How scarce is the Lucknow HG 1 mark on this cover?

The census grades Lucknow HG 1 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1809–1835.

When was COV-5296 posted?

COV-5296 is dated 24 September 1818, within the recorded period of use of Lucknow HG 1 (1809–1835).

COV-5296

24 September 1818 Lucknow Cover

Back to census|Lucknow HG 1 · 23 covers recorded

← COV-5231

Pre-stamp cover of India — 24 September 1818, Lucknow HG 1 handstruck folded letter (COV-5296)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Lucknow HG 1, scan 2 (COV-5296)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

24 September 1818

Description

India, Lucknow, 1818, "LUCKNOW/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 1). Excellent strike with manuscript "24 Sept" date and "14 as" rate added on back of 1818 folded letter to Calcutta, Calcutta (Oct. 5) arrival backstamp, cover with heavy overall toning, though Very Fine strike

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10093, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Lucknow

15 marks

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

+9 more at this office.View all Lucknow marks and postal history →

About this Lucknow pre stamp cover

COV-5296 is a Lucknow pre stamp cover of 24 September 1818 bearing the Lucknow HG 1 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Lucknow 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 10093 (2026).

2 images of COV-5296 are recorded; the Lucknow HG 1 mark itself is recorded in use 1809–1835.

Questions about COV-5296

What is COV-5296?: COV-5296 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Lucknow, North Western Provinces of 24 September 1818, bearing the Lucknow HG 1 handstamp in black. India, Lucknow, 1818, "LUCKNOW/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 1). Excellent strike with manuscript "24 Sept" date and "14 as" rate added on back of 1818 folded letter to Calcutta, Calcutta (Oct. 5) arrival backstamp, cover with heavy overall toning, though Very Fine strike
How scarce is the Lucknow HG 1 mark on this cover?: The census grades Lucknow HG 1 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1809–1835.
What is the provenance of COV-5296?: 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 10093 (2026).
When was COV-5296 posted?: COV-5296 is dated 24 September 1818, within the recorded period of use of Lucknow HG 1 (1809–1835).

About this record

This 24 September 1818 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Lucknow HG 1 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 23 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 10093, (2026).