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BRITISH GUIANA, 1856, 1c Black on Magenta (13). Gibbons No. 23, Unique, The Rarest and Most Valuable stamp in the World (Scott $375,000)
BERMUDA, William B. Perot, 1854, 1p Red on Bluish Wove Paper (X2; SG O4). Huge octagonal margins, clear impression of the large rimless circle and "1854" year date, neatly denominated "One penny" and signed "W B Perot", used on flap of folded letter datelined at Hamilton, April 15, 1855, from N. Butterfield, a banker, to B. Wilson Higgs in St. GeorgesTHE FINEST OF THE ELEVEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF PEROT'S FIRST PROVISIONAL STAMPS. THE ONLY 1854 DATE IN PRIVATE HANDS - THE OTHER BEING PART OF THE ROYAL PHILATELIC COLLECTION - AND BY FAR THE BETTER OF THE TWO PEROT FIRST-TYPE PROVISIONALS KNOWN ON COVERS. THE MOST OUTSTANDING ITEM OF BERMUDA AND RANKED AMONG THE WORLD'S MOST IMPORTANT PHILATELIC RARITIES.
This example was the first of the Perot postmaster's provisional stamps to be seen outside of Bermuda. It was shown by Louis Mowbray to Alfred Smith & Co. of Bath, England, in 1897 (Alfred Smith's Monthly Circular, July 1897). Sometime thereafter the cover was sold to Count Philippe de la Renotiere von Ferrary, whose massive worldwide collection was dispersed between 1921 and 1925 in a series of auctions at the Hotel Drouot in Paris under the supervision of M. G. Gilbert. In the fifth Ferrary sale (November 15, 1922, lot 122) this 1854 Red on Bluish Wove on cover was sold for 35,250 French francs (approximately $5,021) to Maurice Burrus, an Alsatian tobacco magnate whose own vast collection was sold in various auctions from 1962 to 1967. At the Robson Lowe sale of the Burrus Bermuda (July 24, 1963, lot 478), the cover was acquired by the Italian collector, FIRST NAME? Tomasini, for £11,000.
Ten years after the Burrus sale the cover again traded hands when part of the Tomasini collection was sold through Stanley Gibbons (October 4, 1973, lot 5). At the Tomasini sale, or sometime after, the cover was acquired for £50,000 by an American collector, who later consigned it to our firm's Rarities of the World auction (April 5, 1980, lot 368), where it realized $231,000, selling to the late Dr. Leonard Kapiloff. Prior to his death, Dr. Kapiloff sold the cover through Christie's London (June 13, 1991, lot 1079) for £XXX,XXX.
Of the eleven recorded examples of Perot's first provisional stamp, in black or red, this stamp is of vastly superior quality. It has the largest margins of any of the eleven stamps (several of which are badly cut into), and, unlike the others, it is free of any faults or repairs.
There are only two provisionals dated "1854", the other being part of the collection of Her Majesty the Queen. Perhaps of greater significance, given the current emphasis on postal history, is the fact that only two first-type Perot provisionals are known on covers. Both emanate from the Butterfield-Higgs correspondence, the other being the Black on Bluish Gray stamp dated "1848", which was affixed across the flap and torn in half upon opening (repaired).
Described and illustrated in Stamps of Fame, L. N. and M. Williams (p. 80-84, plate 12). The Perot provisionals are discussed in detail in M. H. Ludington's The Postal History and Stamps of Bermuda.
Ex Ferrary, Burrus, Tomasini and Kapiloff. With 1991 B.P.A. certificate. Stanley Gibbons £250,000
BRITISH GUIANA, 1856, 1c Black on Magenta (13). Unique, The Rarest and Most Valuable stamp in the World
MAURITIUS, 1848, 1p Orange Vermilion on Yellowish Paper, Earliest Impression (3; SG 3). Positions 7-8/10-11, unused block of four from lower left corner of the sheet, beautiful prooflike impression from the earliest state of the plate, richly inked and vivid fresh color, large to huge margins including part of sheet margins at left and bottom, horizontal crease between the stamps and vertical crease thru two righthand stamps, not affecting appearance, few faint toned spots on backTHE FAMOUS AND UNIQUE UNUSED BLOCK OF THE ONE-PENNY "POST PAID" EARLIEST IMPRESSION. THE MOST IMPORTANT UNUSED MULTIPLE OF MAURITIUS AND ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING IMPERFORATE BLOCKS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
This remarkable survivor from the early period of the Mauritius post office can be traced as far back as Henry J. Duveen's ownership. It is not known from whom Duveen acquired the block, although he did purchase a significant portion of Sir William B. Avery's Mauritius collection. When the Duveen collection was dispersed through private sales by Charles J. Phillips in 1922-1926, the block figured prominently among the items purchased by Arthur Hind. After Hind's death, his Mauritius was offered as the fourth part of the British Empire series conducted by H. R. Harmer of London (June 12, 1934), and the "Post Paid" block sold for the U.S. dollar equivalent of $23,688, a staggering price that eclipsed the combined figure paid for the 1p and 2p "Post Office" stamps and came close to matching the amount realized by the 1p and 2p "Post Office" combination cover. The buyer was Alfred H. Caspary, presumably in competition with Maurice Burrus and Alfred F. Lichtenstein. Although Caspary's Mauritius collection paled in comparison to the holdings of his contemporaries, Burrus and Lichtenstein - he lacked even a single example of the "Post Office" stamps - the two titans of British Empire philately must have coveted their friend's "Post Paid" block. In 1958, after Caspary's death, his Mauritius was sold by H. R. Harmer, and the "Post Paid" block was featured in color in the sale catalogue, the only item in all of the Caspary sales to receive such chromatic distinction. It realized $18,500 and soon became part of the Josiah K. Lilly collection. When our firm sold the Lilly collection after his death, the "Post Paid" block realized $64,000 (March 16, 1967).
With 1995 B.P.A. certificate
CANADA, 1851, 12p Black on Laid Paper (3; SG 4). Large margins all around, tied by well-struck target cancel on double-rate bluish folded cover to New York City, red "Montreal L.C. Jy 21 1852" circluar datestamp, matching "Canada" in framed arc cross-border handstamp, red "Paid" handstamp, half of one backflap missing and sealed tear from bottom into address panel, with part of letter contents including a request for investment adviceEXTREMELY FINE AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COVERS OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA. VERY FEW 12-PENCE STAMPS ARE KNOWN ON COVER, AND THIS IS THE FINEST OF THE TWO OR THREE TIED EXAMPLES.
