King Edward VII Stamps

King Edward VII stamps represent a distinct era in British philately, spanning from 1901 to 1910. These Edwardian postage stamps capture the elegance and simplicity of the Edwardian era, with designs clearly inspired by the Jubilee issues of the late Queen Victoria.

Identifying Edwardian Stamps

When identifying Edwardian stamps, collectors should look for specific design elements that distinguish them, often tiny details. Typically designed by De La Rue and later printed by Harrison and Sons or Somerset House, these stamps have significant overlap of designs between the different printers. To the untrained eye, two stamps may appear identical, yet a knowledgeable collector can distinguish they were issued by two different printers. On Used examples, there is the possibility of identifying the printer according to the postmark, with postmarks dated during the De La Rue era confirming issuance by DLR.

Key Edwardian Stamp Issues

The key Edwardian stamp issues are split according to three different printers. In 1902, De La Rue issued the initial designs, with the series running until 1910. In 1911, the printing was continued by Harrison & Sons, but this was limited to the lower-value designs with single colours, due to the less advanced printing technologies they possessed. The multi-coloured and high-value denominations were subsequently issued by Somerset House.

Collecting Edwardian Stamps

For those interested in collecting Edward VII stamps, understanding the nuances of Edwardian philately is essential. The relatively short reign of King Edward VII means that the stamps from this period are limited in number, which can add to their appeal. Edwardian stamps offer a window into a transitional period in British history, bridging the gap between the Victorian designs and the more modern issues that followed. Collecting these stamps is not only about acquiring pieces of history but also appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.