Ottoman Empire Katchak Contraband 20 Para Bisect

Ottoman Empire · 1884 · 10 Para

A diagonally bisected rectangular stamp, featuring Ottoman Turkish script. It was part of a special postal contraband service.

Issued by the Ottoman Empire in response to widespread infringement of the postal monopoly, this stamp was used for a special 'Katchak' (contraband) postal service. Contraband letters were taxed at double rates, with half the fees going to informers.