How scarce is the Calcutta SR45 mark on this cover?

The census grades Calcutta SR45 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1859.

When was COV-3273 posted?

COV-3273 is dated 1 September 1838, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR45 (1837–1859).

COV-3273

1 September 1838 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SR45 · 5 covers recorded

COV-3275 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1 September 1838, Calcutta SR45 handstruck folded letter (COV-3273) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

1 September 1838

Description

1838 (1 Sept.) entire letter to London, rated "2/4" and showing, on reverse, mainly fine framed "pinang/post office" datestamp in black partly overstruck by arrival c.d.s. (4.3), framed "calcutta/ship letter/Bearing" with framed "india letter/deal" on face. Rare, we record nine examples of this datestamp used between August 1837 and July 1839. Photo

Auction

Spink

21014 - Stamps and Covers of South East Asia - conducted behind closed doors, Lot 104

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-3273 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 1 September 1838 bearing the Calcutta SR45 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 Spink 21014 - Stamps and Covers of South East Asia - conducted behind closed doors lot 104.

1 image of COV-3273 is recorded (front); the Calcutta SR45 mark itself is recorded in use 1837–1859.

Questions about COV-3273

What is COV-3273?: COV-3273 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 1 September 1838, bearing the Calcutta SR45 handstamp in black. 1838 (1 Sept.) entire letter to London, rated "2/4" and showing, on reverse, mainly fine framed "pinang/post office" datestamp in black partly overstruck by arrival c.d.s. (4.3), framed "calcutta/ship letter/Bearing" with framed "india letter/deal" on face. Rare, we record nine examples of this datestamp used between August 1837 and July 1839. Photo
How scarce is the Calcutta SR45 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calcutta SR45 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1859.
What is the provenance of COV-3273?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 21014 - Stamps and Covers of South East Asia - conducted behind closed doors lot 104.
When was COV-3273 posted?: COV-3273 is dated 1 September 1838, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR45 (1837–1859).

About this record

This 1 September 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calcutta SR45 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 5 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 21014 - Stamps and Covers of South East Asia - conducted behind closed doors, lot 104.