Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries
Date
16 September 1834
Description
INDIA, Ramahpatam, 1834, "RAMAHPATAM/POST FREE" Handstamp (Giles 1). Complete and overinked oval strike on back of folded court petition with manuscript "16th September 1834" date, addressed to "Home Dept" in London, England, boldly struck Madras Out Station Ship Letter Sep. 19 transit (Giles SD11) and London Crowned Free arrival datestamp, red "INDIA LETTER/DEAL" handstamp (Robertson In. 4), cover with faults including splitting, strengthening, and rough edges, still Very Fine strike, a particularly rare "Post Free" handstamp noted as scarce by Giles, though we are unaware of any other example
Auction
Sale 1301, Lot 6041
Same office
Other recorded marks at Ramahpatam
1 markOne other pre-1854 postal marking of Ramahpatam is recorded in the census. Compare it against this mark to place your cover.
About this record
This 16 September 1834 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Ramahpatam HG 1 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — the only surviving cover with this mark recorded so far. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 1301, lot 6041.