1929 Clive Insurance Company Motor Car Policy | Maharaja of Tikari Raj

1929 Clive Insurance Company Motor Car Policy | Maharaja of Tikari Raj

An exceptional piece of British India motoring and princely-state history, this original Motor Car Insurance Policy issued by the Clive Insurance Company, Limited, Calcutta, dates to 1929.

The policy was issued in the name of H.H. The Maharajah of Tikari Raj, Gaya, and covers a remarkable collection of six automobiles, including two Rolls-Royces, a Fiat, a Renault, an Erskine and a Studebaker Commander.

The Schedule records a combined declared value of approximately Rs. 89,500, including Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively for the two Rolls-Royces—a substantial sum in 1929.

The policy bears Policy No. P.17491, with a renewal date of 5 October 1929, and was signed on behalf of the company on 14 June 1929. The net premium is recorded as Rs. 1,429-10-0, after a 20% discount.

The beautifully engraved document carries the striking corporate emblem of the Clive Insurance Company, with the company's Calcutta headquarters identified as the Clive Buildings, and Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co. named as General Managers.

A fascinating original survivor documenting the intersection of Indian princely history, early motoring, insurance, commerce and the luxury automobile culture of the late British Raj.

Key Details

• Issuer: Clive Insurance Company, Limited, Calcutta
• Document: Motor Car Policy
• Policy No.: P.17491
• Date: 1929
• Insured: H.H. The Maharajah of Tikari Raj, Gaya
• Renewal: 5 October 1929
• General Managers: Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co.
• Cars Insured: 6
• Declared Values: Up to Rs. 35,000 per automobile
• Net Premium: Rs. 1,429-10-0
• Condition: Original, with folds, age-related staining, tears/wear and handling commensurate with its age.