Description – PM type 7 (JC-MN-RF) Octagonal shape consisting of four complete concentric octagons, with two partial octagons surrounding letter/numeral inset. Letter B above separator with PO numbers below. The original series ranged between B-1 to B-182. Later higher PO numbers were added – the highest recorded by Martin is B-416

This post mark group was used for the Bengal postal sub-region in states of Bengal. Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Burma, Straits Settlements, Modern Bangladesh. First issued from 15th October 1855, and in use in all PO’s until 1860, although still issued in selective POs until May 1867 (Martin p.66), although according to Cooper stray examples are encountered as late as 1873. Most are, common except a few scarce variants. Many instances in varying shades of blue ink, prevalent especially B-1 Calcutta, but also quite frequently on may other B numbers. Shades can range from deep violet blue, to blue-green, or turquoise-blue. Those few found in red are at least rare.

PM subtype 7a – (JC-MN) The only duplex variation with a B number, this subtype has only three complete concentric octagons, and one broken within. The letter/numeral font type has slender bars with wider rounder loops. Left side has two florets with similar font type to right. 

Martin notes usage 1861-63, although Copper depicts an instance dating June 1864. In this collection is found a widely spaced duplex B-1 dating 9th May 1862. Another widely spaced duplex from Calcutta instance in this collection dates 16th January 1865, yet another B-54 Chittagong dating April 1866, yet another dates December 1870 from the same PO as Cooper’s example B-62 Dacca. Considered very scarce.

PM subtype 7b – (JC-MN) Concentric octagons enclosed within circle. Three complete and two broken octagons. Cooper illustrates B-21 Bassein Burma, Martin notes 1863- Examples in this collection. An instance singular type B-6 Arrah WB 13th December 1861, another B-46 duplex Burdwan (Barddhaman WB August 1861) – Extremely Rare. 

PM subtype 7c – (JC) variation of six concentric octagons with blank centre, no letter or numeral. Extremely scarce.

PM variation a – (JC) Like normal type 7, but with larger overall dimension, and five complete concentric octagons. Sometimes difficult to notice. Scarce.

PM variation b – (JC) Unusual variation reported with letter D instead of B. Considered extremely rare. 

PM variation c – (JC) Type with figure 1 without serif. Considered Scarce. 

Calcutta instance in this collection dating 3rd September 1872

PM variation d – (JC) an urban Calcutta PM with only 3 complete octagons and most notable feature, one broken octagon attached at end as part of extended letter/numeral separation bar. Long slender 1 with serif. Letter B seems like loops slightly separated to vertical bar. Cooper notes he had seen only two examples. This collection contains two examples with deep blue ink, both dated very early January 1867. Although a singular PM, they seem accompanied by a same ink shade dated circular (not duplex) Very scarce - Rare on cover.

PM variation e – (MN) octagonal type 7 variation - looks characteristic of PM type 7a but in singular form with missing B recorded by Martin on PO 416 Seetarampore (Sitarampur near Barddhaman WB) – the highest PM 7 number he recorded (1970). Cooper does not mention this variation. This collection has three such examples dating from the October-end 1872 to mid-February 1873. Considered rare.