What is the Benares HG 11 handstamp?

Benares HG 11 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Benares (modern Varanasi) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1856. The "HG 11" 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 Benares HG 11?

Benares HG 11 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, with images and provenance.

What does a Benares pre stamp cover with HG 11 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Benares 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 11. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, 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 Benares HG 11 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1850–1856). 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.

Benares HG 11 — pre-1854 Indian handstamp, 1850–1856, Black

North Western Provinces · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Benares HG 11

Handstamp

Colour & date: Black1850–1856
Rarity: Common
Note: 185?
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 29
Figure: 11
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 10 All Benares HG 12 →

Census

Census records

1 cover recorded

1 pre-1854 cover bearing the Benares HG 11 handstamp is recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-4154

1854

Rare cover posted in 1854 Small cover from Loodiana with slide Bearing Giles 10 to Benares Giles 11 'Not Found' and returned. Also has red 2-line stamps of Loodiana & Benares. Ex Giles and used for illustration in his book.

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About this mark

The Benares HG 11 handstamp

Benares, with its cantonment, is situated 25°18' N, and 83°1' E, on the left bank of the Ganges River in the United Provinces. It was ruled by the Nawab of Oudh until 1776, when he ceded it to the British. Scene of serious disorders in the uprising in 1857.

Benares HG 11 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Benares — the present-day Varanasi — in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1856. Known strikes are in black. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 11".

A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, 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 benares pre stamp covers, benares postal history or "Benares HG11" material can compare HG 11 across every office or browse the rest of the Benares marks.

185?

Frequently asked

What is the Benares HG 11 handstamp?: Benares HG 11 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Benares (modern Varanasi) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1856. The "HG 11" 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 Benares HG 11?: Benares HG 11 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, with images and provenance.
What does a Benares pre stamp cover with HG 11 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Benares 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 11. A single surviving cover bearing this mark is recorded in the census, 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 Benares HG 11 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1850–1856). 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 Benares

18 marks

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

View all Benares 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: Benares HG 11, Benares HG11, Benares Giles 11, Varanasi postal history, Benares handstamp, Benares pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Benares HG 11 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/n-w-provinces/benares/hg-11 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026