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-3277 posted?

COV-3277 is dated 29 July 1839, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR45 (1837–1859).

COV-3277

29 July 1839 Calcutta Cover

Back to census|Calcutta SR45 · 5 covers recorded

← COV-3276

Pre-stamp cover of India — 29 July 1839, Calcutta SR45 handstruck folded letter (COV-3277) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

29 July 1839

Description

1839 (29 July) entire letter to Bath, marked "To Calcutta via Rangoon", showing handstruck "8" and, on reverse, framed "moulmein/Paid" in red (Type PS1), Calcutta Ship Letter d.s. in black and red, and framed "india letter/liverpool". The only recorded example

Auction

Spink

21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History, Lot 17

Spink

22014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia, Lot 8

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-3277 is a Calcutta pre stamp cover of 29 July 1839 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 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History lot 17; and Spink 22014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia lot 8.

1 image of COV-3277 is recorded (front); the Calcutta SR45 mark itself is recorded in use 1837–1859.

Questions about COV-3277

What is COV-3277?: COV-3277 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calcutta, Bengal Presidency of 29 July 1839, bearing the Calcutta SR45 handstamp in black. 1839 (29 July) entire letter to Bath, marked "To Calcutta via Rangoon", showing handstruck "8" and, on reverse, framed "moulmein/Paid" in red (Type PS1), Calcutta Ship Letter d.s. in black and red, and framed "india letter/liverpool". The only recorded example
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-3277?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History lot 17; and Spink 22014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia lot 8.
When was COV-3277 posted?: COV-3277 is dated 29 July 1839, within the recorded period of use of Calcutta SR45 (1837–1859).

About this record

This 29 July 1839 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, 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History, lot 17; Spink, 22014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia, lot 8.