George V Era - Cochin State

Dear me, Rodney, you won't give in, will you? Perhaps this Wiki entry might convince you:

Muziris is the ancient port city near Kochi (Kerala), the south western state of India known as 'Vanchi' to locals[1]. It was famous as a major port for trade and commerce for more than 2,500 years. Muziris became of interest to classical authors because of the Romans' interest in trading, and their desire to have contact with regions beyond the reach of easy conquest and they set up trading routes with these places. Merchants from a number of cultures are believed to have operated in the port, and there are numerous Indian finds from the time as well as Roman ones.

There has always been a lot of confusion about the exact location of the port, as also about other aspects of it. For long it was considered to be Kodungalloor. However, in 1983, a large hoard of Roman coins was found at a site around six miles from a place called Pattanam, some distance away from Kodungalloor. Excavations carried out from 2004 to 2009 at Pattanam has revealed evidence that may point out the exact position of Muziris.[1][2][3][4]. Current Excavation Site

The recent archaeological work done in the area has revealed fragments of imported Roman amphora, mainly used for transporting wine and olive oil, Yemeni and West Asian pottery, besides Indian roulette ware (which is also common on the East Coast of India, and also found in Berenice in Egypt).[1][2][3][4] This suggests that Muziris was a port of great international fame and that South India was involved in active trade with several civilizations of West Asia, the Near East and Europe with the port as a means to do so.

While there is a consensus on that both the port and the city ceased to exist around the middle of the 13th century CE, possibly following an earthquake (or the great flood of 1341 recorded in history, which caused the change of course of Periyar river), there does not seem to be clear evidence as to when the port might have first come into being. Presently, researchers seem to be agreed on that the port was already a bustling center of trade by 500 BCE, and there is some evidence that suggests that Muziris was a city, even if not certainly a port as well, from before 1500 BCE.[5][6][7] It is worth noting that Muziris is also referred to as Murachipattanam in Valmiki's Ramayana as well as Vyasa's Mahabharata, as Muchiri in Tamil Sangam's literature, and as Muzirikode in the Jewish Copper Plate of Bhaskara Ravi Varma (around 1000 AD).[9][10] Among foreign references, Muziris also finds mention in the First Century Natural History of Pliny the Elder, the Second Century Geographia of Ptolemy, the Second Century Muziris Papyrus (p. Vindob G480822), and the Fourth Century Tabula Peutingeriana.

A few traditional scholars also identify Muziris with the town of Musiri, located upstream on the Kaveri river, near Karur, the ancient capital city of the Cheras, in present-day Tamil Nadu state.[citation needed] According to the first century Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, the distance between Musiris and the sea was possibly some 120 stadia (31 km)

Returning to slightly more recent times, I have to admit that the Second Raja Service issues are one area I've sadly neglected. There are gaps to be filled at some stage, but I'll show what I can.

Two types of On C G S overprint were used, and there were the inevitable surcharges as well.

The first type overprint was applied to most of the ordinary set, plus three new high values. However, at least collectors were spared the Die complications of the 2 Pies and 1 Anna stamps. Neither was overprinted.

The first value, then, was the 4 Pies, SG O10



The 6 Pies, SG O11



is also known with an inverted watermark (helpfully priced † mint and - used in Gibbons). It goes without saying, the example above has an upright watermark

When I was dealing with the ordinary issues, I entirely forgot to include this:



but better late than never. It's a plate proof, of course in the colour used for the 4 Pies.

Both SG O10 and O11 are recorded with the (a) and (b) perfs, and they seem to be common enough in each.

The 8 Pies, SG O12



is another 10p item used, and apparently only occurs in the (b) perforation gauge.

The 9 Pies, SG O13,



is the key value of the set mint (at £70); used, it's priced at 10p, but it's probably actually worth the full 10p. It isn't all that common.

The 10 Pies, SG O14



is a 10p item used, like most of the rest of the set. Like the ordinary issue, it's only been recorded with the (b) perf.

The 1½ Anna, SG O15



is yet another 10p item used, and (relatively) cheap mint, at £5.50. Known in the (a) and (b) perfs.

The 2 Anna, SG O16, and the 2¼ Anna, SG O17, on an extremely disreputable registered cover with Acknowledgment of Receipt form still at the back.



(Not attached, because the whole cover is in a state of collapse) The 2 Anna (of course, it would be ) is one of the stars of the set used - it rates 30p; the 2¼ Anna is a 10p job.

Gibbons, in a footnote, records that Row 4/1 on the sheet showed a flat back to the C of the overprint, in all values. Here it is on the 2 Anna:

Things rather tail off at this point, as far as my collection is concerned, anyway.

The 3 Annas, SG O18



is known in the (a) and (b) perfs, as for the ordinary stamps, and also in the (c) perf. I don't have an example of the (c) perf, so it may be a little scarcer. What the status of a 3 Anna, with the (c) perf, but without the overprint might be, goodness knows.

The three additional high values are all known in the (a) and (b) perfs only.

