India 1948 (15 Aug) First Anniversary of Independence (Gandhi) set of 4 on individual, hand-addressed first day covers, each tied by d/r 'NEW DELHI/15 AUGUST 1948' oval date stamp, SG305/308.
A fine and attractive set of first day covers bearing the desirable Gandhi stamps, individually addressed with clear strikes, cancelled on the first anniversary of Indian Independence. Demand for first day covers of this set has been strong for some years.
The set of four stamps featuring Mahatma Gandhi is one of India's most famous stamp issues. On 15 August 1948, on the occasion of the first anniversary of India's Independence Day, Gandhi was honoured as the first Indian to be depicted on stamps of India.
These stamps feature Gandhi in dignified profile and were India's first issue to honour Mahatma Gandhi, released less than a year after his assassination in January 1948.
The 10 Rupee high-value (SG308) is especially prized, with most surviving examples used for fiscal purposes rather than on cover.
Each envelope bears a clear New Delhi "15 AUG 1948" cancel making this a genuinely first-day used set, not a later favour-cancelled version.
Sets of this quality have achieved between £2,000 and £3,000 at auction.
Provenance: Addressed to Mr H.S. Cross, High Commission for the UK in India, a British diplomatic official, adding historical resonance.
