Description – PM type 6 (JC-MN-RF) diamond composed of dots, (often with diamond-like dots), and letter ‘C’ above with numeral inset. Differing sized letter/numerals (proportional to each other) are encountered. Most examples are common except for certain numbers. Recorded numbers range from 1 to 343.

This main group type of PM was used in the Madras postal sub-region, and its frequent use was between December 1855 to 1865, although stray instances are seen as late as 1873. Geographically its use covered the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh. Some examples are found in Blue or Deep violet-blue, which are considered quite scarce. 

PM subtype 6a – (JC-RF) diamond composed of dots with smaller ‘C’ only 4.5mm high instead of usual 6mm, usually with correspondingly small numerals in normally well-defined inset. Scarce.

PM subtype 6b – (JC) diamond composed of short thicker lines, instead of dots, giving the appearance of well-defined letter/numeral insets. Sub-variations exist differing sized font, with or without serif on C. Very scarce.

Examples are present in this highlighted collection

PM subtype 6c – (JC) diamond composed of almost solid background in conjunction with crude or irregular letters and figures – with counterparts in other PM types such as group types 4 or 8. Extremely scarce.

PM variation c – (JC) diamond composed of dots with small or large ‘C’ with clear-cut serif. Cooper illustrates a C-64 example, as with the instance in this collection. Scarce.

PM variation a Error – (JC) Letter C missing on various numbers. Cooper illustrates C-139 & C-10. Scarce.

PM variation b Error – (JC) Letter C reversed on PO C-144 Tanjore (Tanjavur, Thanjavur TN) – Very scarce.

PM variation d Error – One or more numerals missing in inset below C not recorded by Cooper. Several examples are present in this collection such as C-47 (one or both numerals), C-129. Very Scarce

PM variation e Error – Some examples where the C appears more like an ‘O’ exist – although most are quite tenuous, when the C continues on at ends. Only one in this collections approaches convincing.