How scarce is the Calcutta SD2 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SD2 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1799–1816.

When was COV-19 posted?

COV-19 is dated 11 September 1800, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD2 (1799–1816).

COV-19

11 September 1800 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SD2 · 26 covers recorded

COV-215 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 11 September 1800, Calcutta SD2 handstruck folded letter (COV-19) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SD2, back (COV-19) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

11 September 1800

Description

Faint but clear strike on back of folded letter datelined Calcutta 11 Sept 1800, addressed to London, sender's directive "p Str Mary", Ship Letter London Crowned handstamp, London (Apr. 19) arrival backstamp. Fine and quite scarce.

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale 9054, Lot 10017, — Magnolia Collection Part 7

Provenance

"Magnolia"

•2026, Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, Lot 10017, Realized $110— 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-19 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 11 September 1800 bearing the Calcutta SD2 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10017.

2 images of COV-19 are recorded (front, back); the Calcutta SD2 mark itself is recorded in use 1799–1816.

Questions about COV-19

What is COV-19?: COV-19 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 11 September 1800, bearing the Calcutta SD2 handstamp in black. Faint but clear strike on back of folded letter datelined Calcutta 11 Sept 1800, addressed to London, sender's directive "p Str Mary", Ship Letter London Crowned handstamp, London (Apr. 19) arrival backstamp. Fine and quite scarce.
How scarce is the Calcutta SD2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SD2 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1799–1816.
What is the provenance of COV-19?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10017.
When was COV-19 posted?: COV-19 is dated 11 September 1800, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD2 (1799–1816).

About this record

This 11 September 1800 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SD2 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 26 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, lot 10017. Recorded prices realized: $110, Siegel Auction Galleries, (2026).