On Banbury Stamp Society enjoyed a return visit by Carlton Jones who came to show the British stamps of the four kings, Edward VII to George VI (1902 – 1952).
Carlton’s display started with the stamps of Edward VII. The first stamps bearing Edward’s portrait were issued in 1902, a year after he came to the throne. These stamps closely resembled the later issues of his mother Queen Victoria. They are attractive stamps and come in a number of varieties and shades, examples of which were shown.
Next Carlton displayed the stamps of King George V. This reign saw the introduction of new designs and new printing techniques and the display contained examples of these stamps in mint and used condition.
Carlton explained that this reign produced his favorite British stamps, the “seahorse” high value stamps first produced in 1913. These stamps feature Britannia riding a chariot pulled by three horses swimming through the sea. It is an exceptional design which underwent three separate printings. Examples of these were shown to the club.
Carlton also explained that this reign produced the first British commemorative stamps even though George V, an enthusiastic stamp collector, was not keen on them. He thought that commemorative stamps were un-British. Carlton then showed his second favourite British stamps, the 1929 set commemorating the ninth Universal Postal Union Congress. This set contains the famous “PUC £1” stamp. Although expensive to acquire this is definitely one of the most attractive British stamps ever issued. The display contained several examples of this stamp.
The club were then asked what they had not yet seen. This led to a lively debate until he pointed out that his display did not show the first commemoratives ever issued by Britain for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924 and 1925. He explained that he had too much material on this subject and directed members to a large album where they could see many fine examples of these stamps.
Carlton pointed out that he did not have an example of the 1935 king’s silver jubilee stamp in the Prussian blue shade.
Next came the stamps of King Edward VIII. Carlton said that there was not much to say as the king was not around for long and only four stamps were issued during his reign. He explained that these stamps are very cheap to acquire and it is still quite possible to buy a whole sheet of stamps if you want to. This is because people bought large quantities of these stamps after the abdication hoping that they would become valuable.
Finally, we reached the reign of King George VI. His reign saw the introduction of more commemorative stamps than ever before, seven sets over 16 years, very modest by modern standards but quite revolutionary at the time. The display contained many examples of these stamps along with the definitive stamps and the wartime issues which are distinctive because they were printed in lighter shades (diluted ink) to save resources.
Carlton was thanked for a most entertaining display.