For collectors who find magic in the marriage of stamps and stories, First Flight Covers (FFCs) represent a unique window into both postal and aviation history. These covers—envelopes flown on an aircraft’s inaugural journey along a particular route—are more than just postal artifacts. They’re snapshots of a moment when the sky ceased to be a limit and became a bridge between nations, cities, and people.
What Exactly is a First Flight Cover?
A First Flight Cover is a specially prepared envelope, usually stamped and canceled on the date of the flight, which has traveled on the maiden voyage of airmail service over a specific route. These flights may mark:
The first airmail delivery between cities or countries.
The inauguration of a new airline or aircraft type.
Special commemorative flights, such as anniversaries or landmark aviation events.
Typically, FFCs bear distinctive cachets—designs or stamps printed on the cover to denote the significance of the event. These cachets can range from simple text to elaborate illustrations featuring airplanes, maps, and flight insignia.
Why Are First Flight Covers Important to Philatelists?
Historical Relevance FFCs document milestones in aviation and postal history. For instance, a cover from the first transatlantic airmail flight offers a tangible link to the daring pilots and evolving technology of the era.
Geopolitical Significance Many covers reflect the political landscape of their time. Wartime flights, colonial routes, and the opening of diplomatic relations are all themes found in first flight mail.
Design & Aesthetic Appeal With striking cachets, period stamps, and often handwritten addresses, these covers are miniature works of art. The convergence of design elements gives each cover a unique character.
Specialization Within Philately For collectors seeking a niche, FFCs offer a focused area with endless variety—by airline, region, era, or even specific pilots. Some philatelists focus on Pan Am flights, Zeppelin mail, or Concorde inaugural routes.
Collectible Value: What Makes a First Flight Cover Valuable?
While many first flight covers are accessible and affordable, several factors can boost their desirability and value:
Scarcity: Limited-run covers, especially from early or obscure flights, are more valuable.
Condition: Like all collectibles, pristine condition with clear cancellations and undamaged envelopes is key.
Historical Significance: Flights tied to major historical events or famous aviators (like Amelia Earhart or Charles Lindbergh) are highly sought after.
Autographs: Signed covers—by pilots, designers, or officials—increase collectible worth.
Provenance: Well-documented or published covers often command higher prices, especially if they’ve appeared in exhibits or notable collections.
Getting Started: Tips for Aspiring Collectors
Choose a Theme – Focus on a region (e.g., North America), airline (e.g., Lufthansa), or time period (e.g., 1920s-40s).
Study Catalogs – Resources like the American Air Mail Catalogue help identify and value covers.
Join Communities – Societies like the American Air Mail Society (AAMS) provide insights, trading opportunities, and exhibitions.
Buy from Reputable Sources – Auctions, dealer websites, and shows are ideal for finding authentic, quality covers.
Preserve Properly – Store in acid-free sleeves, away from light and humidity to maintain their condition.
Conclusion
First Flight Covers aren’t just about stamps—they’re about stories. Each one carries the legacy of innovation, bravery, and communication that defined the golden age of aviation. For philatelists, collecting these covers is like curating a museum of the skies—one envelope at a time.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just taking off into the world of philately, first flight covers offer a rewarding journey through time, geography, and human ingenuity.
Two of the popular comic characters that get a lot of love from readers all around the world are Tintin and Asterix.
The Adventures of Tintin is a series created by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, who wrote under the pen name Hergé. The series first appeared in French on 10 January 1929, in Le Petit Vingtième (The Little Twentieth), a youth supplement to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle (The Twentieth Century). The success of the series led to serialised strips published in Belgium’s leading newspaper Le Soir (The Evening) and spun into a successful Tintin magazine. In 1950, Hergé created Studios Hergé, which produced the canonical versions of 11 Tintin albums. The series was one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century. Tintin comics have been published in over 70 languages and had also been adapted for radio, television, theatre and film.
Asterix is a comic book series about a village of indomitable Gaulish warriors who adventure around the world and fight the Roman Republic, with the aid of a magic potion, during the era of Julius Caesar, in an ahistorical telling of the time after the Gallic Wars. The series first appeared in the Franco-Belgian comic magazine Pilote on 29 October 1959. It was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo until Goscinny’s death in 1977. Uderzo then took over the writing until 2009, when he sold the rights to publishing company Hachette; he died in 2020. In 2013, a new team consisting of Jean-Yves Ferri (script) and Didier Conrad (artwork) took over. As of 2021, 39 volumes have been released, with the most recent released in October 2021.
Given the immense popularity of Tintin and Asterix, stamps and covers of this theme are very popular with philatelists. Only a few countries have issued stamps on Tintin and Asterix and all items are not readily available.
