Edward V111 Portrait

I know what you are thinking , " nothing like a Machin", but if you look at this photograph you will appreciate why Arnold Machin chose his design for the Machin. The same can be said for this issue.

Simplicity

This is a picture of an original Portrait Photograph of Edward V111 taken and signed by the photographer Hugh Cecil.

The photograph was suggested by J.H. Brown, to be used to form the basics for the simple short lived Edward V111 definitive stamps of 1936. Official dates 20th January - 10th December 1936.

During his short reign only 4 common definitives were issued: ½d, 1d, 1½d and 2½d. The stamps were watermarked block cypher ER with St Edwards Crown and printed in photogravure by Harrison and Sons in sheets of 240 (20 horizontal rows of 12). They were perforated 15 x 14.

Due to difficulties with the George V1 printings after Edwards abdication, they were not completely withdrawn from general sale until 29/ 07/ 37. It has been suggested that some booklets remained on sale even after this date.