Page 97 - Pakistan: Beyond the Catalogue

DADU DISTRICT

ORDINARY

The status of ordinary stamps with the Dadu handstamp has long been disputed. It is certainly the
case that a very diverse selection of host stamps existing in mint condition received the overprint.
A number of used stamps have unclear postmarks well clear of the overprint. Several covers which
have every appearance of being commercial (and at least some of which undoubtedly went through
the post) prove to be part of a bulk posting.

In 1976 ("Stamp Collecting" 17th June) Ron Doubleday wrote;

"On Ordinary. We are indebted to W. Dudley Edwards and, notably, Mr Zahid of Peshawar for
the research which has shown these stamps to be what they undoubtedly are - very bogus. The
handstamp is known on many issues (all mint) and I possess three used covers that clearly illustrate
the connivance between a postal employee and at least one unscrupulous dealer.

On Service. The handstamp on Service was short-lived, is entirely genuine and scarce. Possibly
orders for its official withdrawal were not fully carried out, thus resulting in its misuse on the
ordinary stamps."
Isani (1981) refers to these comments and adds;

"There is obviously philatelic exploitation in this issue but I feel it ought not to be condemned
solely on this basis. I have pieces in my possession showing genuine postal use. It appears that
the issue was genuine in the beginning but was subsequently exploited. I feel this point needs
further probe (sic) before the issue as a whole is condemned as bogus. I am therefore including it
as a doubtful issue"

Khalid Malik & Shahid Zaki (2003) list both Service and Ordinary with prices but without further
comment.