Countries issuing Tintin Stamps
Countries issuing Asterix Stamps
Belgium Netherlands France Democratic Republic of the Congo/Belgium Monaco
Cinderella stamps: Abkhazia (a disputed Georgian territory, recognized as independent by South Ossetia, Transnistria, or Republic of Artsakh)
Guernsey France Belgium Tadjikistan Tadjikistan Kyrgyzstan
BidCurios brings for you a range of Tintin and Asterix philately collectibles from France and Belgium. Chose from collection of stamps, miniature souvenir sheets, First Day Covers, Special Covers and other philatelic collectibles.
Around the world every year on 9thOctober World Post Day is celebrated. On this day in 1874, Universal Postal Union was established in Bern, Switzerland. In India the day is celebrated on October 10th as National Postal Day and it is marked as an extension of World Post Day.
Postal stamps of Indiaare produced with a variety of techniques such as line engraving, typography, lithography, photogravure, and web offset.
India Postage Stamps History
On 1 July 1852, the very first postal stamp of India was introduced in the Scinde district. When in 1854 the uniform postage rates came, it led to the development of India postage stamps that were valid throughout India.
Image by: wikipedia.org
In Britain, the introduction of uniform postage led to increased use of the postal system. It got doubled between 1854 and 1866 and later again got increased in 1866 and 1871.
These stamps came in different colors too that featured Queen Victoria. They were introduced with 4 values i.e. half anna, one anna, two annas, and four annas.
These stamps were designed and printed in Kolkata and were issued without gum.
After the independence of India, the responsibility of the postal services was transferred to the new Indian Government. Although the involvement of Britain was still present in postal services to India. In a similar manner as they managed other international postal services.
Importance of India postage stamps
A piece of paper issued by a postal administration or post office is known as Postage Stamps. They are used to affix as a stamp on the address side of any product of the mail or an envelope.
These stamps depict the specific value and can be prepayment for postal service equivalent to its face value.
Postal stamps of India provide us a glance of important things of an important era. The pictorial depiction of postal stamps is used by the government to convey messages to the general public.
It also shows the important role in celebrating and promoting national heritage.
When it comes to the postal stamps of India, it plays an essential role in celebrating and promoting national heritage.
In India, there is a variety of stamps that have been used over time with different themes.
Types of postal stamps of India
There are six types of Indian postage stamps that are in circulation in India.
1. Commemorative Stamps
On a significant date, a commemorative stamp is used such as to honor or commemorate an event, place, object, or anniversary. The subject is spelled out in print on commemorative stamps. To honor personalities like freedom fighters, politicians many commemorative stamps are utilized. The stamps are used to celebrate events that are related to science, technology, space, defense, sports, etc.
2. Definitive stamps
They are designed for everyday postal needs. Definitive stamps are used in part of regular issues. They are available for using postage services for an extended period of time. There have been different uses of definitive stamps like in illustrations, history, art, science, nature, technology, institutions, vehicles, and much more. The range of denominations is enough to cover the ongoing postal rates.
3. Military stamps
When peace-keeping operations are on during the time of war, some special stamps get used known as Military stamps. Previously, the military stamps were used in World War II by the soldiers. The soldiers used to send letters to their loved ones with these stamps on them. In India, many military stamps have been released for many military operations. In it, the army made many selfless contributions. Military stamps depict different monuments, cultures, arts, crafts, personalities and so many more. To use in regular definitive stamps by peace-keeping Armed Force, the stamps are overprinted.
4. Miniature sheets
It consists of a small group of stamps that are attached to the sheet on which they get printed. Miniature sheets could be unique designs and illustrations on the sheets. India issuing miniature sheets portrays a variety of elements of the nation’s identity. It can be of famous personalities, events, culture, history, etc.
5. Se-tenant stamps
Different stamps are adjoined to one another and are printed on the same plate. Although they are adjoined with each other on the same sheet, their design, color, denomination, or overprint differ. Se-tenant stamps feature the figurative designs that appear on the set of stamps. Many collectors love collecting these beautiful se-tenants from India as a hobby.
6. My stamps
It is a brand name for personalized sheets of postage stamps of India Post. By printing a thumbnail image of the individual photographs and logos of artwork, beautiful places, wildlife, etc. through which the personalization is achieved.
Additional Information
In May 1854, the half anna blue-colored stamp of Queen Victoria was declared as the world’s first bicolored stamp.
Postal stamps of India were printed on paper watermarked with an elephant’s head from 1865.
The first postage stamp of India was valued at three annas has an inscription engraved as “Jai Hind” which means ‘Long Live India’.
