Ottoman Empire. Anonymous, circa 19th-early 20th Century. Seal (Lead, 24 mm, 22.28 g, 3 h), Khalil al-Rahman (Hebron). Postal seal (bulla) of Ottoman post offices in Palestine. In three lines: Pūstah / dawlat-i / ʿUthmāniyya (‘Ottoman Post’ in Arabic script). Rev. Khalīl al-Raḥmān (‘Khalil al-Rahman’ in Arabic). Extremely rare. Attractive and with clear and legible inscriptions. Minor deposits, otherwise, very fine.


Ottoman postal seals such as this were used to secure official correspondence, mail bags, and administrative consignments handled by the imperial postal system. The Ottoman postal network expanded significantly in the 19th century, linking provincial towns across the empire, including those in Palestine. Lead bullae functioned both as practical sealing devices and as official markers of control and authenticity.

The inscription Khalīl al-Raḥmān refers to the city of Hebron, an important religious and administrative center. The name, meaning 'Friend of the Merciful', is associated with the Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham). The city is traditionally regarded as the location of his burial at the sanctuary known as the Cave of Machpelah (Ibrahimi Mosque), a site of major significance in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions.

Seals from provincial Ottoman post offices are relatively rare and provide valuable insight into local administration and communication networks.