How scarce is the Calcutta SD31 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SD31 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1858–1867.

When was COV-3278 posted?

COV-3278 is dated 18 September 1859, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD31 (1858–1867).

COV-3278

18 September 1859 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SD31 · 9 covers recorded

COV-4457 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 18 September 1859, Calcutta SD31 handstruck folded letter (COV-3278) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

18 September 1859

Description

1859 (18 Sept.) envelope to Calcutta, marked "Per str Baltic" and bearing, on reverse, ½a. pair (some perfs cut off) cancelled "B/156" and tied by framed "rangoon/ship letter/paid" d.s. in red (Type SL2) and showing "calcutta/ship letter/paid" arrival d.s. also in red

Auction

Spink

21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History, Lot 108

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-3278 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 18 September 1859 bearing the Calcutta SD31 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?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History lot 108.

1 image of COV-3278 is recorded (front); the Calcutta SD31 mark itself is recorded in use 1858–1867.

Questions about COV-3278

What is COV-3278?: COV-3278 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 18 September 1859, bearing the Calcutta SD31 handstamp in red. 1859 (18 Sept.) envelope to Calcutta, marked "Per str Baltic" and bearing, on reverse, ½a. pair (some perfs cut off) cancelled "B/156" and tied by framed "rangoon/ship letter/paid" d.s. in red (Type SL2) and showing "calcutta/ship letter/paid" arrival d.s. also in red
How scarce is the Calcutta SD31 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SD31 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1858–1867.
What is the provenance of COV-3278?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History lot 108.
When was COV-3278 posted?: COV-3278 is dated 18 September 1859, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD31 (1858–1867).

About this record

This 18 September 1859 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SD31 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 9 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History, lot 108.