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-661 posted?

COV-661 is dated 27 May 1823, within the recorded period of use of Midnapore HG 2 (1813–1828).

COV-661

27 May 1823 Midnapore Cover

Back to census|Midnapore HG 2 · 6 covers recorded

← COV-550 COV-753 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 27 May 1823, Midnapore HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-661) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Midnapore HG 2, front (COV-661) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

27 May 1823

Description

India, Midnapore, 1823, "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike with manuscript "1823 Post Paid 6 as, 27 May" date and rate added on back of folded cover to London, England, sender's directive "Perseverance" (ship), faintly struck framed "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP Lr" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), two Calcutta (May 31) transit and London (Nov. 21) arrival datestamps, cover with small piece on front panel missing (possible fumigation reasons), Fine and scarce marking

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale No. 1325, Lot 3036, (2025)

Provenance

•2025, Robert A. Siegel Sale No. 1325, Lot 3036

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-661 is a Midnapore pre stamp cover of 27 May 1823 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3036 (2025).

2 images of COV-661 are recorded (front); the Midnapore HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1813–1828.

Questions about COV-661

What is COV-661?: COV-661 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Midnapore, Bengal Presidency of 27 May 1823, bearing the Midnapore HG 2 handstamp in black. India, Midnapore, 1823, "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike with manuscript "1823 Post Paid 6 as, 27 May" date and rate added on back of folded cover to London, England, sender's directive "Perseverance" (ship), faintly struck framed "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP Lr" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), two Calcutta (May 31) transit and London (Nov. 21) arrival datestamps, cover with small piece on front panel missing (possible fumigation reasons), Fine and scarce marking
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-661?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3036 (2025).
When was COV-661 posted?: COV-661 is dated 27 May 1823, within the recorded period of use of Midnapore HG 2 (1813–1828).

About this record

This 27 May 1823 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale No. 1325, lot 3036, (2025).