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

The census grades Hansi HG 3 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1850–1851.

When was COV-5356 posted?

COV-5356 is dated 25 October 1851, within the recorded period of use of Hansi HG 3 (1850–1851).

COV-5356

25 October 1851 Hansi Cover

Back to census|Hansi HG 3 · 3 covers recorded

← COV-3161

Pre-stamp cover of India — 25 October 1851, Hansi HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-5356)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Hansi HG 3, scan 2 (COV-5356)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

25 October 1851

Description

India, Hansi, 1851, "HANSI/Bearing" Framed Handstamp (Giles 3 -- Unrecorded). Clear strike with manuscript "25 Oct" date and "6a" rate added on back of petite 1851 native cover to Delhi, Delhi (Oct. 27) arrival backstamp, Very Fine, unrecorded by Giles though updated on the digitized listing of the Giles catalogue (www.handstruckstampsindia.com)

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10086, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Hansi

2 marks

2 other pre-1854 postal markings of Hansi are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

View all Hansi marks and postal history →

About this Hansi pre stamp cover

COV-5356 is a Hansi pre stamp cover of 25 October 1851 bearing the Hansi HG 3 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Hansi postal history, North Western Provinces. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10086 (2026).

2 images of COV-5356 are recorded; the Hansi HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1850–1851.

Questions about COV-5356

What is COV-5356?: COV-5356 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Hansi, North Western Provinces of 25 October 1851, bearing the Hansi HG 3 handstamp in black. India, Hansi, 1851, "HANSI/Bearing" Framed Handstamp (Giles 3 -- Unrecorded). Clear strike with manuscript "25 Oct" date and "6a" rate added on back of petite 1851 native cover to Delhi, Delhi (Oct. 27) arrival backstamp, Very Fine, unrecorded by Giles though updated on the digitized listing of the Giles catalogue (www.handstruckstampsindia.com)
How scarce is the Hansi HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Hansi HG 3 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1850–1851.
What is the provenance of COV-5356?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026) lot 10086 (2026).
When was COV-5356 posted?: COV-5356 is dated 25 October 1851, within the recorded period of use of Hansi HG 3 (1850–1851).

About this record

This 25 October 1851 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Hansi HG 3 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 3 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), lot 10086, (2026).