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

The census grades Cochin HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1847–1859.

When was COV-5397 posted?

COV-5397 is dated 1852, within the recorded period of use of Cochin HG 3 (1847–1859).

COV-5397

1852 Cochin Cover

Back to census|Cochin HG 3 · 2 covers recorded

← COV-3739

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1852, Cochin HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-5397)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Grosvenor Auctions

Date

1852

Description

India: 1852 (Nov. 22) entire letter (commercial trade in food etc.) to Cochin with framed “BOMBAY/Paid ‘10’(annas)” (Giles type 21) datestamp and framed “COCHIN/(2-12-52)/BEARING” (Giles type 3) arrival datestamp, the latter a very fine strike and both in black, fine. Photo.

Auction

Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions

GPA 174: British Empire & Foreign Countries, Lot 2668

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-5397 is a Cochin pre stamp cover of 1852 bearing the Cochin HG 3 handstamp, struck in black, 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 Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions GPA 174: British Empire & Foreign Countries lot 2668.

1 image of COV-5397 is recorded; the Cochin HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1847–1859.

Questions about COV-5397

What is COV-5397?: COV-5397 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Cochin, Madras Presidency of 1852, bearing the Cochin HG 3 handstamp in black. India: 1852 (Nov. 22) entire letter (commercial trade in food etc.) to Cochin with framed “BOMBAY/Paid ‘10’(annas)” (Giles type 21) datestamp and framed “COCHIN/(2-12-52)/BEARING” (Giles type 3) arrival datestamp, the latter a very fine strike and both in black, fine. Photo.
How scarce is the Cochin HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Cochin HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1847–1859.
What is the provenance of COV-5397?: Its recorded auction history runs through Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions GPA 174: British Empire & Foreign Countries lot 2668.
When was COV-5397 posted?: COV-5397 is dated 1852, within the recorded period of use of Cochin HG 3 (1847–1859).

About this record

This 1852 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Cochin HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions, GPA 174: British Empire & Foreign Countries, lot 2668.