Bengal Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp
Moorshedabad HG 2a
- Colour & date
- Black1815–1819
- Rarity
- 2 examples recorded
- Figure
- 2a
- Submitted by
- Andrew Titley
Census
Census records
2 covers recorded2 pre-1854 covers bearing the Moorshedabad HG 2a handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.
About this mark
The Moorshedabad HG 2a handstamp
Moorshedabad was the headquarters of the Lalbagh subdivision of the District, Bengal, situated 24°12' N and 88°17' E, on the left bank of the Bhagirathi River. The battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 just beyond the limits of the town. Moorshedabad, having been the seat of the Mohammadan government in Bengal, came into British possession when the E.!. Company received the Diwani of Bengal in 1765.
Moorshedabad HG 2a is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Moorshedabad — the present-day Murshidabad — in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1815 to 1819. Known strikes are in black. Its "HG 2a" designation is the figure number assigned in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.
2 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 "2 examples recorded" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for moorshedabad pre stamp covers, moorshedabad postal history or "Moorshedabad HG2a" material can compare HG 2a across every office or browse the rest of the Moorshedabad marks.
Frequently asked
- What is the Moorshedabad HG 2a handstamp?
- Moorshedabad HG 2a is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Moorshedabad (modern Murshidabad) in the Bengal Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1815 to 1819. The "HG 2a" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in black.
- How rare is Moorshedabad HG 2a?
- Moorshedabad HG 2a has 2 examples recorded in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 2 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
- What does a Moorshedabad pre stamp cover with HG 2a look like?
- A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Moorshedabad 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 2a. 2 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 Moorshedabad HG 2a cover?
- Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1815–1819). 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 Moorshedabad
4 marks4 other pre-1854 postal markings of Moorshedabad are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.
Suggest a correction
Spotted a wrong date, colour or rarity? Propose a change — every suggestion is reviewed before it is applied.
Also searched as: Moorshedabad HG 2a, Moorshedabad HG2a, Moorshedabad Giles 2a, Murshidabad postal history, Moorshedabad handstamp, Moorshedabad pre stamp cover.
How to cite
“Moorshedabad HG 2a — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/bengal/moorshedabad/hg-2a (accessed 21 August 2026).
Updated: 21 Aug 2026