How scarce is the Cuttack HG 2 mark on this cover?

The census grades Cuttack HG 2 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1821–1837.

When was COV-5285 posted?

COV-5285 is dated 1837, within the recorded period of use of Cuttack HG 2 (1821–1837).

COV-5285

1837 Cuttack Cover

Back to census|Cuttack HG 2 · 2 covers recorded

← COV-2131

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1837, Cuttack HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-5285)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Cuttack HG 2, scan 2 (COV-5285)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1837

Description

India, Cuttack, 1837, " CUTTACK / SaWt Rs As/Pt Pd Rs As/Of 18__" Framed Handstamp (Giles 2). Mostly clear strike with manuscript "3 (OF) Nov (18) 37" date and "6 as" rate added on back of folded letter to Calcutta, framed "AM" handstamp, Calcutta arrival backstamp, Fine, noted as "scarce" by Giles

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10078, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Cuttack

3 marks

3 other pre-1854 postal markings of Cuttack are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

View all Cuttack marks and postal history →

About this Cuttack pre stamp cover

COV-5285 is a Cuttack pre stamp cover of 1837 bearing the Cuttack HG 2 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Cuttack postal history, 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 10078 (2026).

2 images of COV-5285 are recorded; the Cuttack HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1821–1837.

Questions about COV-5285

What is COV-5285?: COV-5285 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Cuttack, Bengal Presidency of 1837, bearing the Cuttack HG 2 handstamp in black. India, Cuttack, 1837, " CUTTACK / SaWt Rs As/Pt Pd Rs As/Of 18__" Framed Handstamp (Giles 2). Mostly clear strike with manuscript "3 (OF) Nov (18) 37" date and "6 as" rate added on back of folded letter to Calcutta, framed "AM" handstamp, Calcutta arrival backstamp, Fine, noted as "scarce" by Giles
How scarce is the Cuttack HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Cuttack HG 2 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1821–1837.
What is the provenance of COV-5285?: 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 10078 (2026).
When was COV-5285 posted?: COV-5285 is dated 1837, within the recorded period of use of Cuttack HG 2 (1821–1837).

About this record

This 1837 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Cuttack HG 2 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. 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 10078, (2026).