Scan or Photo Courtesy of Gowtham BJ
Date
1 June 1816
Description
1816 (May 30): Entire letter from Chittoor to Guernsey, with a good strike of the rare negative circular "Crown / MADRAS SHIP LETTER" cds dated "1 June" in manuscript (Giles SD2), a fine strike of the framed UNPAID (Giles SD3) and over-inked strike intaglio and intaglio "Pt Pd" (unrecorded) handstamp. An important early item of Indian postal history.
Auction
Auction 309-320, Lot 1136
Provenance
Ex Soli contractor
Same office
Other recorded marks at Chittoor
4 marks4 other pre-1854 postal markings of Chittoor are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.
About this record
This 1 June 1816 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Chittoor HG 1 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Rare” in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, lot 131, (Dec. 1999); Corinphila Auctions, Auction 309-320, lot 1136.