Largest known block of 15 stamps used postally.
Air-India International inaugural flight to London
8 June 1948
Largest known block of 15 stamps used postally.
Parcel wrapper franked totally 16 Rs 8 as (268 as) including a KGVI 5 Rs stamp cancelled with a large black X, a KGVI 4 as stamp cancelled BANGALORE, 5 JUN 48, and a block of 15 Air-India International commemorative stamps (12as x 15 = 180 as), cancelled with 6 clear strikes of the boxed rectangular first flight cachet applied in Bombay on 8 June 1948.
This is the largest known block of 15 Air-India International commemorative stamps used postally.
8 June 1948
Largest known block of 15 stamps used postally.
Parcel wrapper franked totally 16 Rs 8 as (268 as) including a KGVI 5 Rs stamp cancelled with a large black X, a KGVI 4 as stamp cancelled BANGALORE, 5 JUN 48, and a block of 15 Air-India International commemorative stamps (12as x 15 = 180 as), cancelled with 6 clear strikes of the boxed rectangular first flight cachet applied in Bombay on 8 June 1948.
This is the largest known block of 15 Air-India International commemorative stamps used postally.
More Interesting Covers
There are several other interesting aspects to study when collecting flight covers related to this flight. Some of them are:
- Early use of the stamp on mail that preceded the 8 June flight
- Covers that are franked with an interesting combination of stamps
- Covers that actually carry an arrival postmark in the UK
- Covers that were not flown, but mailed within India only
- Covers that missed the inaugural flight, and went on a later flight
- Examples of later usage of the special Air-India postage stamp.
- Registered mail handling.
- Other interesting covers
Early use of the stamp on mail that preceded the 8 June flight
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This Air-India Bombay G.P.O. registered (v 109) souvenir cover has been sent from Sent from Bombay to London having special flight cachet# type B. Sender Address mentioned by violet handstamp on reverse. Cover is correctly franked with 16as (12as postal rate + 4as registration fee). What makes this cover very interesting and also rare is the Bombay cancellation applied on reverse dated 3-May-1948, Interestingly how could this possible as the postal authority in DG circular clearly mentioned that Air-India Stamp will be issued from 29 May 1948 to 8 June 1948, but in this cover stamp is also applied and cancellation is on 3rd May 1948.
This type of cover having early usage of stamp with early date cancellation is very rare.
This type of cover having early usage of stamp with early date cancellation is very rare.
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The cover is Registered CONNAUGHT PLACE, which is in New Delhi, and franked with a 12 A Air-India International stamp and another 2 A in KGVI definitives adding up to 14 A postage, which comprises 4 A registration fees, and 10 A airmail rate to Egypt. The cancellation mark is CONNAUGHT PLACE / 3 JUN 48. On the reverse, are two circular postal marks applied in Egypt. The first is a faint 7 JU 48 arrival mark, and the other is a ZIFTA / 9 JU 48 delivery mark.
Deviation: Connaught Place P.O. registration label and 29th May 1948 cancellation. The stamp was not valid for early postal usage, and the post office should have sent the cover to Bombay G.P.O. without cancellation and for transmission on the 8th June 1948 Bombay-London flight, and onwards from there to Cairo.
Deviation: Connaught Place P.O. registration label and 29th May 1948 cancellation. The stamp was not valid for early postal usage, and the post office should have sent the cover to Bombay G.P.O. without cancellation and for transmission on the 8th June 1948 Bombay-London flight, and onwards from there to Cairo.
Interesting combination of postage stamps used
Some covers required additional franking, while some did not, but were additionally franked anyway. Now the sender had a choice in terms of which postage stamps to use. Should he use the newly issued Independent India postage stamps released about 6 months ago, or the KG VI definitives that were still being printed, and still in use, or something special. Let's look at some interesting choices some philatelists made.
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Top: Official souvenir Cover addressed to Berne, Switzerland franked with the 14 as. KG VI airmail definitive and the 12 as. Air-India commemorative stamp, making the postage amount as 26 as. against the correct airmail letter rate of 14 as.,
thus overstamping it by 12 as. This was certainly by a philatelist who wanted to have these two aeroplanes on the same cover.
thus overstamping it by 12 as. This was certainly by a philatelist who wanted to have these two aeroplanes on the same cover.
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Above: Registered souvenir cover to London with the correct 16 as. registered airmail letter rate postage.
Here the sender has used the 1/2 as. KG V silver jubilee stamp that was issued in 1935.
Here the sender has used the 1/2 as. KG V silver jubilee stamp that was issued in 1935.
Covers that actually carry an arrival postmark of the UK
The customary arrival mark was not generally affixed by the postal authorities at London on incoming mail on this flight. However, registered mail, and some mail addressed/re-directed to other parts of Britain does carry an arrival/other postmark. There is also an example, in this section, of one ordinary airmail letter to London with a London arrival stamp.
To a philatelist, a departure and arrival date stamp makes the cover much more interesting, as it neatly ties the narrative together. The scarcity of covers with a British, and more particularly London arrival stamp makes this even more interesting.
To a philatelist, a departure and arrival date stamp makes the cover much more interesting, as it neatly ties the narrative together. The scarcity of covers with a British, and more particularly London arrival stamp makes this even more interesting.
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Above: Cover originally addressed to London franked with the 12 as. Air-India postage stamp tied with the boxed rectangular cachet at Bombay on 8 June 1948, and redirected to Richmond, Surrey, upon arrival at London. Clearly visible on the front of the cover is a round arrival stamp LONDON S.W.1, 6.15 P.M., 10 JNE 1948. Such arrival stamps are found on re-directed covers affixed at station of first arrival.
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Above: Official Souvenir cover addressed to Dawlish, Devonshire, and redirected to London. In this instance the first destination was Dawlish, so we find a DAWLISH, DEVON, 12.30 PM, 11 JU 48 circular arrival stamp on the front of the cover.
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Redirected from London to Belfast, and bearing LONDON / 10 JNE / 1948 postmark on the reverse.
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Above: Airmail cover addressed to Salisbury, Wiltshire and redirected to Bristol.
