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

The census grades Sobathoo HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1843–1847.

When was COV-5313 posted?

COV-5313 is dated 1847, within the recorded period of use of Sobathoo HG 2 (1843–1847).

COV-5313

1847 Sobathoo Cover

Back to census|Sobathoo HG 2 · 5 covers recorded

← COV-4922

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1847, Sobathoo HG 2 handstruck folded letter (COV-5313)

Pre-stamp cover of India — Sobathoo HG 2, scan 2 (COV-5313)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

1847

Description

India, Sobathoo, 1847, "SUBATOO/FREE" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike in red on back of 1847 folded soldier's cover to Galway, Ireland, endorsed "from Private Martin Kean, No. 4, Co. 1 E.B. Fusileer" at top, properly countersigned by commanding officer, red framed "INDIA" handstamp, Calcutta and other British transit and Galway (Jul. 28) arrival datestamps, "2" rate handstamp, cover with minor edgewear and tiny edge tears, Fine

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

The Magnolia Collection: India Postal History, Part 8 (Sale 9061, 21 October 2026), Lot 10120, (2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Sobathoo

6 marks

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

View all Sobathoo marks and postal history →

About this Sobathoo pre stamp cover

COV-5313 is a Sobathoo pre stamp cover of 1847 bearing the Sobathoo HG 2 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Sobathoo postal history — the office known today as Subathu, Punjab. 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 10120 (2026).

2 images of COV-5313 are recorded; the Sobathoo HG 2 mark itself is recorded in use 1843–1847.

Questions about COV-5313

What is COV-5313?: COV-5313 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Sobathoo, Punjab of 1847, bearing the Sobathoo HG 2 handstamp in red. India, Sobathoo, 1847, "SUBATOO/FREE" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike in red on back of 1847 folded soldier's cover to Galway, Ireland, endorsed "from Private Martin Kean, No. 4, Co. 1 E.B. Fusileer" at top, properly countersigned by commanding officer, red framed "INDIA" handstamp, Calcutta and other British transit and Galway (Jul. 28) arrival datestamps, "2" rate handstamp, cover with minor edgewear and tiny edge tears, Fine
How scarce is the Sobathoo HG 2 mark on this cover?: The census grades Sobathoo HG 2 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1843–1847.
What is the provenance of COV-5313?: 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 10120 (2026).
When was COV-5313 posted?: COV-5313 is dated 1847, within the recorded period of use of Sobathoo HG 2 (1843–1847).

About this record

This 1847 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Sobathoo HG 2 handstamp of the Punjab, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 5 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 10120, (2026).