Swaziland - New Monarch, Slight Redesign

Swaziland's definitives were larger in size than most other commonwealth issues, and they are a nice, affordable set (at least the short set through 1 shilling). The changeover from George V to George VI (there were no Edward VIII issues) entailed a slight redesign. To the casual observer, the change in portrait might seem to be the only change, but seeing them side by side shows modifications to the portrait size and portrait frame.

The KGV set is pretty straightforward. It was issued quite late in the reign, in 1933. The KGVI set has shade and perf varieties. I prefer the look of the KGV series.






And here is the KGV 1 shilling, just because it is so sharp:

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

At first glance, I thought there were plate flaws/cracks around the value tablet. But I assume those lines must be boundary lines?

KirkS

The country is land locked,
I was presuming boundary line and rivers.

Yep, the hairline "cracks" depict a few of the major rivers.

Strangely, the Mbuluzi River isn't depicted...it would exit the country in the vicinity of the "D" in "1D" and run through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean, emptying at Lourenco Marques (a common name on stamps that many stamp collectors probably couldn't place very easily).

The Mbuluzi also forms part of the southern boundary of one of the best-named districts/"states" in southern Africa, Hhohho.

Amazing Mr. Cjd ! :)
I am still trying to become conversant
with the rivers in India.
Brahmaputra and the Ganges at the moment :(

Thanks, CJD

I have been undertaking some research into these Swaziland issues as I am re-organising and re-writing up this part of my collection.

The stamp was based on a design by the Rev. C.C. Tugman.

The KGV stamp contained a significant error - Swaziland was not a Protectorate, although it had "a status approximating to that of a Protectorate". In other words, it was run like a Protectorate, although it wasn't a Protectorate.

Surviving proofs for the KEVIII stamps intended for Swaziland retained the "Protectorate", but was rectified with the KGVI issues. 1,000 KGVI postcards were printed by De La Rue inscribed "Protectorate", and they had to be destroyed.

John Easton in The De La Rue History of British & Foreign Postage Stamps 1855-1901 British Postage Stamp Design writes with regard to the changes made between the KGV and KGVI designs:

Super stuff, Plateflaw. I think that quote puts into words why I have a preference for the appearance of the KGVs.

Does Easton's book not "end" in 1901? It sounds like it would be of some interest to me, if it routinely extends into KGV-land...

Oops, I quoted the right author, but wrong book. Well spotted Cjd. The reference should be John Easton, British Postage Stamp Design, p.335.

Thanks!

Re the Easton book, I see first through fourth editions...all mid-1940's...any pointers for selecting an edition?

I cannot recall which edition mine is (it is not immediately to hand) so I am unable to comment on later amendments or changes. I can, however, highly recommend the book.

There are a few for sale at www.abebooks.com ranging in price from around $26 to $75 (including postage).

1979
Not sure what Mr. William Dockwra's Postmark, has to do with the death anniversary.
The landed gentry, stole his idea, took his business, and eventually, took away his pension.
Thematic: Stamps on stamps.

George V had quite a large cranium!