How scarce is the Calcutta G15 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta G15 as rare, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1847–1848.

When was COV-18 posted?

COV-18 is dated 1847, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta G15 (1847–1848).

COV-18

1847 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta G15 · 5 covers recorded

COV-1378 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1847, Calcutta G15 handstruck folded letter (COV-18) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta G15, back (COV-18) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1847

Description

Clear strike in red with manuscript "8 as" rate on back of petite native cover to Madras, red framed PAID handstamp. Very Fine. Noted as scarce by Giles, recorded use only between Jan.-Apr. 1848.

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale 9054, Lot 10016, — Magnolia Collection Part 7

Provenance

"Magnolia"

•2026, Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, Lot 10016, Realized $1,800— The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 7 (Robert C. Bauer)

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-18 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 1847 bearing the Calcutta G15 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Calcutta postal history — the office known today as Kolkata, Bengal Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Clear strike in red with manuscript "8 as" rate on back of petite native cover to Madras, red framed PAID handstamp. Very Fine. Noted as scarce by Giles, recorded use only between Jan.-Apr. 1848.

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10016.

2 images of COV-18 are recorded (front, back); the Calcutta G15 mark itself is recorded in use 1847–1848.

Questions about COV-18

What is COV-18?: COV-18 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 1847, bearing the Calcutta G15 handstamp in red. Clear strike in red with manuscript "8 as" rate on back of petite native cover to Madras, red framed PAID handstamp. Very Fine. Noted as scarce by Giles, recorded use only between Jan.-Apr. 1848.
How scarce is the Calcutta G15 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta G15 as rare, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1847–1848.
What is the provenance of COV-18?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10016.
When was COV-18 posted?: COV-18 is dated 1847, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta G15 (1847–1848).

About this record

This 1847 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta G15 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Rare” in this census — one of 5 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, lot 10016. Recorded prices realized: $1,800, Siegel Auction Galleries, (2026).