How scarce is the Bellary HG 4 mark on this cover?

The census grades Bellary HG 4 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1828–1837.

When was COV-5246 posted?

COV-5246 is dated 27 July 1834, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 4 (1828–1837).

COV-5246

27 July 1834 Bellary Cover

Back to census|Bellary HG 4 · 6 covers recorded

← COV-3814

Pre-stamp cover of India — 27 July 1834, Bellary HG 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-5246)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Bellary HG 4, scan 2 (COV-5246)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

27 July 1834

Description

India, Bellary, 1834, "BELLARY/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 4). Clear strike in red with manuscript "Bellary 27th July 1834" date on back of folded letter to London, England, sender's directive "post paid 9 annas to Madras" , red framed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 4), Madras Outstation (Jul. 31) transit and London (Dec. 18) arrival backstamp, manuscript "2/8" rate marking, cover with slight overall climactic toning, Very Fine strike

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10021, (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-5246 is a Bellary pre stamp cover of 27 July 1834 bearing the Bellary HG 4 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10021 (2026).

2 images of COV-5246 are recorded; the Bellary HG 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1828–1837.

Questions about COV-5246

What is COV-5246?: COV-5246 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Bellary, Madras Presidency of 27 July 1834, bearing the Bellary HG 4 handstamp in red. India, Bellary, 1834, "BELLARY/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 4). Clear strike in red with manuscript "Bellary 27th July 1834" date on back of folded letter to London, England, sender's directive "post paid 9 annas to Madras" , red framed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 4), Madras Outstation (Jul. 31) transit and London (Dec. 18) arrival backstamp, manuscript "2/8" rate marking, cover with slight overall climactic toning, Very Fine strike
How scarce is the Bellary HG 4 mark on this cover?: The census grades Bellary HG 4 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1828–1837.
What is the provenance of COV-5246?: 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 10021 (2026).
When was COV-5246 posted?: COV-5246 is dated 27 July 1834, within the recorded period of use of Bellary HG 4 (1828–1837).

About this record

This 27 July 1834 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Bellary HG 4 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” 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 10021, (2026).