COV-21 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, bearing the Calcutta SD13 handstamp in red. Clear strike on cover from Calcutta. STEAM POSTAGE framed handstamp. Fine.

How scarce is the Calcutta SD13 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SD13 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1853.

COV-21

Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SD13 · 17 covers recorded

COV-2490 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SD13 handstruck folded letter (COV-21) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SD13, back (COV-21) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Description

Clear strike on cover from Calcutta. STEAM POSTAGE framed handstamp. Fine.

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale 9054, Lot 10019, — Magnolia Collection Part 7

Provenance

•2026, Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, Lot 10019, Realized $325— The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 7 (Robert C. Bauer)

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-21 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover bearing the Calcutta SD13 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?

Clear strike on cover from Calcutta. STEAM POSTAGE framed handstamp. Fine.

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10019.

2 images of COV-21 are recorded (front, back); the Calcutta SD13 mark itself is recorded in use 1837–1853.

Questions about COV-21

What is COV-21?: COV-21 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, bearing the Calcutta SD13 handstamp in red. Clear strike on cover from Calcutta. STEAM POSTAGE framed handstamp. Fine.
How scarce is the Calcutta SD13 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SD13 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1853.
What is the provenance of COV-21?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10019.

About this record

This pre-1854 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SD13 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 17 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, lot 10019. Recorded prices realized: $325, Siegel Auction Galleries, (2026).