12 May 1823 Benares Cover

Same office

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.

• Benares HG 1handstampBlack1810–1820
• Benares HG 2handstampBlack1811
• Benares HG 4handstampBlack1827-35
• Benares HG 5handstampBlack1829
• Benares HG 6handstampBlack1832–1835
• Benares HG 7handstampRed1838–1853

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

About this Benares pre stamp cover

Questions about COV-5620

What is COV-5620?

COV-5620 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 12 May 1823, bearing the Benares HG 3 handstamp in black. India, Benares, 1823, "BENARES POST PAID/18__" Double-Circle Handstamp (Giles 3). Clear and mostly complete strike with manuscript "Sultanpore 12th May 1823" date and "PO Paid 10as" rate added on back of folded outer lettersheet to London, England, framed "SHIP LETTER/DOVER" handstamp (S. 10) applied in mistake with Crutched Cross handstamp applied over and faint "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 2) applied, Calcutta (May 18) transit and London (Dec. 3) arrival datestamps, manuscript "1/-" rate marking, Fine, the use of the Crutched Cross is quite scarce, this is also dated a year earlier than what is noted in Giles

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-5620?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 329 (2026).

When was COV-5620 posted?

COV-5620 is dated 12 May 1823, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 3 (1824–1836).