COV-692 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Simla, Punjab of 1832, bearing the Simla HG 1 handstamp in black. "SIMLA/POST FREE/18" Handstamp (Giles 1). Bold and well-struck boxed handstamp.

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

The census grades Simla HG 1 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1832.

When was COV-692 posted?

COV-692 is dated 1832, within the recorded period of use of Simla HG 1 (1832).

COV-692

1832 Simla Cover

Back to census|Simla HG 1

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1832, Simla HG 1 handstruck folded letter (COV-692) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Simla HG 1, back (COV-692) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1832

Description

"SIMLA/POST FREE/18" Handstamp (Giles 1). Bold and well-struck boxed handstamp.

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale No. 1325, Lot 3067, (2025)

Provenance

•2025, Robert A. Siegel Sale No. 1325, Lot 3067

Same office

Other recorded marks at Simla

9 marks

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

+3 more at this office.View all Simla marks and postal history →

About this Simla pre stamp cover

COV-692 is a Simla pre stamp cover of 1832 bearing the Simla HG 1 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Simla postal history — the office known today as Shimla, Punjab. What is a pre stamp cover?

"SIMLA/POST FREE/18" Handstamp (Giles 1). Bold and well-struck boxed handstamp.

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3067 (2025).

2 images of COV-692 are recorded (front, back); the Simla HG 1 mark itself is recorded in use 1832.

Questions about COV-692

What is COV-692?: COV-692 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Simla, Punjab of 1832, bearing the Simla HG 1 handstamp in black. "SIMLA/POST FREE/18" Handstamp (Giles 1). Bold and well-struck boxed handstamp.
How scarce is the Simla HG 1 mark on this cover?: The census grades Simla HG 1 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1832.
What is the provenance of COV-692?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3067 (2025).
When was COV-692 posted?: COV-692 is dated 1832, within the recorded period of use of Simla HG 1 (1832).

About this record

This 1832 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Simla HG 1 handstamp of the Punjab, a mark graded “Common” in this census — the only surviving cover with this mark recorded so far. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale No. 1325, lot 3067, (2025).