Madras Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp
Mysore HG 5
- Colour & date
- Black1837–1864
- Rarity
- Common
- Catalogue
- 1989 Catalogue · p. 151
- Figure
- 5
- Submitted by
- D. Hammond Giles
Census
Census records
3 covers recorded3 pre-1854 covers bearing the Mysore HG 5 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.
About this mark
The Mysore HG 5 handstamp
Mysore is the dynastic capital of the Indian State and residence of the Maharaja, situated 12°18' N and 76°40' E, at the north-west base of the Chamaraj hill.
Mysore HG 5 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Mysore — the present-day Mysuru — in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1837 to 1864. Known strikes are in black. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 5".
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 "Common" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for mysore pre stamp covers, mysore postal history or "Mysore HG5" material can compare HG 5 across every office or browse the rest of the Mysore marks.
Frequently asked
- What is the Mysore HG 5 handstamp?
- Mysore HG 5 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Mysore (modern Mysuru) in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1837 to 1864. The "HG 5" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in black.
- How rare is Mysore HG 5?
- Mysore HG 5 is graded "Common" 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 a Mysore pre stamp cover with HG 5 look like?
- A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Mysore 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 5. 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 a Mysore HG 5 cover?
- Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1837–1864). 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 Mysore
5 marks5 other pre-1854 postal markings of Mysore 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: Mysore HG 5, Mysore HG5, Mysore Giles 5, Mysuru postal history, Mysore handstamp, Mysore pre stamp cover.
How to cite
“Mysore HG 5 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/madras/mysore/hg-5 (accessed 10 August 2026).
Updated: 10 Aug 2026