How scarce is the Mercara HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Mercara HG 3 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1838–1852.

When was COV-919 posted?

COV-919 is dated 1838, within the recorded period of use of Mercara HG 3 (1838–1852).

COV-919

1838 Mercara Cover

Back to census|Mercara HG 3 · 2 covers recorded

COV-5362 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1838, Mercara HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-919)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of David Feldman Auctions

Date

1838

Description

1838 (Jul 6) Wrapper sent “On the Service” sent from Mangalore to Mercara with “MANGALORE / 1838 July 6 / FREE” oval ds and oval “MERCARA” with ms date (not recorded by Giles), fine

Auction

David Feldman

Lot 50956

Same office

Other recorded marks at Mercara

2 marks

2 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.

View all Mercara marks and postal history →

About this Mercara pre stamp cover

COV-919 is a Mercara pre stamp cover of 1838 bearing the Mercara HG 3 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Mercara postal history — the office known today as Madikeri, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

1838 (Jul 6) Wrapper sent “On the Service” sent from Mangalore to Mercara with “MANGALORE / 1838 July 6 / FREE” oval ds and oval “MERCARA” with ms date (not recorded by Giles), fine

Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman lot 50956.

1 image of COV-919 is recorded; the Mercara HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1838–1852.

Questions about COV-919

What is COV-919?: COV-919 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Mercara, Madras Presidency of 1838, bearing the Mercara HG 3 handstamp in red. 1838 (Jul 6) Wrapper sent “On the Service” sent from Mangalore to Mercara with “MANGALORE / 1838 July 6 / FREE” oval ds and oval “MERCARA” with ms date (not recorded by Giles), fine
How scarce is the Mercara HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Mercara HG 3 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1838–1852.
What is the provenance of COV-919?: Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman lot 50956.
When was COV-919 posted?: COV-919 is dated 1838, within the recorded period of use of Mercara HG 3 (1838–1852).

About this record

This 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Mercara HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Very scarce” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with David Feldman, lot 50956.