How scarce is the Calcutta HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta HG 3 as rare, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1776–1789.

When was COV-1045 posted?

COV-1045 is dated 3 April 1787, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 3 (1776–1789).

COV-1045

3 April 1787 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta HG 3 · 9 covers recorded

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Pre-stamp cover of India — 3 April 1787, Calcutta HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-1045)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

3 April 1787

Description

Calcutta: 1787 (3 Apr.) entire (heavy filing creases) endorsed "From Capt. Dawes at Walajabad" to Calcutta and redirected to Dacca with manuscript "Po.sr Paid to Ganjam" and showing, on reverse, a fine strike of the scarce "seanrr.rc POSTAGE" (HG3)

Auction

Spink

Lot 48

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-1045 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 3 April 1787 bearing the Calcutta HG 3 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 Spink lot 48.

1 image of COV-1045 is recorded; the Calcutta HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1776–1789.

Questions about COV-1045

What is COV-1045?: COV-1045 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 3 April 1787, bearing the Calcutta HG 3 handstamp in black. Calcutta: 1787 (3 Apr.) entire (heavy filing creases) endorsed "From Capt. Dawes at Walajabad" to Calcutta and redirected to Dacca with manuscript "Po.sr Paid to Ganjam" and showing, on reverse, a fine strike of the scarce "seanrr.rc POSTAGE" (HG3)
How scarce is the Calcutta HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta HG 3 as rare, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1776–1789.
What is the provenance of COV-1045?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 48.
When was COV-1045 posted?: COV-1045 is dated 3 April 1787, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 3 (1776–1789).

About this record

This 3 April 1787 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta HG 3 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Rare” in this census — one of 9 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, lot 48.