Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries
Date
1838
Description
India, Secunderabad, 1838, "SECUNDERABAD/1838 February 4/FREE" Oval Datestamp (Giles 3). Exceptional strike in red on back of large part folded cover (missing side flaps) to Archdeacon H. Harper in Madras, originally struck with "SECUNDERABAD/1838 February ?/Paid" (Giles 2) but subsequently crossed out (causing heavy ink erosion), framed "AM" handstamp, Madras (Feb. 9) arrival datestamp, cover toned, rebacked to help strengthen ink eroded areas, and mild file fold thru markings, still an Extremely Fine strike of this marking, likely the finest strike and the exact example used by Giles for his book
Auction
Sale 9020, Lot 10123, — The Magnolia Collection Part 5
Same office
Other recorded marks at Secunderabad
6 marks6 other pre-1854 postal markings of Secunderabad are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.
About this record
This 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Secunderabad HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9020, lot 10123.