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-5618 posted?

COV-5618 is dated 26 October 1821, within the recorded period of use of Bangalore HG 2 (1803–1825).

COV-5618

26 October 1821 Bangalore Cover

Back to census|Bangalore HG 2 · 37 covers recorded

← COV-5616

Pre-stamp cover of India — 26 October 1821, Bangalore HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-5618)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Bangalore HG 2, scan 2 (COV-5618)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

26 October 1821

Description

India, Bangalore, 1821, "Post Paid/Bangalore" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear and mostly complete strike in red with manuscript "26th October 1821" date and "2 As" rate added on folded letter to Mysore, cover with minor horizontal file fold thru marking, Very Fine

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), Lot 326, (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-5618 is a Bangalore pre stamp cover of 26 October 1821 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 326 (2026).

2 images of COV-5618 are recorded; the Bangalore HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1803–1825.

Questions about COV-5618

What is COV-5618?: COV-5618 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bangalore, Madras Presidency of 26 October 1821, bearing the Bangalore HG 2 handstamp in black. India, Bangalore, 1821, "Post Paid/Bangalore" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear and mostly complete strike in red with manuscript "26th October 1821" date and "2 As" rate added on folded letter to Mysore, cover with minor horizontal file fold thru marking, 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-5618?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 326 (2026).
When was COV-5618 posted?: COV-5618 is dated 26 October 1821, within the recorded period of use of Bangalore HG 2 (1803–1825).

About this record

This 26 October 1821 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 326, (2026).