot# : 3020 Nepal
1880 (Oct): Cover from Palpa to Kathmandu during the first period of Nepalese Postal markings (introduced December 1879) with manuscript endorsement of receipt by Postmaster (in use only between June 1879 and April 1881), struck on obverse with PALPA datestamp in blue (Hellrigl type a17) and reverse with KATHMANDU arrival in blue and in manuscript 'mahasul chukti' (Postage Paid 1½ annas). Rare.
Provenance: Collection Jochen Heddergott (March 20, 1980), lot 14.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 460 CHFLot# : 3021 Nepal
1881 (Jan): Prephilatelic cover to Kathmandu struck on despatch with boxed RANGELI despatch in black (Hellrigl type a2), circular transit datestamp of HANUMANNAGAR (type a3) in black (both manuscript dated) and circular blue Kathmandu arrival datestamp. Fresh and fine, a scarce cover with the first issue of postage stamps just three months away. This cover is mentioned in Hellrigl & Hepper on page 23.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 200 CHFLot# : 3022 Nepal
1893 (Oct): Cover and full original contents to Kathmandu GPO, sent stampless with letter showing perfect impression of the hexagonal barred JALESWAR handstamp in black (Hellrigl type e3), used as an Official letter-head, with contents mentioning the G.P.O. ('Nepal Goswara Hulak'). Scarce and most attractive, this cover is mentioned in Hellrigl & Hepper on page 12.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 150 CHFLot# : 3023 Nepal
1838/1961: Small group of covers/cards and ephemera incl. 1838 Roxal Decree with red seal handstamp of King Rajendra, 1870 original photograph (somewhat spotted) of Jang Bahadur Rana (as used on the front of the Hellrigl & Alevizos 'Maharajahs' booklet), 1894 letter from Chispani to Kathmandu complaining of a lack of stamps with circular cachet at top in black, 1894-1901 usages of Nepalese stationery cards incl. one with India ½ a. pair used to Basel, 1895 stampless cover from Khasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, 1911 covers (2) from Trisuli to Kathmandu (illustrated in Hellrigl & Hepper on page 32), 1958 Swiss Expedition Mountaineering cards etc.Starting bid : 250 CHFHammer price : 4,800 CHFLot# : 3024 Nepal
Incoming Mail 1826 & 1832: Covers (2) from Patna to Kathmandu, with earlier cover struck with poor framed 'PATNA / H. PT. PD.' (Half Post Paid) handstamp in black, manuscript dated '21 May 1826' and prepaid 2 annas; second cover with smaller framed 'PATNA HF. / POST PAID' in black, again with manuscript split rate '2 a.' alongside and struck with fine octagonal negative seal handstamp in black. Rare - the earliest recorded in-coming covers to the Anglo-India Post Office in Nepal which at this date had no receiving mark.Starting bid : 750 CHFHammer price : 5,500 CHFLot# : 3025 Nepal
Incoming Mail 1836 (July 4): Cover at double rate from Calcutta to Kathmandu struck on despatch with framed 'NO. 1 / CAL. DAK CHOKEY / Pt. Pd. Rs. (1) An. (2)' in black, mailed by General Mathabar Singh Thapa to the Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa. Wonderful octagonal negative seal (bilingual) handstamp of the sender in black. The sender was later to become Prime Minister but was killed by his nephew and successor to the post, Jang Bahadur.
Note: For a similar impression of this handstamp see the Jochen Heddergott collection, lot 5.Starting bid : 250 CHFHammer price : 1,200 CHFLot# : 3026 Nepal
Lot# : 3027 Nepal
1870: Stampless covers (2) from India to Nepal, each sent unpaid with 'Tirhoot' despatch cds's in blue, one with rare triangular NEPAUL (22/2) arrival handstamp applied alongside, the second cover from the same correspondence mailed seven months later and struck with NEPAUL datestamp (Sept 8) in black. Scarce pair.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 200 CHFLot# : 3028 Nepal
1871: Covers (3) all with NEPAUL datestamp in black or red, with 1871 cover sent unpaid from Calcutta addressed to His Highness Maharajah Jung Bahadur Rana, in Nepal and endorsed 'Bearing' in manuscript, struck on reverse with four differing despatch datestamps and scarce NEPAUL datestamp in black (Jan 2, 1872); another similar cover with superb NEPAUL cds (Feb 6, 1871) and a further cover (stamp removed) showing the NEPAUL cds struck in red - a unique colour for this datestamp.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 200 CHFLot# : 3029 Nepal
1854: India ½ a. indigo, Die II, a fine example with large margins on three ides and clear at base, just crossed by file fold, used on 1854 large part cover from Kathmandu to Calcutta, tied by diamond lozenge of dots obliterator in black with reverse (opens well for Exhibit display) showing superb strike of framed ‘NEPAUL / ‘15 October 54’ Paid’ despatch struck in magenta ink with date in manuscript. Calcutta arrival cds in red above (Oct 27). An outstanding and important cover with the India Lithographed used in first month of issue, the earliest recorded usage of a Postage Stamp in Nepal. Cert. BPA (2016).