During World Philatelic Exhibition, 2011 in India, My Stamp was the first presented.
BidCurios is a marketplace in India for collectibles like stamps, coins, notes, art, antiques, memorabilia, labels, comics, autographs, and much. We sell antiques, old currency, stamps, medals &tokens and provide the one-stop solution to enthusiasts interested in collecting the abovementioned items. When it comes to collectibles, we understand that Indians are one of the best admirers of it. All thanks to India’s rich history and multicultural approach. For some people, collectibles is a hobby, for some it’s a trade. At BidCurios, we provide a platform to the buyers and sellers. Recently, we have added unique coins like Panama 1/2 half Balboa 2014 commemorative coin 100th anniversary of Panama Canal, Rare South Sudan 2 pounds bimetallic coin, etc. For more information, you can visit our homepage, or in case of any queries, contact us at +91-8130696940, support@bidcurios.com .
In philately, a first flight cover (FFC) is mail that has been carried on an inaugural flight of an airline, route, or aircraft. It is usually postmarked with the date of the flight. Most first flight covers are essentially made as collectables and are typically on special decorative covers indicating the airlines and the flight they were carried on.
Collecting first flight covers is a special treat for philatelists as these are considered as postal history as well as aero history of the airlines and the route. The first such cover was carried on February 18, 1911, during the United Provinces Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition in India. The young French pilot Henri Pequet carried mail from the exhibition location Allahabad to Naini, which is approx. 8 km away. These covers were stamped with the large circular bright magenta postmark “First Aerial Post, U.P. Exhibition Allahabad 1911” and a few cards were autographed by the pilot. Pequet carried about 6,000 cards and letters on his journey.
There are many other branches of Aero Philately that interest the philatelists. There is Balloon mail, Rocket mail, and even Pigeon mail.
The princely states of India were territories ruled by India Kings, which were, in turn, controlled by the British Empire Raj. The history of the princely states reflects the rich and colorful diversity of life styles, languages, religions, customs, and political histories on the Indian subcontinent. Though the history of the princely states of the subcontinent dates from at least the classical period of Indian history, the predominant usage of the term princely state specifically refers to a semi-sovereign principality on the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj that was not directly governed by the British, but rather by a local ruler, subject to a form of indirect rule on some matters.
The states changed with the everchanging circumstances. The number of states can only be estimated and varies between 562 and over 700. Throughout the Raj period, smaller states were attached to larger states, states were divided, and states existed within other states. Claiming mismanagement, or a lack of male heirs, the British dissolved some states and assumed direct control of territory. In 1947, when the British left India, there were 565 states, covering about 40% of the area of India.
In principle, the princely states had internal autonomy, while by treaty the British Crown had suzerainty and was responsible for the states’ external affairs. In practice, while the states were indeed ruled by potentates with a variety of titles, such as Maharaja, Raja, Nizam, Raje, Deshmukh, Nawab, Mirza, Baig, Chhatrapati, Khan, Thakur Sahab, Darbar saheb or Jadeja/Samma, the British still had considerable influence. The British were skillful manipulators, who used the number of gun salutes, titles, and awards to give an appearance of power to the princes. Ruler designations also varied according to the importance of the state, its traditions, and favor in which it was held.
By the end of 1949, all of the states had chosen to accede to one of the newly independent states of India or Pakistan or else had been conquered and annexed.
