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-5616 posted?

COV-5616 is dated 18 May 1820, within the recorded period of use of Bangalore HG 2 (1803–1825).

COV-5616

18 May 1820 Bangalore Cover

Back to census|Bangalore HG 2 · 37 covers recorded

← COV-5240 COV-5618 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 18 May 1820, Bangalore HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-5616)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Bangalore HG 2, scan 2 (COV-5616)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

18 May 1820

Description

India, Bangalore, 1820, "Post Paid/Bangalore" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clearly struck in red with manuscript "18th May 1820" date and "6cts" rate added on cover to Major de Havilland in Madras, Madras (May 22) arrival backstamp, long letter written by Mary de Havilland (sister) to his brother, Very Fine

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), Lot 325, (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-5616 is a Bangalore pre stamp cover of 18 May 1820 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 Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 325 (2026).

2 images of COV-5616 are recorded; the Bangalore HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1803–1825.

Questions about COV-5616

What is COV-5616?: COV-5616 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bangalore, Madras Presidency of 18 May 1820, bearing the Bangalore HG 2 handstamp in black. India, Bangalore, 1820, "Post Paid/Bangalore" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clearly struck in red with manuscript "18th May 1820" date and "6cts" rate added on cover to Major de Havilland in Madras, Madras (May 22) arrival backstamp, long letter written by Mary de Havilland (sister) to his brother, 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-5616?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 325 (2026).
When was COV-5616 posted?: COV-5616 is dated 18 May 1820, within the recorded period of use of Bangalore HG 2 (1803–1825).

About this record

This 18 May 1820 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 37 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), lot 325, (2026).