Wadwan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Wadwan Princely State 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. 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.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1888 – 1892
- Languages:
- English, Gujarati
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- British India
Stamp Catalogs
Wadwan Princely State stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Wadwan Princely State Stamp 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.
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Wadwan Princely State Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: 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.
How to Identify Wadwan Princely State Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Wadwan Princely State stamps:
- 1 Look for the distinctive 'WADWAN STATE' overprint, often in Gujarati script and English.
- 2 Examine the underlying stamp, which will be a definitive issue of British India from the late 19th century.
- 3 Pay close attention to the surcharge value and its alignment, as variations exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are 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.
Are Wadwan stamps valuable?
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.
How can I identify Wadwan stamps?
To identify Wadwan stamps, look for the 'WADWAN STATE' overprint, usually in both English and Gujarati, on stamps originally issued by British India. You can use a stamp identifier app to help verify the underlying British India stamp and compare the overprint details with catalog references.
Which catalogs list Wadwan stamps?
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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