What is the Vizianagarum HG 2 handstamp?

Vizianagarum HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Vizianagarum (modern Vizianagaram) in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1823 to 1827. 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 Vizianagarum HG 2?

Vizianagarum HG 2 is graded "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 Vizianagarum pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Vizianagarum 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. 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 Vizianagarum 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 (1823–1827). 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.

Vizianagarum HG 2 — pre-1854 Indian handstamp, 1823–1827, Red

Madras Presidency · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Vizianagarum HG 2

Handstamp

Colour & date: Red1823–1827
Rarity: Scarce
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 212
Figure: 2
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 1 All Vizianagarum HG 3 →

Census

Census records

2 covers recorded

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

COV-2059

11 February 1823

Vizianagarum: 1823 (11 Feb.) entire letter to Cawnpore inscribed "via Ganjam", the reverse with good to fine strike of the framed "VIZIANAGARUM/POST PAID" (HG 2) in reddish purple, Madras and Calcutta transit datestamps adjacent; small flap tear just clips strike though does not detract. Interesting content.

COV-458

14 April 1827

India, Vizianagarum, 1827, "VIZIANAGARUM/POST PAID" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear and mostly complete strike in red with manuscript "14th April 1827, 13 As pd to Madras" date and rate beside on back of folded letter to London, England, red framed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" handstamp (Robertson In. 3), Madras Out Station Ship Letter (Apr. 19) and Madras (Apr. 19) transit and London (Oct. 2) arrival datestamps, cover with some minor edgewear and strong vertical file fold, Fine strike

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About this mark

The Vizianagarum HG 2 handstamp

Vizianagarum is in Vizagapatam District, Madras Presidency, 522 miles from Madras and 507 from Calcutta, 16 miles from the sea, and is situated 18°7' N and 83°25' E. There is a fort in which the Raja had his residence, and nearby there is a large cantonment.

Vizianagarum HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Vizianagarum — the present-day Vizianagaram — in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1823 to 1827. 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".

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 "Scarce" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for vizianagarum pre stamp covers, vizianagarum postal history or "Vizianagarum HG2" material can compare HG 2 across every office or browse the rest of the Vizianagarum marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Vizianagarum HG 2 handstamp?: Vizianagarum HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Vizianagarum (modern Vizianagaram) in the Madras Presidency, British India, in recorded use from 1823 to 1827. 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 Vizianagarum HG 2?: Vizianagarum HG 2 is graded "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 Vizianagarum pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Vizianagarum 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. 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 Vizianagarum 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 (1823–1827). 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 Vizianagarum

5 marks

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

View all Vizianagarum 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: Vizianagarum HG 2, Vizianagarum HG2, Vizianagarum Giles 2, Vizianagaram postal history, Vizianagarum handstamp, Vizianagarum pre stamp cover.

How to cite

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

Updated: 10 Aug 2026