How scarce is the Bangalore HG 2 mark on this cover?

The census grades Bangalore HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1803–1825.

When was COV-5240 posted?

COV-5240 is dated 21 December 1809, within the recorded period of use of Bangalore HG 2 (1803–1825).

COV-5240

21 December 1809 Bangalore Cover

Back to census|Bangalore HG 2 · 35 covers recorded

← COV-4520

Pre-stamp cover of India — 21 December 1809, Bangalore HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-5240)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Bangalore HG 2, scan 2 (COV-5240)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

21 December 1809

Description

India, Bangalore, 1809, "Post Paid/Bangalore" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike in red with manuscript "21 December 1809 - 9f" date and rate added on folded letter from de Havilland to his wife in Madras, Very Fine

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10014, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Bangalore

18 marks

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

+12 more at this office.View all Bangalore marks and postal history →

About this Bangalore pre stamp cover

COV-5240 is a Bangalore pre stamp cover of 21 December 1809 bearing the Bangalore HG 2 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Bangalore postal history — the office known today as Bengaluru, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10014 (2026).

2 images of COV-5240 are recorded; the Bangalore HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1803–1825.

Questions about COV-5240

What is COV-5240?: COV-5240 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bangalore, Madras Presidency of 21 December 1809, bearing the Bangalore HG 2 handstamp in black. India, Bangalore, 1809, "Post Paid/Bangalore" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike in red with manuscript "21 December 1809 - 9f" date and rate added on folded letter from de Havilland to his wife in Madras, Very Fine
How scarce is the Bangalore HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Bangalore HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1803–1825.
What is the provenance of COV-5240?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10014 (2026).
When was COV-5240 posted?: COV-5240 is dated 21 December 1809, within the recorded period of use of Bangalore HG 2 (1803–1825).

About this record

This 21 December 1809 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Bangalore HG 2 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 35 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), lot 10014, (2026).