COV-5003 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Surat, Bombay Presidency of 28 August 1852, bearing the Surat HG 3 handstamp in red. Entire from Surat to Lincoln's Inn, London, 'Paid to Bombay' via Marseilles. SURAT datestamp HG 3, 28-8-52, 2As; Bombay G.P.O. HG G4 on reverse; oval INDIA in black.

How scarce is the Surat HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Surat HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1842–1857.

When was COV-5003 posted?

COV-5003 is dated 28 August 1852, within the recorded period of use of Surat HG 3 (1842–1857).

COV-5003

28 August 1852 Surat Cover

Back to census|Surat HG 3 · 7 covers recorded

← COV-4772

Pre-stamp cover of India — 28 August 1852, Surat HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-5003)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of David Feldman Auctions

Date

28 August 1852

Description

Entire from Surat to Lincoln's Inn, London, 'Paid to Bombay' via Marseilles. SURAT datestamp HG 3, 28-8-52, 2As; Bombay G.P.O. HG G4 on reverse; oval INDIA in black.

Auction

David Feldman

Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire, Lot 50707, (2025)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Surat

3 marks

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

View all Surat marks and postal history →

About this Surat pre stamp cover

COV-5003 is a Surat pre stamp cover of 28 August 1852 bearing the Surat HG 3 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Surat postal history, Bombay Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Entire from Surat to Lincoln's Inn, London, 'Paid to Bombay' via Marseilles. SURAT datestamp HG 3, 28-8-52, 2As; Bombay G.P.O. HG G4 on reverse; oval INDIA in black.

Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman SA Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire lot 50707 (2025).

1 image of COV-5003 is recorded; the Surat HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1842–1857.

Questions about COV-5003

What is COV-5003?: COV-5003 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Surat, Bombay Presidency of 28 August 1852, bearing the Surat HG 3 handstamp in red. Entire from Surat to Lincoln's Inn, London, 'Paid to Bombay' via Marseilles. SURAT datestamp HG 3, 28-8-52, 2As; Bombay G.P.O. HG G4 on reverse; oval INDIA in black.
How scarce is the Surat HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Surat HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1842–1857.
What is the provenance of COV-5003?: Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman SA Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire lot 50707 (2025).
When was COV-5003 posted?: COV-5003 is dated 28 August 1852, within the recorded period of use of Surat HG 3 (1842–1857).

About this record

This 28 August 1852 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Surat HG 3 handstamp of the Bombay Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 7 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with David Feldman, Autumn 2025 Auction Series - British Empire, lot 50707, (2025).