Object of the Day: A J. Beagles & Co. Postcard of King George V

Let’s start the week with our old pal, King George V. He’s looking quite dapper on the front of this postcard which was “Printed in England by J. Beagles & Co., Ltd. of London.” The publisher, like many of the era, wants to make sure we understand that this is a “guaranteed real photograph.” Beagles, who claimed to be “Best in the World” was working in a market which was flooded with “real photograph” postcards, led by Tuck & Sons, so, they were quick to label the reverse of their cards as being the real thing.

I’d place this card as having been printed around the time of the 1911 Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. I rather like this image of King George V. It shows the monarch in the clothes he’d wear around the palace. He looks quite casual for a king, and this makes him (seem) approachable. While George and Mary reveled in the tradition and ceremony of the monarchy, they were considered more in-tune with the people than their predecessors, so, the image is quite fitting.

I didn't scan the back because it, frankly, just looks like a postcard.  There's nothing too exciting about it.