Edward VIII postage stamps facts for kids

The Edward VIII postage stamps are a special series of stamps released in the United Kingdom during the short time King Edward VIII was on the throne, from January 20 to December 10, 1936. These stamps are unique because of the King's quick decision to step down from his royal duties.

Designing the Stamps

The picture of King Edward VIII used on these stamps was a profile (side view) photo taken by Hugh Cecil's studio. An 18-year-old named H.J. Brown came up with the idea for the stamp's design in February 1936. His simple design, which included the crown, the stamp's value in the top corners, and the word "POSTAGE" at the bottom, was used by the printers, Harrison and Sons.

Interestingly, Brown's original idea also had the words "POSTAGE" and "REVENUE" on the sides. The Post Office first told him they couldn't use his design. But when the stamps came out, they clearly looked like his idea. Brown's father later spoke out, saying the Post Office had been unfair.

When Were They Issued?

These stamps had a special watermark (a faint design you can see when you hold the stamp up to light) that showed a crown and "E8R" (which stood for Edward VIII Rex, meaning King Edward VIII).

The first stamps were released on September 1, 1936:

• The halfpenny (1⁄2d) green stamp
• The one-and-a-halfpenny (1+1⁄2d) brown stamp
• The two-and-a-halfpenny (2+1⁄2d) blue stamp

The one penny red stamp came out a bit later, on September 14.

Because King Edward VIII gave up his throne, there was a delay in making new stamps for the next king, George VI. This meant the Edward VIII stamps stayed on sale for several months. Many people also saved these stamps, which is why they are not very rare or expensive for collectors today.

Stamps for Morocco Agencies

Some of these four stamps were also used in the British post offices in Morocco. To do this, they were overprinted, meaning extra words were printed on top of the original design.

• For the city of Tangier, only the name "TANGIER" was printed on the stamp.
• For other areas, "MOROCCO / AGENCIES" was printed, along with a new value in French centimes or Spanish céntimos, depending on the local money used.

Other Stamp Ideas That Never Happened

Many other stamp designs were planned for King Edward VIII but were never released because he stepped down.

United Kingdom Plans

Right after Edward became King in January 1936, the British Post Office started working on more stamps. They planned a "Coronation issue" for his crowning day (May 12, 1937) and a final "Definitive issue" (regular stamps).

• Artists made test designs showing the King in different military uniforms, like those of the Seaforth Highlanders and Welsh Guards.
• In March 1936, the King agreed to the idea of larger stamps that would show his picture and famous castles.

But all these plans stopped when he decided to give up the throne.

Australia's Stamp Project

Australia also started designing a 2d red stamp for King Edward VIII. It showed a photo of the King in uniform, with the stamp's value in an oval and "POSTAGE" at the bottom. Printing began in September 1936 at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. However, all work stopped when the King abdicated.

Most of these unreleased Australian stamps and printing materials were destroyed. But one special block of six 2d red stamps, signed by the Governor of Victoria, William Vanneck, 5th Baron Huntingfield, still exists with a British collector. The Governor had visited the printing plant and signed a sheet, then later sent a piece of it to someone in England before it could be returned.

Canada's Stamp Project

In Canada, the designs and test prints for Edward VIII stamps were officially destroyed in January 1937. However, some test designs were saved in archives, and two plaster models were kept by an artist and a postal officer.

• In March 1936, the Canadian Post Office received the King's preferred photo for the stamp.
• By June, they had another photo from the Royal Mint.
• The Canadian Banknote Company worked on traditional stamp designs using these pictures.
• In October, they received a plaster model from British artist Hugh Paget.
• Finally, on December 1, 1936, the design was approved by Lord Tweedsmuir, the Governor-in-Council.

Two final test prints were sent to London for the King's approval, but they arrived after he had abdicated and were sent back to Canada. The design that had been prepared for Edward VIII was later used for King George VI, allowing new stamps to be issued on April 1, 1937.

Falkland Islands' Stamp Project

For the Falkland Islands, an artist named George Roberts drew pictures of the islands' animals, activities, and coat of arms. These drawings were put inside a rectangular frame with two circles at the top corners. The right circle had a crown, and the left one had the King's profile, using the same picture as the British stamps.

After the King abdicated, Roberts had to change the designs. King Edward VIII's profile in the circle was replaced with a picture of King George VI in an oval, still showing his military collar. This new series of stamps was finally issued on January 3, 1938.

Images for kids

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  The British stamps in a booklet pane featuring advertising for stamp dealer Charles Nissen.