How scarce is the Lucknow HG 4 mark on this cover?

The census grades Lucknow HG 4 as 3 examples recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1832–1836.

When was COV-5305 posted?

COV-5305 is dated 15 August 1832, within the recorded period of use of Lucknow HG 4 (1832–1836).

COV-5305

15 August 1832 Lucknow Cover

Back to census|Lucknow HG 4 · 3 covers recorded

← COV-2077

Pre-stamp cover of India — 15 August 1832, Lucknow HG 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-5305)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Lucknow HG 4, scan 2 (COV-5305)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

15 August 1832

Description

India, Lucknow, 1832, "LUCNOW/POST PAID/18__" Framed Handstamp (Giles 4). Bold strike with manuscript "15 August (18) 32" date and "6 as double" rate added on back of large part of folded letter to Cawmpore, cover with overall toning, missing piece of front and back panel, and splitting along interior folds, Very Fine strike of this rare marking, very few examples are thought to exist, ex Dr. Contractor

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10094, (2026)

Provenance

ex Dr. Contractor Magnolia

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-5305 is a Lucknow pre stamp cover of 15 August 1832 bearing the Lucknow HG 4 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 10094 (2026).

2 images of COV-5305 are recorded; the Lucknow HG 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1832–1836.

Questions about COV-5305

What is COV-5305?: COV-5305 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Lucknow, North Western Provinces of 15 August 1832, bearing the Lucknow HG 4 handstamp in black. India, Lucknow, 1832, "LUCNOW/POST PAID/18__" Framed Handstamp (Giles 4). Bold strike with manuscript "15 August (18) 32" date and "6 as double" rate added on back of large part of folded letter to Cawmpore, cover with overall toning, missing piece of front and back panel, and splitting along interior folds, Very Fine strike of this rare marking, very few examples are thought to exist, ex Dr. Contractor
How scarce is the Lucknow HG 4 mark on this cover?: The census grades Lucknow HG 4 as 3 examples recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1832–1836.
What is the provenance of COV-5305?: 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 10094 (2026).
When was COV-5305 posted?: COV-5305 is dated 15 August 1832, within the recorded period of use of Lucknow HG 4 (1832–1836).

About this record

This 15 August 1832 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Lucknow HG 4 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark with 3 examples recorded 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 10094, (2026).