Madras Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp
Mayaveram HG 1
- Colour & date
- Red1850–1854
- Rarity
- Rare
- Figure
- 1
- Submitted by
- Siegel
Census
Census records
2 covers recorded2 pre-1854 covers bearing the Mayaveram HG 1 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.
About this mark
The Mayaveram HG 1 handstamp
In medieval times, Mayiladuthurai was ruled by the Chola Dynasty. It was subsequently part of the Pallavas, Pandiyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Thanjavur Nayak kingdom, Thanjavur Maratha kingdom, and eventually the British Empire. Mayiladuthurai was a part of the erstwhile Tanjore district until India's independence in 1947
Mayaveram HG 1 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Mayaveram — the present-day Mayiladuthurai — in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1854. Known strikes are in red. Its "HG 1" 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 "Rare" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for mayaveram pre stamp covers, mayaveram postal history or "Mayaveram HG1" material can compare HG 1 across every office or browse the rest of the Mayaveram marks.
Frequently asked
- What is the Mayaveram HG 1 handstamp?
- Mayaveram HG 1 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Mayaveram (modern Mayiladuthurai) in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1854. The "HG 1" 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 Mayaveram HG 1?
- Mayaveram HG 1 is graded "Rare" 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 Mayaveram pre stamp cover with HG 1 look like?
- A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Mayaveram 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 1. 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 Mayaveram HG 1 cover?
- Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1850–1854). 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.
Suggest a correction
Spotted a wrong date, colour or rarity? Propose a change — every suggestion is reviewed before it is applied.
Also searched as: Mayaveram HG 1, Mayaveram HG1, Mayaveram Giles 1, Mayiladuthurai postal history, Mayaveram handstamp, Mayaveram pre stamp cover.
How to cite
“Mayaveram HG 1 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/madras/mayaveram/hg-1 (accessed 19 August 2026).
Updated: 19 Aug 2026