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

The census grades Cochin HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1843–1859.

When was COV-4710 posted?

COV-4710 is dated 5 December 1854, within the recorded period of use of Cochin HG 2 (1843–1859).

COV-4710

5 December 1854 Cochin Cover

Back to census|Cochin HG 2 · 10 covers recorded

← COV-4568 COV-5170 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 5 December 1854, Cochin HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-4710) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Cochin HG 2, back (COV-4710) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

5 December 1854

Description

India, 1854, 1a Red, Die I (4; SG 12). Huge to large margins on each side, stamp with overall soiling, tied by diamond of dots cancel on petite 1854 registered cover to Madras, red framed "COCHIN/PAID" despatch handstamp (Giles 2) and manuscript "5-12-54" date added on back, manuscript "Registered Letter" on back, framed "AM" handstamp, red Madras arrival backstamp, cover with some edgewear and minor tears, Very Fine, a particularly early registered cover

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5, Lot 70, (09/30/2025)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Cochin

5 marks

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

View all Cochin marks and postal history →

About this Cochin pre stamp cover

COV-4710 is a Cochin pre stamp cover of 5 December 1854 bearing the Cochin HG 2 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Cochin postal history — the office known today as Kochi, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5 lot 70 (09/30/2025).

2 images of COV-4710 are recorded (front, back); the Cochin HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1843–1859.

Questions about COV-4710

What is COV-4710?: COV-4710 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Cochin, Madras Presidency of 5 December 1854, bearing the Cochin HG 2 handstamp in red. India, 1854, 1a Red, Die I (4; SG 12). Huge to large margins on each side, stamp with overall soiling, tied by diamond of dots cancel on petite 1854 registered cover to Madras, red framed "COCHIN/PAID" despatch handstamp (Giles 2) and manuscript "5-12-54" date added on back, manuscript "Registered Letter" on back, framed "AM" handstamp, red Madras arrival backstamp, cover with some edgewear and minor tears, Very Fine, a particularly early registered cover
How scarce is the Cochin HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Cochin HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1843–1859.
What is the provenance of COV-4710?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5 lot 70 (09/30/2025).
When was COV-4710 posted?: COV-4710 is dated 5 December 1854, within the recorded period of use of Cochin HG 2 (1843–1859).

About this record

This 5 December 1854 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Cochin HG 2 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 10 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5, lot 70, (09/30/2025).