What is the Simla HG 10 handstamp?

Simla HG 10 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Simla (modern Shimla) in the Punjab, British India, recorded in use around 1848. The "HG 10" 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 Simla HG 10?

Simla HG 10 has 1 example 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 Simla pre stamp cover with HG 10 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Simla 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 10. 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 Simla HG 10 cover?

Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1848). 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.

Punjab · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Simla HG 10

Handstamp

Colour & date: Black1848
Rarity: 1 example recorded
Figure: 10
Submitted by: Gowtham BJ

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Census

Census records

1 cover recorded

1 pre-1854 cover bearing the Simla HG 10 handstamp is recorded below — each entry links to images, provenance and auction details.

COV-572

1848

Here is a cleaned and corrected version: **1848 entire letter from Agra, dated July 8th, addressed to Simla, received July 11th, and redirected to Mussoorie via Meerut. The cover bears redirected “Bearing” datestamps filled in with manuscript charge marks, with further markings on the reverse. A fine and important pre-stamp letter, showing the uncommon boxed Meerut “Bearing” handstamp and the unusual U.P.O. / “Bearing” marking dated July 12th.** **Famously known as the “Quadruple Bearing Cover,” this is one of the most important pre-stamp covers of India. Both the U.P.O. and Kussowlie/Kussowlee Bearing handstamps are unrecorded. This is believed to be the only known cover bearing both the U.P.O. and Kussowlie/Kussowlee Bearing handstamps.**

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About this mark

The Simla HG 10 handstamp

Simla, Punjab, is situated 31°6' N and 7rl0' E, on a transverse spur of the Central Himalayan system, 7084 feet above sea level. After the Gurkha War, a tract of land was retained in 1816, and building started in 1819, to become the sanitarium and summer seat of Government.

Simla HG 10 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Simla — the present-day Shimla — in the Punjab, British India, recorded in use around 1848. Known strikes are in black. Its "HG 10" designation is the figure number assigned in the Hammond Giles catalogue of the handstruck postage stamps of India.

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 "1 example recorded" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for simla pre stamp covers, simla postal history or "Simla HG10" material can compare HG 10 across every office or browse the rest of the Simla marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Simla HG 10 handstamp?: Simla HG 10 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Simla (modern Shimla) in the Punjab, British India, recorded in use around 1848. The "HG 10" 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 Simla HG 10?: Simla HG 10 has 1 example 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 Simla pre stamp cover with HG 10 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Simla 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 10. 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 Simla HG 10 cover?: Compare your cover against the reference impression and recorded examples on this page — check the mark's shape, colour and date range (1848). 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 Simla

9 marks

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

View all Simla 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: Simla HG 10, Simla HG10, Simla Giles 10, Shimla postal history, Simla handstamp, Simla pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Simla HG 10 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/punjab/simla/hg-10 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026