Description – PM type 9 group (MN) this was the primary area where Martin (Numbers in Early Indian Cancellations 1855-1884 Martin D.R., Col: pp140: 1970) expanded upon existing categorised PM types. He noted and defined five key subtypes, given below in some detail.

This complex group type was in use throughout India and beyond, from the Persian Gulf in the west, to Burma in the east, and used in all major postal sub-regions in-between. Earliest recorded use was in Calcutta late 1860 (see early red-inked example in this collection probably a proto-type experimental), then distributed to other Indian offices 1861 onwards through to 1874, although stray examples are found even as late as 1879.  

PM subtype 9 I – (MN) (see image above) duplex smaller circumference encircled both sides, mostly florets and a font without serifs are found within, coupled with proportionally smaller numeral inset and numerals by necessity. All later subtypes of type 9 have a larger circumference.

Martin notes usage of type 9 I, largely in Bengal and NWP postal sub-regions. However, other more localised subtypes also exist, and are not well studied. These are encountered in Bombay and Madras postal sub-regions, where Martin notes ‘many subtypes exist often peculiar to Madras, their study has not proved fruitful, and in Bombay notes the subtypes are not listed. 

As noted above, this first subtype was in use between late 1960, generally known as 1861 series in NWP sub-region (Earliest date 12 April 1861).

PM subtype 9 II – (MN) duplex with larger circumference and florets, and usually serif font.

This subtype is well recorded compared to the other PM 9 sub-types, predominantly used in the North West Provence’s, earliest recorded (with florets) 27th September 1863, and separately 1864 series without florets earliest 7th January 1865), Punjab, and Bengal postal sub-regions (Mid 1864-7) – Mostly common 

PM subtype 9 II var. – Type 9 variation 4 (JC) type 9 II (MN) duplex with florets and usually serif font, numeral inset sub-divided with letter R above – Punjab postal sub-region variety Lahore Urban PO in use between 1868-73 – R/1 Nowlucka, R/2 Lahore, R/3 Lahore NW railway PO. Very scarce

PM subtype 9 III – (MN) duplex larger circumference without florets and serif font smaller to medium tips

This subtype is not well recorded, as not many numerals are tied to PO locations. Although widely in use NWP (From 1864 series - partly includes Punjab Post 1866) mostly encountered from March 1868 onward, as only a single instance is found from 1866), The 1867 & 1869 series also have a moderate number of recorded PM 9 III instances, only Jeypore is known to both? Martin notes NWP with this subtype numbers come from several sources, and therefore extremely liable to confusion – Punjab (a reasonable number of instances between 1868-73 are known but confused duplicated with subtype 9 IV – Bengal in use between October 1867 - December 72 – Central Provinces in use between May 1868 (1867 series plus later instances of 1871 series) 

PM subtype 9 IV – (MN) duplex larger circumference without florets and without serifs, plus medium to larger tips 

Used only within the Punjab and Bengal postal sub-regions. Active in Bengal between December 1872 – 1873, and only a small amount of POs with lower numbers are known – Examples in Punjab seem to date to around the same period 

PM subtype 9 V – (MN) duplex finer more spaced bars smaller tips with small letter B just above numeral inset 

Used in Burma – Martin records B-136 Prome, B-156 Rangoon, B-159 Thayetmyo, BB-182 Mandalay – in use between 1871-73. Davies (Burma Postal History Davis G: pp216: 1971 p.49) illustrates three sub-types 22 serif, 23 non-serif, 24 BB above. Very Scarce

PM subtype 9a – (JC) small circumference duplex difficult to distinguish from type 9 I variations. Common.

Examples seen in this collection December 1864 - July 1873

PM subtype 9b – (JC-RF) small circumference duplex double ringed left side. This type is distinguished by closer together finer more numerous bars. Common 

Examples seen in this collection Alleppy 131 January 1872

PM subtype 9c – (JC) small circumference duplex right side easily distinguishable by thick or thin wide space single bar plus tips  

Seems to be in use at various POs in Madras postal sub-region. Various instances of this type are found in this collection ‘24’ Mangalore example June 1868 – ‘10’ Bangalore March 1871

Other variations – (JC) yet more lettered variations exist with small C above inset extremely rare. Example in this collection April 1863 Tanjore (For sale!). Another notable variation ’27½’ with inset is found in this collection Umritsur City (Amritsar Punjab) February 1872. Others are small U above very scarce, C No,, within inset and two commas