Achrol in Rajasthan – Thikana of the Princely State of Jaipur Agar Agra Barkhera Ahmadnagar – salute Ajaigarh in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Ajraoda Akalkot in Maharashtra Akdia Ali Rajpur in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Alampur Alipura in Madhya Pradesh Alwa Alwar in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns (17-guns local) Amala Amarchanta vassal state Amarkot (Umerkot) in Sindh, Pakistan Amarnaghar in Saurashtra (Gujarat) Amb (Tanawal state) Pakistani Frontier state Ambliara(also spelled Ambaliyara or Amliara) in Gujarat Amethi in Uttar Pradesh Amod in Gujarat: although the seat of a Thakore Sahib, the taluka of Amod was administered as part of the Broach District Amrapur in Kathiawar; <> below Amrapur in Rewa Kantha Anandpur Anegundi Zamindari Anghad Angre Political Pensioner Ankevalia Arcot (the Carnatic) Political Pensioner Arnia Assam Political Pensioner – roughly the homonymous Indian state Athgarh in Orissa Athmalik in Orissa Aundh in Maharashtra Awadh=Oudh Political Pensioner
B
Bakrol Babra Bagasra Bagasra Hadala Bagasra Khari Bagasra Natwar Bagasra Ram Baghal in Himachal Pradesh (Punjab Hills States) Baghat in Himachal Pradesh Bagli Bahawalpur in Pakistan Bai Bajana in Saurashtra Bakhtgarh Balasinor in Bombay Presidency – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Balsan in Himachal Pradesh Baltistan (western Tibetan kingdom, since 1840 subject to Kashmir) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Bamanbor Bamra in Orissa Banera in Chhattisgarh Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh (was in Madras till 1-10-1953) – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Banka Pahari in Madhya Pradesh Bansda in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Banswara in Rajastahn – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Bantva Manavadar Bantva Sardargadh Baoni in utter Pradesh(kadaura) – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Baramba in Orissa Baraundha – Hereditary salute of 9 guns = Pathar Kachhar in Madhya Pradesh – salute Bardia Baria – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns personal) *Bariya in Bombay Presidency Barkhera Deo Dungri Barkhera Panth Baroda State in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Barvala = Barwala in Saurashtra originally belongs to gedi limbadi state Barwani in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Bashahr in Himachal Pradesh – Personal salute of 9 guns Basoda Bastar in Madhya Pradesh Bavda vassal state Beja in Himachal Pradesh Benares in Uttar Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Bengal Political Pensioner – new title Nawab of Murshidabad (their new capital) Beri (Behri) in Uttar Pradesh Bhabhar Bhaddaiyan Raj Bhadarwa Bhadaura Bhadli Bhadvana Bhadwa Bhagat in Himachal Pradesh Bhaisola Bhaisunda Bhajji in Himachal Pradesh Bhalala Bhandaria Bharatpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Bharejda Bharudpura Bhathan Bhatkeri Bhavnagar in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Bhawal Bhioldia Bhimoria Bhoika Bhojakheri Bhojavadar Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local) Bhor in Maharashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Bhorole Bichhrand Junior Bichhrand Senior Bihat in Madhya Pradesh Bihora Bija Bijawar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Bijna in Madhya Pradesh Bikaner in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Bilaud Bilauda Bilbari very small princely state in India Bildi Bilheri Bilkha in Saurashtra Bissau in Rajasthan – Princely Thikana in Jaipur State Boad Bodanones Bolundra Bonai in Orissa Borkhera (Indore) Borkhera (Malwa) Baudh in Orissa Bundi in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns
C Cambay=Kambay in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Cannanore Carnatic Chachana Chamardi Chamba in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Changbhakar in Madhya Pradesh Charkha Charkhari in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Chera Chhaliar Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Chhota Barkhera Chhota Udaipur=Chhota Udepur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Chhuikhadan in Madhya Pradesh Chiktiabar Chinchli Ghabad Chirgaon Chiroda Chitral Pakistani Frontier State Chitravao Chobari Chok Chorangla Chotila Chuda in Saurashtra Chudesar Cochin in Kerala – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Cooch Behar in West Bengal – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Coorg Political pensioner Cutch =Kutch in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local)
D Dabha Dabr Dadhalia Dahida Danta in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Dangarwa in Gujarat Daphlapur Darbhanga Daria Kheri Darkoti in Himachal Pradesh Darod Daryabad Dasada Daspalla in Orissa Datia in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Datva vassal state Debhavati Dedarda Dedhrota in Bombay Delath, a tributary of Bashahr, in Himachal Pradesh Delhi (Mughal Emperor) Deloli Deodar in Gujarat Derdi Janbai Derol Devalia Devlia Dewas Junior Branch in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Dewas Senior Branch in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Dhabla Dhir Dhabla Ghosi Dhamasia Dhami Dhamri in Himachal Pradesh Dhaora Ghanjara Dhar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Dharampur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns personal) Dharnauda Dhenkanal in Orissa Dhola Dholarva Dholpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns (17-guns personal) Dhrangadhra -Halvad in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Dhrol in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Dhulatia Dhurwai in Madhya Pradesh Dir (Dhir) Pakistani Frontier State Dodka Drapha Dudhpur Dudhrej Dugri Dujana in Punjab (now in Haryana) Dungapur/Dungarpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns
