How scarce is the Benares HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Benares HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1824–1836.

When was COV-10 posted?

COV-10 is dated 5 November 1826, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 3 (1824–1836).

COV-10

5 November 1826 Benares Cover

Back to census|Benares HG 3 · 19 covers recorded

COV-358 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 5 November 1826, Benares HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-10) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Benares HG 3, back (COV-10) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

5 November 1826

Description

India, Benares, 1826, "BENARES POST PAID/18__" Double-Circle Handstamp (Giles 3). Clear strike with manuscript "Sultanpore 5th November 1825" date added on back of folded outer lettersheet to London, England, red "PM" and framed "INDIA LETTER/MARGATE" handstamps (Robertson In. 2), Calcutta (Nov. 13) transit and London arrival backstamps, manuscript "1/-" rate marking, Fine

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale 9054, Lot 10008, — Magnolia Collection Part 7

Provenance

"Magnolia"

•2026, Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, Lot 10008, Realized $150— The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 7 (Robert C. Bauer)

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-10 is a Benares pre stamp cover of 5 November 1826 bearing the Benares HG 3 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10008.

2 images of COV-10 are recorded (front, back); the Benares HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1824–1836.

Questions about COV-10

What is COV-10?: COV-10 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 5 November 1826, bearing the Benares HG 3 handstamp in black. India, Benares, 1826, "BENARES POST PAID/18__" Double-Circle Handstamp (Giles 3). Clear strike with manuscript "Sultanpore 5th November 1825" date added on back of folded outer lettersheet to London, England, red "PM" and framed "INDIA LETTER/MARGATE" handstamps (Robertson In. 2), Calcutta (Nov. 13) transit and London arrival backstamps, manuscript "1/-" rate marking, Fine
How scarce is the Benares HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Benares HG 3 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1824–1836.
What is the provenance of COV-10?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale 9054 lot 10008.
When was COV-10 posted?: COV-10 is dated 5 November 1826, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 3 (1824–1836).

About this record

This 5 November 1826 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Benares HG 3 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 19 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale 9054, lot 10008. Recorded prices realized: $150, Siegel Auction Galleries, (2026).