The 1851 12-pence stamp was issued for prepayment of the basic letter rate to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the West Indies, but its value - stated in pence rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion - also corresponded to the double 6p rate to the United States and certain other countries. However, its use was very limited, and most of the printing was destroyed, with only approximately 1,500 stamps sold.
In his Encyclopedia of Rare and Famous Stamps, L. N. Williams estimates that five covers have survived. The two best known covers are this tied usage from Montreal and the untied usage from Hamilton (see Boggs, p. 137).
Ex Worthington, Dale-Lichtenstein, Nickle. With 1995 B.P.A. certificate
BERMUDA, 1854, 1p Red on Bluish, "Perot" Postmaster Provisional (X2). Gibbons No. O4, on 1855 Folded Letter to St. Georges, Extremely Fine & of the Absolute Highest Order of Rarity. There are Only Two Recorded Examples of this Stamp, the other being an off-cover specimen in th Royal Collection. Unique on Cover & the Only Copy Available to the Philatelic World (Scott $65,000)
1850, 2p Dull Blue, Pl. II Late (SG 25; Sc. 5). Positions 1 and 12, tete-beche straddle-pane pair, large to huge margins, cancelled by oval grids on folded cover (with one flap and tear in address panel, well clear of stamps), originating in Sydney with ms. endorsement "O.H.M.S." and "Col. Treasury 30th July 1850" (Colonial Treasury Office) and addressed to C. J. La Trobe, Superintendant in Melbourne, backstamped with "Sydney Jy 30 1850" circular datestamp and "Port Phillip Au 8 1850" oval datestamp, the pair is sound and superb, the cover is clean and attractiveTHIS FAMOUS AND UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF THE SYDNEY VIEW ISSUE IN TETE-BECHE FORM IS RENOWNED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM IN AUSTRALIAN PHILATELY AND ONE OF THE WORLD'S OUTSTANDING PHILATELIC PIECES
To date this is the only confirmed multiple of any Sydney View showing a complete tete-beche configuration of the stamps. The 2p Plate II, from which this pair was printed, comprised 24 subjects arranged in two horizontal rows of 12 each. Sheets of 48 stamps were created by a print-and-turn technique (see Figure 1), resulting in tete-beche (head-to-foot) orientation between one pane and the other on the same sheet. In evidence of this printing method, we have some stamps that show so-called "double compartment lines", which are, in fact, the outer framelines of an adjoining tete-beche impression printed close together. We also have this complete tete-beche pair; no other pair or multiple of any size is known.
This cover was discovered in 1903 by a Sydney stamp dealer, Fred Hagen. The cover was part of the Clarke and Meinertzhagen collections before passing into the Alfred F. Lichtenstein collection of Australian States. It was retained by the Dale-Lichtenstein Foundation until 1990.
Illustrated in Rare Stamps, L. N. and M. Williams. Exhibited in ADDITIONAL CITATIONS! (Life Magazine, etc etc)
With 1990 B.P.A. certificate KIDS I
CANADA, 1897, -1/2c-$5.00 Jubilee (50-65; SG 121/140). Complete set of Mint N.H. margin blocks of ten, including 2c, 10c, 15c, 20c, 50c and $5.00 with top imprint and plate no., bright colors, nice centering, very freshAN IMPORTANT AND EXCEPTIONAL COMPLETE SET OF THE CANADA 1897 JUBILEE ISSUE IN MARGIN BLOCKS OF TEN, INCLUDING SIX PLATE BLOCKS.
The Diamond Jubilee Issue of 1897 was Canada's first commemorative set. It was also the first issue supplied by the American Bank Note Company, Ottawa. The designs were by Lynwood Pereira and the portraits of the Queen were based on the famous Chalon vignette and the painting by Prof. Von Angeli of Vienna. (Bogg, p. 317). The -1/2c thru 8c values were printed in sheets of 100, while the 10c thru $5.00 values were printed in sheets of 50. Like the Columbian Issue of the United States, a full set of stamps was costly, setting the collector back $16.21-1/2 for a set, or $162.15 for blocks of ten.
Following are formats and condition notes for each of the 16 blocks in the set:
-1/2c Black (50). Right selvage, one stamp with small toned spot on gum
1c Orange (51). Right selvage, slight oxidation
2c Green (52). Top imprint and plate no. 8
3c Bright Rose (53). Right selvage
5c Deep Blue (54). Top left corner selvage, part imprint at top right
6c Yellow Brown (55). Full selvage at bottom and sides, natural gum bends
8c Dark Violet (56). Bottom left corner selvage, tiny toned spot in corner of one block and in corner of selvage, minor selvage perf separations
10c Brown Violet (57). Top imprint and plate no. 19 with selvage at sides, small h.r. in selvage
15c Steel Blue (58). Top imprint and plate no. 18 with selvage at sides, small margin tear sealed with h.r., two other small h.r. in selvage
20c Vermillion (59). Top imprint and plate no. 21 with selvage at sides, tiny tear in selvage
50c Ultramarine (60). Top imprint and plate no. 23 with selvage at sides
$1.00 Lake (61). Full selvage at bottom and sides, slight gum disturbance on one
$2.00 Dark Purple (62). Full selvage at bottom and sides
$3.00 Yellow Bister (63). Full selvage at bottom and sides
$4.00 Purple (64). Full selvage at bottom and sides, light pencil mark on one stamp
$5.00 Olive Green (65). Top imprint and plate no. 25 with selvage at sides, perf separations in one part of selvage at top, perf disc adhesion on one stamp
Unlisted in Scott or Unitrade as margin or plate blocks. Scott Retail as Mint N.H. singles with no premium for the positions $230,000.00
CANADA, 1897, -1/2c-$5.00 Jubilee, Plate Proofs on India (Unitrade 50P-65P). Complete set in panes or sheets of 50, affixed to original cards and so free of the defects typically found, brilliant colors throughout, large margins, -1/2c part imprint at top, $1.00 imprint and plate no. at top, $5.00 with minor corner bend and scuff outside India paperEXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR AND EXTREMELY RARE COMPLETE SET OF THE CANADA 1897 JUBILEE ISSUE PLATE PROOFS ON INDIA IN PANES OF 50.
The Diamond Jubilee Issue of 1897 was Canada's first commemorative set. It was also the first issue supplied by the American Bank Note Company, Ottawa. The designs were by Lynwood Pereira and the portraits of the Queen were based on the famous Chalon vignette and the painting by Prof. Von Angeli of Vienna. (Bogg, p. 317). The -1/2c thru 8c values were printed in sheets of 100, while the 10c thru $5.00 values were printed in sheets of 50. Like the Columbian Issue of the United States, a full set of stamps was costly, setting the collector back $16.21-1/2. The plate proofs are scarce, with approximately 400 sets in total, including 300 sets that were released as part of the American Bank Note Company deaccession in 1990.
