In 1943, the Reichdruckerei in Berlin printed a set of stamps which were meant for the planned Provisional Government of Free India under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose. He founded his Provisional Government as a government in exile during the 2nd World War with the support of Japan. Bose himself commissioned these stamps during his stay in Berlin in 1943. Unfortunately they were prepared but never issued.
The Stanley Gibbons Catalogues do not refer to these stamps, however they are listed in the Michel catalogue under “Nationales Indien”. The value specifically of the 1 and 2 rupee stamps has increased considerably over the years and as a result there are many forgeries of the stamps of these values. These can be recognised by a very unclear print as a result of being produced by offset printing. There are even forgeries produced by means of Inkjet printers. The original Azad Hind stamps were produced by photogravure which gives a very clear image.
1943
Various Scenes Series
Unused (NH) (Unperforated)
Unused (NH) (Perforated)