Page 59 - Pakistan: Beyond the Catalogue
P. 59
SARGODHA DISTRICT
BHALWAL I SHAHPUR
Isani records two distinct handstamps with the old currency above the new currency assigning
them to two neighbouring towns, Bhalwal and Shahpur. The former, on a single denomination
each of Ordinary and Service stamps, he records as being used in Bhalwal and Shamsul-Islam
and the latter, on two Ordinary end one Service value from Shahpur, Bhalwal, Phularwan and
Bhera. The dates of usage largely overlap. My own research, using a total of only ten pieces,
including two covers (which I suspect is significantly more than was available to Isani) records
the first type from Bhalwal, Bhera and Phularwan (all on one Ordinary value) and the second
from one Ordinary and one Service values, none of which have identifiable postmarks. My
conclusion is that it is not possible to say exactly where the handstamping was carried out, and
accordingly they are assigned as two types from the same combined location.
Type 1.
A two line handstamp in purple, with both currencies spelt in full. P in capitals. The new
currency, on the bottom line, is enclosed in brackets. Height of P, 3 mm, Length of Paisa, 10 mm.
The top line of the overprint frequently does not register.
ORDINARY