Provenance: Collection Desai. Collection H. D. S. Haverbeck.
Starting bid : 10,000 CHFHammer price : 20,000 CHFLot# : 3030 Nepal
1854: India ½ a. pale blue, Die I, a three margined example cut into at base, used on 1855 cover from Kathmandu to Calcutta, tied by diamond lozenge of dots obliterator in black. with reverse showing superb strike of framed ‘NEPAUL / ‘4 January 55’ Paid’ despatch struck in magenta ink with date in manuscript. Calcutta arrival cds in red above (Jan 10). Minor stain away from adhesive but a very rare cover. Cert. BPA (2016)
Provenance: Collection W. RenoufStarting bid : 5,000 CHFHammer price : 12,000 CHFLot# : 3031 Nepal
1854: India 1 a. dull red, Die II, a fine example used on 1856 cover from Kathmandu to Monghyr, Bihar tied by fine strike of octagonal ‘B/137’ numeral obliterator in black. Corresponding backstamp of NEPAUL / PAID cds of despatch in watery magenta ink and arrival cds of Monghyr (March 12). An attractive and very rare cover: the sole recorded 1 anna rate cover from the Nepal Lithograph period and the earliest recorded usage of the ‘B/137’ obliterator. Cert. BPA (2016).Starting bid : 5,000 CHFHammer price : 12,000 CHFLot# : 3032 Nepal
1854: India 1 a. red, Die I and 4 a. blue & red, 4th. Printing, two examples, one with minor surface scrape, all cut round, used on 1855 large part entire letter from Kathmandu to Ireland, prepaid at ½ tola rate (under 5½ grams) endorsed ‘Stamped 9 annas via Southampton’ tied by diamond lozenge of dots obliterator in black with framed INDIA / PAID handstamp at left and ‘London / Paid’ transit cds (Jan 19) in red. Reverse with fine strike of double ring ‘NEPAUL / ‘Dec 55’ PAID’ despatch datestamp in magenta ink, Calcutta cds in red and Belfast (Jan 21, 1856) arrival cds. A fine and rare cover: just two 9 anna rate Lithographed frankings are recorded. Cert BPA (2016).Starting bid : 5,000 CHFHammer price : 14,000 CHFLot# : 3033 Nepal
1854: India 1 a. deep red, Die II and 4 a. blue & red, 4th. Printing, two examples, one with minor surface scrape, all cut round, used on 1855 envelope from Kathmandu to Ireland, prepaid at ½ tola rate (under 5½ grams) endorsed ‘via Southampton, Paid as per Stamps’ tied by diamond lozenge of dots obliterator in black with framed INDIA / PAID handstamp at left and ‘London / Paid’ transit cds (Oct 24) in red. Reverse with fine strike of framed ‘NEPAUL / ‘29 August 55’ Paid’ despatch struck in magenta ink with date in manuscript, Calcutta cds in red and Belfast (Oct 28) arrival cds. A wonderful and extremely rare cover: just two 9 anna rate Lithographed frankings are recorded. Cert BPA (2016).Starting bid : 7,500 CHFHammer price : 25,000 CHFLot# : 3034 Nepal
1854: India 2 a. green and 4 a. blue & pale red, 1st. Printing, two examples, all cut round, used on 1855 mourning envelope from Kathmandu to London initialed at lower left by the sender, G. Ramsay, British Resident at Katmandu; prepaid at 1 tola (under 10 grams) rate via Calcutta, tied by diamond lozenge of dots obliterator and by manuscript pen line, one 4 a. additionally tied by framed INDIA / PAID in red and both by ‘1/-’ (One Shilling) manuscript notation of prepayment in red (=8 annas). ‘London / Paid’ arrival cds (July 21) on front and reverse with fine strike of framed ‘NEPAUL / Paid’ despatch struck in magenta ink and Calcutta transit cds. A rare and most attractive cover: the highest known franking of the India Lithographed issue of 1854 used from Nepal extant. Cert BPA (2016)
Note: One other 10 anna franking from Nepal is recorded, housed in the collection of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.Starting bid : 10,000 CHFHammer price : 28,000 CHFLot# : 3035 Nepal
1860: Small thin paper cover sent registered from Kathmandu to Amritsar, franked on front by India 1856/64 ½ a. blue in a vertical pair and, on reverse single 4 a. black tied by Bengal Circle octagonal 'B/137' obliterators. Circular NEPAUL / G.P.O. datestamp in red (Nov 9) alongside and Umritsur arrival cds and front with manuscript 'Regd.Lr. No. 2/2'. Faults as usual but very rare, the 4 annas adhesive being the only high value from the India 1855/64 issue known used from Nepal: this cover also being the earliest recorded registered cover from Nepal.