Unlisted in Scott. Unitrade value as singles C$343,000.00
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Large margins to slightly cut in, part of adjoining stamp at right, tied by well-struck blue target cancel on double-rate folded cover to New York City, matching "Hamilton C.W. DE 8, 1853" circular datestamp, red "Canada Paid 10cts" two-line handstamp with amount changed to "20" in magenta, part of address cut out, faint horizontal file fold well clear of stamp and markingsFINE AND RARE. ONLY TWO OR THREE 1851 12-PENCE BLACK STAMPS ARE KNOWN TIED TO THEIR ORIGINAL COVERS.
The 1851 12-pence stamp was issued for prepayment of the basic letter rate to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the West Indies, but its value - stated in pence rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion - also corresponded to the double 6p rate to the United States and certain other countries. However, its use was very limited, and most of the printing was destroyed, with only 1,450 stamps sold.
In his Encyclopedia of Rare and Famous Stamps, L. N. Williams estimates that five covers have survived. The two best known are the tied usage from Montreal, which realized $230,000 in our 1996 sale of the K.L. Collection, and an untied usage from Hamilton (see Boggs, p. 137). Of the known covers, only two or three are well-tied by a cancel.
Ex Col. Green and Seybold. With 1984 P.F. certificate
CANADA, 1857, 7-1/2p Green on Wove (9; SG 12). Block of four, three large margins, clear at top, fine impression in deep shade, single neat strike of "37" target cancel, "Quebec L.C. Ju 11 1859" circular datestamp on folded letter to New Ross, Ireland, endorsed "pr Hungarian", red "Paid Liverpool Col. Pakcet Ju 21 59 4A" transit datestamp, Dublin (Jun. 22) and New Ross (Jun. 22) backstamps, fresh and clean, file fold thru bottom pair has been neatly pressed and is invisible on faceTHE MAGNIFICENT AND UNIQUE 7-1/2 PENCE BLOCK ON COVER. WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING ITEMS OF THE CANADIAN PENCE ISSUE.
This extraordinary cover was absent from the major Canadian Pence Issue collections formed by Reford, Eno, Dale-Lichtenstein, Caspary, Gill, Hillmer, Nickle et al. It was featured on the front cover of the Capex 1987 private treaty sale catalogue published by William and Michael Lea, at which point its existence became widely known.
With 1992 B.P.A. certificate
CANADA, 1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Original gum, lightly hinged, large margins all around, intense shade and sharp proof-like impression, showing easily-discernible re-entry at both the right and lower left (noticeable in framelines and also lettering at lower left), unusually freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE CANADA 12-PENCE BLACK ON LAID PAPER. ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST DESIRABLE CLASSIC STAMPS AND ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN.
The first Pence Issues of Canada were printed by the New York firm of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, the same firm that printed the New York Postmaster's Provisional and United States 5c and 10c 1847 Issue. The Pence issues, and particularly the 12-pence, show the same fine quality of engraving that distinguishes the U.S. 1847 Issue. The stamps were printed early in 1851 (12p issued June 14), at the same time that RWH&E's contract for providing United States stamps was coming to an end. The 12-pence plate proved difficult for RWH&E. Faulty impressions were laid out twice before the third and final entries, resulting in many positions showing re-entries.
The 1851 12-pence stamp was issued for prepayment of the basic letter rate to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the West Indies, but its value -- stated in pence rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion -- also corresponded to the double 6p rate to the United States and certain other countries. However, its use was very limited and, according to Boggs, only 1,450 were sold. The balance of the 51,000 printed was destroyed.
1851, 12p Black (3). Gibbons No.4, Margins All Around, Large at Bottom, Wonderfully Fresh, Part o.g., Extremely Fine, A Marvelous Example of this Beautiful Classic Rarity, with B.P.A. Certificate (Scott $40,000)
VICTORIA, 1850, 3p Blue, Second Ham Printing, Interpanneau Gutter Between Stamps (3 var; SG 4a var). First state of die, horizontal strip of three, Positions 4-5-1 with wide gutter between second and third stamps, used with 1850, 1p Pale Dull Red Brown, Third Ham Printing (1; SG 5a), second state of die, sheet margin at right, the strip and single cancelled by "23" Butterfly cancel of Burn Bank on June 1850 folded letter from Glenmona to England, backstamped "Burnbank Pt. Phillip" datestamp along with Melbourne and London transit datestamps, red "Paid Ship Letter Sydney Ju*25 1850" Crown Oval datestamp on frontEXTREMELY FINE. THE UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF THE VICTORIA 3-PENCE INTERPANNEAU MULTIPLE AND ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING COVERS IN ALL OF AUSTRALIAN PHILATELY.
Illustrated in The Stamps of Victoria, Geoffrey Kellow (p. 46, color plate 2). Discovered in 1981. Ex Perry, Kapiloff.
MAURITIUS, 1848, 2p Indigo Blue on Bluish Paper, Earliest Impression (4; SG 4). Position 11, full to large margins, deep rich color in the intense Indigo shade, prooflike impression, tied by lightly struck grid cancel on folded cover to Port Louis, two-line "FLACQ/JUY 10 1849" framed datestamp, "INLAND" framed handstamp, backstamped "Mauritius Post Office 10(?) Jy 1849" circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF TWO KNOWN COVERS WITH THE RARE INDIGO-BLUE SHADE OF THE 2-PENCE "POST PAID" EARLIEST IMPRESSION.
Although experts now accept two different shades and print qualities in classifying the earliest impressions of the 1848 2p "Post Paid" stamp, the Indigo-Blue shade, with its intense depth of impression, is the longstanding and unmatched earliest printing. The Blue shade, with its characteristic "dry" or "sticky" impression, is represented by a group of covers from one correspondence (approximately four or five; see Caspary and David Feldman Mauritius sales). These dry prints are considerably less intense than the Indigo-Blue stamps, a result of the ink failing to adhere to, or flaking off of, the insufficiently moistened grainy paper. While experts have adopted new parameters of print quality in classifying the earliest impressions, there can be no debate over the Indigo-Blue stamps - they are striking examples of the engraver's best and earliest product.
The other recorded cover with the Indigo-Blue earliest impression was in the Dale-Lichtenstein sale (October 21, 1968, lot 7, realized $18,000). It has an uncancelled stamp tied by a manuscript transit marking.
