Bahawalpur – Scott #s 26-29

Description

Bahawalpur 1949 – Universal Postal Union (UPU) Anniversary

Scott #26–29 • Complete Set of 4 • Mint, Never Hinged

Issued on October 10, 1949, this four-stamp commemorative set from the former princely state of Bahawalpur honors the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)—the organization that unified the world’s postal systems and made international correspondence possible.

Each stamp features an allegorical depiction of figures encircling the globe, symbolizing global unity through communication—a motif echoed across many nations’ 1949 UPU issues.

Set Details

• 1 Anna – Purple – Scott #26

• 1½ Annas – Red-Brown – Scott #27

• 2½ Annas – Blue – Scott #28

• 9 Pies – Green – Scott #29

Printed by De La Rue & Co., London, with inscriptions in English and Urdu, and fine Persian calligraphy across the top.

Condition

• Mint, Never Hinged (MNH)

• Original gum intact

• Fresh color, crisp engraving, and clean perforations

Historical Context

Bahawalpur, a princely state in what is now Pakistan, issued its own stamps from 1947 to 1949. This UPU set was among its final independent issues, released just before integration with Pakistan’s postal system in 1950. The stamps celebrate both the state’s brief philatelic legacy and the global ideal of international connection.

Collector’s Note

Highly sought-after by collectors of:

• UPU commemoratives

• British Commonwealth and Pakistan States issues

• Classic engraved designs

A premium addition to any philatelic collection, especially well-preserved examples such as this complete MNH set.