Scan or Photo Courtesy of Corinphila Auctions
Date
11 April 1843
Description
1843 (April 11): Cover and complete contents written by Brian H. Hodgson, British Resident in Nepal just prior to his resignation in 1844, struck on reverse with extraordinary and very rare strike of oval framed 'NEPAUL / FREE' handstamp in red with date '12th April, 43' inserted in manuscript. An extremely rare marking, only discovered in 2002, with just 5 examples of this postmark recorded. Note: A fine political letter from Hodgson mentioning 'Lord A' (Auckland), also explaining his reasons for his actions which led to his replacement as Resident in Nepal by H. M. Lawrence; addressed to Sir Thomas Herbert Maddock, from 1845 to 1849 the Deputy Governor of Bengal and President of the Council of India.
Auction
205-209 Auction, Lot 3006
Same office
Other recorded marks at Nepaul
3 marks3 other pre-1854 postal markings of Nepaul are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.
About this record
This 11 April 1843 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Nepaul HG 3 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark with 5 examples recorded in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Corinphila Auctions, 205-209 Auction, lot 3006.