How scarce is the Merut HG 2 mark on this cover?

The census grades Merut HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1814–1828.

When was COV-1902 posted?

COV-1902 is dated 22 March 1816, within the recorded period of use of Merut HG 2 (1814–1828).

COV-1902

22 March 1816 Merut Cover

Back to census|Merut HG 2 · 11 covers recorded

← COV-1591 COV-1958 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 22 March 1816, Merut HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-1902) — front

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

22 March 1816

Description

1816 (22 Mar.) entire letter to Delhi showing, on reverse, a very fine strike of oval-framed 'MERUT/Pt. Pd' h.s. in black (HG 2; eight years earlier than recorded), and 1827 (12 Oct.) entire letter to Glasgow, redirected to Rothesay showing, on reverse, similar handstamp in red along with various other markings including framed 'INDIA LETTER/BRIGHTON'. A fine pair.

Auction

Spink

8032, Lot 505, — Stamps & Covers of Asia

Same office

Other recorded marks at Merut

17 marks

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

+11 more at this office.View all Merut marks and postal history →

About this Merut pre stamp cover

COV-1902 is a Merut pre stamp cover of 22 March 1816 bearing the Merut HG 2 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Merut postal history — the office known today as Meerut, North Western Provinces. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 8032 lot 505.

1 image of COV-1902 is recorded (front); the Merut HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1814–1828.

Questions about COV-1902

What is COV-1902?: COV-1902 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Merut, North Western Provinces of 22 March 1816, bearing the Merut HG 2 handstamp in red. 1816 (22 Mar.) entire letter to Delhi showing, on reverse, a very fine strike of oval-framed 'MERUT/Pt. Pd' h.s. in black (HG 2; eight years earlier than recorded), and 1827 (12 Oct.) entire letter to Glasgow, redirected to Rothesay showing, on reverse, similar handstamp in red along with various other markings including framed 'INDIA LETTER/BRIGHTON'. A fine pair.
How scarce is the Merut HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Merut HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1814–1828.
What is the provenance of COV-1902?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 8032 lot 505.
When was COV-1902 posted?: COV-1902 is dated 22 March 1816, within the recorded period of use of Merut HG 2 (1814–1828).

About this record

This 22 March 1816 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Merut HG 2 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 11 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 8032, lot 505.