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Curiosa

Great Britain King George V 1d Scarlet (Scott #159) Block of 4 with Control 'K 18'

A block of four red King George V one penny stamps with a white margin at the bottom and right, featuring a red 'K 18' control mark.

Estimated value

$25 - $65

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Stamps

Brand

Harrison

Era

1918

Origin

United Kingdom

Artist / Creator

Bertram Mackennal

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
17

GREAT BRITAIN KING GEORGE V 1D SCARLET (SCOTT #159) BLOCK OF 4 WITH CONTROL 'K 18': IDENTIFICATION

A marginal block of four 1d scarlet stamps featuring the Mackennal profile of King George V, specifically the 'Profile Left' photogravure or typography issue. This specimen includes the right-hand sheet margin and the bottom 'K 18' control mark, indicating a 1918 printing. The color appears as a deep scarlet, typical of the Harrison and Sons printings during the Great War era.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

British Imperialism1910-1936

The use of the monarch's profile served as a unifying symbol across the British Empire, appearing on stamps from Australia to Canada.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •The collection of 'control blocks' is a specific philatelic ritual where collectors save the corner of the sheet to document the printing history of the issue.

Meaning Through Time

1918

Functional currency for communication during wartime.

Modern

A historical artifact documenting industrial printing methods and postal history.

POSTAL HERITAGE

The 'Downey Head' issues of 1911 were poorly received, leading to the adoption of Bertram Mackennal's profile design in 1912. The control mark 'K 18' signifies the 11th year of the contract (K) and the year 1918. Due to wartime shortages, Harrison and Sons experimented with various paper types and ...
The 'Downey Head' issues of 1911 were poorly received, leading to the adoption of Bertram Mackennal's profile design in 1912. The control mark 'K 18' signifies the 11th year of the contract (K) and the year 1918. Due to wartime shortages, Harrison and Sons experimented with various paper types and inks, leading to numerous shade and watermark varieties that are heavily documented in the Stanley Gibbons Specialized Catalogue.

PHILATELIC NOTES

1

The 'K 18' control mark specifically dates this sheet's printing to 1918, during the final year of World War I.

2

The 1d scarlet was the primary rate for a standard domestic letter in the UK until the rate was increased to 1.5d in June 1918.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Correct typography and ink saturation for 1918 issue
How does authenticity detection work?

PHILATELIST'S VERDICT

Philatelist

Stamp Specialist

The presence of a clear control mark 'K 18' provides definitive evidence of the year and manufacturer, though the reverse gum state remains unconfirmed.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Typography printing method consistent with 1912-1924 series

CONDITION & GRADE

Fine-Very Fine (Mint)

Grading breakdown

The stamps themselves appear sound with fresh color; the marginal tear does not affect the stamps but impacts the premium for the control block.

Condition

Appears to be in Mint condition with original gum; however, the lower-left corner of the margin is torn. Perforations gauge 15 x 14. Centering is typical for the era, shifted slightly towards the bottom-right.

PHILATELIC VALUATION

$25 - $65

Updated: Sep 7, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User stated 'Harrison' - printing characteristics and 'K 18' mark confirm Harrison and Sons as the contractor
  • User stated '1912-1924' - 'K 18' mark specifically dates this piece to 1918
  • User stated 'United Kingdom' - iconography and text 'POSTAGE REVENUE' confirm British origin

What Conflicted

  • User stated 'Mint' - while stamps appear mint, the margin has a significant tear which lowers the technical condition of the block as a philatelic unit

FROM THE CABINET OF

GA

gavin316

Wonderseeker•0 items

COMMENTS

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