COV-4653 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bombay, Bombay Presidency of 1858, bearing the Bombay SR3 handstamp in black. India BOMBAY SHIPLETTER Bearing Giles SR3 on two covers from Persia

How scarce is the Bombay SR3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Bombay SR3 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1860.

When was COV-4653 posted?

COV-4653 is dated 1858, within the recorded period of use of Bombay SR3 (1837–1860).

COV-4653

1858 Bombay Cover

Back to census|Bombay SR3 · 23 covers recorded

← COV-4417 COV-4898 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1858, Bombay SR3 handstruck folded letter (COV-4653) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of StampBay Auctions

Date

1858

Description

India BOMBAY SHIPLETTER Bearing Giles SR3 on two covers from Persia

Auction

StampBay

Auction 16, Lot 10, (Apr 26, 2025)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Bombay

111 marks

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

+105 more at this office.View all Bombay marks and postal history →

About this Bombay pre stamp cover

COV-4653 is a Bombay pre stamp cover of 1858 bearing the Bombay SR3 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Bombay postal history — the office known today as Mumbai, Bombay Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

India BOMBAY SHIPLETTER Bearing Giles SR3 on two covers from Persia

Its recorded auction history runs through StampBay Auction 16 lot 10 (Apr 26, 2025).

1 image of COV-4653 is recorded (front); the Bombay SR3 mark itself is recorded in use 1837–1860.

Questions about COV-4653

What is COV-4653?: COV-4653 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bombay, Bombay Presidency of 1858, bearing the Bombay SR3 handstamp in black. India BOMBAY SHIPLETTER Bearing Giles SR3 on two covers from Persia
How scarce is the Bombay SR3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Bombay SR3 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1837–1860.
What is the provenance of COV-4653?: Its recorded auction history runs through StampBay Auction 16 lot 10 (Apr 26, 2025).
When was COV-4653 posted?: COV-4653 is dated 1858, within the recorded period of use of Bombay SR3 (1837–1860).

About this record

This 1858 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Bombay SR3 handstamp of the Bombay Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 23 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with StampBay, Auction 16, lot 10, (Apr 26, 2025).