Pakistan 1948/60 Official – SERVICE overprint lot MNH

Pakistan 1948/60 Official – SERVICE overprint lot MNH

Official stamps, often referred to as “SERVICE” stamps, are special postal stamps used by government departments and agencies for official correspondence. In Pakistan, these stamps were issued starting from 1948. Here’s a detailed overview of the SERVICE stamps issued in Pakistan during the period from 1948 to 1960:

1948 – First Issues

1. Overprints on British Indian Stamps:
   • Initially, Pakistan used overprinted British Indian stamps with “PAKISTAN” and “SERVICE” inscriptions.
   • These overprints were applied to stamps of various denominations, including the King George VI series.

1949 – Regular Issues

1. Definitive Series (1948-1954):
   • These were the first definitive SERVICE stamps printed specifically for Pakistan.
   • They featured various denominations with designs depicting the Minar-e-Pakistan, crescent and star, and other national symbols.
   • Common colors included green, red, and blue.

1951 – New Designs

1. Design Change:
   • A new series of SERVICE stamps was issued, reflecting the new designs of regular postage stamps.
   • The stamps featured important national symbols and landmarks.

1954 – Independence Commemoration

1. Commemorative Issues:
   • Stamps were issued to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.
   • These SERVICE stamps featured significant historical events and figures.

1955 – Definitive Series Expansion

1. Expanded Series:
   • Additional denominations and designs were introduced to the definitive series.
   • Designs continued to showcase national landmarks and symbols, and were printed in various colors.

1960 – New Decade Designs

1. New Series:
   • Entering the new decade, Pakistan introduced a new series of SERVICE stamps.
   • These featured more modern designs and higher-quality printing techniques.

Collecting Tips

• Condition: Mint condition (unused) stamps are typically more valuable than used ones.
• Overprints: Stamps with clear and well-aligned overprints are more sought after.
• Rarity: Limited edition or error stamps can be particularly valuable.
• Sets: Complete sets of SERVICE stamps are often more valuable than individual stamps.

Notable Features

• Perforations: The number of perforations can vary between issues, and certain perforation varieties can be rare.
• Watermarks: Some stamps from this period have watermarks which can affect their value.

Collecting Resources

For collectors looking to delve deeper into Pakistani SERVICE stamps from 1948 to 1960, reference materials such as specialized stamp catalogs (e.g., Stanley Gibbons, Scott Catalogue) and postal history books are invaluable. Joining philatelic societies and online forums can also provide insights and opportunities for acquiring rare stamps.