How scarce is the Bellary HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Bellary HG 3 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1826–1832.

When was COV-2046 posted?

COV-2046 is dated 16 May 1826, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 3 (1826–1832).

COV-2046

16 May 1826 Bellary Cover

Back to census|Bellary HG 3 · 2 covers recorded

COV-5245 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 16 May 1826, Bellary HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-2046)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

16 May 1826

Description

Madras: 1826 (16 May) soldier's entire letter to England, countersigned by C.O., the reverse showing fine strike of the red circular "MADRAS/FREE/SOLDIERS LETTER" datestamp (HG SD10) with framed "BELLARY/POST FREE" (HG 3, much assisted), the address panel with faint large circular "INDIA SOLDIER &c/3/PORTSMOUTH"; slight toning and minor perimeter faults, otherwise fine. Photo.

Auction

Spink

Lot 310, (Oct. 2000)

Provenance

Derek Hammond Giles

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-2046 is a Bellary pre stamp cover of 16 May 1826 bearing the Bellary HG 3 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 Spink lot 310 (Oct. 2000).

1 image of COV-2046 is recorded; the Bellary HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1826–1832.

Questions about COV-2046

What is COV-2046?: COV-2046 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bellary, Madras Presidency of 16 May 1826, bearing the Bellary HG 3 handstamp in black. Madras: 1826 (16 May) soldier's entire letter to England, countersigned by C.O., the reverse showing fine strike of the red circular "MADRAS/FREE/SOLDIERS LETTER" datestamp (HG SD10) with framed "BELLARY/POST FREE" (HG 3, much assisted), the address panel with faint large circular "INDIA SOLDIER &c/3/PORTSMOUTH"; slight toning and minor perimeter faults, otherwise fine. Photo.
How scarce is the Bellary HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Bellary HG 3 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1826–1832.
What is the provenance of COV-2046?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink lot 310 (Oct. 2000).
When was COV-2046 posted?: COV-2046 is dated 16 May 1826, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 3 (1826–1832).

About this record

This 16 May 1826 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Bellary HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, lot 310, (Oct. 2000).