What is the Salem HG 2 handstamp?

Salem HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Salem in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1829 to 1831. The "HG 2" 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 Salem HG 2?

Salem HG 2 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 Salem pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Salem 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 a Salem 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 (1829–1831). 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

Salem HG 2

Handstamp

Colour & date: Red1829–1831
Rarity: Common
Note: Note script e
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 183
Figure: 2
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 1 All Salem HG 3 →

Census

Census records

3 covers recorded

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

COV-309

26 December 1829

India, Salem, 1829, "SALEM/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Faint strike in red with manuscript "Inland A9, The 26 December 1829" rate and date markings on back of folded letter to Westford, England, framed "INDIA LETTER/DEAL" handstamp (Robertson In.1a), Madras Out Station Ship Letter (Dec. 29, Giles SD11), Madras (Dec. 29), and London (Mar. 27) transit backstamps, manuscript "1/3" rate marking, cover with some minor edgewear and small tear at top, Fine

COV-497

29 December 1830

India, Salem, 1830, "SALEM/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike in red on back of folded letter datelined "Salem, 29th Dec. 1830", addressed to Mysore, cover with some minor splitting along folds and overall ageing, Very Fine strike

COV-819

7 January 1831

1831 : H.G. 2 : Salem, headquarters of Salem District, Madras Presidency, is 206 miles from Madras. By treaty with Haider Ali's son in 1872, the District, except Oosoor fell to the Company. A letter from Salem stamped "SALEM/POSTPAID" on 7th January 1831 with 9 annas inland postage to Madras. Here it was stamped "MADRAS/9 JA 9/1831" & the oval OUTSTATION SHIP LETTER/MADRAS" was put as a transit mark.

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About this mark

The Salem HG 2 handstamp

Salem City, headquarters of Salem District, Madras Presidency, is 206 miles from Madras, and situated 11°19' N and 78°10' E. By treaty with Haidar Ali's son in 1792, the whole District, except Oosoor fell to the Company.

Salem HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Salem in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1829 to 1831. Known strikes are in red. 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 "Common" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for salem pre stamp covers, salem postal history or "Salem HG2" material can compare HG 2 across every office or browse the rest of the Salem marks.

Note script e

Frequently asked

What is the Salem HG 2 handstamp?: Salem HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Salem in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1829 to 1831. The "HG 2" 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 Salem HG 2?: Salem HG 2 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 Salem pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Salem 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 a Salem 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 (1829–1831). 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 Salem

5 marks

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

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

How to cite

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

Updated: 10 Aug 2026