Sculptor and medallist Gilbert Bayes prepared the designs for the first Great Seal of George V. The obverse design of the Seal, perhaps inspired by the celebrated Bretigny Seal of Edward III, is dominated by an ornate Gothic throne. Justice and Fortitude stand either side of the throne while, above, within two small niches of its canopy, stand St Michael and St George.

A portrait of the King standing on the deck of a Dreadnought battleship was selected for the reverse in preference to the traditional equestrian effigy. It was prepared shortly before the FirstWorld War as the naval arms race with Germany continued apace. The Seal was not well liked and, shortly before the War, a decision was made to execute a new Seal. Fresh drawings were obtained but the outbreak of hostilities put an end to the plan.