Scan or Photo Courtesy of Kishore Chandak
Date
1825
Description
The despatch stamp BARELLY shows that Rs.1/1 was prepaid, which is the inland transit postage to CALCUTTA, according to the scales laid down in 1808, plus 2 annas for Ship postage. On arrival in CALCUTTA, the letter was receipt stamped with the circular "CALCUTTA GENL POST OFFICE" mark of 1818-1824, and then the Ship Letter despatch stamp "CALCUTTA GENERAL POST OFFICE" was added. On arrival in the U.K. the "INDIA LETTER / PORTSMOUTH" in red was applied, with the red circular date stamp APR 17, 1825, & finally the toll mark of 1/2d was levied, as was required of all mail coaches in Scotland, the turnpike toll being levied for the upkeep of roads in Scotland. The postage of 1/2 was marked in manuscript, to include the 4d. sea rate & a rate of 1/3d for the inland journey from PORTSMOUTH to ATHOL a distance of just over 500 miles.
Same office
Other recorded marks at Barelly
5 marks5 other pre-1854 postal markings of Barelly are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.
About this record
This 1825 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Barelly HG 2 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 10 surviving covers with this mark recorded.