Ex Caspary, Dr. Chan and Gray; it was the highlight of the Stevens collection (illustrated on front cover of 1964 sale catalogue) and ex Kanai. With 1958 B.P.A. certificate
GREAT BRITAIN, 1840, 1p Black, V.R. Official (O1; SG V1). Horizontal block of six (FJ-GL) with right sheet margin showing part of imprint, large part original gum, large margins all around, pre-printing paper crease in sheet marginEXTREMELY FINE AND RARE IMPRINT BLOCK OF THE FIRST OFFICIAL STAMP IN THE WORLD.
With 1956 R.P.S. and 1992 B.P.A. certificates
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Original gum, lightly hinged, large margins all around, intense shade and sharp proof-like impression, showing easily-discernible re-entry at both the right and lower left (noticeable in framelines and also lettering at lower left), unusually freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE CANADA 12-PENCE BLACK ON LAID PAPER. ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST DESIRABLE CLASSIC STAMPS AND ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN.
The first Pence Issues of Canada were printed by the New York firm of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, the same firm that printed the New York Postmaster's Provisional and United States 5c and 10c 1847 Issue. The Pence issues, and particularly the 12-pence, show the same fine quality of engraving that distinguishes the U.S. 1847 Issue. The stamps were printed early in 1851 (12p issued June 14), at the same time that RWH&E's contract for providing United States stamps was coming to an end. The 12-pence plate proved difficult for RWH&E. Faulty impressions were laid out twice before the third and final entries, resulting in many positions showing re-entries.
The 1851 12-pence stamp was issued for prepayment of the basic letter rate to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the West Indies, but its value -- stated in pence rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion -- also corresponded to the double 6p rate to the United States and certain other countries. However, its use was very limited and, according to Boggs, only 1,450 were sold. The balance of the 51,000 printed was destroyed.
This stamp has note appeared at auction since World War II.
-----, 1848 2p Dark Blue, "Penoe" Error, Earliest Impression (4d). Gibbons No. 4a, large margins, Magnificent Color & Impression, Extremely Fine, a Phenomenally Beautiful & Extremely Rare Classic Stamp, ex-Ferrary, with R.P.S. Certificate (Scott $35,000)
1850, 3p Yellow Green, Yellowish Wove (SG 39; Sc. 9a). Ample to large margins, used with 1850, 2p Dull Brownish Lilac, Sixth Ham Printing (SG 15c), ample to large margins, cancelled or tied by "1" Butterfly cancel of Melbourne, red "PAID SHIP LETTER/SYDNEY/AU*10/1850" oval datestamp on bluish folded letter to London, England, ms. "8" (pence) due on arrival, receiving backstamps, in impeccable conditionAN EXTREMELY FINE AND UNIQUE MIXED FRANKING, SHOWING CONCURRENT USE OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY VIEW AND VICTORIA HALF-LENGTH ISSUES. THE ONLY RECORDED MIXED-FRANKING COVER FROM VICTORIA
The letter mentions "We are to have a New Constitution and Port Phillip is to get separation from Sydney...When all this shall come to pass there will plenty of new berths opening, in the Post Office, Customs & all. The Post Office is a good billet in these Colonies." The cover is one of two known with Victoria and New South Wales stamps used together (the other offered in the following lot), and it is the only recorded combination on cover from the Port Phillip District.
Ex Wiggins. With 1984 R.P.S. certificate
1959, 5c Seaway, Center Inverted (387a). Mint never hinged Bottom Margin Block, Very Fine, An Extraordinary & Spectacular Rare Showpiece
NOVA SCOTIA, 1851, 1sh Cold Violet (7; SG 7). Horizontal pair, large even margins, beautiful rich color, used with 1851, 6p Yellow Green (4; SG 5), full to large margins, well-tied by clearly struck oval grids on cover from Cape Breton to Peshawar, India, addressed to Walter Lawrence Ingles, a member of Her Majesty's 32nd Regiment, "Sydney CB Fe 28 1852" circular datestamp on back along with Halifax transit oval, red "Paid DT 20 Mr 30 1852" British transit and black framed Bombay transit handstamp on front, red ms. "1/10" rate, one backflap has been skillfully added and two small opening tears at top mended (not noted on accompanying B.P.A. certificate, which does state that the stamps have been lifted for examination and replaced, but we disagree with this opinion)THE SECOND FINEST OF THE NOVA SCOTIA ONE-SHILLING COLD VIOLET COVERS TO INDIA FROM THE INGLES CORRESPONDENCE.
There are four or five covers from the Ingles correspondence with Nova Scotia 1sh Cold Violet stamps making up the rate to India. The finest of these is the ex Dale-Lichtenstein mourning cover, which has a full-margined pair and is sound in all respects. The cover offered here has a superb pair with large margins, and the minor opening faults in the envelope do not affect its appearance at all. The other Ingles covers have stamps that are cut into.
Ex Gibson, Foxbridge. Backstamped Vincent Graves Greene. With 1995 B.P.A. certificate
1840, 1p Black (1; SG 2). Position A-D, huge margins to clear with corners angled but clear, tied by red Maltese Cross cancel on folded cover to Warwickshire, brown "C MY-6 1840" First Day of Issue datestamp on backflap, missing left flap, small hole punch at top leftVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS VERY RARE FIRST DAY USAGE OF THE WORLD'S FIRST POSTAGE STAMP.
A rare opportunity to acquire the very first "first day" cover.
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Horizontal pair, large margins to just barely in at top right, intense color and proof-like impression, neat strike of target cancels, faint horizontal crease visible only in fluidVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE FINER OF THE THREE RECORDED USED PAIRS OF THE CANADA 12-PENCE BLACK. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF CANADIAN PHILATELY.
The first Pence Issues of Canada were printed by the New York firm of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, the same firm that printed the New York Postmaster's Provisional and United States 5c and 10c 1847 Issue. The Pence issues, and particularly the 12-pence, show the same fine quality of engraving that distinguishes the U.S. 1847 Issue. The stamps were printed early in 1851 (12p issued June 14), at the same time that RWH&E's contract for providing United States stamps was coming to an end. The 12-pence plate proved difficult for RWH&E. Faulty impressions were laid out twice before the third and final entries, resulting in many positions showing re-entries. The stamp offered here is notable in that it does not show any signs of being re-entered.
The 1851 12-pence stamp was issued for prepayment of the basic letter rate to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the West Indies, but its value -- stated in pence rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion -- also corresponded to the double 6p rate to the United States and certain other countries. However, its use was very limited and, according to Boggs, only 1,450 were sold. The balance of the 51,000 printed was destroyed.
