How scarce is the Calcutta SD8 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SD8 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1820-24.

When was COV-3662 posted?

COV-3662 is dated 2 February 1821, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD8 (1820-24).

COV-3662

2 February 1821 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SD8 · 16 covers recorded

← COV-3111 COV-3866 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 2 February 1821, Calcutta SD8 handstruck folded letter (COV-3662)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SD8, scan 2 (COV-3662)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Sephils

Date

2 February 1821

Description

India 1821 pre-stamp wrapper from Calcutta to Yorkshire, marked via Cape of Good Hope. Features India Letter Southampton cachet and multiple charge marks, showcasing early postal routes.

Auction

Sephils

542, Lot 0080, (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-3662 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 2 February 1821 bearing the Calcutta SD8 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?

India 1821 pre-stamp wrapper from Calcutta to Yorkshire, marked via Cape of Good Hope. Features India Letter Southampton cachet and multiple charge marks, showcasing early postal routes.

Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 542 lot 0080 (2026).

2 images of COV-3662 are recorded; the Calcutta SD8 mark itself is recorded in use 1820-24.

Questions about COV-3662

What is COV-3662?: COV-3662 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 2 February 1821, bearing the Calcutta SD8 handstamp in black. India 1821 pre-stamp wrapper from Calcutta to Yorkshire, marked via Cape of Good Hope. Features India Letter Southampton cachet and multiple charge marks, showcasing early postal routes.
How scarce is the Calcutta SD8 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SD8 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1820-24.
What is the provenance of COV-3662?: Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 542 lot 0080 (2026).
When was COV-3662 posted?: COV-3662 is dated 2 February 1821, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SD8 (1820-24).

About this record

This 2 February 1821 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SD8 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 16 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Sephils, 542, lot 0080, (2026).