H.m. King George 5 Of England

H.M. King George V of England was responsible more than any other man for popularizing and legitimizing the hobby of philately. He was probably the best known philatelist of this era , and was accorded the title "The Premier Collector in the World" by the philatelic press in recognition of his noble rank and the affection felt for him by the philatelic community..plagerized from The Worlds Greatest Stamp Collectors by Stanley M. Bierman, M.D.

Hey Phil.... does Mr Bierman mention me in his book ?




Thats a crock of you know what, 3/4 of is collection was given to him. as presents, from other Kings and Queens from around the world.

The same thing applies to F.D.R.


You, me, David, Ottawamike, and everyone on SCF, are the real Stamp collectors

Bob, why don't you read the article..F.D. R. was one thing, the King was not allowed to accept gifts..if he was sent an item he made sure that an item of similar value from his duplicates was sent in return !

Now don't start picking on F.D.R.

Kirk..why not..most of the people who remember him around here do !!

For the sake of completeness, my King's full title was:

"His Majesty George V, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India", until 1927, when it was changed to "His Majesty George V, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India"

So there.

Not knowing the man himself I cannot comment on his habits, supposed or otherwise. I have not been over for tea too often at all.

There is a saying in sales and marketing that goes something like 'Any publicity is good publicity.'

Perhaps the elevation of the hobby from wherever it was to where it is now, a respectable past time for one and all, was not such a bad thing. It certainly makes me feel better.

Perhaps the hobby attracts so many types of people because it is so open to interpretation and use.

Hi All

Let me make some comments if I may.

First off, I was not aware that King George V was the collector, I thought it was more King George VI instead (?)

Also, the idea that the King could not accept gifts is not entirely correct. It is common fact that when proof, Specimens, errors, new sets etc etc are created, then they have been 'given' to the royal collection. Now, maybe I am wrong in assuming that the royal collection is the same collection as that of any given king or queen??

Also, on a tv documemtary once, there was a statement made in the following wording (very close to it anyway <G>) - - - - Should you be blessed by the visit of a reigning monarch to your personal home, and he / she makes a pleasant comment on an article in your home (expresses a liking), it is then your duty to present that article as a gift to their majesties'.

Having seeing this documentary myself, this says plainly enough to me that they could indeed accept gifts and ALMOST even ask for them if they took a liking to anything??

If this is truly the case, I sure wish I could build up my collection that way <G>

Maybe a member of this forum has a more correct version here and point us in the right direction.


Looking forward to seeing any comments on this topic.

Cheers

Bujutsu

Well Anyway, I think it is safe to say that the King was a true philatelist who loved his stamp collections I hope I am not opening the can again..but heres what the book sez...In principle the reigning monarch is not allowed to accept gifts of monetary value from individuals who are not well known to him, and stern lectures are visited upon those who violate this understanding. In select instances however the King would request the Keeper of the collection to find a duplicate from the R.P.C. of equal value to be offered in fair exchange. I wonder if I would have applied for the Keeper of the collection Job ?

Phil, no need to worry about "opening the can" -- hopefully we all realize this is just friendly chat.

I think the real heart of the debate might lie with the author, Dr. Bierman. His biases would certainly dictate his statement of these "facts." And most likely, someone writing in the 19th century would show much more deference to the monarch than someone writing a modern interpretation of the collection.

Either way, it's an interesting topic and I'm glad you broached it.

KirkS

KGVI may well have added significant items to the collection...I don't know. KGV was the famous one. He also had more than casual input into the designs of the stamps of his reign.

I also don't know about KGV receiving gifts, but I've read that he purchased many great rarities at not insignificant cost. It is true that he had money to spend that far exceeded the average collector. That's also true of many (but not all) of the "famous" collectors and exhibitors we know by name.

Being able to spend US$1,000,000 on an item may get you some degree of name recognition (among a very small circle of enthusiasts), but it doesn't make you any more, or less, of a collector.

At least that is my 2d.

Collin

The King giving gifts 1912 (stamps)

There's a few quite superb quotes about KGV and his stamps, who most definitely WAS a collector:


"But, remember, I wish to have the best collection, not just one of the best collections in England"

- King George V to JA Tilleard, Honorary Secretary, Philatelic Society, on appointing him as Philatelist to the King.



And this about KGV after WW1



"For seventeen years he did nothing at all, but kill animals and stick in stamps"

- Sir Harold Nicholson (1886-1968) in Diaries and Letters about King George V.

All I know is that if he didn't bring his trading book. He, ain't getting squat from me unless I offer. But, we could always trade for a castle or 2. Just in case the visit was spur of he moment.

You've got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive,
Eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative,
Don't mess with Mr. In-Between.

You've gotta spread joy up to the maximum,
Bring pain down to the minimum,
Have faith or pandemonium,
Li'ble to walk upon the scene.

You gotta think all,
All things are possible
End all thought of the improbable
Having all really ain't that remarkable
After all it's all what you believe

Mr. Inbetween here..did someone call ???