The three used pairs known to us are: 1) the pair offered here; 2) horizontal pair, target cancels, in at bottom and at right, ex Pack, Hillmer and Foxbridge; and 3) horizontal pair, single target cancel, margin at right into design, ex Dale-Lichtenstein Sale 2, Nov. 18, 1968.
With 1961 and 1984 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as singles.
KUWAIT, 1923, -1/2a-15r King George V, "KOWEIT" Overprint Essays (1E-15E, O1E-14E; SG 15 Footnote). Complete set of the 27 values of both the postage and Official series, several values with selvage, small h.r., bright colors on fresh paper, each stamp with light pencil marking "8" or "11" and "RR" (Richard Roberts) on reverseVERY FINE AND IMMENSELY RARE. ONLY 24 SETS WERE PRODUCED WITH NO MORE THAN 17 BELIEVED TO BE IN PRIVATE HANDS. AN ICONIC SET OF ESSAYS AND ONE OF THE RARITIES OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH.
Produced in early 1923, these were prepared prior to adopting the name change from "Koweit" to "Kuwait" for postal purposes and making it closer to the pronunciation in Arabic. Two panes of 12 each were printed in Calcutta. One of which, according to Kuwait-Stamps.com, a set of block of four resides in the Royal Collection, two sets sent to the then Viceroy and one set to the Deputy Director General. The other pane was obtained by a London dealer who broke them up into sets. Therefore, no more than 17 are believed to be in private hands and there is a good chance that less are available to collectors today. Many sets have also been broken down and few complete sets remain.
With 2015 B.P.A. set certificate. A similar set realized $32,500 hammer in our November 2014 sale. SG value
2-1/2p Indigo, Missing “1” in “-1/2” Fraction (BW 11(2)j; Scott 46a; SG 36ba). Barest trace of hinging, brilliantly fresh, with deep luxuriant color and impression on bright paper, attractively centered, tiny natural wood pulp inclusion at rightVERY FINE FOR THIS FAMOUS ERROR. THE MISSING “1” in “-1/2” FRACTION ON THE TWO PENCE-HALF PENNY KANGAROO ISSUE OF AUSTRALIA IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RARITIES OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE - AND FOR THAT MATTER OF THE ENTIRE WORLD. WHILE ONLY TWELVE USED EXAMPLES ARE RECORDED, MINT EXAMPLES ARE EVEN MORE RARE, WITH ONLY THREE KNOWN. THIS EXAMPLE FROM THE “GOLDFARM” COLLECTION IS WELL KNOWN, INCLUDING HAVING BEEN ILLUSTRATED IN THE PREVIOUS (1993) EDITION OF THE BRUSDEN-WHITE CATALOGUE.
According to the Brusden-White catalogue, this error “comes from the 1919 indigo printing, with dated examples ranging from July 1919 to March 1920. The variety was caused by a temporary ink clog flaw that was quickly corrected. This, and the fact that a portion of the relevant sheets was overprinted "N.W. PACIFIC ISLANDS", accounts for its rarity.
In our opinion, the various major catalogues undervalue mint examples of this rarity versus used ones given there are four times as many used examples. The Brusden-White catalogues a mint example at A$62,500.00, versus A$25,000.00 used. The Scott catalogue values a mint example at $45,000.00 and a used one at $14,500.00. And the more relevant Stanley Gibbons catalogue has unused examples valued at £50,000, versus £25,000 for used.
With a 1967 B.P.A. certificate
1919, 3c Red Brown, Martinsyde Flight, Manuscript Overprint (S.G. 142a). Single with manuscript" Aerial Atlantic Mail" and signed "JAR" on cover to the Postmaster General of London, tied by "St. John's Nfld Apr 19 1919" machine cancel, General Post Office corner card, with original TLS from J. Alex Robinson, Postmaster General: "The aeroplane 'Raymor' is about to leave for England, and the Sopwith Aeroplane has not yet left. The latter carries a mail with the stamps sur-charged 'First Trans-Atlantic Air' Flight. There is a possibility of the Martinsyde Aeroplane outstripping her. I take the opportunity, therefore, of sending this aeroplane mail in the hope and expectation that it may be a pioneer, if not the pioneer, of rapid mail connection between the Motherland and her oldest Colony." Although the Apr. 19th flight and a subsequent July attempt both ended in failure (the Raymor succeeded only in flying a few hundred yards), its mail bag was placed on the S.S. Grampian in July, but it was not given in to the London office until Jan. 7, 1920. Trivial foxing and paper clip rust mark at top left, Fine, Unique Rarity and One of the Most Important North American flight covers in Existence, with Diena certificate
1852, 12p Black, Plate Proof on India, Diagonal "Specimen" Overprint (3PS). Vertical Block of 24, (4x6) with Top Right Sheet Corner Margin, Used as a Working Proof for Further Plate Improvement, Shows Two Tiny Red Crayon Marks Between Designs to Denote Plate Faults, "Specimen" Overprint has been faded out, small scissors cut between bottom right pair, top right stamp faint toning, fifth stamp down on right has two tears, other 22 Extremely Fine, A Fantastic Canadian Proof Rarity
£2 Gray and Rose Crimson (BW 58Az). Bottom margin John Ash imprint block of four, with the bottom right stamp displaying the opened-mouthed kangaroo variety, lightly hinged on the top pair, while the bottom two stamps are Mint N.H. and hinged just lightly in the bottom selvage, in a brilliant state of preservation, exceptionally well-centered throughout, full perforations all around, deep rich colors on bright fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST OF ONLY SIX RECORDED IMPRINT BLOCKS OF FOUR OF THE “C OF A” WATERMARK TWO-POUND KANGAROO. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE “GOLDFARM” COLLECTION.
It is believed that only six imprint blocks of four still exist of this value. One of the six is in the R.T.P. Chapman collection, which is now part of the Australia Post archival collection.
Ex Lord Steinberg
1959, 5c St. Lawrence Seaway, Center Inverted (387a). Corner Margin Block, reinforced with tiny bits of hinge, one stamp Mint never hinged, Very Fine, Stated in Bileski to be the "Plate No." Position Block for this Rare Modern Error
KENYA AND UGANDA, 1922-27, £25 Red & Black (41C; SG 102). Lightly hinged, dazzling bright colors and crisp impression on immaculate white paper, uncharacteristically well centeredEXTREMELY FINE. A FABULOUS EXAMPLE OF THE RARE £25 KING GEORGE V THAT RANKS AMONG THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLES.
