Page 4 - Pakistan: Beyond the Catalogue

this issue (although there is possibly something seriously amiss with the block of eight with the
double handstamps in red ink!). The cover to Frizington in Cumbria is a personal favourite.

FRAME 5. The 1963 registered stationery envelope is believed to be the discovery piece for the
MANEHRA handstamp. A 1964 piece confirms a late usage and is probably from Balakot. The
JHELUM overprints are applied indiscriminately with inverts not being unusual. Isani was
circumspect in assigning handstamps to KALAT and KHARAN. I am inclined to treat them as one
issue. Of particular note in the double overprint 50 Paisa / 8 Annas with the original overprint
being 25 Paisa. The registered cover from Nushki is shown on the front cover of the
accompanying booklet. I think it sums up the many features of this issue perfectly and the fact
that it is addressed to The Currency Officer at The State Bank of Pakistan is a bonus.

FRAME 6. If you have seen any 1961 local overprints before it is likely to be the KARACHI items
in this frame. The irony is that they are completely bogus. Types 1 and 2 were distributed by
New Issue services at the time and were supplied by the Philatelic Bureau in Karachi. “Used”
examples (not shown here) bear their postmark and frequently still have original gum. Type 3
are from the same pedigree. What then of the two large parcel fragments which were amongst
the first Pakistan items I acquired in about 1966? There is nothing suspicious about the
KHAIRPUR MIRS issues. The two covers with the 25 Paisa / 1 Anna overprint error are of note.
On the 2 Annas value the original 12 (sic) Paisa handstamp was too large to fit on the small
stamp, so a smaller overprint was utilized.

FRAME 7. The HANGU handstamps are notable for the covers addressed to Mrs. Earl, a
collector and dealer in Pakistan stamps in the 1960s and 1970s. She clearly had a contact in the
area. The LAHORE handstamps are of doubtful pedigree. They are unique in being overprinted
in both Roman and Urdu characters. It was not necessary to overprint the 1 Rupee and 2
Rupees values as this unit of currency remained after decimalization.

FRAME 8. The MARDAN handstamps are of unusual appearance. The examples in red are very
scarce and may be of proof status. Handstamps applied at UMARKOT are previously un-recorded. The
6 Paisa handstamp has been seen doubled (not displayed). The NAUSHAHRO handstamps are of similar
style (although of different layout) to those assigned to DERA GHAZI KHAN (Frame 3). They are rare.

FRAME 9. The SHUJABAD handstamps are curious in that sometimes the words and figures do
not align and it is possible that they were applied in two operations. A partially double
overprint on the 6 Pies value lends weight to this theory. The large blocks show inverted and
omitted handstamps on the same pieces as evidence of a very casual printing operation. The
MULTAN cover is unique for the entire series as it is the only recorded example of a manuscript
overprint. These were never envisaged by the authorities and unless further evidence emerges
its status cannot be determined. The first type of CHARSADDA overprint is large and distinctive
and found on both Ordinary and Service issues.

FRAME 10. A smaller handstamp was also applied in CHARSADDA and is very scarce. The 12
Paisa / 2 Annas handstamp exists in tiny quantities (possibly on account of the erroneous