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-550 posted?

COV-550 is dated 13 March 1818, within the recorded period of use of Midnapore HG 2 (1813–1828).

COV-550

13 March 1818 Midnapore Cover

Back to census|Midnapore HG 2 · 6 covers recorded

COV-661 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 13 March 1818, Midnapore HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-550) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Gowtham BJ

Date

13 March 1818

Description

1818 (13 Mar.) entire letter from Mindapore to Calcutta, sent free, showing "midnapore/post office" circular h.s. in black (HG 2) with "Free" inserted in manuscript, Calcutta arrival below (15 Mar.); Scarce.

Auction

Spink

Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia, Lot 5114

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-550 is a Midnapore pre stamp cover of 13 March 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 Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia lot 5114.

1 image of COV-550 is recorded (front); the Midnapore HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1813–1828.

Questions about COV-550

What is COV-550?: COV-550 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Midnapore, Bengal Presidency of 13 March 1818, bearing the Midnapore HG 2 handstamp in black. 1818 (13 Mar.) entire letter from Mindapore to Calcutta, sent free, showing "midnapore/post office" circular h.s. in black (HG 2) with "Free" inserted in manuscript, Calcutta arrival below (15 Mar.); Scarce.
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-550?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia lot 5114.
When was COV-550 posted?: COV-550 is dated 13 March 1818, within the recorded period of use of Midnapore HG 2 (1813–1828).

About this record

This 13 March 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, Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia, lot 5114.