
This is Kochchi 1923
On CGS ovpt. on 1923 8P Ramavarma XVI
(1858–1932) sepia official stamp (SG O12) with SG type O3
On
CGS overprint denoting
On
Cochin (Anglicized
corrupted version of Kochchi)
Government
Service.
The unoverprinted base stamp is Kochchi 1923 8P Ramavarma XVI
(1858–1932) sepia (SG 38) with comb perf.13.6, printed in recess in
sheets of 48 (8×6) by Perkins, Bacon and Company Limited, London,
England on machine-made softer paper having horizontal mesh with
umbrella watermark.
The
On CGS ovpt. with straight-backed
C variation occurs
in position R3/1(17) in the sheet.
Vignette: The stamp features Ramavarma XVI (1858–1932), ruler
of Kochchi (1914–1932).
The 4 icons around the central circle are part of the Kochchi state
emblem, which clockwise from top left are, palki/ palanquin
representing progress, Shripadmanabha Shanku (conch of Lord
Shripadmanabha) representing enlightment, changalavattam (chained oil
lamp) representing prosperity and chhatra (umbrella) representing
protection and welfare of the state citizens by the government.
The top panel shows the inscription
Kochchi Anchal meaning
Kochchi Post, in pre-reformation Kairali script of Malayalam language,
the official state language of Kochchi.
The bottom panel shows the denomination
Ett Pai (Eight Pai) in Malayalam.
The 8P denomination was issued to pay the letter postage 8P for weight
between 5.83gm (˝ tola) and 11.66gm (1 tola) as well as to pay the 8P
part of the 1A8P letter postage for weight between 58.3gm (5 tola) and
87.45gm (7˝ tola), the rate in effect from June 15,1922 to August
16,1932.