How scarce is the Calcutta SR32 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SR32 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1830-32.

When was COV-5279 posted?

COV-5279 is dated 2 May 1831, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR32 (1830-32).

COV-5279

2 May 1831 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SR32

Pre-stamp cover of India — 2 May 1831, Calcutta SR32 handstruck folded letter (COV-5279)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calcutta SR32, scan 2 (COV-5279)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

2 May 1831

Description

India, Calcutta, 1831, "Inld Ptg. 2/Ship Do 2/Transfr Do 6/(1) As 4.6" Framed Handstamp (Giles SR32). Bold and clear strike (barely touching opening tear at bottom right) on back and applied on arrive of folded letter datelined "London May 2nd 1831" , addressed to Calcutta, red Calcutta (Aug. 29) arrival backstamp, Very Fine strike

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10065, (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-5279 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 2 May 1831 bearing the Calcutta SR32 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 The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10065 (2026).

2 images of COV-5279 are recorded; the Calcutta SR32 mark itself is recorded in use 1830-32.

Questions about COV-5279

What is COV-5279?: COV-5279 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 2 May 1831, bearing the Calcutta SR32 handstamp in black. India, Calcutta, 1831, "Inld Ptg. 2/Ship Do 2/Transfr Do 6/(1) As 4.6" Framed Handstamp (Giles SR32). Bold and clear strike (barely touching opening tear at bottom right) on back and applied on arrive of folded letter datelined "London May 2nd 1831" , addressed to Calcutta, red Calcutta (Aug. 29) arrival backstamp, Very Fine strike
How scarce is the Calcutta SR32 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SR32 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1830-32.
What is the provenance of COV-5279?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10065 (2026).
When was COV-5279 posted?: COV-5279 is dated 2 May 1831, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR32 (1830-32).

About this record

This 2 May 1831 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SR32 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — the only surviving cover with this mark recorded so far. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), lot 10065, (2026).