Circular date stamp SALISBURY, WILTS, 11 JNE 1948, 3-15 PM applied on the front of the cover.
Circular date stamp SALISBURY, WILTS, 11 JNE 1948, 3-15 PM applied on the front of the cover.
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Above: Registered Official Souvenir cover franked with 16 as. postage, and addressed to London. Two interesting violet hand stamps on the front, INSUFFICIENT ADDRESS, E.C.18 and UNDELIVERED FOR REASONS (illegible word), RETURN TO SENDER. On the reverse is the circular date stamp LONDON E.C., H, RGD, 11 JU 48 and a small purple oval hand stamp E.G.M. (meaning unknown).
The postal department instructions were quite clear. All souvenir mail to London to be returned to the sender was to be addressed to Air-India c/o Tata Ltd., London. However, the sender of this letter sent it c/o the Postmaster, London, and managed to get it back in Bombay.
The postal department instructions were quite clear. All souvenir mail to London to be returned to the sender was to be addressed to Air-India c/o Tata Ltd., London. However, the sender of this letter sent it c/o the Postmaster, London, and managed to get it back in Bombay.
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Upper row: On the left is the front of a private souvenir cover addressed to London, and on the right is a souvenir card that was inserted inside the over. it seems to suggest this is some kind of Air-India issue, but no evidence has been found to support this.
Lower row: On the left side, is the reverse of the cover with the senders name and address printed, that gives the impression this is a private cover, and not an Air-India issue. More importantly, and London arrival hand stamp on the lower left of the cover can be seen. On the right is the enlarged image of the date stamp LONDON CHIEF OFFICE E.C.1, I, 10 JU 48.
The U of the JU is faint, but close examination will satisfy the examiner that is is JU and not JL. See the sharp L of LONDON. This is the only example I have seen of an ordinary airmail rate cover not re-directed with a London date stamp, so I could safely call it a rare cover.
Lower row: On the left side, is the reverse of the cover with the senders name and address printed, that gives the impression this is a private cover, and not an Air-India issue. More importantly, and London arrival hand stamp on the lower left of the cover can be seen. On the right is the enlarged image of the date stamp LONDON CHIEF OFFICE E.C.1, I, 10 JU 48.
The U of the JU is faint, but close examination will satisfy the examiner that is is JU and not JL. See the sharp L of LONDON. This is the only example I have seen of an ordinary airmail rate cover not re-directed with a London date stamp, so I could safely call it a rare cover.
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NIC
(Image Courtesy: Mr Sushil Mehra)
Upper row: On the left is the front of Air-India souvenir cover addressed to Bedford, and on the right is a souvenir card that was inserted inside the over.
Lower row: On the left side, is the reverse of the cover with the senders name and address printed. On the right is the enlarged image of the date stamp BROMHAM ROAD. BELFORD/11 JU 48.
(Image Courtesy: Mr Sushil Mehra)
Upper row: On the left is the front of Air-India souvenir cover addressed to Bedford, and on the right is a souvenir card that was inserted inside the over.
Lower row: On the left side, is the reverse of the cover with the senders name and address printed. On the right is the enlarged image of the date stamp BROMHAM ROAD. BELFORD/11 JU 48.
Stamp cut out on piece and affixed on the cover.
Air-India International inaugural flight from Bombay to London.
8 June 1948
8 June 1948
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Souvenir cover prepared by the postal department for the occasion and franked with the 12as Air-India stamp issue, tied with the special boxed rectangular cachet, addressed to London.
The stamp is clearly visible as affixed on another piece of paper as though it has been cut out of another envelope and then pasted on this cover. Unusual find.
There is a tear on the top left corner of the stamp. Fragile.
The stamp is clearly visible as affixed on another piece of paper as though it has been cut out of another envelope and then pasted on this cover. Unusual find.
There is a tear on the top left corner of the stamp. Fragile.
Covers addressed to Domestic destinations, and not flown on the inaugural flight.
The postal department instructions were quite clear. If any person wanted a souvenir cover to be carried on the flight to London, Geneva or Cairo, he must address it to specific addresses provided for each destination. However, we have some examples of mail addressed to destinations within India, and hence, not flown on the inaugural flight.
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Air-India International First Flight, Bombay-London, 8 June 1948, Cover addressed to Jhansi, U.P.
Despite instructions that only mail addressed to London, Geneva or Cairo would receive postal cancellation at Bombay G.P.O., and be accepted for postal carriage, here we have a cover addressed to Jhansi, U.P. which has received the boxed commemorative cancellation at Bombay G.P.O. and on the verso we have a BOMBAY R.M.S. / SET-1 / AIR. / 8 JUN 48 aas well as a JHANSI / DELY / 10 JUN 48 / 8.30 A.M. postal mark.
Despite instructions that only mail addressed to London, Geneva or Cairo would receive postal cancellation at Bombay G.P.O., and be accepted for postal carriage, here we have a cover addressed to Jhansi, U.P. which has received the boxed commemorative cancellation at Bombay G.P.O. and on the verso we have a BOMBAY R.M.S. / SET-1 / AIR. / 8 JUN 48 aas well as a JHANSI / DELY / 10 JUN 48 / 8.30 A.M. postal mark.
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Souvenir cover with the 12 A postage stamp addressed to MUZAFAR NAGAR in India. The stamp is cancelled with the souvenir cachet at Bombay on 8 June 1948, but the cover was then sent to the recipient domestically, instead of going on the flight. There is a BOMBAY R.M.S. / AIR / 8 JUN 48 and a DELHI AIR / BATCH 812(?) / 8 JUN 48 transit mark, as well as a MUZAFFARNAGAR / 9 JUN cancellation on the reverse clearly establishing journey.
Deviation: The souvenir boxed rectangular cancellation should not have been applied, and the letter should have been sent by surface to Muzaffar Nagar and postage dues of 1½ A x 2 = 3 A should have been recovered from the recipient.
Deviation: The souvenir boxed rectangular cancellation should not have been applied, and the letter should have been sent by surface to Muzaffar Nagar and postage dues of 1½ A x 2 = 3 A should have been recovered from the recipient.
