How scarce is the Pondicherry HG 10 mark on this cover?

The census grades Pondicherry HG 10 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1839–1854.

When was COV-604 posted?

COV-604 is dated 2 June 1853, within the recorded period of use of Pondicherry HG 10 (1839–1854).

COV-604

2 June 1853 Pondicherry Cover

Back to census|Pondicherry HG 10 · 22 covers recorded

← COV-338 COV-605 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 2 June 1853, Pondicherry HG 10 handstruck folded letter (COV-604) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Pondicherry HG 10, back (COV-604) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Gowtham BJ

Date

2 June 1853

Description

1853 (June 2): Entire letter to Nantes endorsed "per Steamer via Suez & Marseille" struck framed "PONDICHERY / Paid" datestamp (June 3) in red with "1a." inserted in manuscript for rate to Madras (backstamped June 7). Curved INDIA PAID in red (1s. in manuscript). Carried on the "Hindostan" from Galle to Suez and on the "Caire" from Alexandria to Marseille where struck with "INDES OR. / MARSEILLE" entry marking in red (July 17) and charged '10' décimes due on receipt.

Auction

Corinphila Auctions

Auction 291-297, Lot 512

Same office

Other recorded marks at Pondicherry

15 marks

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

+9 more at this office.View all Pondicherry marks and postal history →

About this Pondicherry pre stamp cover

COV-604 is a Pondicherry pre stamp cover of 2 June 1853 bearing the Pondicherry HG 10 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Pondicherry postal history — the office known today as Puducherry, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Corinphila Auctions Auction 291-297 lot 512.

2 images of COV-604 are recorded (front, back); the Pondicherry HG 10 mark itself is recorded in use 1839–1854.

Questions about COV-604

What is COV-604?: COV-604 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Pondicherry, Madras Presidency of 2 June 1853, bearing the Pondicherry HG 10 handstamp in red. 1853 (June 2): Entire letter to Nantes endorsed "per Steamer via Suez & Marseille" struck framed "PONDICHERY / Paid" datestamp (June 3) in red with "1a." inserted in manuscript for rate to Madras (backstamped June 7). Curved INDIA PAID in red (1s. in manuscript). Carried on the "Hindostan" from Galle to Suez and on the "Caire" from Alexandria to Marseille where struck with "INDES OR. / MARSEILLE" entry marking in red (July 17) and charged '10' décimes due on receipt.
How scarce is the Pondicherry HG 10 mark on this cover?: The census grades Pondicherry HG 10 as very common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1839–1854.
What is the provenance of COV-604?: Its recorded auction history runs through Corinphila Auctions Auction 291-297 lot 512.
When was COV-604 posted?: COV-604 is dated 2 June 1853, within the recorded period of use of Pondicherry HG 10 (1839–1854).

About this record

This 2 June 1853 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Pondicherry HG 10 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Very common” in this census — one of 22 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Corinphila Auctions, Auction 291-297, lot 512.