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

The census grades Chittoor HG 4 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836–1837.

When was COV-5281 posted?

COV-5281 is dated 15 September 1836, within the recorded period of use of Chittoor HG 4 (1836–1837).

COV-5281

15 September 1836 Chittoor Cover

Back to census|Chittoor HG 4

Pre-stamp cover of India — 15 September 1836, Chittoor HG 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-5281)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Chittoor HG 4, scan 2 (COV-5281)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

15 September 1836

Description

India, Chittoor, 1836, "CHITTOOR/POST PAID" Framed Handstamp (Giles 4). Clear strike in red with manuscript "Inland 5 As, Ship Postage 4 as, 15 September 1836" date and rate added on back of folded letter to London, England, red framed "INDIA LETTER/PENZANCE" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), Madras Out Station (Sept. 17) transit and London (Jan. 19, 1837) arrival backstamps, small piece from flap missing affecting Penzance handstamp, some slight toning on front (mainly along file fold), Fine and scarce strike

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10071, (2026)

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-5281 is a Chittoor pre stamp cover of 15 September 1836 bearing the Chittoor HG 4 handstamp, struck in purple, 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 The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10071 (2026).

2 images of COV-5281 are recorded; the Chittoor HG 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1836–1837.

Questions about COV-5281

What is COV-5281?: COV-5281 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Chittoor, Madras Presidency of 15 September 1836, bearing the Chittoor HG 4 handstamp in purple. India, Chittoor, 1836, "CHITTOOR/POST PAID" Framed Handstamp (Giles 4). Clear strike in red with manuscript "Inland 5 As, Ship Postage 4 as, 15 September 1836" date and rate added on back of folded letter to London, England, red framed "INDIA LETTER/PENZANCE" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), Madras Out Station (Sept. 17) transit and London (Jan. 19, 1837) arrival backstamps, small piece from flap missing affecting Penzance handstamp, some slight toning on front (mainly along file fold), Fine and scarce strike
How scarce is the Chittoor HG 4 mark on this cover?: The census grades Chittoor HG 4 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836–1837.
What is the provenance of COV-5281?: 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 10071 (2026).
When was COV-5281 posted?: COV-5281 is dated 15 September 1836, within the recorded period of use of Chittoor HG 4 (1836–1837).

About this record

This 15 September 1836 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Chittoor HG 4 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — the only surviving cover with this mark recorded so far. 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 10071, (2026).