How scarce is the Calcutta SD17 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SD17 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1856.

When was COV-3644 posted?

COV-3644 is dated 1853, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD17 (1846–1856).

COV-3644

1853 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SD17 · 15 covers recorded

← COV-3641 COV-3661 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1853, Calcutta SD17 handstruck folded letter (COV-3644)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SD17, scan 2 (COV-3644)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SD17, scan 3 (COV-3644)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Sephils

Date

1853

Description

India 1856 cover from Calcutta to Glasgow, carried by P&O steamer 'Bengal' via Southampton. Features red Calcutta GPO postmark and Glasgow arrival mark, with accompanying letter.

Auction

Sephils

563, Lot 0084, (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-3644 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 1853 bearing the Calcutta SD17 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?

India 1856 cover from Calcutta to Glasgow, carried by P&O steamer 'Bengal' via Southampton. Features red Calcutta GPO postmark and Glasgow arrival mark, with accompanying letter.

Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 563 lot 0084 (2026).

3 images of COV-3644 are recorded; the Calcutta SD17 mark itself is recorded in use 1846–1856.

Questions about COV-3644

What is COV-3644?: COV-3644 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 1853, bearing the Calcutta SD17 handstamp in red. India 1856 cover from Calcutta to Glasgow, carried by P&O steamer 'Bengal' via Southampton. Features red Calcutta GPO postmark and Glasgow arrival mark, with accompanying letter.
How scarce is the Calcutta SD17 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SD17 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1856.
What is the provenance of COV-3644?: Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 563 lot 0084 (2026).
When was COV-3644 posted?: COV-3644 is dated 1853, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD17 (1846–1856).

About this record

This 1853 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SD17 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 15 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Sephils, 563, lot 0084, (2026).