King Edward VI "Victory" Stamp

The 1946 Victory Stamp

by Bro. R. J. Meek, Nelson Lodge, 23

Since England first issued postage stamps—the famous "Penny Blacks"—in 1840, only five special issues have ever been printed. It is singularly gratifying to the Fraternity that the "Victory Issue" put on sale last June in Gt. Britain contains much of masonic interest.

The 3 penny denomination of the Special Issue, illustrated herewith, displays several masonic symbols with unmistakable prominence. H.M. the King chose the design himself from several submitted to him for the commemorative Victory Issue.

The dominating feature of the three penny stamp is the face of King George VI surmounted by a crown. Significantly, if the stamp is properly oriented, as a map with north to the top, the King is in the east.

In the centre flies a dove carrying the olive branch, from time immemorial the symbol of peace. It is a familiar emblem, being found on the wands and collars of the Deacons.

Brotherly love amongst men is symbolized by the juxtaposition of the square and compasses. The former reminding us "to act on the square," and the latter "to keep in due bounds with ail mankiind. The compasses are at an angle of 45°, one point above and the other below the square, the position of Fellowcraft. It should be noted that the older form of square is portrayed, this type is seen particularly in connection with the Master’s jewel, also that of the Past Master. The two arms are of unequal length and represent the Greek letter "G" or "Gamma," denoting "God, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe."

The presence of a trowel and portion of a brick wall are not withont significance, both in the operative and the speculative sense. While the trowel is not now recognized under the English or Canadian constitution, it is an important symbol in the Scottish and the American Craft, emblematically spreading the cement of brotherly love among mankind. Also cleverly depicted in the curlicue engraving are five Ys denoting the 15 Fellowcrafts associated with the legend in the English work. The other symbols are surrounded or nestled and protected by this emblematical group.

The Freemason’s Chronicle of London, states: "It is singularly appropriate that the message thus conveyed by these emblems should be found, one may be almost permitted to surmise with purpose aforethought on the part of our M.W. Brother, the King, Past Grand Master, on the 3d. issue of the new stamps, used only for postage to foreign lands where the full significance of these emblems may not be lost, and the need for their reminder have greater force."

Reynold Stone, a descendant of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the celebrated portrait painter, is the designer. Although a relatively young man he achieved a degree of fame for his engravings of the Royal Coat of Arms for the Coronation Service.

Of interest to stamp collectors, the photogravure process was used for the Victory Issue. They are printed on special paper supplied by the firm making paper for the Bank of England notes. Only 24,000,000 of the 3d. have been issued. Post Office officials expect the issue to last about two months, after which no fresh supplies will be printed.

After World War I, several "Peace" or "Reconstruction" issues were printed. The 25 mark German Republic stamp of 1919 depicts a trowel and bricks similar to the English 3d. King Solomon’s Throne was featured some years ago on an Abyssinian stamp—their "King of Kings" claims direct descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Many other issues of more obscure symbolism can be found by keen philatelists.

The appearance of masonic symbols on a postage stamp in such a distinctive manner must surely be without precedent, and from this point of view the 3d. English "Victory Issue" is perhaps the most interesting stamp ever printed.

Masonic Bulletin, Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. vol x, no. 1, September 1946. p. 8

Masonry by design or by accident?

by Christopher L. Murphy

I am certain I am not the only masonic philatelist who has been asked about the British Peace Issue of 1946 (Scott No. 265). This stamp has two obvious masonic symbols and many freemasons believe it is a true masonic stamp.

Because the stamp was not issued for a masonic purpose, I have been quick to correct this belief. I have classified this stamp as one that inadvertently shows symbols that may be associated with the masonic order. Officially, I am correct. The Scott Catalog shows that the stamp was issued to commemorate the return to peace at the close of World War II, Freemasonry is not mentioned.

There is, however, more to this stamp than meets even the most trained eye. A few weeks ago, a lodge brother, Charlie Oddstad, telephoned me and asked if I were aware of an article about this stamp that appeared in our Grand Lodge bulletin back in 1977. I did not recall the article so Brother Oddstad sent me a copy. I was quite astounded by the information the article contained. Just how "masonic" is this stamp? I offer the information here for my fellow brother philatelists to consider:

1. This stamp shows King George VI who was a Freemason. He was a member of Navy Lodge No. 2612, London, England.

2. The stamp was designed by King George VI himself.

3. The stamp was released in 1946, the year King George was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England.

4. The stamp shows the square and compasses and a trowel which are masonic symbols. There is also a brick wall showing cement which also has masonic connotation.

5. The stamp has a curious ribbon that ties the King and the various symbols much like a cable-tow.

6. The ribbon can be said to form five, (5) figures. The numbers three (3) and five (5) are very significant numbers in Freemasonry.

7. The position of the square and compasses indicate the Fellow-Craft Degree. This degree was the King’s favorite degree.

8. If the top of the stamp is considered north, King George is situated in the east.

9. The square depicted is an older form of the instrument (the arms are not equal in length). This form of the square is often portrayed on the jewel worn by the Master of a lodge. Also, the form represent the Greek letter "G" or "Gamma" denoting God or the Grand Geometrician of the Universe.

A further comment is made about the dove carrying a sprig of acacia. However, I have difficulty with this statement. Acacia is quite different in appearance and the branch shown on the stamp has berries or "fruit" which would indicate the traditional olive branch.

The evidence appears overwhelming that King George had Freemasonry in mind when he designed this stamp. But we will never know for certain — the secret is now safely stored in the archives of the Grand Lodge Above.

The Masonic Philatelist, Dr. Allan Boudreau, publisher. Masonic Stamp Club of NY, Inc.. vol 49. no. 4, December 1993 ISSN : 1069-3580

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