Cochin Stamps Appraisal

Cochin Anchal 6 Puthan (or 6 Pies) Postage Stamp with Overprint

This item is a historical postage stamp from Cochin Anchal, an indigenous postal service of the former princely state of Cochin (now part of India). The stamp features a portrait of a male figure, likely a local ruler or dignitary, centrally positioned within an oval frame. The color of the stamp appears to be a muted brown or sepia tone, indicative of printing processes common in the era of its issuance. The borders of the stamp are intricately designed with scrolling patterns and traditional motifs, framing the central portrait. The denomination '6' is prominently displayed in the upper right corner, along with what appears to be the unit 'Pies' or 'Puthan' in text below the portrait. The inscription 'COCHIN ANCHAL' is visible at the top curved banner, written in English, with additional text in a regional Indian script (likely Malayalam) above and below the English inscription. There are also smaller crests or symbols in the four corners of the central oval design. A distinct feature of this particular stamp is a black overprint 'ON' visible across the upper portion of the portrait and the 'COCHIN ANCHAL' text. This overprint suggests a re-validation or change in postal regulations, which was a common practice for stamps at the time. The stamp shows signs of use with a visible cancellation mark, portions of which are black and appear to be a circular date stamp, indicating it has passed through the postal system. The paper exhibits some discoloration consistent with age, and the edges appear perforated, though the exact condition of the perforations cannot be fully assessed from the image. The overall style suggests an early to mid-20th-century issuance, reflecting the philatelic history of princely states in India before their integration into the Indian Union. The presence of the overprint adds a layer of philatelic interest, potentially indicating a specific, rarer variant of the stamp.