What is the Arcot HG 2 handstamp?

Arcot HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Arcot in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1821 to 1837. The "HG 2" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes occur in red and black.

How rare is Arcot HG 2?

Arcot HG 2 is graded "Scarce" 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 an Arcot pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Arcot 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 2. 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 an Arcot HG 2 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1821–1837). 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.

Arcot HG 2 — pre-1854 Indian handstamp, 1821–1837, Red

Madras Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Arcot HG 2

Handstamp

Colours & dates: Red1826–1837
Black1821
Rarity: Scarce
Note: 1 example, in 1821, seen in black ink
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 16
Figure: 2
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 1A All Arcot HG 3 →

Census

Census records

3 covers recorded

3 pre-1854 covers bearing the Arcot HG 2 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-2511

7 August 1821

COV-348

4 August 1826

India, Arcot, 1827, "ARCOT/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Faint but legible strike in red with manuscript "A 4" rate and "the 4th August 1827" date on back of folded letter to Edinburgh, Scotland, sender's directive "par Insan" , framed "INDIA LETTER/DEAL" handstamp (Robertson In. 3), Madras Out Station Ship Letter (Aug. 5) and London transit and Edinburgh (Mar. 12) arrival backstamps, framed "1/2" rate handstamp and "1/6" rate marking, Fine strike, Giles notes "1 example, in 1826, seen in red ink", this is clearly dated 1827 so we don't believe he was referring to the example offered here, still unlikely more than a few examples exist

COV-2187

29 May 1837

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About this mark

The Arcot HG 2 handstamp

Headquarters of the North Arcot District, Madras Presidency, situated 12°54' N and 79°20' E, on the right bank of the Palar R. Formerly the capital of the powerful Nawabs of the Carnatic, but changed hands frequently. First captured by Clive in 1751, surrendered to the French in 1758, and included in the cession of the Carnatic to the British in 1801.

Arcot HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Arcot in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1821 to 1837. Known strikes occur in red and black. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 2".

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 "Scarce" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for arcot pre stamp covers, arcot postal history or "Arcot HG2" material can compare HG 2 across every office or browse the rest of the Arcot marks.

1 example, in 1821, seen in black ink

Frequently asked

What is the Arcot HG 2 handstamp?: Arcot HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Arcot in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1821 to 1837. The "HG 2" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes occur in red and black.
How rare is Arcot HG 2?: Arcot HG 2 is graded "Scarce" 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 an Arcot pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Arcot 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 2. 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 an Arcot HG 2 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1821–1837). 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 Arcot

5 marks

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

View all Arcot 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: Arcot HG 2, Arcot HG2, Arcot Giles 2, Arcot handstamp, Arcot pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Arcot HG 2 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/madras/arcot/hg-2 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026