What is the Futtyghur HG 2 handstamp?

Futtyghur HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Futtyghur (modern Fatehgarh) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1840 to 1849. The "HG 2" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in mauve.

How rare is Futtyghur HG 2?

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

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Futtyghur 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 Futtyghur 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 (1840-49). 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

Futtyghur HG 2

Handstamp All India common handstamp

Date Span: 1840-49
Colour: Mauve
Rarity: Common
Note: Revised impression; also R (1840-46)
Catalogue: 1993 Supplement · p. 14
Figure: 2
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 1 All Futtyghur HG 2a →

Census

Census records

2 covers recorded

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

COV-1013

16 March 1840

India, Futtyghur, 1840, "FUTTYGHUR/Paid" Framed Handstamp (Giles 2). Bold and clear strike in red with manuscript "16 March 1840" date and "10 as" rate added on back of folded letter to London, England, red "INDIA" in oval handstamp, London arrival backstamp, Very Fine strike

COV-2109

5 June 1843

FUTTYGHUR - RARE “INDIA” PACKET LETTER COVER REDIRECTED IN G.B. WITH 4-MARGIN IMPERF. 1d BLACK; Attractive 1/5 June 1843 EL to London “Overland via Suez & Falmouth” with a very fine claret-purple boxed “FUTTYGHUR/Paid [10as]” on the top flap, but redirected by the Agents “Messrs. Grindlay & Co.” with the “1/-” charge paid by them and sent on to a woman in London with a 4-margin 1d Red Imperf. (KG) just tied by a very fine black Maltese Cross with “T.P/Cornhill” alongside. Rare example of an 1840s cover from India with a Postage Stamp. Exhibition Quality. PHOTO - see page 24

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About this mark

The Futtyghur HG 2 handstamp

Headquarters of Farrukhabad District, United Provinces, situated 27°24' N and 79°35' E. The fort was built by Nawab Ahmad Khan in 1714. In 1777 a brigade of troops lent to the Nawab of Oudh was stationed there, but it did not come into British possession until 1802.

Futtyghur HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Futtyghur — the present-day Fatehgarh — in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1840 to 1849. Known strikes are in mauve. It is listed in 1993 Supplement, 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 "Common" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for futtyghur pre stamp covers, futtyghur postal history or "Futtyghur HG2" material can compare HG 2 across every office or browse the rest of the Futtyghur marks.

Revised impression; also R (1840-46)

Frequently asked

What is the Futtyghur HG 2 handstamp?: Futtyghur HG 2 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Futtyghur (modern Fatehgarh) in the North Western Provinces, British India, in recorded use from 1840 to 1849. The "HG 2" designation is its figure number in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India. Known strikes are in mauve.
How rare is Futtyghur HG 2?: Futtyghur HG 2 is graded "Common" 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 Futtyghur pre stamp cover with HG 2 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Futtyghur 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 Futtyghur 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 (1840-49). 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 Futtyghur

4 marks

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

View all Futtyghur 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: Futtyghur HG 2, Futtyghur HG2, Futtyghur Giles 2, Fatehgarh postal history, Futtyghur handstamp, Futtyghur pre stamp cover.

How to cite

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

Updated: 10 Aug 2026