What is the Mapuca FP 4 handstamp?

Mapuca FP 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Mapuca in the Goa (Portuguese India), British India, recorded in use —. The "FP 4" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in red.

How rare is Mapuca FP 4?

Mapuca FP 4 is graded "Rare" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 2 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.

What does a Mapuca pre stamp cover with FP 4 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Mapuca is a folded letter or envelope carried before India's first adhesive stamp of 1854, with postage shown entirely by hand-struck marks like FP 4. 2 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. Each census record on this page links to full cover images, dates and auction provenance.

How do I identify or submit a Mapuca FP 4 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (—). If your cover is not already recorded, you can submit front and back photographs through the census form on this page; every submission is editor-reviewed before publication.

Goa (Portuguese India) · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Mapuca FP 4

Handstamp

Colour & date: Red—
Rarity: Rare
Figure: FP4
Submitted by: Andrew Titley

All Mapuca

Census

Census records

2 covers recorded

2 pre-1854 covers bearing the Mapuca FP 4 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-3018

11 January 1865

"Mapuca Livre" Handstamp. Bold strike of two-line handstamp on back of 1865 official folded cover to Portugal, properly marked "S.N.R." on front, dated Jan. 11, 1865, and signed by sender, no other postal markings as usual for official mail, minor ink erosion at bottom and opening tear affecting signature VERY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST STRIKES OF THE RARE "MAPUCA LIVRE" OFFICIAL HANDSTAMP. The word "Livre" indicates that the letter was exempt from postal charges within Portuguese territories. Official letters were identified by writing "S.N.R." (stands for "Servico Nacional e Real"), the date and signature of the sender.

COV-3017

1866

PORTUGUESE INDIA, "Mapuca Livre" Handstamp. Clearly struck red handstamp on back of 1866 folded official cover to Goa, properly marked "S.N.R." on front, dated Mar. 19, 1866 and signed by sender, red "GOA" boxed handstamp on arrival, minor ink erosion VERY FINE. ONLY A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE "MAPUCA LIBRE" OFFICIAL HANDSTAMP ARE RECORDED. The word "Livre" indicates that the letter was exempt from postal charges within Portuguese territories. Official letters were identified by writing "S.N.R." (stands for "Servico Nacional e Real"), the date and signature of the sender.

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About this mark

The Mapuca FP 4 handstamp

Mapuca FP 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Mapuca in the Goa (Portuguese India), British India, recorded in use —. Known strikes are in red. Its "FP 4" designation is the figure number assigned in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.

2 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. On the strength of that count the mark is graded "Rare" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for mapuca pre stamp covers, mapuca postal history or "Mapuca FP4" material can compare FP 4 across every office or browse the rest of the Mapuca marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Mapuca FP 4 handstamp?: Mapuca FP 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Mapuca in the Goa (Portuguese India), British India, recorded in use —. The "FP 4" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in red.
How rare is Mapuca FP 4?: Mapuca FP 4 is graded "Rare" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 2 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
What does a Mapuca pre stamp cover with FP 4 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Mapuca is a folded letter or envelope carried before India's first adhesive stamp of 1854, with postage shown entirely by hand-struck marks like FP 4. 2 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. Each census record on this page links to full cover images, dates and auction provenance.
How do I identify or submit a Mapuca FP 4 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (—). If your cover is not already recorded, you can submit front and back photographs through the census form on this page; every submission is editor-reviewed before publication.

Suggest a correction

Spotted a wrong date, colour or rarity? Propose a change — every suggestion is reviewed before it is applied.

Also searched as: Mapuca FP 4, Mapuca FP4, Mapuca Giles FP 4, Mapuca handstamp, Mapuca pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Mapuca FP 4 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/goa/mapuca/fp-4 (accessed 24 July 2026).

Updated: 24 Jul 2026

Mapuca FP 4

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The Mapuca FP 4 handstamp

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