How scarce is the Calcutta G1 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta G1 as 2 examples recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1791.

When was COV-1658 posted?

COV-1658 is dated 9 May 1791, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta G1 (1791).

COV-1658

9 May 1791 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta G1 · 2 covers recorded

COV-5349 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 9 May 1791, Calcutta G1 handstruck folded letter (COV-1658)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

9 May 1791

Description

1791 (9 May) entire letter written in French from Chandernagore to Calcutta showing, on reverse, the only recorded example of the unframed "c p o" h.s. (HG G1) with date in mauscript adjacent.

Auction

Spink

Lot 29

Provenance

Derek Hammond Giles

Same office

Other recorded marks at Calcutta

183 marks

183 other pre-1854 postal markings of Calcutta are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

+177 more at this office.View all Calcutta marks and postal history →

About this Calcutta pre stamp cover

COV-1658 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 9 May 1791 bearing the Calcutta G1 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Calcutta postal history — the office known today as Kolkata, Bengal Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

1791 (9 May) entire letter written in French from Chandernagore to Calcutta showing, on reverse, the only recorded example of the unframed "c p o" h.s. (HG G1) with date in mauscript adjacent.

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 29.

1 image of COV-1658 is recorded; the Calcutta G1 mark itself is recorded in use 1791.

Questions about COV-1658

What is COV-1658?: COV-1658 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 9 May 1791, bearing the Calcutta G1 handstamp in black. 1791 (9 May) entire letter written in French from Chandernagore to Calcutta showing, on reverse, the only recorded example of the unframed "c p o" h.s. (HG G1) with date in mauscript adjacent.
How scarce is the Calcutta G1 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta G1 as 2 examples recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1791.
What is the provenance of COV-1658?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 29.
When was COV-1658 posted?: COV-1658 is dated 9 May 1791, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta G1 (1791).

About this record

This 9 May 1791 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta G1 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark with 2 examples recorded in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, lot 29.