Ex Sir Gawaine Baillie and Rinkoff. With 1970 Stanley Gibbons Guarantee. SG £30,000
TRINIDAD, 1901, 1p Black on Red, Ty. II, Value Omitted (78a; SG 127a). With gutter margin selvage at right, lightly hinged, bright color on immaculate paper, faint trace of "NY" of "PENNY" as found all other known examplesVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A SENSATIONAL EXAMPLE OF THE 1901 ONE-PENNY BLACK ON RED WITH VALUE OMITTED. A TREMENDOUS BRITISH COMMONWEALTH RARITY WITH ONLY THREE EXAMPLES KNOWN, ONE OF WHICH RESIDES IN THE ROYAL COLLECTION AND THUS UNAVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS.
This lot is also accompanied by an original typed letter from dealers Bright and Sons of London dated May 6, 1902 stating "We hear from a correspondent that a number of unused 1d stamps was issued from your Post Office with the value omitted. We are desirous of securing some of these, and it is possible that you may know into whose hands they went..." and go on to offer £2 each. The same document has a hand-written response stating "Only 7 were sold, four (4) of which were posted on letters and they were thoroughly inked over by the Postal authorities. Consequently were of no use, S.G. Lewis Postmaster".
Unfortunately, to date, none of the used examples have surfaced. All three of the unused examples sold by the postmaster have been accounted for. Other than this example, one is in the Royal Collection and the other graced the collection of Sir John Marriott.
Ex Ramkissoon. With 1986 R.P.S. certificate. SG £32,000
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3, SG 4). Unused, fine impression, margins all around, large at top and bottomA VERY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE RAREST CANADA PENCE ISSUE AND ONE OF THE WORLD'S RAREST CLASSIC IMPERFORATE STAMPS
This 1851 12p is accompanied by two certificates issued by The Philatelic Foundation. The first opinion, given in 1953, describes the stamp as genuine. The second, given in 1985, states "genuine with an ironed out horizontal crease." We could find no evidence of a crease and, to confirm this observation, we soaked the stamp in warm water, which will always return a pressed crease to its original state. After soaking, the stamp still shows no evidence whatsoever of a crease. In watermark fluid there is a faint horizontal seam line, which is a well-established part of the laid lines of any 1851 issue on this type of paper. Therefore, the 1985 Foundation opinion apparently has mistaken the natural seam of the laid paper lines to be an ironed crease. We hope our analysis and explanation will set the record straight.
Stanley Gibbons cat. £60,000
1848, 2p Dark Blue, "Penoe" Error, Earliest Impression (4d). Gibbons Number 4a, Large Margins, Magnificent Color and Impression, Extremely Fine, a Phenomenally Beautiful and Extremely Rare Classic Stamp, ex-Ferrari, with R.P.S. Certificate
-1/2p Green, Imperforate at Base (BW 1b). Bottom left corner margin CA monogram block of six, the bottom three stamps being the error, as they are completely imperforate between the stamps and sheet selvage, top three stamps lightly hinged, bottom three stamps Mint N.H., single mild h.r. in bottom sheet selvage, lightly folded along center row of horizontal perforationsFINE-VERY FINE. AN IMMENSELY RARE AND IMPORTANT CA MONOGRAM BLOCK OF SIX DISPLAYING THE IMPERFORATE AT BASE ERROR. OF THE FOUR RECORDED MONOGRAM PIECES WITH THIS ERROR, ONLY TWO REMAIN IN PRIVATE HANDS -- THE BLOCK OFFERED HERE FROM THE FAMOUS ARTHUR GRAY COLLECTION AND THE BLOCK SOLD IN THE 2005 SIR GAWAINE BAILLIE SALE.
Ex Gray and Lord Steinberg
-----, 1848, 2p Dark Blue, "Penoe" Error, Earliest Impression (4d). Gibbons No. 4a, Large Margins, Magnificent Color & Impression, Extremely Fine, a Phenomenally Beautiful & Extremely Rare Classic Stamp, ex-Ferrari, with R.P.S. Certificate
CANADA, 1851, 12p Black, Laid Paper (3; SG 4). Four full to large margins, fine impression, target cancel, small neat repair at top left and bottom left, a few other small faultsVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A HANDSOME FOUR-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE FAMOUS 12-PENCE BLACK ON LAID PAPER. ONE OF THE GREAT CLASSIC RARITIES OF THE WORLD.
This stamp has not been on the market since it was offered in a Sylvester Colby auction in 1963. SG £100,000. Unitrade C$225,000.00
KUWAIT, 1923, -1/2a-15r King George V, "KOWEIT" Overprint Essays (1E-15E, O1E-14E; SG 15 Footnote). Complete set of the 27 values of both the postage and Official series, lightly hinged or small h.r., bright and fresh colors throughout, each stamp with light pencil marking "13" and "RR" on reverseVERY FINE AND IMMENSELY RARE. ONLY 24 SETS WERE PRODUCED WITH NO MORE THAN 17 BELIEVED TO BE IN PRIVATE HANDS. AN ICONIC SET OF ESSAYS AND ONE OF THE RARITIES OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH.
Produced in early 1923, these were prepared prior to adopting the name change from "Koweit" to "Kuwait" for postal purposes and making it more accurate to the pronunciation in Arabic. Two panes of 12 each were printed in Calcutta. One of which, according to Kuwait-Stamps.com, a set of block of four resides in the Royal Collection, two sets sent to the then Viceroy and one set to the Deputy Director General. The other pane was obtained by a London dealer who broke them up into sets. Therefore, no more than 17 are believed to be in private hands and there is a good chance that less are available to collectors today. Many sets have also been broken down and few complete sets remain.
This particular set has not been offered in over 40 years. Ex Ameer of Bahawalpur. SG value
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MAURITIUS, 1847, 1p Red Orange, 2p Blue on Bluish, Intermediate Impressions (5a, 6a). Ample to Huge Margins, Fresh Colors, tied by "3" in Targets, Framed "Souillac De 18 1855" pmk. on Neat Folded Letter to Port Louis, Crown "Mauritius GPO Dec 19 1855" pmk., Very Fine, A Wonderful Classic Mauritius Cover, ex- Burrus, with B.P.A. Certificate
GREAT BRITAIN, 1840, 2p Pale Blue (2a; SG 6). Plate 1, lettered B-A to B-L, complete row of twelve stamps divided into two horizontal strips of six (paying the 2sh double rate up to one ounce), strips with varying margins, tied by bold Maltese Crosses on 1841 (18 June) folded cover from Liverpool to New York, red "Boston/SHIP/July 3/Ms." circular datestamp adjacent, manuscript U.S. internal rate of “77” cents for distance of 151 to 400 miles plus 2 cents landing fee, origin double-ring datestamp on reverse, endorsed "Britannia Steamer 12 June 1841", lower strip lifted and re-affixed to its original positionVERY FINE AND STUNNING. A SPECTACULAR 2-SHILLING DOUBLE RATE TRANS-ATLANTIC COVER BEARING TWELVE EXAMPLES OF THE 1840 2-PENCE PALE BLUE. THOUGHT TO BE THE HIGHEST RECORDED 1840 TWO PENCE FRANKING FOR A COVER SENT ABROAD. A COVER PERFECT FOR EXHIBITION.
