What is the Secunderabad HG 6 handstamp?

Secunderabad HG 6 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Secunderabad in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1841 to 1855. The "HG 6" 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 Secunderabad HG 6?

Secunderabad HG 6 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 5 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.

What does a Secunderabad pre stamp cover with HG 6 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Secunderabad 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 6. 5 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 Secunderabad HG 6 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1841–1855). 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

Secunderabad HG 6

Handstamp Hyderabad State

Colour & date: Red1841–1855
Rarity: Common
Catalogue: 1993 Supplement · p. 27
Figure: 6
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 5 All Secunderabad HG 7 →

Census

Census records

5 covers recorded

5 pre-1854 covers bearing the Secunderabad HG 6 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-887

1841

1841 (Sept 10) Envelope with the contents sent from Humerapore to Secunderabad, showing on reverse boxed “HUMERAPORE Paid” pm together with dated “SECUNDERABAD Paid” mark, both in red. The only recorded example of the Humerapore boxed postmark.

COV-2509

26 January 1849

COV-3163

6 March 1850

1850 stampless native cover with red boxed ``SECUNDERABAD / 1850 MARCH 6 / Paid ?as`` handstuck to Madras; Gile Ty-2

COV-3493

11 February 1852

1852 stampless native cover with red boxed ``SECUNDERABAD / 1852 FEBRUARY 11 / Paid 8as`` & ``G.P.O./1852 FE`` to Madras; Gile Ty-2

COV-3558

1 November 1855

India 1855 cover bearing 1854 ½a deep blue die I (SG 4) – variety “H” instead of second “N” in ANNA reading “ANHA” tied by diamond of dots with boxed “SECUNDERABAD / Paid” on reverse

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About this mark

The Secunderabad HG 6 handstamp

Secunderabad was a British cantonment in the Hyderabad State, 6 miles from Hyderabad City, situated 1r27' N and 78°30' E. British troops formerly stationed here were known as the Subsidiary Force, paid for by revenue from districts ceded by the Nizam under the Treaty of 1800.... "

Secunderabad HG 6 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Secunderabad in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1841 to 1855. Known strikes are in red. It is listed in 1993 Supplement, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 6".

5 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 secunderabad pre stamp covers, secunderabad postal history or "Secunderabad HG6" material can compare HG 6 across every office or browse the rest of the Secunderabad marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Secunderabad HG 6 handstamp?: Secunderabad HG 6 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Secunderabad in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1841 to 1855. The "HG 6" 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 Secunderabad HG 6?: Secunderabad HG 6 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 5 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
What does a Secunderabad pre stamp cover with HG 6 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Secunderabad 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 6. 5 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 Secunderabad HG 6 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1841–1855). 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 Secunderabad

6 marks

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

View all Secunderabad 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: Secunderabad HG 6, Secunderabad HG6, Secunderabad Giles 6, Secunderabad handstamp, Secunderabad pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Secunderabad HG 6 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/madras/secunderabad/hg-6 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026