1918 King George V 'Seahorses' Stamp Collection

Revealing the Iconic Seahorses – the stamps that promoted the Empire

Perhaps the most iconic and sought-after of all pre-Elizabeth II stamp issues is the King George V “Seashorses”.  The stamps that were issued as much as a propaganda tool for the British Empire before the outbreak of World War One as for any pressing philatelic need, in the century since first being produced, they have become an essential addition to any stamp collection.

Britannia rules the waves

The Seahorses High Value Definitive stamps were issued in 1913, during the early part of the reign of King George V.  The stamps were produced at a time when the British Empire was in slow decline and the country was experiencing a period of economic downturn.  Even more importantly perhaps was the growing threat from within Europe – especially from Germany who had ambitions to challenge the dominant position of Britain and her Navy.

King George V was a keen philatelist and he saw stamps as a potential propaganda tool to boost the country’s morale.  As a result, the ‘Seahorse’ were commissioned and issued in 1913 - as a means of restoring a British feeling of ‘world power’ and as a ‘ruler of the seas’ for the general public.

The stamps remain to this day very famous due to their high quality engraving and dramatic design which depicts Britannia on her chariot behind three writhing horses on a stormy sea. The work of designer Bertram Mackennal who was also responsible for other definitive designs of the reign, the nautical design on the stamps was a not so-subtle notice to Germany that Britain still ruled the waves.

Personally overseen by the King  

Due to his personal interest, King George V worked closely with Mackennal on the designs (it’s hard to imagine Elizabeth II taking such a personal interest in the stamps of the realm today).  Under the recommendation of the King these stamps were line-engraved printed, the traditional method of producing high quality stamps.  At the time this method was rarely used due to the development of surface printing and reserved only for very limited stamp releases.

The iconic design and significance of these stamps is a key reason why they remain in high demand to this day.  Today you have the opportunity to own three of the values from within the issue – ranging from the 2 Shilling & 6d stamp to the 10 Shilling stamp – in used condition. In the last two decades alone the official Stanley Gibbons catalogue combined value has risen by 167% for these 3 stamps in fined used condition.