Ex Hunt, Shaida, Pichai and Gross. Signed Enzo Diena. With 1998 RPS certificate.
KENYA AND UGANDA, 1922, £20 Green & Red (41B; SG 101). Mint N.H., wonderfully bright colors, tiny extraneous ink mark by "P" of Pounds at right mentioned for accuracyVERY FINE. A HANDSOME EXAMPLE OF THIS BRITISH COMMONWEALTH RARITY AND ONE OF THE VERY FEW MINT NEVER HINGED COPIES EXTANT.
The catalog values are for hinged. Signed A. Diena and Bloch and accompanied by 1967 Diena and 1973 Friedl certificates. SG £23,000
1938, $1.00 Chateau de Ramezay, Imperforate Horizontally (245a). Half Sheet of 25, top right stamp closed tear, one other trivial margin thin speck, otherwise Very Fine. This Half of the Sheet of 50 is the Only One to Appear on .the Auction Market Since 1938. No pairs are known to have been offered, the whereabouts of the other half of the sheet being unknown, Extremely Rare
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3, SG 4). Large margins all around, deep shade and fine impression, bright fresh paper with strong laid lines, cancelled once by neat target cancelAN EXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE STAMP. ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 12-PENCE BLACK IN EXISTENCE.
Ex Consul Weinberger, Hart, Laird (where it realized $81,000 in 1981). With 1980 Balasse and 1983 P.F. certificates. SG £40,000
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Enormous margins all around showing part of adjacent stamp at top, light strike of target cancel, sharp impression and pretty shade, prominent laid linesEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 12-PENCE BLACK IN EXISTENCE.
Ex Caspary. With 1969 P.F. certificate. SG £40,000
CANADA, 1959, 5c Seaway, Center Inverted (387a). Bottom left corner sheet margin block of fourA MINT AND VERY FINE BLOCK OF THIS MAJOR 20TH CENTURY INVERT
Scott Retail for four singles
CANADA, 1851, 12p Black, Laid Paper (3; SG 4). Unused (no gum), margins all around, sharp impression, repaired along right margin and bottom leftVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A HANDSOME UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE FAMOUS CANADA 1851 12-PENCE BLACK ON LAID PAPER. A CLASSIC ICON OF CANADA AND A MAJOR RARITY OF THE WORLD.
The first Pence Issues of Canada were printed by the New York firm of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, the same firm that printed the New York Postmaster's Provisional and United States 5c and 10c 1847 Issue. The Pence issues, and particularly the 12-pence, show the same fine quality of engraving that distinguishes the U.S. 1847 Issue. The stamps were printed early in 1851 (12p issued June 14), at the same time that RWH&E's contract for providing United States stamps was coming to an end. Only 1,450 examples were sold with the balance of 51,000 printed destroyed.
With 1991 Brandon certificate. Unitrade C$150,000.00
1959, 5c St. Lawrence Seaway, Center Inverted (387a). Mint Never Hinged Bottom Margin Block, Very Fine, An Extraordinary and Spectacular Rare Showpiece
1959, 5c St. Lawrence Seaway, Center Inverted (387a). Top Right Corner Margin Block (The "Plate Block" as Illustrated in the Canada Specialized Catalog), one stamp Mint never hinged, others tiny traces of hinging, Very Fine, with Friedl Certificate
MAURITIUS, 1848, 1p Orange, Earliest Impression (3). Gibbons No.3, Large to Huge Margins including Left Sheet Margin, Vivid Color, neat target cancel, manuscript year date on back, Extremely Fine, a marvelous "Gem," with Royal Certificate (Scott $13,500)
NEW BRUNSWICK, 1851, 3p Dull Red (1; SG 2). Horizontal pair, ample to large margins, deeply blued paper, faint crease between stamps, tied by "New-York Sep. 4" circular datestamp and also by "United States" in oval on 1856 cover from the United States to Sussex, New Brunswick, sent from The American Institute of the City of New York, straightline "Held for Postage" handstamp of New York City crossed out in pen, "10" rate, backstamped "New-York Sep. 5", St. Johns transit and Sussex receiving datestampA VERY FINE AND UNIQUE COVER, SHOWING USE OF NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPS ON MAIL FROM THE UNITED STATES.
The sender apparently misunderstood postal regulations and presumed that New Brunswick stamps would be accepted by the U.S. post office.
Ex Dale-Lichtenstein. With 1993 B.P.A. certificate
CANADA, 1852, 3p Red on Wove, Diagonal Half Used as 1-1/2p (4b; SG 8a). Upper right diagonal half joined with vertical pair, full to large margins except touched at lower right, cancelled and well-tied across cut by targets, "Montreal L.C. Jy 17 1856" circular datestamp on buff cover to Bury St. Edmunds, England, red "Paid" tombstone datestamp, backstamped "Bury St. Edmunds Jy 31 1856 C" circular datestamp, light folds in cover clear of stampsA VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE SINGLE CANADIAN PACKET LETTER RATE TO ENGLAND PREPAID BY THE BISECTED BEAVER STAMP, OF WHICH ONLY THREE ARE KNOWN.
The 7-1/2p Canadian packet rate became effective in May 1856, but the 7-1/2p stamps were not available until one year later.
Ex Dale-Lichtenstein (May 21, 1969, when it realized $11,000), Nickle. With 1995 B.P.A. certificate. Scott Retail $30,000.00
KENYA AND UGANDA, 1922, £10 Green & Black, Crown in Watermark to Right of CA (41A var; SG 100w). Mint N.H., tiny pencil note on gum, outstanding centering and incredibly freshEXTREMELY FINE. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE KENYA AND UGANDA £10 GREEN & BLACK WITH WATERMARK CROWN TO RIGHT OF "CA". ALMOST CERTAINLY THE FINEST COPY OF THIS WATERMARK VARIETY.
