India 1857 (Aug 17) Cover from Umballa to Kussowlee from Sir Hope Grant (Major General who took a leading part in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny of 1857) bearing 1854 ½a blue imperf, tied by diamond of dumb bars, as Cooper type 26 (though this is not an Experimental cancel as it was made temporarily during the crisis), backstamped “UNDER.STAMPd. BEARING” in red and Kussowlee delivery cds. The post office was destroyed on May 11 1857 and on May 12th the King of Delhi claimed the reestablishment of the Moghul Empire. These cancels were used during the Mutiny period only between May 10 and Sep 25 1857 when the normal post offices were destroyed and these cancels were made in great haste for use at the Camp Post Office at Umballa.
Gerald Sattin records only ONE lithograph cover bearing these cancels and TWO bearing East India stamps. A great rarity!

Catalogue No: SG 2
Catalogue Value: £225
Condition: Cover