India Hyderabad  postage stamps year 1871 – 1920 used lot

🇮🇳 Hyderabad (India) postage stamps — 1871–1920 overview

📜 Historical background

• Hyderabad State was the largest princely state in India, ruled by the Nizam.
• It was one of the few states to run its own postal system and print its own stamps.
• Stamp issues began around 1869, continuing until 1949.

🧾 Key stamp periods (1871–1920)

🔹 Early classic issues (1870–1875)

• Among the earliest Indian princely state stamps
• Known as “Skeleton issues” (very simple design)
• Features:
  • Arabic-style calligraphy
  • Denominations like ½ anna, 1 anna, 2 annas
• 1871 issue:
  • Introduction of clearer design
  • Value shown in four languages: English, Urdu, Telugu, Marathi

👉 These are the earliest collectible Hyderabad stamps

🔹 “Post Stamp” issues (1880–1900)

• New standardized design replacing early crude types
• Inscription: “POST STAMP”
• Central design with value in multiple languages
• Printed locally in Hyderabad

👉 Many reprints and color varieties exist → important for collectors

🔹 Nizam seal issues (c. 1900–1914)

• Introduction of Seal of the Nizam (state emblem)
• More refined and consistent appearance
• Inscription changes:
  • “POSTAGE” appears on some issues

👉 These are the most recognizable Hyderabad stamps

🔹 “Post & Receipt” issues (1915–1916)

• New inscription: “POST & RECEIPT”
• Indicates dual use:
  • Postal
  • Fiscal/revenue purposes

🔹 Official / overprinted stamps (1873–1920)

• Many stamps overprinted for official government use
• Overprints continued for decades
• Numerous types, spacing varieties, and errors