Provenance: Collection W. Renouf.Starting bid : 1,500 CHFHammer price : 1,700 CHFLot# : 3036 Nepal
Incoming Mail 1863/66: Covers (6), two franked by India 1856/64 ½ a. blue mailed from Calcutta to Nepal and each struck with fine (for this) strikes of NEPAUL / G.P.O. datestamps in red, also four unpaid covers from Calcutta (3) or Patna to Nepal showing very fine strikes of the NEPAUL / G.P.O. datestamp in black. A scarce and fine group.Starting bid : 300 CHFHammer price : not soldLot# : 3037 Nepal
1871: Cover franked by single 1865 India ½ a. blue mailed to Benares tied by Bengal Circle NEPAUL / 137 duplex in black (Dec 5) with circular ring around '137'. Reverse with framed TOO LATE marking and Benares arrival cds in red. A fresh and fine cover - the sole recorded usage of this duplex type.Starting bid : 250 CHFHammer price : 2,600 CHFLot# : 3038 Nepal
1865/68c.: Covers (3) all franked by single India ½ a. blue mailed to Benares (2) or Calcutta, each tied by Bengal Circle NEPAUL / 137 duplex, one with fine strike of duplex and stamp with 'Shri' in manuscript to prevent re-use, the other two covers with partial strikes of the duplex but showing the '137' clearly. A scarce group.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 200 CHFLot# : 3039 Nepal
1883 (May 3): Registered cover to Italy franked by India 1865 2 a. orange (2) and 1873 ½ a. blue (2) tied by four strikes of the 'D' in bars obliterator with circular 'R' handstamp at left applied at the Bombay Sea P.O. in transit. Reverse with very rare framed 'REGISTERED / NEPAL / N (157) W. (und. ½ oz.)' handstamp with NEPAL despatch cds alongside Rome arrival (June 28) cds. Envelope with minor edge wear and a few tears at base but the sole recorded registered cover with the 'D' in bars obliterator.
