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-5646 posted?

COV-5646 is dated 17 September 1816, within the recorded period of use of Merut HG 2 (1814–1828).

COV-5646

17 September 1816 Merut Cover

Back to census|Merut HG 2 · 12 covers recorded

← COV-4885

Pre-stamp cover of India — 17 September 1816, Merut HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-5646)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Merut HG 2, scan 2 (COV-5646)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

17 September 1816

Description

India, Merut, 1816, "MERUT./Pt Pd" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Bold strike with manuscript "17 Sept. 1816" date and "1-10" rate added on back of folded letter to Calcutta, Calcutta (Oct. 2) arrival backstamp, Very Fine, this postal marking is particularly scarce in this choice condition

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), Lot 358, (2026)

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-5646 is a Merut pre stamp cover of 17 September 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 358 (2026).

2 images of COV-5646 are recorded; the Merut HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1814–1828.

Questions about COV-5646

What is COV-5646?: COV-5646 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Merut, North Western Provinces of 17 September 1816, bearing the Merut HG 2 handstamp in red. India, Merut, 1816, "MERUT./Pt Pd" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Bold strike with manuscript "17 Sept. 1816" date and "1-10" rate added on back of folded letter to Calcutta, Calcutta (Oct. 2) arrival backstamp, Very Fine, this postal marking is particularly scarce in this choice condition
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-5646?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026) lot 358 (2026).
When was COV-5646 posted?: COV-5646 is dated 17 September 1816, within the recorded period of use of Merut HG 2 (1814–1828).

About this record

This 17 September 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 12 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Worldwide Stamps and Postal History (Sale 1392, 10 November 2026), lot 358, (2026).