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

The census grades Madras HG 4 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1795–1826.

When was COV-5299 posted?

COV-5299 is dated 1801, within the recorded period of use of Madras HG 4 (1795–1826).

COV-5299

1801 Madras Cover

Back to census|Madras HG 4 · 43 covers recorded

← COV-5230

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1801, Madras HG 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-5299)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Madras HG 4, scan 2 (COV-5299)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1801

Description

India, Madras, 1801, "Post Paid/Fort St George" Oval Handstamp (Giles 4). Clear strike, used with "7" and "May" handstamps on 1801 folded letter to Captain Vaughan in Kishnayhurry, manuscript "3f" rate marking, cover missing small piece of flap, Fine

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10096, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Madras

81 marks

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

+75 more at this office.View all Madras marks and postal history →

About this Madras pre stamp cover

COV-5299 is a Madras pre stamp cover of 1801 bearing the Madras HG 4 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Madras postal history — the office known today as Chennai, 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 10096 (2026).

2 images of COV-5299 are recorded; the Madras HG 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1795–1826.

Questions about COV-5299

What is COV-5299?: COV-5299 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Madras, Madras Presidency of 1801, bearing the Madras HG 4 handstamp in black. India, Madras, 1801, "Post Paid/Fort St George" Oval Handstamp (Giles 4). Clear strike, used with "7" and "May" handstamps on 1801 folded letter to Captain Vaughan in Kishnayhurry, manuscript "3f" rate marking, cover missing small piece of flap, Fine
How scarce is the Madras HG 4 mark on this cover?: The census grades Madras HG 4 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1795–1826.
What is the provenance of COV-5299?: 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 10096 (2026).
When was COV-5299 posted?: COV-5299 is dated 1801, within the recorded period of use of Madras HG 4 (1795–1826).

About this record

This 1801 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Madras HG 4 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 43 surviving covers with this mark recorded. 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 10096, (2026).