COV-5018 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 25 July 1839, bearing the Calcutta HG 21 handstamp in red. Fragile entire, Calcutta to Saugor, to Maj-Gen Sir Thomas Anbury KCB. CALCUTTA HG 21 in red (despatch/receipt 1837-45), Paid 12; received 3 Aug 1839.

How scarce is the Calcutta HG 21 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta HG 21 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1847.

When was COV-5018 posted?

COV-5018 is dated 25 July 1839, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 21 (1837–1847).

COV-5018

25 July 1839 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta HG 21 · 13 covers recorded

← COV-4427

Pre-stamp cover of India — 25 July 1839, Calcutta HG 21 handstruck folded letter (COV-5018)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of David Feldman Auctions

Date

25 July 1839

Description

Fragile entire, Calcutta to Saugor, to Maj-Gen Sir Thomas Anbury KCB. CALCUTTA HG 21 in red (despatch/receipt 1837-45), Paid 12; received 3 Aug 1839.

Auction

David Feldman

Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire, Lot 50707, (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-5018 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 25 July 1839 bearing the Calcutta HG 21 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?

Fragile entire, Calcutta to Saugor, to Maj-Gen Sir Thomas Anbury KCB. CALCUTTA HG 21 in red (despatch/receipt 1837-45), Paid 12; received 3 Aug 1839.

Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman SA Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire lot 50707 (2025).

1 image of COV-5018 is recorded; the Calcutta HG 21 mark itself is recorded in use 1837–1847.

Questions about COV-5018

What is COV-5018?: COV-5018 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 25 July 1839, bearing the Calcutta HG 21 handstamp in red. Fragile entire, Calcutta to Saugor, to Maj-Gen Sir Thomas Anbury KCB. CALCUTTA HG 21 in red (despatch/receipt 1837-45), Paid 12; received 3 Aug 1839.
How scarce is the Calcutta HG 21 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta HG 21 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1847.
What is the provenance of COV-5018?: Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman SA Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire lot 50707 (2025).
When was COV-5018 posted?: COV-5018 is dated 25 July 1839, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 21 (1837–1847).

About this record

This 25 July 1839 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta HG 21 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 13 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with David Feldman, Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire, lot 50707, (2025).