F Faridkot in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 11 guns
G Gabat Gabhana State Gad Boriad Gadhali Gadhia Gadhka Gadhula Gadvi Gadwal vassal state Gandhol Gangpur in Orissa Garamli Moti Garamli Nahani Garni-kesariya Garrauli in Madhya Pradesh Gaurihar in Madhya Pradesh Gavridad Gedi Ghodasar near Ahmedabad in Gujarat Gigarsaran Gohad Gondal in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Gopalpet vassal state Gotardi Gothda Gundh in Himachal Pradesh Gundiali Gurgunta vassal state Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 21 guns
H Hadol Thakor Shri Joravarsinhji Halvadin surendranagar (Gujarat) Halaria Hapa in Bombay Hindol in Orissa Hindur Hirapur Hunza Pakistani Frontier State Hyderabad – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Halduar now (Bijnor) district in Uttar Pradesh Hirpura
I Ichalkaranji vassal state Idar in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Ilol in Bombay Ilpura Indore in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local) Itria Itvad
J Jabria Bhil Jadawata Jafrabad in Saurashtra Jafarabad and Janjira fusion of both states named Jaipur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Jaisalmer in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Jakhan Jalia Devani=Jaliadevani in Saurashtra Jalia Kayaji Jalia Manaji Jambughoda or Jambuodha in Bombay Jamkhandi in Bombay Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Jamnia Janjira in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 11 guns (13-guns local) Jaora in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Jasdan in Saurashtra Jashpur Jashur in Madhya Pradesh Jaso in Madhya Pradesh Jath in Bombay Jatprole vassal state Jawalgiri vassal state Jawasia Jawhar in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Jesar Jetpur in Saurashtra Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Jhalawar in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Jhalera Jhamar Jhamka Jhampodar Jhari Gharkadhi Jhinyuvada jigna(ghurar gadi) Jigni in Madhya Pradesh Jiliya in Rajasthan[1] Jind in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns personal and local) Jiral Kamsoli Jobat in Madhya Pradesh Jodhpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Jubbal in Himachal Pradesh Jumkha Junagadh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns personal and local) Junapadar Jharia Raj. At present Jharkhand.
K Kachchi Baroda Kadana Kagal Junior vassal state Kagal Senior vassal state Kahlur = Kehloor – former names of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh Kaithal Kolanka – in Andhra Pradesh .One of its Maharajas got Kolanka Cup made. Kalahandi in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Kalat in Pakistani Baluchistan Kali Baori Kalsia in Pepsu Kalu Khera Kamalpur (Bombay) Kamalpur (Central India) Kambay = Cambai in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Kambhala Kamta Rajaula Kanada Kaner Kangra-Lambagraon Kanika Kanjarda Kanker Kankrej Kanksiali Kanpur Ishwaria Kanta Rajaulia in Madhya Pradesh Kantharia Kapshi vassal state Kapurthala in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns personal and local) Karaudia Karauli in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Kariana Karmad Karol Kashmir in Jammu & K. Kasla Pagina Muvada Kassalpura Kathaun Kathiawar – also name of the large Gujarati peninsula, roughly corresponding to Saurashtra (divided into numerous minor (e)states) Kathrota Katodia Katosan Kawardha in Madhya Pradesh Kayatha Kehloor = Kahlur – former names of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh Keonjhar in Orissa Keonthal in Himachal Pradesh Kerwada Kesria Khadal in Bombay Khairagarh in Madhya Pradesh Khairpur in Pakistan Khajuri Khamblav Khandia Khaneti, a tributary of Bashahr Khandpara in Orissa Khandpara Khaniadhana in Madhya Pradesh Khanpur Jagir – Uttar Pradesh Kharan in Pakistani Baluchistan Kharsawan in Bihar Kharsi Khedawada Kherali Kherawara Kherwasa Kheri Rajpur Khetri vassal state Khiauda Khijadia (Gohilwar) Khilchipur in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Khirasra in Saurashtra Khojankhera Khudadad the state of Tippu Sultan – his heirs became Political Pensioner Khyrim Kiari see Madhan in Himachal Pradesh Kirli Kishangarh in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Kolara Political Pensioner Kolhapur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 19 guns Koriya (Korea) in Madhya Pradesh Kotah in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns personal) Kotda Nayani in Saurashtra Kotda Pitha in Saurashtra Kotda Sangani in Saurashtra Kotharia in Saurashtra Kothi in Madhya Pradesh Kuba in Kathiawar Kumarsain in Himachal Pradesh =?Kumharsain Kunihar in Himachal Pradesh Kurandvad ?Kurundvad Junior Branch Kurandvad Senior Branch Kurnool Political Pensioner Kurwai in Madhya Pradesh Kushalgarh Kutch=Cooch in Saurashtra Kuthar in Himachal Pradesh Kukathala (kuthra) in agra zamindari Kutlehar annexed by Punjab Katrasgarh, Present Jharkhand.
