How scarce is the Bellary HG 1 mark on this cover?

The census grades Bellary HG 1 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1806–1821.

When was COV-5244 posted?

COV-5244 is dated 23 April 1821, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 1 (1806–1821).

COV-5244

23 April 1821 Bellary Cover

Back to census|Bellary HG 1 · 6 covers recorded

← COV-3816

Pre-stamp cover of India — 23 April 1821, Bellary HG 1 handstruck folded letter (COV-5244)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Bellary HG 1, scan 2 (COV-5244)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

23 April 1821

Description

India, Bellary, 1821, "POST PAID/BALLARY" Oval Handstamp (Giles 1). Heavy though slightly blurred strike with manuscript "23rd April 1821" date at bottom of folded letter to Madras, manuscript "8 As" rate marking, Madras (Apr. 28) arrival backstamp, cover with slight overall toning, Fine strike which is noted as "very scarce" by Giles

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10019, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Bellary

12 marks

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

+6 more at this office.View all Bellary marks and postal history →

About this Bellary pre stamp cover

COV-5244 is a Bellary pre stamp cover of 23 April 1821 bearing the Bellary HG 1 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Bellary postal history — the office known today as Ballari, 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 10019 (2026).

2 images of COV-5244 are recorded; the Bellary HG 1 mark itself is recorded in use 1806–1821.

Questions about COV-5244

What is COV-5244?: COV-5244 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bellary, Madras Presidency of 23 April 1821, bearing the Bellary HG 1 handstamp in black. India, Bellary, 1821, "POST PAID/BALLARY" Oval Handstamp (Giles 1). Heavy though slightly blurred strike with manuscript "23rd April 1821" date at bottom of folded letter to Madras, manuscript "8 As" rate marking, Madras (Apr. 28) arrival backstamp, cover with slight overall toning, Fine strike which is noted as "very scarce" by Giles
How scarce is the Bellary HG 1 mark on this cover?: The census grades Bellary HG 1 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1806–1821.
What is the provenance of COV-5244?: 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 10019 (2026).
When was COV-5244 posted?: COV-5244 is dated 23 April 1821, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 1 (1806–1821).

About this record

This 23 April 1821 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Bellary HG 1 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Very scarce” in this census — one of 6 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 10019, (2026).