What is the Azimgurh HG 1 handstamp?

Azimgurh HG 1 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Azimgurh (modern Azamgarh) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1822 to 1825. The "HG 1" 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 Azimgurh HG 1?

Azimgurh HG 1 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 an Azimgurh pre stamp cover with HG 1 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Azimgurh 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 an Azimgurh 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 (1822-25). 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.

North Western Provinces · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Azimgurh HG 1

Handstamp

Date Span: 1822-25
Colour: Black
Rarity: Scarce
Note: Scarce
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 19
Figure: 1
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

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Census

Census records

2 covers recorded

2 pre-1854 covers bearing the Azimgurh HG 1 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-351

22 January 1824

India, Azimgurh, 1825, "AZIMGURH POST OFFICE/18__" Double-Circle Handstamp (Giles 1). Mostly complete and well-struck with manuscript "22 Jany (18) 24" date added on folded letter to "M. Clark Esqre, Assist Surgeon 1st Regt. Lt. Calvalry" in Purneah, manuscript "Post Pd 13 as" rate notation, Calcutta (Jan. 29) arrival backstamp, cover with minor edge tear at bottom, Very Fine strike, noted as "scarce" by Giles

COV-1886

February 1825

Azimgurh: 1825 (Feb.) entire "uia Bhaugulpore" to Purneah, marked "Post pd 73as" and showing, on reverse, fine double-ring "azrucurur/r8lposr orprcE" (HG 1), and 1840 (30 Jan.) entire letter with fine Paid h.s. (HG 4) on reverse. Photo for first

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About this mark

The Azimgurh HG 1 handstamp

Headquarters of the Azimgurh District, situated 26°5' N and 83°12' E in the United Provinces, founded in 1665 by Azim Khan. The ruins of a fort built by him and a temple are the only buildings of any age.

Azimgurh HG 1 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Azimgurh — the present-day Azamgarh — in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1822 to 1825. Known strikes are in black. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 1".

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 azimgurh pre stamp covers, azimgurh postal history or "Azimgurh HG1" material can compare HG 1 across every office or browse the rest of the Azimgurh marks.

Scarce

Frequently asked

What is the Azimgurh HG 1 handstamp?: Azimgurh HG 1 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Azimgurh (modern Azamgarh) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1822 to 1825. The "HG 1" 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 Azimgurh HG 1?: Azimgurh HG 1 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 an Azimgurh pre stamp cover with HG 1 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Azimgurh 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 an Azimgurh 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 (1822-25). 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 Azimgurh

4 marks

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

View all Azimgurh 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: Azimgurh HG 1, Azimgurh HG1, Azimgurh Giles 1, Azamgarh postal history, Azimgurh handstamp, Azimgurh pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Azimgurh HG 1 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/n-w-provinces/azimgurh/hg-1 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026