Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries
Date
25 Jul 1816
Description
Cumbum, 1816, "POSTPAID/CUMBUM" Handstamp (Giles 1). Clear strike of two-line handstamp on folded letter datelined Tripuranthakam Jul. 25, 1816, with docketing noting Jul. 29 despatch, addressed to "Major De Havilland" in Chittoor, Very Fine strike, noted in Giles as rare with only few examples thought to exist, the recipient, Lieut. Col. Thomas Fiott de Havilland (1775-1866), was a decorated British army officer who was stationed in India before returning to Guernsey
Auction
Sale 1286, Lot 21
Same office
Other recorded marks at Cumbum
1 markOne other pre-1854 postal marking of Cumbum is recorded in the census. Compare it against this mark to place your cover.
About this record
This 25 Jul 1816 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Cumbum HG 1 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark with 5 examples recorded in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 1286, lot 21.