With 2011 R.P.S. certificate. SG value as hinged
1959, 5c Seaway, Center Inverted (387a). Vertical Pair, Very Fine, An Extremely Rare & Famous 20th Century Printing Error
CYPRUS, 1928, £5 Black on Yellow (109). Top Left "1" Control Number Block, bottom pair barely hinged, top pair Mint Never Hinged, Fine-Very Fine, Extremely Rare, Only Two Control Number Blocks Exist
GAMBIA, 1869, 6p Blue (2; SG 3a). Large margins all around, deep shade on bright paper, tied by red "PD" in circle, red "A Gambia Au 18 69" cds on small cover to Mangiet, France, blue "Victor Barrere, Bathurst, Riviere Gambie, Cote Occidentale D'Afrique" oval hs, red London Paid cds and matching "PD" in circle tying stamp, red "8" crayon, Calais transit cds and French receiving backstamps, Very Fine, choice and extremely rare use of Gambia first issue, with 1958 P.F. certificate
AUSTRALIA, 1908, 20sh Postage Due (J38; SG D62). Cancelled with partial strike of violet "Parcel Branch G.P.O. Sydney" postmark, well-centered, fresh color, some creasing at top and small pencil mark at bottomVERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONLY THE SECOND RECORDED USED EXAMPLE OF THE AUSTRALIA 20-SHILLING POSTAGE DUE WITH STROKE AFTER DENOMINATION. A GREAT RARITY OF AUSTRALIA, BUT ALSO A HIGHLY IMPORTANT STAMP FOR THE COLLECTOR OF USED BRITISH COMMONWEALTH.
The extreme rarity of this 20sh Postage Due stamp is due to the circumstances of when it was printed and how it was used. The previous Postage Due series was uniformly printed in green with values from -1/2d to 20sh. The only way to distinguish the Pence stamp and Shilling stamp of the same denomination was the print in the oval. This made it difficult to readily tell a pence stamp from a shilling. It was decided to change the design of all the Shilling values and put a stroke after the denomination. This was done in late 1908 or early 1909. These early Postage Dues were only distributed to New South Wales, and no official announcement was made of their availability. These were never sold at the post office, and only obtainable by application to the Deputy Postmaster General at the G.P.O. in Sydney. Because of these factors, very few unused stamps were ever sold to collectors. In July 1909, a new series of Postage Due stamps were issued for all of Australia, making these Shilling stamps obsolete only a few months after issue.
Some students believe only two sheets of 120 stamps were issued, and that only one sheet was on hand at the Sydney Parcel Post Branch. The shilling values were not used on ordinary mail, but limited to payment of bulk postage or for internal post office accounting. It is no wonder that what few where actually used were almost never saved.
Only one other used example of the 20-shilling Postage Due with stroke has been recorded. It has a similar cancel to this stamp and is dated February 1910. The date of this stamp is faint and only partial. It was purchased around 1910 by Paul Simonsen and was not seen on the market again for nearly 80 years. During that time, many Australian collectors and dealers assumed it no longer existed and was never priced used in any catalogue. It then made it's first re-appearance in 1990 and was last offered in a 2005 Australian auction.
We discovered this copy in a large consignment of Worldwide stamps. We sent it to the British Philatelic Association for an expertizing certificate, and after consulting with the leading Australian experts, they issued a certificate as genuine.
Offered to the market for the first time. With 2013 B.P.A. certificate. Stanley Gibbons value
BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA, 1907, 2p Violet & Dull Violet, 4p Black & Gray Green (71-72; SG 69-70). 4p with selvage at right, h.r., bright colorsFINE. A RARE SET OF THE 2-PENCE AND 4-PENCE BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA KING EDWARD VII ISSUE. CONSIDERED TO BE THE RAREST OF BRITISH COMMONWEALTH KING EDWARD VII ISSUES. PERHAPS TWELVE EXAMPLES OF EACH ARE IN PRIVATE HANDS.
The 2p and 4p British Central Africa King Edward VII stamps were prepared but never issued. On July 6th 1907 the name of the territory was changed to Nyasaland Protectorate. It is estimated only eighteen examples of each of these values ever reached the market. Of this tiny number, a block of four and single of each are in the Royal Collection and a single of each are in the British Library.
Each value is accompanied by both a 1978 B.P.A. certificate and a 2011 R.P.S. certificate. SG £32,000
1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Unused (no gum), large margins to clear, sharp proof-like impression and intense shade, faint pressed-out horizontal crease visible only in fluidVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE CANADA 1851 12-PENCE BLACK. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP.
With 1982 B.P.A. certificate.
-----, 1925, 1000r Violet on Red (218). Top Right Control Number Single, Stamp Mint Never Hinged, with Portions of Adjacent Stamps at Left and Bottom, Extremely Fine "Gem", Incredible Stamp, The Finest Example Extant, with Friedl Certificate
1868, 6c Brown,Thick Paper (27). Gibbons No. 59, Bottom Left Sheet Margin Block of 25, with Two Part' 'British American Bank No" Part Imprints, Fresh, o.g., Nine Mint never hinged, Lovely Color, minor perf. strengthening, Fine-Very Fine, A Fantastic Large Queen Showpiece, Catalogued as Singles
GAMBIA, 1869, 6p Blue (2; SG 3a). Large margins all around, deep shade on bright paper, tied by red "PD" in circle, red "A Gambia Au 18 69" circular datestamp on small cover to Mangiet, France, blue "Victor Barrere, Bathurst, Riviere Gambie, Cote Occidentale D'Afrique" oval handstamp, red London Paid circular datestamp and matching "PD" in circle tying stamp, red "8" crayon, Calais transit circular datestamp and French receiving backstampsVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USAGE OF THE FIRST ISSUE OF GAMBIA. A MARVELOUS SHOWPIECE.
With 1958 P.F. and 1997 R.P.S. certificates. Last offered over ten years ago in our 1997 Rarities sale, where it realized $26,000 hammer.
KENYA AND UGANDA, 1922-27, £25 Red & Black (41C; SG 102). Single hinge mark, brilliant colors on bright paper, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE RARE £25 1922-27 KENYA AND UGANDA KEY PLATE ISSUE.
With 2000 B.P.A. certificate. SG £23,000
VICTORIA, 1850, 1p Orange-Brown, First Ham Printing (1; SG 1a). Block of six, large margins, each stamp neatly cancelled by "15" Butterfly cancel (Geelong), two faint vertical creases and bare trace of pinholeEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE OF THE FIRST HAM PRINTING AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES.
This extraordinary block realized £22,000 in the John R. Boker Jr. sale (H. R. Harmer, Apr. 14, 1981, lot 85). Ex Pack, Boker