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Above: A Official souvenir cover prepared by S. S. Nathan addressed to himself at Madras. Again, the cover is franked with the Air-India inaugural flight commemorative stamp, and is cancelled with the special boxed cachet at Bombay on 8 June 1948. This cover was also not carried on the flight to London, but carried domestically to Madras and delivered to him.
Nathan was a seasoned philatelist and this cover would be produced by him more by design than by accident. he was known for producing eclectic covers. Hence, I would not give too much philatelic importance to this cover.
Nathan was a seasoned philatelist and this cover would be produced by him more by design than by accident. he was known for producing eclectic covers. Hence, I would not give too much philatelic importance to this cover.
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Souvenir cover prepared by the postal department for the occasion and franked with the 12as Air-India stamp issue, tied with the special boxed rectangular cachet, addressed to Madras, and prepared by Nathan.
This cover did not fly on the London service, but succeeded in obtaining the boxed First Flight cachet at Bombay. On the reverse are the BOMBAY R.M.S., 8 JUN 48, SET-1 and the CATHEDRAL, MADRAS, DELY, 8 JUN 48, 6 15 P.M. Handstamps.
This cover did not fly on the London service, but succeeded in obtaining the boxed First Flight cachet at Bombay. On the reverse are the BOMBAY R.M.S., 8 JUN 48, SET-1 and the CATHEDRAL, MADRAS, DELY, 8 JUN 48, 6 15 P.M. Handstamps.
Covers addressed to Domestic destinations, and actually flown on the inaugural flight.
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NIC
This cover was franked with the 12a inaugural service stamp and addressed to the sender, C S Nelson to himself at Bangalore. This address is covered with a white paper slip and hence was read by me using a backlight. The postal department boxed the stamp (invalid for specific use) and did not deface the stamp. They postmarked it with a cds BANGALORE / 4 JUN 48 on the verso and then affixed a Postage Due horseshoe mark on the front and added ‘0 3 0’ in blue ink (3a) on the front and decagonal BANGALORE UNPAID / 5 JUN 48 handstamp on the front.
The sender thus got back the cover and affixed a white paper label on the front with the Air-India International London address and mailed it again. This time the post office accepted it for onward carriage and sent it to Bombay where it received the First Flight cachet and made the journey, just in time, to London.
A rather grubby and badly preserved cover, but nevertheless a very interesting item.
Thanks to Mr. Sushil Mehra of Bengaluru for sharing these images from his collection
This cover was franked with the 12a inaugural service stamp and addressed to the sender, C S Nelson to himself at Bangalore. This address is covered with a white paper slip and hence was read by me using a backlight. The postal department boxed the stamp (invalid for specific use) and did not deface the stamp. They postmarked it with a cds BANGALORE / 4 JUN 48 on the verso and then affixed a Postage Due horseshoe mark on the front and added ‘0 3 0’ in blue ink (3a) on the front and decagonal BANGALORE UNPAID / 5 JUN 48 handstamp on the front.
The sender thus got back the cover and affixed a white paper label on the front with the Air-India International London address and mailed it again. This time the post office accepted it for onward carriage and sent it to Bombay where it received the First Flight cachet and made the journey, just in time, to London.
A rather grubby and badly preserved cover, but nevertheless a very interesting item.
Thanks to Mr. Sushil Mehra of Bengaluru for sharing these images from his collection
Cover address to near by country and not flown on inagural flight.
Air-India International souvenir cover mailed in Kulti (E.I.R. - W. Bengal) to Sylhet in East Pakistan. Franked with a KGV 1 1/2 as postage stamp, and cancelled KULTI, 8 JUN 48, the date off the flight, this cover was obviously not intended to be carried on the flight. Nevertheless, an interesting usage on the date of first flight. Also some interesting postmarks on reverse, including an E-7, SET-3, IN, 11 JUN 48, and arrival mark at Sylhet, 15 Jun 48, a week after posting. The RMS E-7 was from Calcutta (Sealdah) to Goalundo Ghat (ISC Bulletin No. 55, p.9, 1961-62.)
Covers that missed the inaugural flight, and went on a later flight
Many collectors and dealers sent mail from across India to be carried on the inaugural flight, and most of them managed to succeed. A small number however, seem to have missed the boat because of delay in posting the letters. The Postal Department instructions were quite clear. Mail would be accepted until June 5th at designated post offices, and until June 8th at GPO Bombay.
So, mail that was intended for this flight, but never made it has become collectible in itself. Here we see examples of these covers.
So, mail that was intended for this flight, but never made it has become collectible in itself. Here we see examples of these covers.
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Cover addressed to Melbourne, Australia, and sent from Calcutta franked with the 12a. Air-India International postage stamp. The reverse has a CALCUTTA G.P.O. / 5 JUN 48 cds indicating that it was posted in time, but Calcutta postal authorities did not treat the stamp as valid postage, perhaps because Melbourne, Australia was not exactly en route London. The 12 A stamp has been boxed off using a blue pencil, and T50C pencil notation made on the front of the cover.
Deviation: Considered invalid use of the postage stamp, the letter was sent by surface to Australia. Double deficiency of the 3 ½ A rate = 7 A = 7 x 25/3 ½ = 50 UPU cents. This should have been converted into 4d in Australia, which is twice the 2d surface letter UPU rate. It is not clear from the cover whether this amount was recovered.
Deviation: Considered invalid use of the postage stamp, the letter was sent by surface to Australia. Double deficiency of the 3 ½ A rate = 7 A = 7 x 25/3 ½ = 50 UPU cents. This should have been converted into 4d in Australia, which is twice the 2d surface letter UPU rate. It is not clear from the cover whether this amount was recovered.
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Top: Official Souvenir cover sent to London from Tung, cancelled on 7 JUN 48. Tung is a post office in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The cover is also very interesting because of the interesting place of origin. There is a beautiful and touching story about the place the cover was sent from. For that, please visit my blog of July 2016. (http://www.airindiacollector.com/blog)
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Cover mailed in Calcutta, and intended for the 8 June inaugural flight from Bombay to London. Posted in Calcutta on 7 June 1948, and hence two things happened. Firstly, the cover missed the flight and was flown later. Secondly, the postal authorities in Calcutta did not accept the 12 as Air-India International stamp as valid postage, and the sender had to affix a KGVI definitive as additional 12 as franking, which was correctly cancelled CALCUTTA G.P.O. / AIR-A / 7 JUN 1948 / 2 15 PM.
