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

The census grades Midnapore HG 2 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1813–1828.

When was COV-1134 posted?

COV-1134 is dated 3 June 1818, within the recorded period of use of Midnapore HG 2 (1813–1828).

COV-1134

3 June 1818 Midnapore Cover

Back to census|Midnapore HG 2 · 6 covers recorded

← COV-753 COV-2158 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 3 June 1818, Midnapore HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-1134) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Midnapore HG 2, scan 2 (COV-1134)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

3 June 1818

Description

Midnapore: 1818 (3 June) entire letter to London and redirected, "pr. Almorah" via Calcutta showing a good strike of the very scarce oval framed "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" with date and rate (8 as) in manuscript (HG 2), also various route and rate markings including unusual boxed "SHIP LETTER" (London?). Full of character.

Auction

Spink

Lot 155

Provenance

Dr. Soli Contractor

Same office

Other recorded marks at Midnapore

3 marks

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

View all Midnapore marks and postal history →

About this Midnapore pre stamp cover

COV-1134 is a Midnapore pre stamp cover of 3 June 1818 bearing the Midnapore HG 2 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Midnapore postal history — the office known today as Medinipur, Bengal Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 155.

2 images of COV-1134 are recorded (front); the Midnapore HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1813–1828.

Questions about COV-1134

What is COV-1134?: COV-1134 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Midnapore, Bengal Presidency of 3 June 1818, bearing the Midnapore HG 2 handstamp in black. Midnapore: 1818 (3 June) entire letter to London and redirected, "pr. Almorah" via Calcutta showing a good strike of the very scarce oval framed "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" with date and rate (8 as) in manuscript (HG 2), also various route and rate markings including unusual boxed "SHIP LETTER" (London?). Full of character.
How scarce is the Midnapore HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Midnapore HG 2 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1813–1828.
What is the provenance of COV-1134?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 155.
When was COV-1134 posted?: COV-1134 is dated 3 June 1818, within the recorded period of use of Midnapore HG 2 (1813–1828).

About this record

This 3 June 1818 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Midnapore HG 2 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 6 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, lot 155.