Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries
This 19 November 1854 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Mercara HG 1 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 1360 - The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5, lot 69, (2025).
Date
19 November 1854
Description
India, 1854, 1a Red, Die I (4; SG 12). Stone "A", "L" shaped block of nine, Positions 49-54/60-62, mostly large margins, just touching in several places at top, tied by diamond of dots cancels on large portion of 1854 folded letter front only with top flap to Cheltenham, England, sender's directive "Overland via Southampton", red framed "MERCARA, Paid" (Giles 1) with manuscript "18th 11-/54" date added despatch on flap, bold red Madras (Nov. 22) and London (Jan. 5, 1855) transit, the latter also ties the block, and partial Cheltenham arrival datestamps, front with some flaws including tear thru despatch marking FINE AND RARE USE OF AN "L" SHAPED BLOCK OF NINE OF THE ONE-ANNA LITHOGRAPH FROM DIE I. Multiples of this size used on cover are rarely encountered. Not to mention, this is a very early use as stamps were issued Oct. 1, 1854.
Auction
Sale 1360 - The Magnolia Collection: India Stamps and Postal History, Part 5, Lot 69, (2025)
Same office
Other recorded marks at Mercara
2 marks2 other pre-1854 postal markings of Mercara are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.