L Labhowa Uttar Pradesh Lahar Madhya Pradesh Lakhapadar Lakhtar in Saurashtra Lalgarh Laliyad Landhora Langrin Las Bela in Pakistani Baluchistan Lathi in Saurashtra Lavej Lava Sardargadhin Rajasthan Likhi Limbda =? Limbdi in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Lodhika Logasi in Madhya Pradesh Loharu in Punjab (now in Haryana) – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Lugasi Lunawada=Lunawada=Lunawara in Bombay Presidency – Hereditary salute of 9 guns
M Madhan = Kiari in Himachal Pradesh Mogalthur in Andhra Pradesh Magodi in Bombay Maguna in Bombay Maharam Mahlog =?Mahilog in Himachal Pradesh Maihar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Mahmudpura Makrai in Madhya Pradesh Makran in Pakistani Baluchistan Maksudangarh Malaudh one of the Phulkian princely States in Punjab Malerkotla=Maler Kotla in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Malaisohmat Malia = Maliya in Saurashtra Malpur in Bombay Manavadar Mandavad officially also called Nawa-Visavadar until Independence. Mandholi in Rajasthan, a thikana under Torawati in Jaipur state. Mandi in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Mandva in Bombay =?Mandwa Mangal in Himachal Pradesh Mangam Mangrol Manipur Mansa Maoang Maosangram Mariaw Markundapadu Princely State(Sunkavalli)Andhra Pradesh Masulipatam Political Pensioner Mathwar Matra Timba Mayurbhanj in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Men Mengani Mevasa Mevli Mewar, see Udaipur State – The first and foremost of all states in British India, Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local), soon full 21-guns Miohanpur in Bombay Miraj Junior Branch in Bombay Miraj Senior Branch in Bombay Mohanpur Moka Pagina Muvada Monvel Morchopna Morvi in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Mota Barkhera Mota Kotharna Mowa Mudhol in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Muhammadgarh in Madhya Pradesh Muli in Saurashtra Mulia Deri Multhan Munjpar Murshidabad Political Pensioner- new seat of the former rulers of (Greater) Bengal Mylliem Mysore (modern Maisuru) in Madras – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Mragpura jagir Madhya Pradesh
N Nabha in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Nagar Pakistani Frontier State Nagod – Hereditary salute of 9 guns =? Nagodh in Madhya Pradesh Nagpur in Madhya Pradesh- Political Pensioner Nahara Naigawan Ribai Nalagarh in PEPSU Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh Nalia Nandgaon in Madhya Pradesh Narsingarh in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Narsinghpur in Orissa Narukot Narwar Nashipur ? Naswadi Naugaon Naulana Navagarh Nawanagar in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Nayagarh in Orissa Nilgiri in Orissa Nilvala Nimkhera Nobo Sohoh Noghanvadar Nongklao Nongspung Nongstoin Nagala Ramsunder Zamindari Uttar Pradesh NISAR Thikana IN BIKANER
O Orchha in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Oudh = Awadh Political Pensioner – ?salute
P Peddapuram in Andhra Pradesh Pachegam Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh Pah Pahara in Madhya Pradesh -Pahra Paigah vassal state Pal Palaj in Bombay Palali Palanpur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Palasni Palasvihir Paldeo in Madhya Pradesh Palitana in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Paliyad Pal Lahara in Orissa Palsani Panch Mahal Maroth in Rajasthan Panchvada Pandu Panna in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Pantalvadi Panth Piploda Paron Partabgarh in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Patan or Torawati in Rajasthan, vassal state to Jaipur Pataudi in Punjab (now in Haryana) Patdi in Saurashtra Pathari in Madhya Pradesh -Patharia Patiala in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Patna in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Pethapur Phaltan in Bombay Phulera Pimladevi Pimpri Piplia Sisodia Piplianagar Piploda in Madhya Pradesh Poicha Pol Poonch vassal state Porbandar in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Prempur in Bombay Pudukottai in Madras – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Punadra Punial Pakistani Frontier State Punjab Political Pensioner – salute Pundara in Bombay Palvancha Biggest Principality in Telengana Region(Under Nizam) Pandra Raj, Present Jharkhand.
