What is the Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 handstamp?

Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Hydrabad (Scind) (modern Hyderabad) in the Sindh, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1856. The "HG 4" 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 Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4?

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

What does a Hydrabad (Scind) pre stamp cover with HG 4 look like?

A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Hydrabad (Scind) 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 4. 7 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 Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 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.

Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 — pre-1854 Indian handstamp, 1850–1856, Red

Sindh · Pre-1854 Handstamp

Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4

Handstamp

Colour & date: Red1850–1856
Rarity: Scarce
Catalogue: 1989 Catalogue · p. 105
Figure: 4
Submitted by: D. Hammond Giles

← HG 3a All Hydrabad (Scind)HG 5 →

Census

Census records

7 covers recorded

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

COV-3242

25 June 1850

COV-2010

1852

1852 (22 May) Small cover sent from Hyderabad (Sind) to Sukkur.

8 October 1852

12 June 1853

1 August 1853

26 September 1855

1856

1856 (April 9) Concession rate soldier’s letter from camp in Hyderabad to Carlow, Ireland, with Hyderabad paid datestamp on front together with indistinct Bombay “FREE” transit mark, handstruck “2” for 2d due for unpaid soldier’s letter also on obverse. Transit and arrival postmarks on reverse, including Bombay GPO 11.4 1856.

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About this mark

The Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 handstamp

Hydrabad is the headquarters of Hydrabad, Scind, Bombay Presidency, situated 25°23' N and 68°25' E. Founded in 1768 by Ghulam Shah Halhora; it remained the chief town of Scind until 1843, when, after the battle of Miani, it surrendered to the British, and the capital was transferred to Karachi.

Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of the post office at Hydrabad (Scind) — the present-day Hyderabad — in the Sindh, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1856. Known strikes are in red. It is listed in 1989 Catalogue, where each marking of British India is assigned a figure number — hence "HG 4".

7 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 "Scarce" — the grade moves automatically as new covers are recorded. Collectors searching for hydrabad (scind) pre stamp covers, hydrabad (scind) postal history or "Hydrabad (Scind) HG4" material can compare HG 4 across every office or browse the rest of the Hydrabad (Scind) marks.

Frequently asked

What is the Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 handstamp?: Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 is a pre-1854 handstruck postal marking of Hydrabad (Scind) (modern Hyderabad) in the Sindh, British India, in recorded use from 1850 to 1856. The "HG 4" 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 Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4?: Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 is graded "Scarce" in this census. Rarity here is evidence-based: it is derived from the number of surviving covers actually recorded, not estimated. 7 surviving covers bearing this mark are recorded in the census, each with images and provenance.
What does a Hydrabad (Scind) pre stamp cover with HG 4 look like?: A pre stamp (pre philatelic) cover from Hydrabad (Scind) 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 4. 7 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 Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 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 Hydrabad (Scind)

5 marks

5 other pre-1854 postal markings of Hydrabad (Scind) are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

View all Hydrabad (Scind) 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: Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4, Hydrabad (Scind) HG4, Hydrabad (Scind) Giles 4, Hyderabad postal history, Hydrabad (Scind) handstamp, Hydrabad (Scind) pre stamp cover.

How to cite

“Hydrabad (Scind) HG 4 — handstamp,” Hand Struck Stamps, https://handstruckstampsindia.com/sindh/hydrabad-scind/hg-4 (accessed 10 August 2026).

Updated: 10 Aug 2026