COV-702 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Pondicherry, Madras Presidency of 1818, bearing the Pondicherry HG 1a handstamp in black. "Pondicherry" With Star Handstamp (Giles 1). French Settlement cover.

How scarce is the Pondicherry HG 1a mark on this cover?

The census grades Pondicherry HG 1a as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1818.

When was COV-702 posted?

COV-702 is dated 1818, within the recorded period of use of Pondicherry HG 1a (1818).

COV-702

1818 Pondicherry Cover

Back to census|Pondicherry HG 1a · 2 covers recorded

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1818, Pondicherry HG 1a handstruck folded letter (COV-702) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Pondicherry HG 1a, back (COV-702) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1818

Description

"Pondicherry" With Star Handstamp (Giles 1). French Settlement cover.

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale No. 1325, Lot 3235, (2025)

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-702 is a Pondicherry pre stamp cover of 1818 bearing the Pondicherry HG 1a handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Pondicherry postal history — the office known today as Puducherry, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

"Pondicherry" With Star Handstamp (Giles 1). French Settlement cover.

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3235 (2025).

2 images of COV-702 are recorded (front, back); the Pondicherry HG 1a mark itself is recorded in use 1818.

Questions about COV-702

What is COV-702?: COV-702 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Pondicherry, Madras Presidency of 1818, bearing the Pondicherry HG 1a handstamp in black. "Pondicherry" With Star Handstamp (Giles 1). French Settlement cover.
How scarce is the Pondicherry HG 1a mark on this cover?: The census grades Pondicherry HG 1a as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1818.
What is the provenance of COV-702?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3235 (2025).
When was COV-702 posted?: COV-702 is dated 1818, within the recorded period of use of Pondicherry HG 1a (1818).

About this record

This 1818 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Pondicherry HG 1a handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale No. 1325, lot 3235, (2025).