Note: Believed to be the earliest known registered cover from Nepal to an address beyond India.Starting bid : 300 CHFHammer price : 1,300 CHFLot# : 3040 Nepal
1875: Cover from Kathmandu to Patna franked on reverse with 1873 India ½ a. blue tied by bold strike of Patna Division NEPAL / C-37 duplex (Dec 30) in black with rare triangular NEPAUL handstamp with month at top (12) in black. Patna arrival also tying the adhesive, a scarce marking.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 600 CHFLot# : 3041 Nepal
1885 & 1886: 'Pioneer' Newspapers, each mailed to Southsea, England with May 1886 example franked by India 1882/90 ½ a. blue-green (3) tied by 'D' in bars obliterators and very early usage of NEPAL thimble datestamp alongside Segowlie transit cds; and very rare December 1885 Pioneer Newspaper franked by India 1882/90 2 a. pale blue in a strip of three similarly cancelled but with NEPAL cds (Dec 27) paying the rate for 4 Newspapers (1½ a. each up to 4 ounces). The latter example being the highest known Newspaper franking from the Queen Victoria period. A very scarce pair.Starting bid : 250 CHFHammer price : 1,600 CHFLot# : 3042 Nepal
1901/05: Covers (3) with 1901 underpaid cover franked by India 882 ½ a. blue-green tied by NEPAL squared circle datestamp (Jan 13) to Calcutta with framed POSTAGE DUE / ONE ANNA above, 1903 incoming cover with India 1900 ½ a. yellow-green taxed on arrival with half-round NEPAL / DUE (1) AS in black, and a stampless 1905 cover to Bombay with same half-round handstamp also charged 1 anna Postage Due. A fine and scarce group.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 150 CHFLot# : 3043 Nepal
1893/1901: Range of covers/cards (9) and loose stamps (8, two items show usages on Nepal adhesives), all showing the NEPAL squared circle datestamp, including India ¼ a. stationery card used to Mhow from the Postmaster, Kishen Lal in 1895, explaining: "No. V.P. system exists here and there are only 3 kinds of stamp and a postcard... the values of stamps are 1, 2 and 4 annas"; with fine 1900 and 1901 usages on registered frankings with REGISTERED / NEPAL handstamps (4) incl. one with wax seals embossed 'Kishen Lal / Resy. / Nepal'. Condition varies but generally fine, a scarce group.Starting bid : 350 CHFHammer price : 380 CHFLot# : 3044 Nepal
1903: Registered cover from Prime Minister Maharajah Chandra Shamsher to his brother at Dehra Dun, India franked by India 1900 2 a. pale violet pair tied by NEPAL datestamps in black (26/9), obverse with framed REGISTERED / NEPAL handstamp. The reverse of the envelope with delightful Crest embossed in gold. Sensibly opened for Exhibit display, a charming cover.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 260 CHFLot# : 3045 Nepal
1909: Registered cover to Raxaul franked by India 1902 2 a. mauve and 1907 1 a. carmine (2) tied by NEPAL datestamps (Oct 9) in black, with earliest recorded usage of the white handstamped 'R / NEPAL' registration label above. Cover arrived in 'Raksal' (Oct 11) and returned to sender with 'Nepal' single ring cds adjacent (Oct 16). Some creasing to flimsy envelope but scarce: the earliest recorded usage of a registration label in Nepal.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 170 CHFLot# : 3046 Nepal
1911: Registered cover from 'Gorkha Office', Gyantse, Tibet addressed to Commander-in-Chief, Nepal Army, Bhim Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana; with framed R / GYANTSE - TIBET / VIA - SILIGURI handstamp on cover and on blank registration label alongside 'Gyantse Tibet / Siliguri - Base' despatch cds (June 1). Reverse with India 1906 ½ a. green in a block of six tied by same 'Gyantse' cds with 'Nepal' arrival (June 12). A fine and rare cover.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 440 CHFLot# : 3047 Nepal
1862: India ½ a. blue postal stationery envelope used to Calcutta (to a member of the Bahadur family), cancelled by Bengal Circle 'B / 137' obliterator in black. Reverse with Calcutta arrival cds in red (March 21) and NEPAUL / fleuron datestamp in red (MA.16..62) without the 'P.O.' at top. The sole recorded usage of this cancellation which is very similar to the left hand side of the 137 duplex cancellation introduced three years later in 1865. Unique.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : 1,300 CHFLot# : 3048 Nepal
1865: India ½ a. blue postal stationery letter-sheet mailed to Calcutta cancelled by fine strike of the newly introduced Bengal Circle NEPAUL / fleurons /137 duplex cancellation in black (June 12). Reverse with Calcutta arrival in red. The letter is signed by Lt. Col. Lawrence, the British resident in Nepal. Internal trim to top of letter-sheet not affecting the appearance, a fine and rare usage with just two ½ anna letter-sheets recorded from Nepal.Starting bid : 400 CHFHammer price : 1,000 CHFLot# : 3049 Nepal
1876c.: India ½ a. blue postal stationery envelope, some repairs due to worm holes, used from Kathmandu to Calcutta cancelled by early state of Patna Division NEPAL / C-37 duplex without bar under date, struck in black (Dec 25). Reverse with Muzafarpur transit and Calcutta arrival. Despite faults, a scarce cover.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 150 CHFLot# : 3050 Nepal
