How scarce is the Bellary HG 11 mark on this cover?

The census grades Bellary HG 11 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1838–1849.

When was COV-3823 posted?

COV-3823 is dated 11 August 1838, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 11 (1838–1849).

COV-3823

11 August 1838 Bellary Cover

Back to census|Bellary HG 11 · 5 covers recorded

← COV-2714

Pre-stamp cover of India — 11 August 1838, Bellary HG 11 handstruck folded letter (COV-3823) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Bellary HG 11, front (COV-3823) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Gowtham BJ

Date

11 August 1838

Description

1838 soldiers letter from John Wilmott Musician at bellary addressed to cambridge and countersigned by the commanding officer, with rare "Bellary/1838 August 11" HG11 handstamp in red color along with "Madras/ Ship Letter/ 1838 August 31/ Free" SD18 handstamp in red color. Note also the 42mm circular handstamp "INDIA SOLDIERS/3/LONDON" applied on arrival to indicate the soldier's privilege postage of 2d Sea Postage and Id U.K. Inland Postage payable by the addressee.

Auction

Spink

Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection (Sale 8029), Lot 187, (16 May 2008)

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-3823 is a Bellary pre stamp cover of 11 August 1838 bearing the Bellary HG 11 handstamp, struck in red, 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 Spink Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection (Sale 8029) lot 187 (16 May 2008).

2 images of COV-3823 are recorded (front); the Bellary HG 11 mark itself is recorded in use 1838–1849.

Questions about COV-3823

What is COV-3823?: COV-3823 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bellary, Madras Presidency of 11 August 1838, bearing the Bellary HG 11 handstamp in red. 1838 soldiers letter from John Wilmott Musician at bellary addressed to cambridge and countersigned by the commanding officer, with rare "Bellary/1838 August 11" HG11 handstamp in red color along with "Madras/ Ship Letter/ 1838 August 31/ Free" SD18 handstamp in red color. Note also the 42mm circular handstamp "INDIA SOLDIERS/3/LONDON" applied on arrival to indicate the soldier's privilege postage of 2d Sea Postage and Id U.K. Inland Postage payable by the addressee.
How scarce is the Bellary HG 11 mark on this cover?: The census grades Bellary HG 11 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1838–1849.
What is the provenance of COV-3823?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection (Sale 8029) lot 187 (16 May 2008).
When was COV-3823 posted?: COV-3823 is dated 11 August 1838, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 11 (1838–1849).

About this record

This 11 August 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Bellary HG 11 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 5 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection (Sale 8029), lot 187, (16 May 2008).