What is the Rajkote HG 6 handstamp?

Rajkote HG 6 is a early Indian handstruck postal marking of Rajkote (modern Rajkot) in the Bombay Presidency, British India, recorded in use around 1856. 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 Rajkote HG 6?

Rajkote HG 6 is graded "Rare" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, with images and provenance.

What does a Rajkote pre stamp cover with HG 6 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 6. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, 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 6 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1856). 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.

Bombay Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Rajkote HG 6

Handstamp

Colour & date: Red1856
Rarity: Rare
Figure: 6
Submitted by: Arvind

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Census

Census records

1 cover recorded

1 pre-1854 cover bearing the Rajkote HG 6 handstamp is recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-2836

12 December 1856

India, 1854, 4a Red & Deep Blue, 4th Printing, Head Die III, Frame Die II (6Fa; SG 22). Three cut to shape singles, margins to touching, tied by barred "119" cancels on bluish 1856 folded letter to Hartrow, England, sender's directive "via Marseilles", well-struck red framed "RAJKOTE/1856 DEC 12/Paid" despatch datestamp (Giles 2 variety) on back, red framed "INDIA PAID" handstamp, red Bombay (. 16) and London (Jan. 16, 1857) transit, the latter also ties one 4a stamp, and blue Taunton (Jan. 17) arrival datestamps, red manuscript "1/3" rate marking, cover missing small piece of back panel and some minor edgewear, Very Fine, the 12a paid the up to ½oz rate via Marseilles

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About this mark

The Rajkote HG 6 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 6 is a early Indian handstruck postal marking of the post office at Rajkote — the present-day Rajkot — in the Bombay Presidency, British India, recorded in use around 1856. Known strikes are in red. Its "HG 6" designation is the figure number assigned in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.

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

Frequently asked

What is the Rajkote HG 6 handstamp?: Rajkote HG 6 is a early Indian handstruck postal marking of Rajkote (modern Rajkot) in the Bombay Presidency, British India, recorded in use around 1856. 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 Rajkote HG 6?: Rajkote HG 6 is graded "Rare" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, with images and provenance.
What does a Rajkote pre stamp cover with HG 6 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 6. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, 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 6 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1856). 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 marks

5 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.

View all Rajkote marks and postal history →

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 6, Rajkote HG6, Rajkote Giles 6, Rajkot postal history, Rajkote handstamp, Rajkote pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Rajkote HG 6 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/bombay/rajkote/hg-6 (accessed 20 July 2026).

Updated: 20 Jul 2026