1876c.: India ½ a. blue postal stationery envelope, some imperfections, used from Kathmandu to Ghazipur cancelled by late state of Patna Division NEPAL / C-37 duplex with bar under date, struck in black (March 24). Reverse with four transits and arrival datestamp. Faults but scarce, together with a further cover bearing India ½ a. blue similarly cancelled but with late usage of NEPAUL triangular handstamp alongside.Starting bid : 180 CHFHammer price : 320 CHFLot# : 3051 Nepal
1879 (July 3): India 1½ a. blue postal stationery card up-rated with 1873 ½ a. blue, Die II, tied by the unique usage of the NEPAL / D in bars duplex supplied by the Dinapore (thus 'D') Division Postmaster. Bombay transit (July 10) and London arrival (Aug 2) in red on front of an exceedingly rare usage - the card's message states "A benevolent and economical Govt. has allowed us postcards from the first of this month and I will test the system by sending you the first foreign one used in this house as a continuation to your collection of stamps. An inland one for which we are charged little more than a farthing (¼ d.) at the present rate of exchange shall follow soon in an envelope. For a lady of 60 years old (Queen Victoria), the portrait is flattering. G.". The card written by the Resident in Nepal C. E. R. Girdlestone. Besides being the earliest known usage of a card from Nepal it is also displays the 'via Brindisi' rate of 2 annas applicable only between July 1, 1879 and abolished on March 31, 1880 and is also the sole recorded use of this duplex. A rarity on many counts. Unique.Starting bid : 750 CHFHammer price : 4,000 CHFLot# : 3052 Nepal
Lot# : 3053 Nepal
1883:: India ½ a. deep blue postal stationery envelopes (2, one is opened for Exhibit display), both used to Motiharee and cancelled by 'D' in bars obliterator, each struck with fine NEPAL datestamp on reverse (Aug 6 and Oct 19). Fresh and fine usages.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 220 CHFLot# : 3054 Nepal
1891 (Dec 17): India 2 a. 6 p. postal stationery envelope mailed to Erfurt, Germany cancelled by neat strike of NEPAL thimble datestamp in black. Reverse with Segowlie cds, Bombay cds, 'Sea Post Office / B' cds (Dec 26) and Erfurt arrival cds (Jan 11, 1892). Also a single India ½ a. green with same datestamp (1888). Scarce and attractive page.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 460 CHFLot# : 3055 Nepal
1894 & 1898: Covers (3), all incoming from India to Nepal, with 1894 ½ a. green stationery envelope from Calcutta via Segowlie struck with NFPAL datestamp (Oct 25), rare 1894 cover from Kashipur franked at 3 a. and struck on arrival with NFPAL datestamp (Nov 12, without the year date) and 1898 cover sent unpaid from 'Experimental P.O. D-21' with NFPAL cds of receipt (Feb 19). A fine trio, the second example being one of just 2 items recorded thus.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 150 CHFLot# : 3056 Nepal
1895: India 2 a. registered stationery envelope used to Rangoon franked on reverse with 1 a. plum and, on front perfinned 'MB / Co. Ld.' 2 a. pale blue (Mohr Bros and Co. Ltd.) tied by NEPAL squared circle datestamps (Aug 26) with framed REGISTERED / NEPAL handstamp at left. Also an off cover 3 p. aniline carmine on piece perfinned 'D.R.R.' tied by 'Nepal' cds. Unusual perfins from Nepal.Starting bid : 100 CHFHammer price : 550 CHFLot# : 3057 Nepal
1898: Germany 10 + 10 pf. carmine on buff postal stationery reply card, a fine used example (April 13) from Görlitz to the Post Office at Kathmandu, with message stating: "In order to ascertain the time required for a postcard to go to and from Kathmandu I have taken the liberty to send you this card..." and single ring 'Nepal' cds of receipt; reply half cancelled by fine strike of NEPAL squared circle datestamp (May 4) and returned with message: "I can supply you with used Nepal stamps at moderate rates..." signed by Postmaster Kishen Lal. Rare - the earliest known usage of a reply card to and from Nepal.Starting bid : 300 CHFHammer price : 1,100 CHFLot# : 3058 Nepal
1 a. blue, Setting 1, a superb unused example of excellent colour in a bright ultramarine shade, pin-perforated, with characteristic diagonal shading in the vignette at upper right, fresh and fine with large part og. Rare Scott 1 = $ 250/Gi = £ 350.Starting bid : 150 CHFHammer price : 500 CHFLot# : 3059 Nepal
Lot# : 3060 Nepal
1 a. blue, Setting 3, the famous unused block of 61, positions 4-8/9-16/17-24/25-32/33-40/41-48/49-56/57-64 and thus missing just the first three stamps of the sheet, pin-perforated (the last setting to be so until 1898), positions 27 and 28 showing the diagonal flaw of colour through the base and vignette, position 40 with rounded NE corner and position 48 with large vertical crack in NE corner; of fresh colour and fine clear impression with some staining affecting positions 4 and 12, otherwise fresh and fine with large part or unmounted toned original gum. An exceptional multiple for the specialist and an Exhibition piece of the highest calibre Scott 1 = $ 15'250+/Gi = £ 21'350.
