Two values, recess-printed by De La Rue 30c intended for domestic letters and a $1 for airmail use. 

Set of 2

Stamps: 

                                                            SG169          30c     Blue & Red

                 SG170           $1      Brown & Red

The design used a variety of symbols to convey a powerful message. The central portrait, naturally, was of King George VI, with a crown above his head, reasserting the power of the British Empire. Below this was the mythical phoenix bird, which died in flames and was reborn from the ashes, symbolising the colony’s recovery from disaster. A ribbon below the bird bore the word ‘Resurgo’ (Latin for ‘arise’), and the dates ‘1941’ and ‘1945’ recalling the period of the Japanese occupation. The Hong Kong name appeared in English at the top, while Lions of England held shields that gave the name in Chinese characters.

On each side of the stamps are vertical tablets bearing Chinese inscriptions. There are varying literal interpretations of these phrases, but the general sense is clear: on the left it says ‘China and Britain perpetually at peace’, and on the right

 ‘The phoenix revives: great good fortune’.

Stamps are held in Hawid stamp mounts and can easily slide out for inspection.

Stamp dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd Class Letter.