COV-4651 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Tuticorin, Madras Presidency of 1856, bearing the Tuticorin HG 5 handstamp in red. India 1856 fl from Tuticorin f.w. 1a dull red, imperf, die II x 3, each tied by C/137 type 6, backstamped Tuticoreen Paid and Palamcottah Paid

How scarce is the Tuticorin HG 5 mark on this cover?

The census grades Tuticorin HG 5 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1856–1858.

When was COV-4651 posted?

COV-4651 is dated 1856, within the recorded period of use of Tuticorin HG 5 (1856–1858).

COV-4651

1856 Tuticorin Cover

Back to census|Tuticorin HG 5 · 2 covers recorded

← COV-4172

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1856, Tuticorin HG 5 handstruck folded letter (COV-4651) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Tuticorin HG 5, back (COV-4651) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of StampBay Auctions

Date

1856

Description

India 1856 fl from Tuticorin f.w. 1a dull red, imperf, die II x 3, each tied by C/137 type 6, backstamped Tuticoreen Paid and Palamcottah Paid

Auction

StampBay

Lot 163, (Aug 30, 2025)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Tuticorin

4 marks

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

View all Tuticorin marks and postal history →

About this Tuticorin pre stamp cover

COV-4651 is a Tuticorin pre stamp cover of 1856 bearing the Tuticorin HG 5 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Tuticorin postal history — the office known today as Thoothukudi, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

India 1856 fl from Tuticorin f.w. 1a dull red, imperf, die II x 3, each tied by C/137 type 6, backstamped Tuticoreen Paid and Palamcottah Paid

Its recorded auction history runs through StampBay lot 163 (Aug 30, 2025).

2 images of COV-4651 are recorded (front, back); the Tuticorin HG 5 mark itself is recorded in use 1856–1858.

Questions about COV-4651

What is COV-4651?: COV-4651 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Tuticorin, Madras Presidency of 1856, bearing the Tuticorin HG 5 handstamp in red. India 1856 fl from Tuticorin f.w. 1a dull red, imperf, die II x 3, each tied by C/137 type 6, backstamped Tuticoreen Paid and Palamcottah Paid
How scarce is the Tuticorin HG 5 mark on this cover?: The census grades Tuticorin HG 5 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1856–1858.
What is the provenance of COV-4651?: Its recorded auction history runs through StampBay lot 163 (Aug 30, 2025).
When was COV-4651 posted?: COV-4651 is dated 1856, within the recorded period of use of Tuticorin HG 5 (1856–1858).

About this record

This 1856 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Tuticorin HG 5 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with StampBay, lot 163, (Aug 30, 2025).