Deviation: The Air-India International stamp was not valid for later use, and hence not accepted by the post office. The sender had to affix another 12 A stamp on the cover.
Deviation: The Air-India International stamp was not valid for later use, and hence not accepted by the post office. The sender had to affix another 12 A stamp on the cover.
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Above: Cover with the 12 as Air-India International stamp wrongly cancelled with a round CDS, CHARLVILLE HOTEL MUSSOUREE, 7 JUN 48. This cancellation mark should not have been used. Anyway, the cover was too late for the inaugural flight, and travelled on a subsequent flight.
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Cover franked with 2 x 12 as. commemorative stamps obliterated with BATANAGAR / 8 JUN 48 postal cancellation mark, and addressed to Czechoslavakia. Obviously missed the flight, and perhaps went on the next service a week later.
Deviation: The 12 A stamp was not valid for later use, and should not have been accepted aa valid postage. If sent by air, the letter should have been taxed at twice the 14 A postage deficiency calculated as 2 x 14 x 25/3½. = 200 UPU cents. Converted at 500 heller = 25 UPU cents converts to 4,000 heller. If sent by sea, it would convert as 2 x 500 = 1,000 heller.
Deviation: The 12 A stamp was not valid for later use, and should not have been accepted aa valid postage. If sent by air, the letter should have been taxed at twice the 14 A postage deficiency calculated as 2 x 14 x 25/3½. = 200 UPU cents. Converted at 500 heller = 25 UPU cents converts to 4,000 heller. If sent by sea, it would convert as 2 x 500 = 1,000 heller.
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Cover sent from Calcutta, and addressed to New York. Franked with 2 x 12 as commemorative stamps issued for the inaugural Bombay-London flight. Mail acceptance in Calcutta was open till 5 June only for this flight, but the reverse bears a postal mark CALCUTTA G.P.O. / ‘O’ / 8 JUNE 1948 / 12.15 P.M. Stamps have been boxed off, and there is also a ’T’ (taxe) inked on the front of the cover. While it is clear that the cover did not travel on the first flight, it is open to speculation as to whether it flew to New York at all, and if so, by air or by surface, or it was returned to the sender, probably at the postal counter itself.
Deviation: If the cover went by air, it should have been taxed first converting the 18 A airmail rate to UPU cents using the formula 2 x 18 A x 25/3½ which works out to 257 UPU cents, and again into US cents using the formula 257 x 5/25 = 51.4, rounded off to 51 US cents. If however the cover were to go by surface, the deficiency would be calculated using the formula 2 x 25 = 50 UPU cents, and again into US cents using the formula 50 x 5/25 = 10 US cents.
Deviation: If the cover went by air, it should have been taxed first converting the 18 A airmail rate to UPU cents using the formula 2 x 18 A x 25/3½ which works out to 257 UPU cents, and again into US cents using the formula 257 x 5/25 = 51.4, rounded off to 51 US cents. If however the cover were to go by surface, the deficiency would be calculated using the formula 2 x 25 = 50 UPU cents, and again into US cents using the formula 50 x 5/25 = 10 US cents.
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Air-India International. First Flight from Bombay to London.
8th June 1948
Cover mailed in Calcutta and addressed to London.
‘Missed the Flight’ cover
Cover franked with the commemorative 12a value stamp, and cancelled PARK STREET, CALCUTTA, 8 JUN 48, and also bearing the blue color boxed air mail etiquette. Postal instructions were clear that mail had to be posted in Calcutta by 5th June in order to be flown on the 8th June flight from Bombay, and more importantly this commemorative stamp was not to be considered postally valid for use after that. The Calcutta G.P.O. followed this practice, and we have examples of letters posted after 5th June in Calcutta being rightly taxed. Park Street P.O. was the second most important post office in Calcutta, but seems to have missed this instruction, and has cancelled the stamp indicating it’s acceptance for onward air transmission to London by a subsequent flight.
8th June 1948
Cover mailed in Calcutta and addressed to London.
‘Missed the Flight’ cover
Cover franked with the commemorative 12a value stamp, and cancelled PARK STREET, CALCUTTA, 8 JUN 48, and also bearing the blue color boxed air mail etiquette. Postal instructions were clear that mail had to be posted in Calcutta by 5th June in order to be flown on the 8th June flight from Bombay, and more importantly this commemorative stamp was not to be considered postally valid for use after that. The Calcutta G.P.O. followed this practice, and we have examples of letters posted after 5th June in Calcutta being rightly taxed. Park Street P.O. was the second most important post office in Calcutta, but seems to have missed this instruction, and has cancelled the stamp indicating it’s acceptance for onward air transmission to London by a subsequent flight.
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Above: Official Souvenir cover franked with the 12 as commemorative stamp, and the 12 as. KG VI definitive.Notice that the 12 as. definitive is cancelled with a CALCUTTA G.P.O., 12 JUN 1948 AIR-A, Comet cancellation mark, white the 12 as. Air-India commemorative stamp is not. Here, the G.P.O. did the correct thing, because the 12 as. stamp was issued to be used only on one day, for the inaugural flight, and since that flight was missed, they correctly chose to ignore the stamp. There is an arrival c.d.s. ROXBORGH 17 JUN 48, 4.30 PM, which established that the cover went on the second service on 15 June from Bombay to London.
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Plain brown paper cover with the blue Air Mail etiquette and franked with the correct rate 14 as. Air Mail postage rate. Posted from Kumbakonam, S. India and addressed to American Zone, Germany. The postage stamps are not cancelled at Kumbakonam, the post office of origin, but rather at Bombay G.P.O. This seems to suggest that the cover was intended for the first flight, and hence was sent to the Bombay GPO. However, it seems to have arrived late, and was cancelled BOMBAY G.P.O. / 14 JUN 48 and sent on the next weekly service.
