How scarce is the Benares HG 8 mark on this cover?

The census grades Benares HG 8 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1839–1852.

When was COV-1916 posted?

COV-1916 is dated 1843, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 8 (1839–1852).

COV-1916

1843 Benares Cover

Back to census|Benares HG 8 · 3 covers recorded

← COV-1602

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1843, Benares HG 8 handstruck folded letter (COV-1916)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

1843

Description

CAMPAIGN MAIL First Afghan War, 1839-42 1843 (Feb.) entire letter from Scotland "Overland via Falmouth" to George Mac Andrew, 47th. Bengal Light Infantry at Benares, despatch datestamps on face, Bombay and Benares datestamps on reverse; written by his two brothers giving details on Afghanistan

Auction

Spink

13028 - The award winning "Medina" collection of India Part III, Lot 1205

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-1916 is a Benares pre stamp cover of 1843 bearing the Benares HG 8 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 Spink 13028 - The award winning "Medina" collection of India Part III lot 1205.

1 image of COV-1916 is recorded; the Benares HG 8 mark itself is recorded in use 1839–1852.

Questions about COV-1916

What is COV-1916?: COV-1916 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Benares, North Western Provinces of 1843, bearing the Benares HG 8 handstamp in black. CAMPAIGN MAIL First Afghan War, 1839-42 1843 (Feb.) entire letter from Scotland "Overland via Falmouth" to George Mac Andrew, 47th. Bengal Light Infantry at Benares, despatch datestamps on face, Bombay and Benares datestamps on reverse; written by his two brothers giving details on Afghanistan
How scarce is the Benares HG 8 mark on this cover?: The census grades Benares HG 8 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1839–1852.
What is the provenance of COV-1916?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 13028 - The award winning "Medina" collection of India Part III lot 1205.
When was COV-1916 posted?: COV-1916 is dated 1843, within the recorded period of use of Benares HG 8 (1839–1852).

About this record

This 1843 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Benares HG 8 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 13028 - The award winning "Medina" collection of India Part III, lot 1205.