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.

When was COV-3286 posted?

COV-3286 is dated 11 April 1847, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 15 (1847–1852).

COV-3286

11 April 1847 Benares Cover

Back to census|Benares HG 15 · 2 covers recorded

← COV-3285

Pre-stamp cover of India — 11 April 1847, Benares HG 15 handstruck folded letter (COV-3286) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Corinphila Auctions

Date

11 April 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

Corinphila Auctions

206, Lot 3010, (Jun. 2016)

Provenance

Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl

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-3286 is a Benares pre stamp cover of 11 April 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?

Its recorded auction history runs through Corinphila Auctions 206 lot 3010 (Jun. 2016).

1 image of COV-3286 is recorded (front); the Benares HG 15 mark itself is recorded in use 1847–1852.

Questions about COV-3286

What is COV-3286?: COV-3286 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 11 April 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-3286?: Its recorded auction history runs through Corinphila Auctions 206 lot 3010 (Jun. 2016).
When was COV-3286 posted?: COV-3286 is dated 11 April 1847, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 15 (1847–1852).

About this record

This 11 April 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 Corinphila Auctions, 206, lot 3010, (Jun. 2016).