Starting bid : 7,500 CHFHammer price : not soldLot# : 3061 Nepal
Lot# : 3062 Nepal
Lot# : 3063 Nepal
Lot# : 3064 Nepal
Lot# : 3065 Nepal
Lot# : 3066 Nepal
Settings 1-3, album page with 1 a. blue (5, varying shades including one in a deep grey blue shade), 2 a. purple (3) and 4 a. green (3), majority very fine, nearly all with original gum. A delightful and scarce group Scott 1/3 = $ 3'800/Gi = £ 4'600.Starting bid : 750 CHFHammer price : 2,400 CHFLot# : 3067 Nepal
1 a. blue, 2 a. purple and 4 a. green, Settings 1-3, pin-perforated examples fine used. Slight paper thin on the 1 a. but with fine strike of Kathmandu 1 handstamp, the 2 annas in a deep resonant shade and the 4 annas is believed to be unique in used condition. A fine and very rare set Scott 1/3 = $ 1'400/Gi = £ 1'250.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : 3,000 CHFLot# : 3068 Nepal
Setttings 1-3, the album page with green cancellations on the first issue: 1 a. bright blue (pin-perf.), imperforate 1 a. blue and 2 a. purple all used with 'Kalaiya I' hexagonal barrred cancellation (the 2 a. is Setting 2, position 35), and further 1 a. examples used in Dhankuta, Palpa (2) and a 2 a. with narrow margins used with fine strike of Kalaiya I handstamp. A rare selection of stamps and cancellations that are nowadays almost impossible to find Scott 1+4+5 = $ 1'400+/Gi = £ 1'750.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : 800 CHFLot# : 3069 Nepal
Lot# : 3070 Nepal
1 a. bright blue, Setting 1, a fine unused horizontal strip of six, with large margins all round, positions 1-6, with full marginal sheet inscription at top (running to above position 7) and at left, tiny scissor cut in margin only between position 3 and 4, paper strengthened on reverse and some vertical creasing but a magnificent and extremely important classic multiple. A most wonderful block Scott 4 = $ 1'000+/Gi = £ 1'350+.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 2,600 CHFLot# : 3071 Nepal
Lot# : 3072 Nepal
Lot# : 3073 Nepal
1 a. milky blue, Setting 3, a fine unused block of six with large margins all round and sheet marginal with inscriptions at base from lower right corner of the sheet, positions 54-56/62-64, an exceptional and extremely rare multiple. Illustrated in Hellrigl / Vignola handbook on page 70 Scott 4 = $ 1'050+/Gi = £ 1'350+.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : 2,400 CHFLot# : 3074 Nepal
1 a. milky blue, Setting 3, imperforate, probably positions 25-30/33-38, a very fine unused block of twelve (6 x 2) with good to large margins all round, position 25 with characteristic dent in lower frameline. Vertical and horizontally creased but not apparent on face but a rare and attractive multiple Scott 1 = $ 2'100+/Gi = £ 2'700+.Starting bid : 600 CHFHammer price : 2,800 CHFLot# : 3075 Nepal
Setting 1, imperforate 1 a. bright blue, large margins all round, used on June 25, 1881 cover cancelled by bold strike of hexagonal barred KADARBAN handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 4, under Rautahat), reverse with Katmandu arrival. A splendid first issue cover and one of the earliest dates recorded.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 2,400 CHFLot# : 3076 Nepal
Setting 1, imperforate 1 a. bright blue, large margins all round, used on March 1886 cover cancelled by bold strike of hexagonal barred SIRAHA handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 6), reverse with Katmandu arrival. Trivial stain on margin but a fine and rare first issue cover.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 2,400 CHFLot# : 3077 Nepal
Setting 1, imperforate 1 a. ultramarine, large margins all round (position 25 with bend in horizontal base line), used on May 1884 cover cancelled by bold strike of hexagonal barred KADARBAN handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 4, under Rautahat), reverse with oval Katmandu (Type 6) arrival. A superb and very rare cover.Starting bid : 1,500 CHFHammer price : 1,900 CHFLot# : 3078 Nepal
