COV-678

1837 Patna HG 13 Cover

Back to census|Patna HG 13

1837 Patna HG 13 pre stamp cover — COV-678 — front

Patna HG 13 pre stamp cover — back (COV-678) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1837

Description

India, Patna, 1837, "PATNA Pt FREE/18__" Circular Datestamp (Giles 6). Full and clear strike in red with manuscript "7 Nov (18)37" date added on back of folded cover from Lord Auckland to Lt. Col. Low in Lucknow, signed "Auckland" at bottom left, right side flap partially missing VERY FINE STRIKE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS POST FREE POSTAL MARKING FROM PATNA. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE SIGNED LORD AUCKLAND—THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF INDIA. George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland (1784-1849), was a British politician and colonial administrator. He served as Governor General of India from 1836-1842. As he was the First Lord of the Admiralty who commissioned William Hobson's trip to New Zealand, the city of Auckland is named after him.

Auction

Auktionen Gaertner

Asia Auction No.21, Lot 1065, (6 February 2012)

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Lot 3053, (Jun. 2024)

Provenance

"Magnolia"

•2025, Robert A. Siegel Sale No. 1325, Lot 3053

Same office

Other recorded marks at Patna

18 marks

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

View all Patna marks and postal history →

About this record

This 1837 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Patna HG 13 handstamp of the Bengal Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — the only surviving cover with this mark recorded so far. It has appeared at auction with Auktionen Gaertner, Asia Auction No.21, lot 1065, (6 February 2012); Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, lot 3053, (Jun. 2024).