Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries
This 31 January 1855 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Cuttack HG 3 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, Sale 1360 - The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5, lot 61, (2025).
Date
31 January 1855
Description
India, 1854, ½a Blue, Die II (2D; SG 6). Stone "C", two singles, Positions 15 and 25, both with huge to large margins, tied by dotted diamond cancels on 1855 folded letter to Calcutta, red framed "Cuttack/18__/Paid" handstamp (Giles 3) with manuscript "31/1/55" date added despatch on back, red Calcutta arrival backstamp, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 B.P.A. certificate
Auction
Sale 1360 - The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5, Lot 61, (2025)
Provenance
Magnolia
Certificates
Same office
Other recorded marks at Cuttack
3 marks3 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.