How scarce is the Calcutta HG 13 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta HG 13 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1822–1830.

When was COV-4978 posted?

COV-4978 is dated 1827, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 13 (1822–1830).

COV-4978

1827 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta HG 13 · 4 covers recorded

← COV-4249

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1827, Calcutta HG 13 handstruck folded letter (COV-4978)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta HG 13, scan 2 (COV-4978)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta HG 13, scan 3 (COV-4978)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta HG 13, scan 4 (COV-4978)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Argyll Etkin Auctions

Date

1827

Description

1827 (Oct 29) Entire letter written by Baron Teignmouth, former Governor General of India, addressed to his son in Bengal, posted in London headed and signed as a free frank, redirected to "Decra in the Dhoon", backstamped boxed "POST FREE" and two Calcutta G.P.O datestamps. An unusual free frank to India.

Auction

Argyll Etkin

Auction Number 57 of G.B & Worldwide Stamps and Po, Lot 1139, (2025)

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-4978 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 1827 bearing the Calcutta HG 13 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?

Its recorded auction history runs through Argyll Etkin Limited Auction Number 57 of G.B & Worldwide Stamps and Po lot 1139 (2025).

4 images of COV-4978 are recorded; the Calcutta HG 13 mark itself is recorded in use 1822–1830.

Questions about COV-4978

What is COV-4978?: COV-4978 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 1827, bearing the Calcutta HG 13 handstamp in black. 1827 (Oct 29) Entire letter written by Baron Teignmouth, former Governor General of India, addressed to his son in Bengal, posted in London headed and signed as a free frank, redirected to "Decra in the Dhoon", backstamped boxed "POST FREE" and two Calcutta G.P.O datestamps. An unusual free frank to India.
How scarce is the Calcutta HG 13 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta HG 13 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1822–1830.
What is the provenance of COV-4978?: Its recorded auction history runs through Argyll Etkin Limited Auction Number 57 of G.B & Worldwide Stamps and Po lot 1139 (2025).
When was COV-4978 posted?: COV-4978 is dated 1827, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 13 (1822–1830).

About this record

This 1827 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta HG 13 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 4 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Argyll Etkin, Auction Number 57 of G.B & Worldwide Stamps and Po, lot 1139, (2025).