Mapuca FP 3

Mapusa (Goan Konkani: Mhapxem), historically known as Mapuçá during the Portuguese period, is a city in North Goa, India. It is situated approximately 13 kilometres north of Panaji, the state capital, and serves as the administrative headquarters of Bardez taluka. Mapusa developed as an important commercial and market centre for the surrounding Bardez region. Its location connected numerous villages of northern Goa with the principal coastal and administrative centres of the territory. During the period of Portuguese India, Mapusa formed part of the long-established Portuguese possessions in Goa and was known by the Portuguese name Mapuçá. The city continues to be an important commercial centre of North Goa and is particularly well known for its traditional market.

Mapuca FP 3 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Mapuca — the present-day Mapusa — in the Goa (Portuguese India), British India, recorded in use —. Known strikes are in black. Its "FP 3" designation is the figure number assigned in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.

No surviving cover bearing this mark has been recorded in the census yet — if you hold one, it may be the first recorded example. 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 FP3" material can compare FP 3 across every office or browse the rest of the Mapuca marks.

"P.N.P." Straightline