Setting 2, imperforate 1 a. blue, large margins all round in a fine wet impression, slight cut in margin only at base not affecting appearance, used on July 1883 cover, some worm breaks, tied by bold strike of KATHMANDU I whirl handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 1), mailed to Trisuli. Oval Kathmandu datestamp on reverse with circular Trisuli arrival cds. An attractive cover.Starting bid : 750 CHFHammer price : 750 CHFLot# : 3079 Nepal
Lot# : 3080 Nepal
Setting 3, imperforate 1 a. blue, close margins just touched at lower right, used on December 1884 cover cancelled by bold strike of hexagonal barred KALAIYA I handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 4), reverse with large circular Katmandu arrival cds. Scarce.Starting bid : 500 CHFHammer price : not soldLot# : 3081 Nepal
Setting 3, imperforate 1 a. blue, large margins all round in a fine 'dry' impression, used on November 1883 cover tied by bold strike of hexagonal barred DOLAKHA handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 1, earliest recorded usage), reverse with large oval Kathmandu arrival datestamp. A scarce and fine cover.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 1,400 CHFLot# : 3082 Nepal
Setting 3, imperforate 1 a. blue, huge margins all round in a fine clear' impression, used on January 1884 cover tied by bold strike of circular barred BUTWAL handstamp in black (Hellrigl type 6), reverse with large oval Kathmandu arrival datestamp. A superb and scarce cover.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 2,000 CHFLot# : 3083 Nepal
2 a. purple, Setting 2, a fine unused example of deep colour, imperforate from top of sheet with part inscription (position 6), with large part og. Extremely fine and rare: believed to be the sole example with marginal inscription and gum Scott 5$ 175/Gi = £ 150.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 850 CHFLot# : 3084 Nepal
2 a. bright purple, Setting 2, imperforate, the magnificent near complete unused sheet (position 1 and it's margin has been carefully excised), with full inscriptions all round and of excellent vibrant colour. Some minor creasing of no significance, a wonderful and extremely rare multiple. Illustrated in Hellrgl / Vignola on page 123 Scott = $ 11'000+/Gi = £ 14'000+.Starting bid : 5,000 CHFHammer price : 19,000 CHFLot# : 3085 Nepal
Settings 1-3, imperforate 2 a. purple, a fine large margined example in a clear impression, fine bright shade, used on October 1889 double rate cover tied by circular KALAIYA despatch handstamp (Hellrigl type 7) in black. The stamp with very close margins all round and minor staining but a very rare late usage.Starting bid : 1,000 CHFHammer price : 4,200 CHFLot# : 3086 Nepal
Settings 1-3, imperforate 2 a. purple, a fine large margined example in as bright shade, used on December 1885 double rate cover tied by square barred PALPA handstamp in black. Reverse with hand inscribed cancellation in manuscript. Interessting plate flaw on the adhesive with NW corner showing a small hook outside the design. An exceptional and very rare cover.Starting bid : 1,500 CHFHammer price : 3,800 CHFLot# : 3087 Nepal
2 a. purple, imperforate, a fine clear impression with large margins all round, used on 13 June 1881 double rate cover from General Bir Shamsher to Palpa cancelled by 'Kathmandu 1' handstamp in blackish green ink, the reverse showing single ring 'Palpa' cds of receipt in green. An outstanding cover of the greatest rarity - just 6 frankings bearing the first issue 2 anna are recorded. Exhibition item.Starting bid : 2,500 CHFHammer price : 7,000 CHFLot# : 3088 Nepal
Settings 1-3, imperforate 2 a. purple and 4 a. green used on January 1885 registered cover, the 2 a. a rather watery impression and the 4 a. in an extremely clear yellow green shade, tied by superb strikes of circular barred TAULIHAWA handstamps in black (Hellrigl type 20). Reverse with docketing and two personal seals of sender in black. The sole 6 anna rate cover of the first issue recorded. A magnificent and famous cover.Starting bid : 3,500 CHFHammer price : 21,000 CHFLot# : 3089 Nepal
