What is the Cuddalore HG 3A handstamp?

Cuddalore HG 3A is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Cuddalore in the Madras Presidency, British India, recorded in use around 1827. The "HG 3A" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.

How rare is Cuddalore HG 3A?

Cuddalore HG 3A is graded "Very 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 Cuddalore pre stamp cover with HG 3A look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Cuddalore 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 3A. 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 Cuddalore HG 3A cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1827). 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.

Madras Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Cuddalore HG 3A

Colour & date: 1827
Rarity: Very scarce
Figure: 3A
Submitted by: robert siegel auctions

← HG 3 All Cuddalore HG 3b →

Census

Census records

2 covers recorded

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

COV-4186

10 February 1827

This handstamp: A red capsule "CUDDALORE / POSTPAID". Also bears a rare "INDIA LETTER / RAMSGATE" box handstamp.

COV-395

20 Dec 1827

India, Cuddalore, 1827, "CUDDALORE/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles Unrecorded). Faint but just legible strike in red struck on back of folded letter datelined "Cuddalore, Dec. 20th, 1824" , addressed to London, England, red framed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 3), Madras Out Station Ship Letter (Jan. 2) transit and London (Apr. 22) arrival backstamps, manuscript "1/-" rate marking, letter written in a heavy hand causing bleed from the ink, Fine, a very rare strike, unlisted in Giles, with only two examples thought to exist

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About this mark

The Cuddalore HG 3A handstamp

Cuddalore is in the District of South Arcot, Madras Presidency, on the trunk road from Trichinopoly to Madras, 118 miles from the latter, situated 11°30' N and 11°52' E. The E.I.C. obtained a formal lease in 1684 and built Fort St. David to protect the place.

Cuddalore HG 3A is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Cuddalore in the Madras Presidency, British India, recorded in use around 1827. Its "HG 3A" 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 "Very scarce" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for cuddalore pre stamp covers, cuddalore postal history or "Cuddalore HG3A" material can compare HG 3A across every office or browse the rest of the Cuddalore marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Cuddalore HG 3A handstamp?: Cuddalore HG 3A is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Cuddalore in the Madras Presidency, British India, recorded in use around 1827. The "HG 3A" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.
How rare is Cuddalore HG 3A?: Cuddalore HG 3A is graded "Very 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 Cuddalore pre stamp cover with HG 3A look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Cuddalore 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 3A. 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 Cuddalore HG 3A cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1827). 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 Cuddalore

6 marks

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

View all Cuddalore marks and postal history →

Suggest a correction

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Also searched as: Cuddalore HG 3A, Cuddalore HG3A, Cuddalore Giles 3A, Cuddalore handstamp, Cuddalore pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Cuddalore HG 3A — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/madras/cuddalore/hg-3a (accessed 13 August 2026).

Updated: 13 Aug 2026