R Rabana Samadhiyala near Jasdan in Gujarat. Radhanpur in Gujarat – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Raghugarh Rahrakhol Raigarh in Chhattisgarh Rairakhol in Orissa Rai Sankli Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Rajpara (Gohilwar) Rajpara (Halar) Rajkot in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Rajpipla in Gujarat – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Rajpur (Kathiawar) in Saurashtra? Rajpur (Rewa Kantha) in Saurashtra? Ramanka Ramas Rambrai Ramdurg in Bombay Ramgarh Ramgadi in Madhya Pradesh – principality of Gwalior state Rampur in Uttar Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Rampura Ramnad estate (Ramanathapuram) in Tamil Nadu Ranasan in Gujarat Randhia Raj-Ranpur in Orissa Ratanmal Ratanpur Dhamanka Ratesh a zaildar in Keonthal in Himachal Pradesh Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Rawin = Rawingarh, a tributary of Jubbal in Himachal Pradesh Regan Rewa=Rewah in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Rohisala Rudrapur= In Deoria District of Uttar Pradesh -Satashi Naresh Rupal
S Secunderabad,thikana of Hyderabad(deccan) Sachin – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Sada Kheri Sangul wardha Sailana in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sakti in Madhya Pradesh Salempur Uttar Pradesh – title of Raja Samadhiali Samla Samode vassal state Samthar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sahanpur in Uttar Pradesh(District Bijnor) – Title of Rai and Raja Shamsher Jung Sahaspur-bilari Uttar Pradesh- title of RAJA BAHADUR Sarguja Sanala Sanderao in Marwar Sandur in Karnataka (was in Madras Presidency before 1-10-1953) Sangli in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns personal) Sangri in Himachal Pradesh Sanjeli in Bombay Sanor Sanosra Sant in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Santalpur (Adesar) Sarangarh in Madhya Pradesh Sarila in Madhya Pradesh Satanones Sarangarh Sardargarh in Rajasthan Sarila Satara Political Pensioner – cfr. the Peshwa’s Maratha confederation Sathamba in Bombay Satlasna Satodad Vavdi Savantvadi=Savantwadi in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns local) Savanur in Bombay Sayla in Saurashtra Sejakpur Seraikela=? Seraikhela in Bihar Shahpur Shahpura in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Shajaota Shanor Sheogarh Sheopur-Baroda Shevdivadar Shivabara Shorapur vassal state Siba (princely state) -No Salute (a sovereign Princely State of East Punjab Hills before incorporating in india) Sidki Sihora Sikkim (a Himalayan constitutive state since Indian annexation) – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Silana Sindh in Pakistan (khanate extinguished in 1843) Sindhiapura Singhana Sirguja Sirmur in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sirohi in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Sirsi (Gwalior) Sirsi (Malwa) Sitamau in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sohawal in Madhya Pradesh Sonepur in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Songad Sonkhera & Sarwan Sudamra Sudasna in Bombay Suigam Suket in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sundem Sunth Surat Political Pensioner Surgana in Bombay Surguja in Madhya Pradesh Sutalia Swat Pakistani Frontier State [Sidhowal{India}in Punjab] Srikalahasti under Madras Presidency-sold Area of Madras to East India Company shaning pirthawar (princely state) Punjab Pakistan
T Tuni in Andhra Pradesh Tajpuri in Bombay Tal Talegaon Dabhade vassal state Talcher in Orissa Talsana Tanawal State (see Amb) Pakistani Frontier state Tanjore Political Pensioner Tappa Taraon in Madhya Pradesh Tavi Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Tejpura Tervada Thana Devli Tharad & Morwara Tharoch in Himachal Pradesh Tigiria Tigria in Orissa Timba Thanazagi Toda Todi Tonk in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Torgal vassal state Tori Fatehpur in Madhya Pradesh Travancore in Kerala – Hereditary salute of 19 guns Tripura in colonial Assam (now a separate state) – Hereditary salute of 13 guns House of Tulsipur One of Taluqs of Oudh – Formerly Tulsipur-Dang, one of 22 Principalities in Nepal
U
Uchad Udaipur, Chhattisgarh Udaipur State in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local), soon full 21-guns Umeta In Gujurat of Thakore Jagdevsinhji Ramsinhji of Padhiar clan Umri (Bombay) Umri (Central India) Uni Untdi Upawara
V
Vizianagaram The only (Kshatriya-Suryavansh)Rajput Kingdom in South India (Andhra Pradesh) Venkatagiri largest in Andhra . Vadal Vadali Vadia in Saurashtra Vadod (Gohilwar) Vadod (Jhalawar) Vaghvadi Vajiria Vakhatpur in Bombay =?Vakhtapur Vallabhpur Vala in Saurashtra Valasna in Bombay Vana Vanala Vanghdhra Vanod in Saurashtra Varagam Varnol Mal Varnoli Moti Varnoli Nani Varsoda in Bombay Vasan Sewada Vasan Virpur Vasna in Bombay Vekaria Vichhavad Vijanones Vijayanagar in Bombay Virampura Virpur in Saurashtra Virsora Virvao Vishalgarh vassal state Vithalgarh Vora
W
Wadagam Wadi jagir in Bombay Wanapurthy vassal state Wankaner in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Wao in Bombay Warahi Wasna
Text sources: Wikipedia, World Heritage Encyclopedia, Feudatory States Stamps website Image credit: By John Bartholomew and Co., Edinburgh – https://books.google.com/books?id=-kAuAAAAYAAJ, PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21528798
Storing stamps is an essential aspect of philately, the study and collection of stamps. A well-maintained philatelic collection can be a source of pride for its owner and can even increase in value over time. However, improper storage can lead to damage, fading, or discoloration of stamps, which can ultimately result in the loss of their historical and monetary value. In this blog post, we will learn how to store stamps and discuss some of the best ways to store stamps to enhance your stamp collection.
