COV-4690 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Madras, Madras Presidency of 20 August 1856, bearing the Madras MX7 handstamp in black. India 1856 1/2a blue lithograph Die I, SG 2, cover sent from Madras to Jaulnah, tied by manuscript and diamond of lines, with red transit/arrival cachets.

How scarce is the Madras MX7 mark on this cover?

The census grades Madras MX7 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840–1854.

When was COV-4690 posted?

COV-4690 is dated 20 August 1856, within the recorded period of use of Madras MX7 (1840–1854).

COV-4690

20 August 1856 Madras Cover

Back to census|Madras MX7 · 4 covers recorded

← COV-3827

Pre-stamp cover of India — 20 August 1856, Madras MX7 handstruck folded letter (COV-4690)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Madras MX7, scan 2 (COV-4690)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Sephils

Date

20 August 1856

Description

India 1856 1/2a blue lithograph Die I, SG 2, cover sent from Madras to Jaulnah, tied by manuscript and diamond of lines, with red transit/arrival cachets.

Auction

Sephils

710, Lot 0057, (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-4690 is a Madras pre stamp cover of 20 August 1856 bearing the Madras MX7 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?

India 1856 1/2a blue lithograph Die I, SG 2, cover sent from Madras to Jaulnah, tied by manuscript and diamond of lines, with red transit/arrival cachets.

Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 710 lot 0057 (2026).

2 images of COV-4690 are recorded; the Madras MX7 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1854.

Questions about COV-4690

What is COV-4690?: COV-4690 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Madras, Madras Presidency of 20 August 1856, bearing the Madras MX7 handstamp in black. India 1856 1/2a blue lithograph Die I, SG 2, cover sent from Madras to Jaulnah, tied by manuscript and diamond of lines, with red transit/arrival cachets.
How scarce is the Madras MX7 mark on this cover?: The census grades Madras MX7 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840–1854.
What is the provenance of COV-4690?: Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 710 lot 0057 (2026).
When was COV-4690 posted?: COV-4690 is dated 20 August 1856, within the recorded period of use of Madras MX7 (1840–1854).

About this record

This 20 August 1856 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Madras MX7 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 4 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Sephils, 710, lot 0057, (2026).