Deviation: The 12 A stamp was not valid for later use, and should not have been accepted as valid postage. If sent by air, the letter should have been taxed at twice the 12 A postage deficiency (14 A rate – 2 A acceptable value in stamps) calculated as 2 x 12 x 25/3½. = 171 UPU cents. Converted at 50 pf = 25 UPU cents converts to 342 pf.
Deviation: The 12 A stamp was not valid for later use, and should not have been accepted as valid postage. If sent by air, the letter should have been taxed at twice the 12 A postage deficiency (14 A rate – 2 A acceptable value in stamps) calculated as 2 x 12 x 25/3½. = 171 UPU cents. Converted at 50 pf = 25 UPU cents converts to 342 pf.
Air-India International - First Flight from Bombay to London
Cover mailed in Calcutta & missed the flight.
Cover mailed in Calcutta & missed the flight.
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Air-India International Souvenir cover with the 12 as. stamp, this one with a CALCUTTA / 9 JUN 48, cancellation clearly visible on the reverse. The postage stamp itself is boxed off in red, and cancelled with a LONDON / 9 JY inverted arrival mark quite clearly, and there is a black T handstamp, and a handwritten T 50/c postage due endorsement in red visible beside the stamp on the front. These have been obliterated with two strikes of black circular handstamps. Since the letter was posted in Calcutta after the 5 June deadline, it was too late to be sent to Bombay and be carried on the 8 June inaugural service, and also have the first flight cachet applied there. The Calcutta postal authorities did the right thing in treating the cover as unstamped, and still sending it to London with a Postage Due mark. Another unusual aspect is the application of the London arrival mark on the stamp itself, which is contrary to normal practice of applying it on the reverse of the cover. Interestingly, mail carried on the 8 June flight did not receive any arrival mark in London. Perhaps the postal authorities in London did not consider the cover liable to Taxe, and hence applied the cancellation mark on the stamp, and obliterated the T 50/c noting.
Deviation: Invalid use of the postage stamp, the letter was sent by surface to England. Double deficiency of the 3 ½ A rate = 7 A = 7 x 25/3 ½ = 50 UPU cents should have been Taxed. Which in UK would have been the equivalent of two times the foreign surface letter rate of 6d (3d x 2).
Deviation: Invalid use of the postage stamp, the letter was sent by surface to England. Double deficiency of the 3 ½ A rate = 7 A = 7 x 25/3 ½ = 50 UPU cents should have been Taxed. Which in UK would have been the equivalent of two times the foreign surface letter rate of 6d (3d x 2).
Air-India International First Flight from Bombay to London
8 June 1948
8 June 1948
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Cover with the 12 A stamp addressed to England. The Postal Department had issued instructions that letters intended for the first flight must be posted at designated post offices before 5 June. However, the contents of this letter are themselves dated June 8 at Vandiperiyar P.O., Travancore, S. India. This makes it clear that the letter did not fly on the first flight. The postal authorities have correctly affixed a boxed rectangular cachet INSUFFICIENTLY STAMPED FOR TRANSMISSION BY AIR, and also a round Type 255 T (taxe) cachet. They have also refused to cancel the stamp. The stamp has also been defaced with a X mark by pen.
There are two enclosures in the cover, both of philatelic interest. One is the letter which talks about the stamp issue, and the other is a newspaper clipping of an advertisement of the first flight.
Deviation: Despite such clear indication of postage due on the cover, one would suppose it travelled by surface to England, but there is no evidence of it being Taxed upon delivery. If the letter was sent by surface to England, double deficiency of the 3 ½ A rate = 7 A = 7 x 25/3 ½ = 50 UPU cents should have been Taxed. Which in UK would have been the equivalent of two times the foreign surface letter rate of 6d (3d x 2).
There are two enclosures in the cover, both of philatelic interest. One is the letter which talks about the stamp issue, and the other is a newspaper clipping of an advertisement of the first flight.
Deviation: Despite such clear indication of postage due on the cover, one would suppose it travelled by surface to England, but there is no evidence of it being Taxed upon delivery. If the letter was sent by surface to England, double deficiency of the 3 ½ A rate = 7 A = 7 x 25/3 ½ = 50 UPU cents should have been Taxed. Which in UK would have been the equivalent of two times the foreign surface letter rate of 6d (3d x 2).
Examples of later usage of the commemorative stamp
The commemorative stamp was issued to be used only for mail sent on the 8 June 1948 flight. it was not valid for use thereafter. So, examples of use after that day, are not very common, and interesting to collect. Here we have some good examples.
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This is an example of later usage of the commemorative stamp on cover, which is cancelled on 11 June 1948 by Bombay G.P.O.
Hence this is not First Flight cover.
Hence this is not First Flight cover.
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Gaurav Gupta was kind enough to share images of the cover above. This is from the same Lt. Col. L. Hannagan, at Margaret's Hope Tea Estate, P.O. Tung, W. Bengal, India shown earlier in this section. However, it is postally cancelled TUNG, 14 JUN 48.
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Air-India International cover sent from Jaipur to Nagpur and franked 13a 6p. the 12a stamp would have not been used as it was valid for only on day for use on 8 June 1948 and also not to be use for domestic mail. An example of the later use of the stamp on the cover.
Cover carry philatelic favor cancellation 55th CONGRESS GANDHI NAGAR JAIPUR.
Cover carry philatelic favor cancellation 55th CONGRESS GANDHI NAGAR JAIPUR.
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Registered cover with the 12 as. commemorative stamp tied with a YATUNG TIBET, SILIGURI, 17 OCT 49 postal cancellation, and sent to Elizabeth, N.J., USA. There is a NEW YORK / REGIY DIV / 11-30 1949 transit mark and an ELIZABETH N.J. / REGISTERED / DEC 1 1949 destination mark on the reverse, clearly indicating a 45 day surface journey.
Deviation: The stamp was not valid for postal use in 1949, and the postal deficiency is 3½ A Letter Rate + 4 A Registration Fee = 7½ A, and at twice the postal deficiency, converts into 107 UPU cents (2 x 7½ x 25/3½). To further convert into US equivalent we use 25 UPU cents = 5 US cents and get 21.4 US cents (107 x 5/25), rounded off to 21 US cents. This amount seems to have been forgiven.
