The World Famous Collection of The Classic Issues of India formed by C. D. Desai

The World Famous Collection of The Classic Issues of India formed by C. D. Desai

A set of two books (1) the prospectus / preview of the auction and (2) the main catalogue itself. It will be no exaggeration to say that there has been no greater collector of Indian Classics of 1854-55 than Desai. And there has never been a greater auction in these issues than his.

Sold by Robson Lowe on 25 May 1949 in London. More than 900 lots mostly dedicated to the Half Anna (3 dies and 5 stones), One Anna (3 dies and 5 stones plus the substituted transfer), Two Anna (including the printings on the ‘new’ watermark), and the Four Anna (5 printings). Desai’s collection included full sheets and/or reconstructions of most of the stones/printings as well as essays and proofs. Plus two cut-square 4a inverted heads! To be seen to be believed! If an Indian collector should have one auction catalogue in his library, this should the one! Extensively illustrated in colour and b/w. Expertly described by Robson Lowe with extensive inputs from by L. E. Dawson, E. A. Smythies, and Jal Cooper, three other tall Indian philatelists.

The two books are in good clean condition