How scarce is the Seringapatam HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Seringapatam HG 3 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1801–1815.

When was COV-5654 posted?

COV-5654 is dated 23 February 1819, within the recorded period of use of Seringapatam HG 3 (1801–1815).

COV-5654

23 February 1819 Seringapatam Cover

Back to census|Seringapatam HG 3 · 12 covers recorded

← COV-2636

Pre-stamp cover of India — 23 February 1819, Seringapatam HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-5654)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Seringapatam HG 3, scan 2 (COV-5654)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

23 February 1819

Description

India, Seringapatam, 1819, "Post Paid/Seringapatam" Oval Handstamp (Giles 3). Mostly clear and legible strike in red with manuscript "23rd Feby 1819" date and "As 6" rate added on folded letter datelined "Farm at Hoonsoor 22nd Feby 1819" , addressed to Major de Havilland in Fort St. George (Madras), Madras (Feb. 27, Giles MX1) arrival datestamp, Very Fine example of this scarce postal marking

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), Lot 366, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Seringapatam

12 marks

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

+6 more at this office.View all Seringapatam marks and postal history →

About this Seringapatam pre stamp cover

COV-5654 is a Seringapatam pre stamp cover of 23 February 1819 bearing the Seringapatam HG 3 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Seringapatam postal history — the office known today as Srirangapatna, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 366 (2026).

2 images of COV-5654 are recorded; the Seringapatam HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1801–1815.

Questions about COV-5654

What is COV-5654?: COV-5654 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Seringapatam, Madras Presidency of 23 February 1819, bearing the Seringapatam HG 3 handstamp in black. India, Seringapatam, 1819, "Post Paid/Seringapatam" Oval Handstamp (Giles 3). Mostly clear and legible strike in red with manuscript "23rd Feby 1819" date and "As 6" rate added on folded letter datelined "Farm at Hoonsoor 22nd Feby 1819" , addressed to Major de Havilland in Fort St. George (Madras), Madras (Feb. 27, Giles MX1) arrival datestamp, Very Fine example of this scarce postal marking
How scarce is the Seringapatam HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Seringapatam HG 3 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1801–1815.
What is the provenance of COV-5654?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 366 (2026).
When was COV-5654 posted?: COV-5654 is dated 23 February 1819, within the recorded period of use of Seringapatam HG 3 (1801–1815).

About this record

This 23 February 1819 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Seringapatam HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Very scarce” in this census — one of 12 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), lot 366, (2026).