Deviation: The stamp was not valid for postal use in 1949, and the postal deficiency is 3½ A Letter Rate + 4 A Registration Fee = 7½ A, and at twice the postal deficiency, converts into 107 UPU cents (2 x 7½ x 25/3½). To further convert into US equivalent we use 25 UPU cents = 5 US cents and get 21.4 US cents (107 x 5/25), rounded off to 21 US cents. This amount seems to have been forgiven.
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Registered cover from Patiala to Birmingham, England franked with 64 A postage, including 5 x 12 A Air-India commemorative stamps. Cancelled PATIALA / EXPORT / REG / 10 JLY 50. The Air India stamp was not valid for postal use after 8th June 1948, but the Patiala authorities have treated the stamp as valid postage. The franking is for the 5th weight stage (2-2 ½ oz) 60 A + Registration Fee 4 A = total 64 A.
Deviation: The post office at Patiala allowed the Air-India International stamp as valid postage thereby forgiving 60 A under-stamping. The Postage deficiency works out to 2 x 60 A x (3½ A / 3 d) or 2 x 60 x (3½ / 3) = 103 d or 8sh/7d.
Deviation: The post office at Patiala allowed the Air-India International stamp as valid postage thereby forgiving 60 A under-stamping. The Postage deficiency works out to 2 x 60 A x (3½ A / 3 d) or 2 x 60 x (3½ / 3) = 103 d or 8sh/7d.
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Registered cover sent by Prof. S. N. Bose (inventor of the Bose-Einstein Condensate) in Calcutta to Nobel Prize winner Prof. Niels Bohr at Copenhagen. It is widely believed that Prof. Bose also deserved the Nobel Prize.
Postal significance: Late use of the stamp on 29 DEC 1951. As it is a registered letter, the post office clerk had an opportunity to see the stamp and should have refused to accept it as valid postage – Improper acceptance. |
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Cover mailed and cancelled with a boxed slogan cancellation 26 JUN 48 / AHMEDABAD, and addressed to Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. The cover also bears a Type 5-122 T (Taxe) cachet. The 18 as. franking is the correct air-mail later for the US, so one possible reason for the 'T' could be that the postal department decided to ignore the 12 as. value of the expired Air-India stamp.
Deviation: The T mark is struck off by pencil, and it is not clear whether the cover was carried to the intended destination at all, and if so, by air or by surface. There is a ‘RS’ endorsement in red on the front (Returned Section ?) and an absence of any USA arrival marks on the reverse. If it was sent by surface, the deficiency in UPU cents would be 24 A (2 x 12 A) calculated at the rate of 3½ A = 25 UPU cents. This works out to 171 UPU cents. Converted into US currency at 5 US cents = 25 UPU cents it rounds off to 32 US cents if sent by air and NIL deficiency if sent by surface, since it is franked by 6 A valid postage stamps.
Deviation: The T mark is struck off by pencil, and it is not clear whether the cover was carried to the intended destination at all, and if so, by air or by surface. There is a ‘RS’ endorsement in red on the front (Returned Section ?) and an absence of any USA arrival marks on the reverse. If it was sent by surface, the deficiency in UPU cents would be 24 A (2 x 12 A) calculated at the rate of 3½ A = 25 UPU cents. This works out to 171 UPU cents. Converted into US currency at 5 US cents = 25 UPU cents it rounds off to 32 US cents if sent by air and NIL deficiency if sent by surface, since it is franked by 6 A valid postage stamps.
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Above: The UNESCO conference was held in Bombay on 22 December 1952, and the postal authorities issued a special cancellation mark. Here we see a cover with the two Asian Games (1951) and the Air-India International (1948) adhesives being cancelled with this mark.
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Above: Special event cover produced by the Philatelic Bureau to mark the Nationalisation of Air Transport. Collectors were free to affix a postage stamp and obtain the special postal cancellation AIR TRANSPORT NATIONALISATION, CALCUTTA, 1ST AUG 1953. Here we have an example of the 12. as 1948 Air-India stamp being used. Technically, the postal authorities should have refused to affix a cancellation mark on this stamp.
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Air-India International souvenir cover used on the Bombay-Hong Kong inaugural Flight.
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NIC
1955 Cover from the Indian Embassy, Nepal, to Baltimore, USR, with 17 Indian one Nepalies service stamps on the front and reverse of the envelope. Registered and air mail, with New York, Baltimore and US Customs receiving handstamps. Philatelic Mail
1955 Cover from the Indian Embassy, Nepal, to Baltimore, USR, with 17 Indian one Nepalies service stamps on the front and reverse of the envelope. Registered and air mail, with New York, Baltimore and US Customs receiving handstamps. Philatelic Mail
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Late use of stamp – Last known usage
Air Mail cover posted in Valapre, Malabar on 28 June 1960, and franked with a Saints & Poets 4 ½ as, and an Air-India International 12 as postage stamp. The anna series stamps were demonetized effective 1 October 1959, and the postal authorities correctly boxed off the stamps with a red crayon. There is no Postage Due or Taxe marking on the cover, and the 4 ½ as stamp is also cancelled with a faint Bombay postmark of 19 July 1960. On the verso, bsides the 28 June 1960 postmark, there are two boxed square R.L.O. cachets of 16 July 1960 and 29 July 1960. Also a handwritten endorsement ‘Rec’d on 27 July 60’ with an initial. Not clear whether the cover was sent to England, or simply returned to the sender after roaming around India.
Air Mail cover posted in Valapre, Malabar on 28 June 1960, and franked with a Saints & Poets 4 ½ as, and an Air-India International 12 as postage stamp. The anna series stamps were demonetized effective 1 October 1959, and the postal authorities correctly boxed off the stamps with a red crayon. There is no Postage Due or Taxe marking on the cover, and the 4 ½ as stamp is also cancelled with a faint Bombay postmark of 19 July 1960. On the verso, bsides the 28 June 1960 postmark, there are two boxed square R.L.O. cachets of 16 July 1960 and 29 July 1960. Also a handwritten endorsement ‘Rec’d on 27 July 60’ with an initial. Not clear whether the cover was sent to England, or simply returned to the sender after roaming around India.
