How scarce is the Calcutta HG 36 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta HG 36 as 4 examples recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1849–1859.

When was COV-4934 posted?

COV-4934 is dated 17 May 1859, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 36 (1849–1859).

COV-4934

17 May 1859 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta HG 36 · 4 covers recorded

← COV-3128

Pre-stamp cover of India — 17 May 1859, Calcutta HG 36 handstruck folded letter (COV-4934) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Argyll Etkin Auctions

Date

17 May 1859

Description

1859-62 Covers posted within India all redirected with unusual boxed "REMAINING" datestamp, one with boxed "A.M" and oval "T.R", another with "P.M", boxed "UNCLAIMED" and octagonal "DEAD LETTER OFFICE / BENGAL" datestamps, two covers to army officers redirected (one to G.B) at no additional charge. Very unusual. (3).

Auction

Argyll Etkin

Worldwide Stamps and Postal History, Lot 1289, (7 May 2026)

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-4934 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 17 May 1859 bearing the Calcutta HG 36 handstamp, 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 Worldwide Stamps and Postal History lot 1289 (7 May 2026).

1 image of COV-4934 is recorded (front); the Calcutta HG 36 mark itself is recorded in use 1849–1859.

Questions about COV-4934

What is COV-4934?: COV-4934 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 17 May 1859, bearing the Calcutta HG 36 handstamp. 1859-62 Covers posted within India all redirected with unusual boxed "REMAINING" datestamp, one with boxed "A.M" and oval "T.R", another with "P.M", boxed "UNCLAIMED" and octagonal "DEAD LETTER OFFICE / BENGAL" datestamps, two covers to army officers redirected (one to G.B) at no additional charge. Very unusual. (3).
How scarce is the Calcutta HG 36 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta HG 36 as 4 examples recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1849–1859.
What is the provenance of COV-4934?: Its recorded auction history runs through Argyll Etkin Worldwide Stamps and Postal History lot 1289 (7 May 2026).
When was COV-4934 posted?: COV-4934 is dated 17 May 1859, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta HG 36 (1849–1859).

About this record

This 17 May 1859 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta HG 36 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark with 4 examples recorded in this census — one of 4 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Argyll Etkin, Worldwide Stamps and Postal History, lot 1289, (7 May 2026).