How scarce is the Chittoor HG 2 mark on this cover?

The census grades Chittoor HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1816–1820.

When was COV-27 posted?

COV-27 is dated 15 August 1817, within the recorded period of use of Chittoor HG 2 (1816–1820).

COV-27

15 August 1817 Chittoor Cover

Back to census|Chittoor HG 2 · 17 covers recorded

COV-86 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 15 August 1817, Chittoor HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-27) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Chittoor HG 2, back (COV-27) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

15 August 1817

Description

India, Chittoor, 1817, "CHITTOOR POST OFFICE" Negative Intaglio Handstamp (Giles 2). Unusually strong strike though watery as often seen, with manuscript "the 15th August 1817" date added on back of folded letter to Major de Havilland in Madras, Madras (Aug. 17) arrival datestamp, small piece missing on flap from opening and mild vertical file folds, Fine strike which is noted as "rare" by Giles

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale 9054, Lot 10025, — Magnolia Collection Part 7

Provenance

"Magnolia"

•2026, Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, Lot 10025, Realized $250— The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 7 (Robert C. Bauer)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Chittoor

4 marks

4 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.

View all Chittoor marks and postal history →

About this Chittoor pre stamp cover

COV-27 is a Chittoor pre stamp cover of 15 August 1817 bearing the Chittoor HG 2 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Chittoor postal history, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10025.

2 images of COV-27 are recorded (front, back); the Chittoor HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1816–1820.

Questions about COV-27

What is COV-27?: COV-27 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Chittoor, Madras Presidency of 15 August 1817, bearing the Chittoor HG 2 handstamp in black. India, Chittoor, 1817, "CHITTOOR POST OFFICE" Negative Intaglio Handstamp (Giles 2). Unusually strong strike though watery as often seen, with manuscript "the 15th August 1817" date added on back of folded letter to Major de Havilland in Madras, Madras (Aug. 17) arrival datestamp, small piece missing on flap from opening and mild vertical file folds, Fine strike which is noted as "rare" by Giles
How scarce is the Chittoor HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Chittoor HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1816–1820.
What is the provenance of COV-27?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10025.
When was COV-27 posted?: COV-27 is dated 15 August 1817, within the recorded period of use of Chittoor HG 2 (1816–1820).

About this record

This 15 August 1817 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Chittoor HG 2 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 17 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, lot 10025. Recorded prices realized: $250, Siegel Auction Galleries, (2026).