Registered mail handling
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Air-India International, First Flight from Bombay to London,
Cover sent to Cairo, 8 June 1948
Registered Postal Dept. souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. Two remarkable features for this cover. (a) the airmail postage rate for Cairo was 10a + registration was 4a adding up to 14a. Given that this was handed over at the registration window, they should have pointed out the overstamping, and (b) The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. Cairo postal markings of 9 June and 12 June on the reverse.
Cover sent to Cairo, 8 June 1948
Registered Postal Dept. souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. Two remarkable features for this cover. (a) the airmail postage rate for Cairo was 10a + registration was 4a adding up to 14a. Given that this was handed over at the registration window, they should have pointed out the overstamping, and (b) The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. Cairo postal markings of 9 June and 12 June on the reverse.
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Air-India International, First Flight from Bombay to London
Cover sent to Geneva, 8 June 1948
Registered Postal Dept. souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. Two remarkable features for this cover. (a) the airmail postage rate for Geneva was 14a + registration was 4a adding up to 18a. Given that this was handed over at the registration window, they should have pointed out the under-stamping and not accepted the cover; and (b) The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. Geneva postal markings of 9 June on the reverse.
Cover sent to Geneva, 8 June 1948
Registered Postal Dept. souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. Two remarkable features for this cover. (a) the airmail postage rate for Geneva was 14a + registration was 4a adding up to 18a. Given that this was handed over at the registration window, they should have pointed out the under-stamping and not accepted the cover; and (b) The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. Geneva postal markings of 9 June on the reverse.
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Air-India International, First Flight from Bombay to London
Cover sent to Geneva, 8 June 1948
Registered Air-India International souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. Two remarkable features for this cover. (a) the airmail postage rate for Geneva was 14a + registration was 4a adding up to 18a. Given that this was handed over at the registration window, they should have pointed out the under-stamping and not accepted the cover; and (b) The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. Geneva postal markings of 9 June on the reverse.
Cover sent to Geneva, 8 June 1948
Registered Air-India International souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. Two remarkable features for this cover. (a) the airmail postage rate for Geneva was 14a + registration was 4a adding up to 18a. Given that this was handed over at the registration window, they should have pointed out the under-stamping and not accepted the cover; and (b) The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. Geneva postal markings of 9 June on the reverse.
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Air-India International
First Flight from Bombay to London, 8 June 1948
Registered Air-India International souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. DELHI G.P.O. registration label and sender’s address on the verso.
First Flight from Bombay to London, 8 June 1948
Registered Air-India International souvenir cover franked 16a (including the 12a stamp issued for the flight) and cancelled with the boxed commemorative cachet made for the flight. The BOMBAY G.P.O / 8 JUNE 48 cds is missing perhaps because it was handed over at the registration window before 8th June. DELHI G.P.O. registration label and sender’s address on the verso.
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Air-India International
First Flight from Bombay to London, 8 June 1948
Air-India International souvenir cover franked with the 12a value stamp issued for this flight + 4a additional postage for registration charges, and cancelled with the boxed rectangular special cancellation mark applied at Bombay on 8 JUN 48. There is no cds anywhere on the cover, and also the registration number in pencil is annotated without a date.
First Flight from Bombay to London, 8 June 1948
Air-India International souvenir cover franked with the 12a value stamp issued for this flight + 4a additional postage for registration charges, and cancelled with the boxed rectangular special cancellation mark applied at Bombay on 8 JUN 48. There is no cds anywhere on the cover, and also the registration number in pencil is annotated without a date.
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Air-India International
First Flight from Bombay to London, Cover sent from Delhi to Geneva, 8 June 1948
Plain cover franked with the 12a value stamp issued for this flight + 4a additional postage for registration charges, and cancelled with the boxed rectangular special cancellation mark applied at Bombay on 8 JUN 48 along with a BOMBAY G.P.O. / 8 JUN 48 cds. The cover was mailed in Delhi, and has a registration label R 025 / DELHI B.P.O. without any date on the reverse. This is in conformity with the special postal instructions for this flight.
First Flight from Bombay to London, Cover sent from Delhi to Geneva, 8 June 1948
Plain cover franked with the 12a value stamp issued for this flight + 4a additional postage for registration charges, and cancelled with the boxed rectangular special cancellation mark applied at Bombay on 8 JUN 48 along with a BOMBAY G.P.O. / 8 JUN 48 cds. The cover was mailed in Delhi, and has a registration label R 025 / DELHI B.P.O. without any date on the reverse. This is in conformity with the special postal instructions for this flight.
Other Interesting Covers
Air-India International - First Flight from Bombay to Geneva
8 June, 1948
8 June, 1948
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This is the obvious conclusion after studying the cover:
- The cover was originally stamped with the correct 12 + 2 = 14 annas postage and tied with the boxed rectangular First Flight cachet and the round BOMBAY 8 JUN 48 cancellation mark.
- On the reverse of the cover is the boxed rectangular GRAND PRIX and the round GENEVE 1, EXP. LETTRES, 9-VI 1948 cachet affixed on arrival in Geneva.
- The letter was sent back to India after two months, for which the GENEVE 1, EXP. LETTRES, 12-VIII 1948 was applied.
- Upon arrival at India, the newly issued 1 1/2 anna Gandhiji stamp was affixed, and the 15 August 1948 First day of issue cancellation was applied, and the cover re-sent to Switzerland. How it was sent understamped is a mystery to me as the airmail rate to Switzerland was 14 annas.
- Upon arrival, one more time, in Switzerland, the final postmark GENEVE DEPOT POSTE REST. 20 VIII 48 was applied.
Somehow, this does not make sense to me.
Alternate explanation:
- The cover was originally stamped with the correct 12 + 2 = 14 annas postage and tied with the boxed rectangular First Flight cachet and the round BOMBAY 8 JUN 48 cancellation mark.
- On the reverse of the cover is the boxed rectangular GRAND PRIX and the round GENEVE 1, EXP. LETTRES, 9-VI 1948 cachet affixed on arrival in Geneva.
