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-3275 posted?

COV-3275 is dated 18 December 1838, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR45 (1837–1859).

COV-3275

18 December 1838 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SR45 · 5 covers recorded

← COV-3273 COV-3276 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 18 December 1838, Calcutta SR45 handstruck folded letter (COV-3275) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

18 December 1838

Description

1838 (18 Dec.) entire letter to Biggleswade, marked "Via Calcutta", rated "8", showing framed "india letter/portsmouth" in red and, on reverse, a fine trike of framed "penang/ship letter/Bearing" d.s. in red, Calcutta G.P.O. and Ship Letter datestamps and London arrival d.s. (9.6). Photo

Auction

Spink

https://live.spink.com/auctions/4-1QO8NE, Lot 105

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-3275 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 18 December 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 https://live.spink.com/auctions/4-1QO8NE lot 105.

1 image of COV-3275 is recorded (front); the Calcutta SR45 mark itself is recorded in use 1837–1859.

Questions about COV-3275

What is COV-3275?: COV-3275 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 18 December 1838, bearing the Calcutta SR45 handstamp in black. 1838 (18 Dec.) entire letter to Biggleswade, marked "Via Calcutta", rated "8", showing framed "india letter/portsmouth" in red and, on reverse, a fine trike of framed "penang/ship letter/Bearing" d.s. in red, Calcutta G.P.O. and Ship Letter datestamps and London arrival d.s. (9.6). 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-3275?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink https://live.spink.com/auctions/4-1QO8NE lot 105.
When was COV-3275 posted?: COV-3275 is dated 18 December 1838, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR45 (1837–1859).

About this record

This 18 December 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, https://live.spink.com/auctions/4-1QO8NE, lot 105.