Stamp Albums
Stamp albums are the most traditional and popular way of storing stamps. These albums have pages with pre-printed grids, and collectors can insert their stamps into the grids. Stamp albums come in various sizes and designs, and there are albums specifically designed for different types of stamps, such as commemorative, definitive, or thematic stamps.
Pros: Stamp albums provide an organized and systematic way of storing stamps. The pre-printed grids help to keep the stamps in place, preventing them from moving around and getting damaged. Albums also protect stamps from dust and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
Cons: The use of stamp albums can be expensive, and it may not be practical for collectors with large collections. Also, the pre-printed grids may not accommodate all sizes of stamps, and collectors may need to use additional attachments to keep the stamps in place.
Printable Album Pages
Printable album pages are an increasingly popular way to store and display stamps for collectors. These pages can be printed at home using templates or software designed specifically for stamp album creation. Printable pages offer many advantages, including the ability to customize pages to fit specific stamp sizes, themes or personal preferences. They can also be updated or replaced easily, making it a cost-effective option for collectors with growing or changing collections. However, it is important to note that printing at home requires a high-quality printer and paper, and proper storage to avoid damage to the stamps over time.
Pros: Printable album pages allow collectors to create and use pages tailored to their individual preferences and needs. This can include designing pages to fit specific stamp sizes or themes, or arranging stamps in unique ways. Printable album pages can be a more cost-effective option for collectors, as they can be printed at home for the pages the collector needs. Additionally, printable album pages can be easily updated or replaced as collections grow or change. This can be particularly useful for collectors who frequently acquire new stamps.
Cons: Printing at home can lead to lower-quality prints, especially if the printer or paper used is not of high quality. This can result in a lower-quality display for the stamps, as well as reduced durability over time. It is important to ensure that printable album pages are stored properly to prevent damage to the stamps over time. This can include using acid-free paper and keeping the pages in a dry, cool environment to prevent moisture damage. Creating printable album pages can be a time-consuming process, especially for collectors who are not familiar with stamp album software or design.
You can purchase printable album pages for your specific collection online on BidCurios. Check out our large selection of printable album pages available for you to purchase and print at home.
Stockbooks
Stockbooks are another popular way of storing stamps. They are similar to stamp albums but with plain pages without pre-printed grids. Collectors can insert their stamps into clear pockets on the pages. Stockbooks come in different sizes and colors.
Pros: Stockbooks are affordable and provide a flexible way of storing stamps. The clear pockets allow collectors to view their stamps without removing them, which helps to minimize the risk of damage.
Cons: Unlike stamp albums, stockbooks do not provide a systematic way of storing stamps. Collectors may need to arrange the stamps in a specific order to keep track of their collection. Also, the clear pockets may not be suitable for long-term storage as they can cause fading and discoloration of stamps.
Glassine Envelopes
Glassine envelopes are small, translucent envelopes made from a thin, glossy paper. They are commonly used to store stamps individually. Glassine envelopes are available in various sizes and can be purchased in bulk.
Pros: Glassine envelopes provide a cost-effective way of storing stamps, especially for collectors with a limited budget. The envelopes protect the stamps from dust and other environmental factors, and the translucent material allows collectors to view their stamps without removing them.
Cons: Glassine envelopes are not suitable for long-term storage as they are prone to aging, which can cause the envelopes to become brittle and the stamps to stick to the paper. Also, glassine envelopes do not provide a systematic way of storing stamps, and collectors may need to sort them manually.
Hinges
Hinges are small, adhesive pieces of paper used to attach stamps to album pages. Hinges are a popular way of storing stamps for collectors who prefer to use stamp albums. Hinges are available in different sizes and can be purchased in bulk.
Pros: Hinges are affordable and provide a convenient way of attaching stamps to album pages. They also allow collectors to remove and replace stamps without damaging them.
Cons: The use of hinges can cause damage to stamps over time. The adhesive on the hinges can become acidic and cause discoloration or fading of stamps. Hinges can also leave residue on the stamps or album pages, which can be difficult to remove.
Mounts
Mounts are clear plastic sleeves used to store stamps. Mounts are available in different sizes and are designed to fit specific stamp sizes. Collectors can insert their stamps into the mounts and then attach them to album pages.
