COV-1035 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 1780, bearing the Calcutta HG 1 handstamp in black. Calcutta: 1780 (c.) entire to Lucknow showing "CALCUTTA" + "POST PAID" 5mm. letters (HG 1+2) very good strikes, a tear at back does not affect handstamps. Rare early letter

How scarce is the Calcutta HG 1 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta HG 1 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1775–1787.

When was COV-1035 posted?

COV-1035 is dated 1780, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 1 (1775–1787).

COV-1035

1780 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta HG 1 · 6 covers recorded

COV-1367 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1780, Calcutta HG 1 handstruck folded letter (COV-1035)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta HG 1, front (COV-1035) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

1780

Description

Calcutta: 1780 (c.) entire to Lucknow showing "CALCUTTA" + "POST PAID" 5mm. letters (HG 1+2) very good strikes, a tear at back does not affect handstamps. Rare early letter

Auction

Spink

Lot 44

Provenance

Dr. Soli Contractor

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-1035 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 1780 bearing the Calcutta HG 1 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?

Calcutta: 1780 (c.) entire to Lucknow showing "CALCUTTA" + "POST PAID" 5mm. letters (HG 1+2) very good strikes, a tear at back does not affect handstamps. Rare early letter

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 44.

2 images of COV-1035 are recorded (front); the Calcutta HG 1 mark itself is recorded in use 1775–1787.

Questions about COV-1035

What is COV-1035?: COV-1035 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 1780, bearing the Calcutta HG 1 handstamp in black. Calcutta: 1780 (c.) entire to Lucknow showing "CALCUTTA" + "POST PAID" 5mm. letters (HG 1+2) very good strikes, a tear at back does not affect handstamps. Rare early letter
How scarce is the Calcutta HG 1 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta HG 1 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1775–1787.
What is the provenance of COV-1035?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 44.
When was COV-1035 posted?: COV-1035 is dated 1780, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 1 (1775–1787).

About this record

This 1780 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta HG 1 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Very scarce” in this census — one of 6 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, lot 44.