Settings 1-3, imperforate, the remarkable album page with 1 a. blue (7, in shades from bright ultramarine to pale milky blue), 2 a. purple (5, again with a range of shades) and 4 a. green (7, including an extraordinary sage green example with marginal inscription at right). A fine and rare selection Scott 4/6 = $ 4'000+/Gi = £ 5'000+.Starting bid : 1,200 CHFHammer price : 2,400 CHFLot# : 3090 Nepal
Lot# : 3091 Nepal
Settings 1-3, the album page with black cancellations on 1 a. blue (7) including fine 'Pyuthan' on piece, framed seal type of 'Taulihawa', one cancelled in manuscript and two examples used with Kathmandu 1in black, 2 a. purple (8) including fine 'Lyanglyang' barred handstamp, 4 a. green (2) used at Sarlahi etc. A splendid and scarce page Scott 4/6 = $ 3'500/Gi = £ 4'300.Starting bid : 1,200 CHFHammer price : 3,200 CHFLot# : 3092 Nepal
1888/91: 1 a. blue, Setting 8, a superb unused corner block of six from top right of sheet with sheet marginal inscription at top, a fine clear printing on good quality medium thick native paper; matched with a further block of six from a late circa 1890c. printing in an over-inked blurred impression in deep blue; together with a single from Setting 7 (position 6 or 7) showing inscription: all show the 'Rupaiya Ko' inscription joined together. A fine and scarce group Gi = £ 1'000.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 240 CHFLot# : 3093 Nepal
1886: 1 a. grey-blue, Setting 6, the famous unused corner block of 26 from top right of sheet, positions 5-8/13-16/21-24/29-32/37-40/45-46--48/53-54--56, on medium soft native paper with marginal inscriptions at top and at right, some minor ironed creasing and hole above position 8, but the largest known multiple from this setting. Illustrated in Hellrigl & Vignola on page 75 Gi = £ 3'500+.
Starting bid : 1,200 CHFHammer price : 2,400 CHFLot# : 3094 Nepal
1886: 1 a. deep blue, probably Setting 7 in this describer's opinion, a fine unused horizontal pair showing position 47 inverted and the adjoining position 48 with the major printing flaw 'split cliché' with break in NE corner, slight stain on reverse not showing through due to the medium native paper. Rare and appealing pair Gi = £ 600.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 220 CHFLot# : 3095 Nepal
1886/90: 1 a. blue, Setting 8, a fine used horizontal strip of three with tête-bêche, positions 59-58-59, showing cliché 59 inverted, on medium thick native paper, each stamp cancelled by fine strikes of hexagonal TAULIHAWA negative seal handstamp in black. Rare Gi = £ 650.Starting bid : 200 CHFHammer price : 420 CHFLot# : 3096 Nepal
1886: 1 a. blue, Settings 4-6, a fine used example with narrow even margins all round, tied to February 1887 cover by circular KALAIYA manuscript cancellation in brownish ink. Reverse with hand inscribed datestamp and Kathmandu arrival cds. A fine and scarce cover, believed to be but three known examples on letter.Starting bid : 300 CHFHammer price : 750 CHFLot# : 3097 Nepal
1886: 1 a. blue, Settings 4-6, a fine used example with good even margins all round, tied to November 1886 cover by circular KALAIYA manuscript cancellation in brownish ink. Reverse with hand inscribed datestamp. A fine and scarce cover, believed to be but three known examples on letter.Starting bid : 300 CHFHammer price : 1,600 CHFLot# : 3098 Nepal
Lot# : 3099 Nepal
1886/90: 2 a. violet-blue, Setting 6, a superb unused corner marginal pair from top right of sheet with inscription above, positions 7-8 with position 8 showing large dent in left frameline, tiny scissor cut in margin only, printed on medium thick good quality native paper. A delightful and scarce pair Gi = £ 240+.Starting bid : 100 CHFHammer price : 130 CHF
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