What is the Benares HG 7 handstamp?

Benares HG 7 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Benares (modern Varanasi) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1840 to 1853. The "HG 7" 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 Benares HG 7?

Benares HG 7 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 4 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.

What does a Benares pre stamp cover with HG 7 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 7. 4 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 Benares HG 7 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1840-53). 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 7

Handstamp All India common handstamp

Date Span: 1840-53
Colour: Red
Rarity: Common
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 29
Figure: 7
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 6 All Benares HG 8 →

Census

Census records

4 covers recorded

4 pre-1854 covers bearing the Benares HG 7 handstamp are recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-3786

10 November 1838

India 1830s prestamp cover w/ personal content/ red boxed "BENARES/ Paid 10as" cachet & green wax seal to Nasirabad

COV-1532

1842

1842 BENARES Paid Giles 7 on folded letter to Sussex via Falmouth, redirected to London, oval INDIA, various UK markings. Contents related to Military service

COV-1898

1844

1844 entire from Benares to London and redirected to Blackheath, marked "By Overland Mail via Southampton", showing framed "india/paid" and arrival c.d.s. (11.5) with despatch d.s. (3.3) on reverse, all struck in red; upon redirection GB 1d. red applied and tied by black Maltese Cross. A few minor faults

COV-3288

13 September 1851

1851 (Sept 13): Cover from Benares (Varanasi) to Kathmandu, addressed to the Maharaja of Nepal, Jang Bahadur, with faint framed 'Benares / Paid' handstamp in red and rated prepaid at 3 annas (for ¼ tola = approx. 2½ grams); splendidly decorated for his highness with gold leaf patches on front and on the reverse. Rare and most unusual. Provenance: Collection Jochen Heddergott, London & Brighton Auctions (March 20, 1980)

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About this mark

The Benares HG 7 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 7 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 1840 to 1853. Known strikes are in red. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 7".

4 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 benares pre stamp covers, benares postal history or "Benares HG7" material can compare HG 7 across every office or browse the rest of the Benares marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Benares HG 7 handstamp?: Benares HG 7 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Benares (modern Varanasi) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1840 to 1853. The "HG 7" 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 Benares HG 7?: Benares HG 7 is graded "Common" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 4 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
What does a Benares pre stamp cover with HG 7 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 7. 4 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 Benares HG 7 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1840-53). 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 7, Benares HG7, Benares Giles 7, Varanasi postal history, Benares handstamp, Benares pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Benares HG 7 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/n-w-provinces/benares/hg-7 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026