1830 Gowalpara HG 1 Cover

1830

1830 : H.G.1: Letter posted from GOWALPARA [1 June] to CALCUTTA [10 June]. Prior to the discovery of this letter, the only know example of the "GOWALPARA / POST OFFICE" despatch stamp was on a cover that belongs to Dr. Parsons, dated 1837, but this cover below, shows that the intaglio stamp was in use at least 7 years earlier, this letter been sent to CALCUTTA in 1830, with postage payable on delivery. The amount due has been recorded as 6 annas in the CALCUTTA Receipt Stamp "G.P.O/JUNE/ Bg.Pg."It is difficult to confirm this rate, as "GOWALPARA" does not appear in any Postal Notice until 1832, when the rate to CALCUTTA was shown as 7 annas but it seems that 6 annas is correct, as the rate from PATNA to CALCUTTA was 6 annas before 1832, and was increased to 7 annas in that year. The Postal Notice of 1832 spells the Post Office spelling as "GOWALPARRAH", but, although the impression above is not perfect the space after clear letters of "GOWALPA" is insufficient to permit an "H" at the end, or even a double "R". Also Dr. Parson's copy clearly showed that the last three letters are"ARA", so that, with the combination of the only two available examples of this intaglio stamp, it can be safely stated that the spelling is "GOWALPARA" Cover.

Ex. Giles.