How scarce is the Ramahpatam HG 2 mark on this cover?

The census grades Ramahpatam HG 2 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836.

When was COV-111 posted?

COV-111 is dated 12 January 1836, within the recorded period of use of Ramahpatam HG 2 (1836).

COV-111

12 January 1836 Ramahpatam Cover

Back to census|Ramahpatam HG 2

Pre-stamp cover of India — 12 January 1836, Ramahpatam HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-111) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Ramahpatam HG 2, back (COV-111) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

12 January 1836

Description

INDIA, Ramahpatam, 1836, "RAMAHPATAM/POSTPAID" Handstamp (Giles 2). Bold oval strike on red on back of folded letter (missing inner page) with manuscript "12 January 1836" date, addressed to Launceston, Cornwall, England, Madras Out Station Ship Letter Jan. 15 (Giles SD11) and London May 13 transit datestamps, red "INDIA LETTER/FALMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), variously rated, Very Fine and rare strike, Giles notes this marking was in use only in 1836 and we are unaware of any other strikes

Auction

Spink

Giles, Lot 341, (Oct. 2000)

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale 1301, Lot 6042

Provenance

"Magnolia" Derek Hammond Giles

Same office

Other recorded marks at Ramahpatam

1 mark

One other pre-1854 postal marking of Ramahpatam is recorded in the census. Compare it against this mark to place your cover.

Ramahpatam HG 1handstampBlack1834

View all Ramahpatam marks and postal history →

About this Ramahpatam pre stamp cover

COV-111 is a Ramahpatam pre stamp cover of 12 January 1836 bearing the Ramahpatam HG 2 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Ramahpatam postal history, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink Giles lot 341 (Oct. 2000); and Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 1301 lot 6042.

2 images of COV-111 are recorded (front, back); the Ramahpatam HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1836.

Questions about COV-111

What is COV-111?: COV-111 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Ramahpatam, Madras Presidency of 12 January 1836, bearing the Ramahpatam HG 2 handstamp in red. INDIA, Ramahpatam, 1836, "RAMAHPATAM/POSTPAID" Handstamp (Giles 2). Bold oval strike on red on back of folded letter (missing inner page) with manuscript "12 January 1836" date, addressed to Launceston, Cornwall, England, Madras Out Station Ship Letter Jan. 15 (Giles SD11) and London May 13 transit datestamps, red "INDIA LETTER/FALMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), variously rated, Very Fine and rare strike, Giles notes this marking was in use only in 1836 and we are unaware of any other strikes
How scarce is the Ramahpatam HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Ramahpatam HG 2 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836.
What is the provenance of COV-111?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink Giles lot 341 (Oct. 2000); and Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 1301 lot 6042.
When was COV-111 posted?: COV-111 is dated 12 January 1836, within the recorded period of use of Ramahpatam HG 2 (1836).

About this record

This 12 January 1836 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Ramahpatam HG 2 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 Spink, Giles, lot 341, (Oct. 2000); Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 1301, lot 6042.