What is the Dinapore HG 6 handstamp?

Dinapore HG 6 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Dinapore (modern Danapur) in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1837 to 1851. The "HG 6" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in red.

How rare is Dinapore HG 6?

Dinapore HG 6 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 3 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.

What does a Dinapore pre stamp cover with HG 6 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Dinapore is a folded letter or envelope carried before India's first adhesive stamp of 1854, with postage shown entirely by hand-struck marks like HG 6. 3 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. Each census record on this page links to full cover images, dates and auction provenance.

How do I identify or submit a Dinapore HG 6 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1837–1851). If your cover is not already recorded, you can submit front and back photographs through the census form on this page; every submission is editor-reviewed before publication.

Bengal Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Dinapore HG 6

Handstamp

Colour & date: Red1837–1851
Rarity: Common
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 84
Figure: 6
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 5 All Dinapore HG 7 →

Census

Census records

3 covers recorded

3 pre-1854 covers bearing the Dinapore HG 6 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-2831

8 December 1837

COV-408

1851

India, Dinapore, 1851, "DINAPORE/18__/FREE" Oval Handstamp (Giles 6). Faint and barely legible strike with manuscript " (18) 51 April 15" date added on back of soldier's concessionary rate cover to Wexford, Ireland, manuscript "From Gunr. Patrick Redmond, No. 60 50 of the 3rd Co., 5th Battalion Artillery" endorsement, properly countersigned by commanding officer, red framed "INDIA" handstamp, Calcutta Ship Letter and London (Jun. 20) transit and Wexford (Jun. 21) arrival datestamps, "2" rate handstamp, cover with edgewear and rather heavy overall soiling, still Fine, concessionary rate cover from Dinapore are quite scarce

COV-1639

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About this mark

The Dinapore HG 6 handstamp

Dinapore is situated 25°38' N and 85°3' E, in Patna District, Bengal Presidency. It was an important military station, with a large cantonment. The 1857 uprising in the Patna Division started at Dinapore with three sepoy regiments breaking out in open revolt.

Dinapore HG 6 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Dinapore — the present-day Danapur — in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1837 to 1851. Known strikes are in red. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 6".

3 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. On the strength of that count the mark is graded "Common" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for dinapore pre stamp covers, dinapore postal history or "Dinapore HG6" material can compare HG 6 across every office or browse the rest of the Dinapore marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Dinapore HG 6 handstamp?: Dinapore HG 6 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Dinapore (modern Danapur) in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1837 to 1851. The "HG 6" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in red.
How rare is Dinapore HG 6?: Dinapore HG 6 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 3 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
What does a Dinapore pre stamp cover with HG 6 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Dinapore is a folded letter or envelope carried before India's first adhesive stamp of 1854, with postage shown entirely by hand-struck marks like HG 6. 3 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance. Each census record on this page links to full cover images, dates and auction provenance.
How do I identify or submit a Dinapore HG 6 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1837–1851). If your cover is not already recorded, you can submit front and back photographs through the census form on this page; every submission is editor-reviewed before publication.

Same office

Other recorded marks at Dinapore

8 marks

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

View all Dinapore marks and postal history →

Suggest a correction

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Also searched as: Dinapore HG 6, Dinapore HG6, Dinapore Giles 6, Danapur postal history, Dinapore handstamp, Dinapore pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Dinapore HG 6 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/bengal/dinapore/hg-6 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026