- The letter was sent back to India after two months, for which the GENEVE 1, EXP. LETTRES, 12-VIII 1948 was applied.
4. Upon arrival at India, the newly issued 1 1/2 anna Gandhiji stamp was affixed, and the 15 August 1948 First day of issue cancellation was applied. This was perhaps a favour cancellation done later, since the cover would have reached after 20 August only.
What is also strange is that no arrival mark is stamped in India for the returned cover.
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Air-India International First Flight Bombay - London 8 June 1948. Sender's address on front and recipient address on verso.
cachet type D.
cachet type D.
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NIC
Air Mail cover addressed to Sinakey, Leicester, England with the 12 a stamp, the cover bears four different violet rectangular cachets. There are all related to undeliverable mail and the instruction to return to sender. An interesting find.
(Image Courtesy: Abhay Tiku)
Air Mail cover addressed to Sinakey, Leicester, England with the 12 a stamp, the cover bears four different violet rectangular cachets. There are all related to undeliverable mail and the instruction to return to sender. An interesting find.
(Image Courtesy: Abhay Tiku)
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Air-India International, First Flight from Bombay to London
8th June 1948
Cancellation date error – 8 JAN 48 instead of 8 JUN 48
Plain cover with Air Mail etiquette to Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and cancelled on the reverse with a Bombay Airport cancellation mark with a date error. It reads 8 JAN 48 instead of 8 JUN 48. An unusual find.
8th June 1948
Cancellation date error – 8 JAN 48 instead of 8 JUN 48
Plain cover with Air Mail etiquette to Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and cancelled on the reverse with a Bombay Airport cancellation mark with a date error. It reads 8 JAN 48 instead of 8 JUN 48. An unusual find.
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Double strike of cancellation.
Cover franked with the 12 anna value stamp issued for use on that flight, and cancelled with the commemorative boxed cancellation. Addressed to London, England, the cover has a ghost cancellation (faint double strike)
Cover franked with the 12 anna value stamp issued for use on that flight, and cancelled with the commemorative boxed cancellation. Addressed to London, England, the cover has a ghost cancellation (faint double strike)
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Printing ink registration error on the National Flag
Cover franked with the 12 anna value stamp issued for use on that flight, and cancelled with the commemorative boxed cancellation. Addressed to London, England, the cover has a Printing ink registration error on the National Flag. The green ink has moved up into the center section, and partially obscures the ‘Chakra’ in the center.
Cover franked with the 12 anna value stamp issued for use on that flight, and cancelled with the commemorative boxed cancellation. Addressed to London, England, the cover has a Printing ink registration error on the National Flag. The green ink has moved up into the center section, and partially obscures the ‘Chakra’ in the center.
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NIC
Interesting cover from Bangalore, India to Geneva, Switzerland. Cover is under stamped by 2as as the postal rate for this route was 14as. Cancellation on the cover not found. and on reverse there is one transit mark 'GENEVE 1/EXP. LETTERS/9.VI.48-20/I' and arrival mark
'GENEVE 1/EXP. LETTERS/10.VI.48-10/I'. Interesting part of this cover is that, sender has requested on the reverse of the cover that "Wait for the arrival of person from Iraq".
Interesting cover from Bangalore, India to Geneva, Switzerland. Cover is under stamped by 2as as the postal rate for this route was 14as. Cancellation on the cover not found. and on reverse there is one transit mark 'GENEVE 1/EXP. LETTERS/9.VI.48-20/I' and arrival mark
'GENEVE 1/EXP. LETTERS/10.VI.48-10/I'. Interesting part of this cover is that, sender has requested on the reverse of the cover that "Wait for the arrival of person from Iraq".
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This cover has special Flight cachet# type A., The BOMBAY G.P.O. / 8 JUN 48 cds is missing.
Cover sent from Calcutta to London.
Cover sent from Calcutta to London.
NIC
Cover bearing the 1947 issued 12a airmail rate postage stamp used on this flight and addressed to Switzerland.
Cancelled by the first flight cachet, a rare sighting. Understamped by 2a and taxed 29c.
Cover bearing the 1947 issued 12a airmail rate postage stamp used on this flight and addressed to Switzerland.
Cancelled by the first flight cachet, a rare sighting. Understamped by 2a and taxed 29c.
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Bombay Philatelic Company cover addressed to England with the 1948 Air-India International stamp. The date on the Bombay R.M.S. postmark is unreadable, but does not appear to have been flown on the first flight. Perhaps an example of later usage
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Air-India International souvenir First Flight cover. This is an example of later use of cover only. This cover was sent from Philatelic Bureau Bombay to London. FDC - Conquest of Everest.
(Question: Why Bank Seal & Sign + What is BYA 148877)
(Question: Why Bank Seal & Sign + What is BYA 148877)
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Air-India souvenir cover intended to flown on First Flight Bombay-London on 8th June 1948. Cover affixed with 12as postage stamp and was intended to sent from Ghatkopar to London. Cover does not carry any postal cancellation.
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NIC
Registered cover (R-217) sent on First Flight to London. From Bombay to Cairo by Mr. T.K. Punjabi (who lives in Bombay) on behalf of Sunder Sukhdev as return address, who lives in Karachi. Cover is franked with 16a (overstamped with 2a) and cancelled by special flight cachet type B.
Registered cover (R-217) sent on First Flight to London. From Bombay to Cairo by Mr. T.K. Punjabi (who lives in Bombay) on behalf of Sunder Sukhdev as return address, who lives in Karachi. Cover is franked with 16a (overstamped with 2a) and cancelled by special flight cachet type B.
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Air-India International souvenir cover used in 1954. Cover sent from Siwri/Bombay on 28 JUN 54 to Beograd, Jugoslavia. On the reverse of the cover has arrival mark. Cover affixed with 14as postage rate stamp.
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Air-India International souvenir registered cover from Bombay to London, having First Flight cachet Type A and franked with 12a (front) + 4a (reverse). Interestingly, the 4a registration fee applied at reverse of the cover has a pair of KGVI 1a tete-beche Stamps.