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

The census grades Trivandrum HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1859.

When was COV-4470 posted?

COV-4470 is dated 17 July 1859, within the recorded period of use of Trivandrum HG 3 (1846–1859).

COV-4470

17 July 1859 Trivandrum Cover

Back to census|Trivandrum HG 3 · 4 covers recorded

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Pre-stamp cover of India — 17 July 1859, Trivandrum HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-4470) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Trivandrum HG 3, back (COV-4470) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Corinphila Auctions

Date

17 July 1859

Description

1855: 4 a. black on blue glazed paper, a single example used on 1859 cover from Trivandrum to Haslemere, Surrey tied by dotted "134" numeral in black, curved "INDIA PAID" adjacent. Reverse with corresponding framed "TRIVANDRUM / Paid" despatch in red (July 17), Madras cds of transit (May 21) in red; Haslemere and Liphook arrival cds (Sept 2) each struck in blue.

Auction

Corinphila Auctions

357th-366th Corinphila Auction, Lot 5457, (2025)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Trivandrum

4 marks

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

View all Trivandrum marks and postal history →

About this Trivandrum pre stamp cover

COV-4470 is a Trivandrum pre stamp cover of 17 July 1859 bearing the Trivandrum HG 3 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Trivandrum postal history — the office known today as Thiruvananthapuram, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Corinphila Auctions 357th-366th Corinphila Auction lot 5457 (2025).

2 images of COV-4470 are recorded (front, back); the Trivandrum HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1846–1859.

Questions about COV-4470

What is COV-4470?: COV-4470 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Trivandrum, Madras Presidency of 17 July 1859, bearing the Trivandrum HG 3 handstamp in red. 1855: 4 a. black on blue glazed paper, a single example used on 1859 cover from Trivandrum to Haslemere, Surrey tied by dotted "134" numeral in black, curved "INDIA PAID" adjacent. Reverse with corresponding framed "TRIVANDRUM / Paid" despatch in red (July 17), Madras cds of transit (May 21) in red; Haslemere and Liphook arrival cds (Sept 2) each struck in blue.
How scarce is the Trivandrum HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Trivandrum HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1859.
What is the provenance of COV-4470?: Its recorded auction history runs through Corinphila Auctions 357th-366th Corinphila Auction lot 5457 (2025).
When was COV-4470 posted?: COV-4470 is dated 17 July 1859, within the recorded period of use of Trivandrum HG 3 (1846–1859).

About this record

This 17 July 1859 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Trivandrum HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 4 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Corinphila Auctions, 357th-366th Corinphila Auction, lot 5457, (2025).