How scarce is the Madras SD3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Madras SD3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1816–1819.

When was COV-530 posted?

COV-530 is dated 1 June 1816, within the recorded period of use of Madras SD3 (1816–1819).

COV-530

1 June 1816 Madras Cover

Back to census|Madras SD3 · 21 covers recorded

COV-727 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1 June 1816, Madras SD3 handstruck folded letter (COV-530) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Madras SD3, front (COV-530) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Madras SD3, back (COV-530) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Gowtham BJ

Date

1 June 1816

Description

1816 (May 30): Entire letter from Chittoor to Guernsey, with a good strike of the rare negative circular "Crown / MADRAS SHIP LETTER" cds dated "1 June" in manuscript (Giles SD2), a fine strike of the framed UNPAID (Giles SD3) and over-inked strike intaglio and intaglio "Pt Pd" (unrecorded) handstamp. An important early item of Indian postal history.

Auction

Spink

The Dr. Soli F. Contractor Collection (Sale 1217), Lot 131, (16 December 1999)

Corinphila Auctions

Auction 309-320, Lot 1136

Provenance

Ex Soli contractor

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-530 is a Madras pre stamp cover of 1 June 1816 bearing the Madras SD3 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 Spink The Dr. Soli F. Contractor Collection (Sale 1217) lot 131 (16 December 1999); and Corinphila Auctions Auction 309-320 lot 1136.

3 images of COV-530 are recorded (front, back); the Madras SD3 mark itself is recorded in use 1816–1819.

Questions about COV-530

What is COV-530?: COV-530 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Madras, Madras Presidency of 1 June 1816, bearing the Madras SD3 handstamp in black. 1816 (May 30): Entire letter from Chittoor to Guernsey, with a good strike of the rare negative circular "Crown / MADRAS SHIP LETTER" cds dated "1 June" in manuscript (Giles SD2), a fine strike of the framed UNPAID (Giles SD3) and over-inked strike intaglio and intaglio "Pt Pd" (unrecorded) handstamp. An important early item of Indian postal history.
How scarce is the Madras SD3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Madras SD3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1816–1819.
What is the provenance of COV-530?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink The Dr. Soli F. Contractor Collection (Sale 1217) lot 131 (16 December 1999); and Corinphila Auctions Auction 309-320 lot 1136.
When was COV-530 posted?: COV-530 is dated 1 June 1816, within the recorded period of use of Madras SD3 (1816–1819).

About this record

This 1 June 1816 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Madras SD3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 21 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, The Dr. Soli F. Contractor Collection (Sale 1217), lot 131, (16 December 1999); Corinphila Auctions, Auction 309-320, lot 1136.