Hong Kong – Scott # 116, used

Description

Hong Kong – Scott #116 (1912) Used

This is the 1912 Twenty Cents Olive-Green and Purple issue of Hong Kong (Scott #116), part of the King George V definitive series printed by De La Rue & Co. of London. The stamp presents the familiar left-facing profile of King George V, engraved in purple and framed within an ornate border of olive-green, blending both regality and colonial refinement typical of early 20th-century British Empire issues.

The bilingual inscriptions “HONG KONG” at the top and “香港” (Hong Kong in Chinese) vertically along the sides underscore the colony’s dual cultural identity. The denomination “20 CENTS” appears clearly in the lower tablet, framed by symmetrical corner designs.

This example is used, showing a clean circular date cancel that leaves much of the portrait unobstructed. The colors remain strong and distinct, with the purple vignette and olive-green frame sharply contrasting against the white paper, showcasing De La Rue’s mastery of multi-color printing.

Technical Details:

• Issue Date: 1912

• Denomination: 20 Cents

• Color: Olive-Green & Purple

• Watermark: Multiple Crown CA

• Perforation: 14

• Printer: De La Rue & Co., London

• Condition: Used; light cancel, well-centered, vivid color contrast

Historical Context:
Issued soon after King George V’s coronation, this series reflected Hong Kong’s growing role in international trade and communication during the British colonial period. The 20¢ denomination was typically used for heavier letters or international rates, and as such, these stamps often saw genuine commercial use.