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Handstruck stamp of India — Calcutta SR12 pre-1854 handstamp, 1827-29, Black

Bengal Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Calcutta SR12

Date Span
1827-29
Colour
Black
Rarity
Common
Note
"Double" weight
Catalogue
1989 Catalogue · p. 55
Figure
SR12
Submitted by
D. Hammond Giles

Census

Census records

5 covers recorded

5 pre-1854 covers bearing the Calcutta SR12 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SR12, COV-4298, 1828
COV-4298

1828

London 15 January, 1828 Dear Jackson, In fulfillment of my promise I have been doing all I can to get your son, Henry, transferred to the cavalry, failing of which my next object is to procure him an Infantry Appointment. I have explained my views at full length to my friend, Mr. Stanly Clarke, & have more than once urged him for the superior nomination. That you may see how the matter stands, I enclose copy of his last communication, in which, altho' he guards himself against being implicated in a promise, he yet allows me to hope that he will, if he conveniently can comply with my request. Having of late only seen your writing in many folios, copies of your letter of February to the House. I was uncertain whether any change had taken place in your views respecting Henry & accordingly I addressed myself for information to Doctor Ramsey whose answer I enclose. Yours faithfully, JAMES COLVIN Copy of wm Stanly Clarke's letter to James Colvin: E.I. House 11th January, 1828 My dear Sir, I have been looking at the last monthly return & by the records, entertain little doubt of your wishes being so far fulfilled, that he will eventually drop into the Infantry, having, as it appears, no chance of the Engineers; neither, if I augur rightly, of the Artillery, and were he now withdrawn, his friends would be subjected to a considerable increased charge to re-imburse the Company. Whereas , when he reaches the Ist Ensign, they will not be so subject, admitting he joins the Infantry, of which I apprehend, were he (contrary to expectations) to be found eligible for the Artillery, he would still be allowed the option - or if not, I may (Deo et Populo volenti) after the month of April, be able so far to assist your object, whilst, without encouraging such expectation, or being considered in any way committed, it will be pleasing to me if I feel I can do more. (signed) Yours etc wm. Stanly Clarke

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About this mark

The Calcutta SR12 handstamp

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengal, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.

Calcutta SR12 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Calcutta — the present-day Kolkata — in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1827 to 1829. Known strikes are in black. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "SR12".

5 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. On the strength of that count the mark is graded "Common" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for calcutta pre stamp covers, calcutta postal history or "Calcutta SR12" material can compare SR12 across every office or browse the rest of the Calcutta marks.

"Double" weight

Frequently asked

What is the Calcutta SR12 handstamp?
Calcutta SR12 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Calcutta (modern Kolkata) in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1827 to 1829. The "SR12" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in black.
How rare is Calcutta SR12?
Calcutta SR12 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 5 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
What does a Calcutta pre stamp cover with SR12 look like?
A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Calcutta is a folded letter or envelope carried before India's first adhesive stamp of 1854, with postage shown entirely by hand-struck marks like SR12. 5 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. Each census record on this page links to full cover images, dates and auction provenance.
How do I identify or submit a Calcutta SR12 cover?
Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1827-29). If your cover is not already recorded, you can submit front and back photographs through the census form on this page; every submission is editor-reviewed before publication.

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.

View all Calcutta marks and postal history →

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Also searched as: Calcutta SR12, Calcutta Giles SR12, Kolkata postal history, Calcutta handstamp, Calcutta pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Calcutta SR12 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/bengal/calcutta/sr12 (accessed 25 September 2026).

Updated: 25 Sept 2026