Hong Kong – Scott # 129, hinged

Description

Hong Kong – Scott #129 (1921–37) Unused, Hinged

This is the 1921–37 One Cent Brown issue of Hong Kong (Scott #129), from the definitive King George V series printed by De La Rue & Co. in London. The stamp presents the finely engraved left-facing portrait of King George V framed by elegant colonial ornamentation that integrates both Western and Chinese lettering—one of the most recognizable designs in early 20th-century British Empire philately.

The portrait is executed in a rich chocolate-brown hue, surrounded by a lighter background that accentuates the engraving detail. “HONG KONG” appears boldly across the top, the bilingual inscriptions “香港” (Hong Kong) are printed vertically along the sides, and the denomination “1 CENT” is neatly balanced in corner panels at the base.

This example is unused, showing original gum and light hinge remnants. The impression is sharp, margins are full, and color remains strong—a fine, collectible representation of the King George V low-value definitive issue.

Technical Details:

• Issue Period: 1921–1937

• Denomination: 1 Cent

• Color: Brown

• Watermark: Multiple Script CA

• Perforation: 14

• Printer: De La Rue & Co., London

• Condition: Unused, hinged; full original gum, vivid color, crisp impression

Historical Context:
Following the 1912 “Multiple Crown CA” series, the 1921–37 issues introduced the “Multiple Script CA” watermark, marking a refinement in colonial printing practices. The 1-cent value served primarily for local or printed-matter rates within Hong Kong and the surrounding region. This stamp typifies the understated elegance and precision engraving associated with De La Rue’s definitive work for the British Empire during King George V’s reign.