The 6 Annas, SG O19



is still only a 50p item used.

The 12 Annas, SG O19a



is cheaper used (£5) than mint (£16), and I can't show the 1½ Rupee at all

The surcharges round off this stage of the George V era for Cochin, and fittingly, they're a bit of a tangle.

There were four basically different surcharges, all made on 9 Pies values - of both the First and Second Raja issues.

In 1923-4, the p Pies of the both Rajas were overprinted 8 Pies:

On the First Raja, SG O20



and the Second Raja, SG O21



If you enjoy flyspecking overprints, these are for you. Gibbons notes that there are small 'i's in 'Eight' and 'Pies' from various positions in the sheet, and Gibbons lists a 'Pies' for 'pies' error. There are also plenty of broken letters and intruding printer's quads to be found.

Next year, in 1925, the Second Raja 9 Pies was surcharged 10 Pies, in a 28 mm tall setting, SG O22



This is known in the (b) gauge only. There was also a setting with the surcharge spaced 25 mm, on the (a) perf stamps:



These are usually much better printed than the 8 Pies surcharges.

Finally, in 1929, the same surcharge was applied to the First Raja 9 Pies. This is a seriously difficult stamp (£1300 mint and £15 used), and I don't have it, I'm afraid. The other surcharges also tend to be pretty desirable mint (my mint SG O21 is the cheapest of them, at £70). Used are generally fairly easy to find. Gibbons' prices of £1.75 for SG O20 and £1 for SG O22 are rather flattering, though it has to be said, fine specimens aren't so common.

The last overprints on the Second Raja series, of 1929-31, are a bit of a letdown. True, they all occur with an inverted 'S' in the on C G S overprint, and I've never been able to find one, but that's all they have to offer. Apart from the top value, the 6 Anna, being rather expensive mint.

So here they are. They're all recorded on the (b) perf only, apart from the 6 Pies, which also comes on the (c) and (d) and the 6 Annas, which also comes on the (d) perf.

The 4 Pies, SG O24



is a difficult stamp. I think its £2 used undervalues it a bit.

The 6 Pies, SG O25



used is a true 10p job. A very common stamp.

The 10 Pies, SG O26



is another common stamp, and the cheapest of the set mint (at £6).

The 2 Anna, SG O27



is a little flattered by its pricing at 25p used (though at £40 mint ...)

The 3 Anna, SG O28



(Here with the 8 Pies, SG O12)

is another common stamp used (20p), and relatively cheap mint at £8.50.

The 6 Anna, SG O30, will set you back £110 mint, but £3 used



which may be a bit ungenerous, I think.

Chronologically, this SG O57



belongs among the George VI era, because it was issued in 1943, but thematically it belongs here, so I'll show it again. And it really is the end of the Second Raja and George V era in Cochin.

My collection of the George V era in Cochin is a bit patchy. However, if you're prepared to put in the time sifting through piles of Second Raja stamps with your trusty Instanta, and to spend hours inhaling the Ronsonol fumes as you look at watermarks, there is still the possibility of making a find (eh, Rodney?). It probably won't send your name down to posterity as one of the culture-heroes of Cochin Philately. You mightn't even rate a footnote in the history. But it is good philatelic fun!

Hi Tony

Now the stamps I have - Raja 1





Not much I am afraid....

Regards
Thomas

Aaah that illusory mistress....fame,
I find a good way to reflect on that,
is to browse the gossip magazines at your fish and chip shop
on Friday night, it's enough to turn one off the Barramundi.

Oh.. I missed to post this one...



Thomas

Thomas, looking at your stamps, I see some nice clear cancellations there. That reminds me to suggest that you try to find a copy of G.B. Pai's Cochin Postmarks and Cancellations, published by Robson Lowe, 1974. Of course, it isn't 100% complete, but it will give you an extra dimension to understanding and appreciating your stamps.

Hi Tony
Thanks for the advice - tried to look up "G B Pai....." but was not able to locate any seller.
Meanwhile, the Raja 2 stamps :






That makes up the lot. Now will have to search out when some of the missing ones are available.

Looking forward to your feedback,
Regards and Thanks
Thomas

Thomas, the 9 Pies surcharge on 1½ Annas is obviously the standout item. Used, it's £28, but mint it's £700. I can't tell from your scan which it is, but if there's a good possibility it's mint, I'd suggest you should get a BPA certificate for it, even with the rounded top right corner.

Copies of Pai's book don't come up for sale often. Still, it's worth persevering. It will add a new dimension to your Cochin collection - and show you why covers are desirable, too.

i may be old but I can see the cancellation on the right hand corner of that stamp tony. maybe I am wrong

I thought I saw it too, but you can't always be certain with a small scan.

Hi

spock1k is NOT old - he IS young !

The magnified part of the stamping attached herewith.


I have to be satisfied with the 28 pounds and wait for a mint I suppose

Meanwhile please enlighten this student on BPA certification

Regards and Thanks
Thomas