COV-3737 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 30 June 1850, bearing the Benares HG 12 handstamp in red. India 1850 Agra–Benares Handstruck Postal Cover Red Paid Markings Giles Type 11 & 12 Early North Indian route small cover

How scarce is the Benares HG 12 mark on this cover?

The census grades Benares HG 12 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1845–1850.

When was COV-3737 posted?

COV-3737 is dated 30 June 1850, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 12 (1845–1850).

COV-3737

30 June 1850 Benares Cover

Back to census|Benares HG 12 · 7 covers recorded

← COV-3690 COV-4128 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 30 June 1850, Benares HG 12 handstruck folded letter (COV-3737)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Benares HG 12, scan 2 (COV-3737)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Sephils

Date

30 June 1850

Description

India 1850 Agra–Benares Handstruck Postal Cover Red Paid Markings Giles Type 11 & 12 Early North Indian route small cover

Auction

Sephils

485, Lot 0112, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Benares

18 marks

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

+12 more at this office.View all Benares marks and postal history →

About this Benares pre stamp cover

COV-3737 is a Benares pre stamp cover of 30 June 1850 bearing the Benares HG 12 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Benares postal history — the office known today as Varanasi, North Western Provinces. What is a pre stamp cover?

India 1850 Agra–Benares Handstruck Postal Cover Red Paid Markings Giles Type 11 & 12 Early North Indian route small cover

Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 485 lot 0112 (2026).

2 images of COV-3737 are recorded; the Benares HG 12 mark itself is recorded in use 1845–1850.

Questions about COV-3737

What is COV-3737?: COV-3737 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 30 June 1850, bearing the Benares HG 12 handstamp in red. India 1850 Agra–Benares Handstruck Postal Cover Red Paid Markings Giles Type 11 & 12 Early North Indian route small cover
How scarce is the Benares HG 12 mark on this cover?: The census grades Benares HG 12 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1845–1850.
What is the provenance of COV-3737?: Its recorded auction history runs through Sephils 485 lot 0112 (2026).
When was COV-3737 posted?: COV-3737 is dated 30 June 1850, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 12 (1845–1850).

About this record

This 30 June 1850 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Benares HG 12 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 7 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Sephils, 485, lot 0112, (2026).