Bombay Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp
Rajkote HG 4
- Colours & dates
- Black1838–1844Blue1839
- Rarity
- Scarce
- Note
- Blue - 1 Recorded
- Catalogue
- 2000 Supplement · p. 13
- Figure
- 4
- Submitted by
- D. Hammond Giles
Census
Census records
2 covers recorded2 pre-1854 covers bearing the Rajkote HG 4 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.
About this mark
The Rajkote HG 4 handstamp
Rajkote is the capital of Rajkote State in the Kathiawar Political Agency, situated 22°18' N and 70°50' E. It was the residence of the Agent of the Governor in Kathiawar.
Rajkote HG 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Rajkote — the present-day Rajkot — in the Bombay Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1838 to 1844. Known strikes occur in black and blue. It is listed in 2000 Supplement, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 4".
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 "Scarce" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for rajkote pre stamp covers, rajkote postal history or "Rajkote HG4" material can compare HG 4 across every office or browse the rest of the Rajkote marks.
Blue - 1 Recorded
Frequently asked
- What is the Rajkote HG 4 handstamp?
- Rajkote HG 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Rajkote (modern Rajkot) in the Bombay Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1838 to 1844. The "HG 4" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes occur in black and blue.
- How rare is Rajkote HG 4?
- Rajkote HG 4 is graded "Scarce" 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 Rajkote pre stamp cover with HG 4 look like?
- A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Rajkote 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 4. 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 Rajkote HG 4 cover?
- Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1838–1844). 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 Rajkote
5 marks5 other pre-1854 postal markings of Rajkote 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: Rajkote HG 4, Rajkote HG4, Rajkote Giles 4, Rajkot postal history, Rajkote handstamp, Rajkote pre stamp cover.
How to cite
“Rajkote HG 4 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/bombay/rajkote/hg-4 (accessed 10 August 2026).
Updated: 10 Aug 2026