What is the Benares HG 2 handstamp?

Benares HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Benares (modern Varanasi) in the North Western Provinces, British India, recorded in use around 1811. The "HG 2" 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 2?

Benares HG 2 has 2 examples recorded 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 2 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 2. 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 2 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1811). 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

Benares HG 2

Handstamp

Colour & date: Black1811
Rarity: 2 examples recorded
Note: Rare. 1 example recorded
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 29
Figure: 2
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 1 All Benares HG 3 →

Census

Census records

1 cover recorded

1 pre-1854 cover bearing the Benares HG 2 handstamp is recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-1194

5 April 1811

BENARES BEARING POSTAGE - the only recorded example of Giles 2 on 1811 entire with G.P.O. PtPd Giles 10 and G.P.O. BgPg Giles 11 - Unique

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About this mark

The Benares HG 2 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 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Benares — the present-day Varanasi — in the North Western Provinces, British India, recorded in use around 1811. Known strikes are in black. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 2".

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

Rare. 1 example recorded

Frequently asked

What is the Benares HG 2 handstamp?: Benares HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Benares (modern Varanasi) in the North Western Provinces, British India, recorded in use around 1811. The "HG 2" 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 2?: Benares HG 2 has 2 examples recorded 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 2 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 2. 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 2 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1811). 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 2, Benares HG2, Benares Giles 2, Varanasi postal history, Benares handstamp, Benares pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Benares HG 2 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/n-w-provinces/benares/hg-2 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026