Great Britain 1936 (May 12th) 1½d red-brown King Edward VIII Accession Essays, SG459var.
A very fine perforated horizontal pair printed in brown on gummed "GvR" watermarked, chalk coated paper, depicting the King in the uniform of the Seaforth Highlanders from a photograph by Bertram Park (Design Type A).
These essays were produced by Harrison & Sons and mounted on the original backing card as presented to the Post Office.
The portrait was taken in June 1932, almost four years before Edward VIII's accession to the throne, and was subsequently selected for consideration in the design of the new King's postage stamps.
These essays represent an important stage in the development of the Edward VIII definitive stamps, although the military portrait design was ultimately rejected in favour of the simpler design issued in September 1936.
The King's abdication in December 1936, after a reign of just 326 days, brought an abrupt end to the development of further stamps bearing his portrait.
A very rare and historically important essay from Britain's shortest-reigning monarch of the modern era, preserved on its original Post Office presentation card.
SG Catalogue Value: £3,000+.
When Edward became king of the United Kingdom in January 1936, he made it clear he planned to marry Wallis. When he was told by Parliament this was impossible, he abdicated in December of that year. The couple lived out the rest of their lives in a whirl of parties and foreign travel.
