Complete Set Official Indian Posts Telegraphs First Day Cover
OVERVIEW
Offered is an authentic 1973 India first day cover for the Indian Miniature Paintings commemorative stamp issue, released on 5 May 1973.
The cover bears the complete four stamp set depicting classic Indian miniature painting subjects, with the official bilingual Indian Posts and Telegraphs first day cachet printed at the left.
This is an attractive artifact of philatelic history combining Indian classical painting themes with official first day postal presentation.
FRANKING & POSTAL HISTORY
The cover is franked with the complete Indian Miniature Paintings set, consisting of the 20 paise Radha Kishangarh, 50 paise Dance Duet, 1 rupee Lovers on Camel Back, and 2 rupees Taming of Elephant designs.
The multicolored stamps are printed by photogravure on standard paper with standard perforations.
As postally used adhesives on a first day cover envelope, the state of original gum is not applicable.
The complete franking totals 3 rupees 70 paise and is tied by a New Delhi first day circular datestamp dated 5 May 1973 applied over the four stamp arrangement.
The set is cataloged by Stanley Gibbons as SG 681 through SG 684.
CONTEXT & COLLECTOR APPEAL
The 1973 Indian Miniature Paintings issue highlights major strands of Indian court painting and cultural art history.
The Radha Kishangarh stamp is associated with the celebrated Kishangarh school and the refined Bani Thani ideal.
The Dance Duet design reflects Mughal miniature painting, while the Lovers on Camel Back and Elephant subjects draw from Rajasthani and Mughal painting traditions. The official cachet, complete four stamp franking, Hindi and English text, and New Delhi first day cancellation give this item strong appeal for collectors of Indian art on stamps, Asian topical philately, and cultural heritage postal history.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Country: India
Year: 1973
Type: First Day Cover
Topic: Indian Miniature Paintings Cultural Art First Day Cover
Theme: Indian Art and Miniature Painting
Subject: Radha Kishangarh Dance Duet Camel Elephant
Era: Independent India
Region: New Delhi India
Stamp Color: Multicolored
Stamp Denomination: 20p 50p 1R 2R
Perforation Size: Standard
Printing Method: Photogravure
Paper Type: First Day Cover Envelope Stock
Cancellation Type: First Day Circular Datestamp
Cancellation Date: 5 May 1973
Stanley Gibbons Number: 681 682 683 684
Features: Complete Set Official Indian Posts Cachet
Custom SKU: INDIA-1973-SG681-684-MINIATURE-FDC
CONDITION
Original first day cover condition.
The envelope exhibits normal age toning, light handling wear, and mild surface discoloration consistent with archival storage.
The four stamps remain bright, intact, and well presented, with the New Delhi first day cancellation perfectly tying the issue.
The official Indian Posts and Telegraphs cachet remains clear and sharp in both Hindi and English.
The reverse is blank with typical envelope fold and handling characteristics.
There are no major structural tears or heavy vertical creases through the adhesives. Please review all high resolution photographs carefully to determine exact condition.