Scan or Photo Courtesy of Corinphila Auctions
Date
14 May 1847
Description
1847: Covers (2), both from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu each struck with framed BENARES CITY / PAID handstamps in red, both annotated with dates in manuscript (April 11 and May 14 respectively) and each charged '6 as.' prepaid for weight up to 1 tola (just over 10 grams).
Auction
Lot 3010, (Jun. 2016)
Provenance
Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl
Same office
Other recorded marks at Benares
18 marks18 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.
- Benares HG 1handstampBlack1810–1820
- Benares HG 2handstampBlack1811
- Benares HG 3handstampBlack1824–1836
- Benares HG 4handstampBlack1827-35
- Benares HG 5handstampBlack1829
- Benares HG 6handstampBlack1832–1835
+12 more at this office.View all Benares marks and postal history →
About this Benares pre stamp cover
COV-3285 is a Benares pre stamp cover of 14 May 1847 bearing the Benares HG 15 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Benares postal history — the office known today as Varanasi, North Western Provinces. What is a pre stamp cover?
1847: Covers (2), both from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu each struck with framed BENARES CITY / PAID handstamps in red, both annotated with dates in manuscript (April 11 and May 14 respectively) and each charged '6 as.' prepaid for weight up to 1 tola (just over 10 grams).
Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl
1 image of COV-3285 is recorded (front); the Benares HG 15 mark itself is recorded in use 1847–1852.
Questions about COV-3285
- What is COV-3285?
- COV-3285 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 14 May 1847, bearing the Benares HG 15 handstamp in black. 1847: Covers (2), both from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu each struck with framed BENARES CITY / PAID handstamps in red, both annotated with dates in manuscript (April 11 and May 14 respectively) and each charged '6 as.' prepaid for weight up to 1 tola (just over 10 grams).
- How scarce is the Benares HG 15 mark on this cover?
- The census grades Benares HG 15 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1847–1852.
- What is the provenance of COV-3285?
- Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl
- When was COV-3285 posted?
- COV-3285 is dated 14 May 1847, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 15 (1847–1852).
About this record
This 14 May 1847 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Benares HG 15 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with lot 3010, (Jun. 2016).