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

The census grades Calicut HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840–1852.

When was COV-2086 posted?

COV-2086 is dated 1 September 1852, within the recorded period of use of Calicut HG 3 (1840–1852).

COV-2086

1 September 1852 Calicut Cover

Back to census|Calicut HG 3 · 3 covers recorded

COV-3771 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1 September 1852, Calicut HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-2086)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Calicut HG 3, scan 2 (COV-2086)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1 September 1852

Description

India, Calicut, 1843-52, "CALICUT/Paid" and "CALICUT/Bearing" Framed Handstamps (Giles 2-3). Two covers, first red "Paid" with manuscript "28 6 43" date and "3as" rate added on back of petite folded cover to Madras, red framed "AM" handstamp, second black "Bearing" with manuscript "1-9-52" date added on back of incoming cover from Bombay, Bombay Aug. 23, 1852 despatch datestamp with manuscript "R 1" rate added, latter with slight bleaching around Calicut handstamp, otherwise Very Fine pair, the "Bearing" marking is a particularly late use (only recorded in 1840 by Giles)

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Lot 10046, (Nov. 2025)

Provenance

"Magnolia"

Same office

Other recorded marks at Calicut

5 marks

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

View all Calicut marks and postal history →

About this Calicut pre stamp cover

COV-2086 is a Calicut pre stamp cover of 1 September 1852 bearing the Calicut HG 3 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Calicut postal history — the office known today as Kozhikode, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries lot 10046 (Nov. 2025).

2 images of COV-2086 are recorded; the Calicut HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1852.

Questions about COV-2086

What is COV-2086?: COV-2086 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Calicut, Madras Presidency of 1 September 1852, bearing the Calicut HG 3 handstamp in black. India, Calicut, 1843-52, "CALICUT/Paid" and "CALICUT/Bearing" Framed Handstamps (Giles 2-3). Two covers, first red "Paid" with manuscript "28 6 43" date and "3as" rate added on back of petite folded cover to Madras, red framed "AM" handstamp, second black "Bearing" with manuscript "1-9-52" date added on back of incoming cover from Bombay, Bombay Aug. 23, 1852 despatch datestamp with manuscript "R 1" rate added, latter with slight bleaching around Calicut handstamp, otherwise Very Fine pair, the "Bearing" marking is a particularly late use (only recorded in 1840 by Giles)
How scarce is the Calicut HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Calicut HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840–1852.
What is the provenance of COV-2086?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries lot 10046 (Nov. 2025).
When was COV-2086 posted?: COV-2086 is dated 1 September 1852, within the recorded period of use of Calicut HG 3 (1840–1852).

About this record

This 1 September 1852 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Calicut HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, lot 10046, (Nov. 2025).