Great Britain stamps year 1912 King George V

Great Britain stamps year 1912 King George V

Stamps featuring King George V of Great Britain are highly collectible and mark a significant period in philatelic history. King George V (1910–1936) was an avid stamp collector himself, and the stamps issued during his reign are renowned for their intricate designs and production quality.

Key Features of King George V Stamps:

1. Design and Printing:
   • Many stamps bore the king’s profile, typically based on a medallion-style portrait.
   • The designs included ornate frames and detailed engraving, reflecting the high standards of British philately.
   • Watermarks and perforations varied across issues, adding complexity for collectors.
2. Definitive Issues:
   • Downey Head Issue (1911–1912): Early stamps featured a portrait of the young king, nicknamed “Downey Head,” after the photographer W. & D. Downey. These were replaced quickly due to public dissatisfaction with the design.
   • Profile Head Designs (1912–1936): Most definitive stamps featured a profile of the king modeled after coinage designs.
3. Commemorative Stamps:
   • Few commemorative stamps were issued during King George V’s reign, as the focus was primarily on definitive series.
   • A notable exception is the British Empire Exhibition series (1924–1925), celebrating the global reach of the British Empire.
4. Key Series:
   • Sea Horses High-Value Definitives (1913–1939): High-denomination stamps, often referred to as “Sea Horses,” depicted the king alongside allegorical imagery of Britannia and maritime power.
   • “Jubilee” Issue (1935): This series commemorated the Silver Jubilee of King George V’s reign, featuring a unique design with the king’s portrait and various symbolic elements.
5. Printing Techniques:
   • Stamps were produced using various printing methods, including typography and line-engraving.
   • Different watermarks, shades, and plate numbers make collecting King George V stamps both challenging and rewarding.
6. Commonwealth Stamps:
   • Stamps with King George V’s portrait were issued across the British Empire, each colony adapting the design with local symbols and values.