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1,808 Selected Lots, Page 1 of 25
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1843, 30r/30r/60r Black, Se-Tenant Strip of Three (1d). 2nd Composite Plate, State D, 30r Positions 11/17, 60c Position 5, vertical strip of three from the 30r and 60r panes, the Xiphopagus Triplet with interpanneau dividing line between 30r and 60r values, full to large margins, cancelled by two strikes of "Correio Geral da Corte" circular datestamp (1844 yeardate is readable), top stamp has tiny thin, very slight wrinkles or creasesTHE CELEBRATED AND UNIQUE "PACK STRIP" -- ALSO KNOWN AS THE XIPHOPAGUS TRIPLET -- WIDELY ESTEEMED AS ONE OF THE TOP TEN PHILATELIC RARITIES IN THE WORLD.
Ex Lindgren, Martins, Lemaire, Pack, Souren, Contini, Dias and Lima. Exhibited in Interphil 1976 and Anphilex 1996 Aristocrats of Philately displays. Illustrated in Life magazine's "World's Rarest Stamps" feature story and color spread (July 1954) and in Encyclopedia of Rare and Famous Stamps, L. N. Williams.
1859, 1p ("In Ps") Deep Blue, Tete-Beche (7d). Positions 33/41 from the lower left corner of the sheet, top stamp the inverted cliche in second setting, minor faults but lightly cancelled with black ponchito leaving ship design clearly visibleTHE ONLY SURVIVING TETE-BECHE PAIR OF THE BARQUITOS ISSUE. ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT PHILATELIC RARITIES.
Ex Alfred H. Caspary, Lars Amundsen, Joseph Schatzkes, John R. Boker Jr., and Gabriel Sanchez. Exhibited in Aristocrats of Philately displays at Ameripex in 1986 and Anphilex in 1996. Illustrated in Encyclopedia of Rare and Famous Stamps by L. N. Williams.
1854, 5c Red Brown, Lithograph (7a). Horizontal block of fourteen, large even margins on three sides, touched to slightly in at left, beautiful rich color and proof-like impression, tied by multiple strikes of four-ring cancel, red "Santiago 10 Agto 54" circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Valparaiso, from the Jagerschmidt & Jullian correspondence, slight toning along horizontal fold well clear of block, which is perfectEXTREMELY FINE. THE LARGEST AND FINEST OF THE THREE RECORDED 5-CENTAVOS LITHOGRAPHED BLOCKS AND THE ONLY ONE KNOWN ON COVER. THIS ASTOUNDING COVER IS APTLY DESCRIBED BY GERHARD BLANK AS "THE MOST OUTSTANDING 'COLON' COVER OF THEM ALL" IN HIS DEFINITIVE BOOK ON THE 1853-1867 ISSUES OF CHILE. OFFERED AT PUBLIC AUCTION FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ITS DISCOVERY IN A PARIS FLEA MARKET SHORTLY AFTER WORLD WAR II.
The 1854 Lithograph stamps are extremely rare in multiples. Only one unused pair is recorded, and strips of three or larger are rare on or off cover. As for blocks, there are just three: 1) the block of fourteen on the cover to Valparaiso offered here; 2) block of six, ex Caspary and Galvez, offered in this sale as lot 120; and 3) block of six, ex Walters and Galvez, offered in this sale as lot 121.
This remarkable cover, bearing a block of fourteen in perfect condition and well-tied by the four-ring cancellation, was completely unknown to philatelists until shortly after World War II when it was discovered in a flea market in Paris. It was acquired by John F. Rider and then sold to Helen Novy, a collector and the daughter of another famous collector, B. D. Forster, whose pencil signature is on the back of this cover. Islander acquired it in 1967 as part of the entire Novy collection of Chile.
Exhibited in the Aristocrats of Philately displays at Anphilex 1971, Interphil 1976 and Ameripex 1986. Illustrated in Gerhard Blank's Chile: First Issues of Postage Stamps 1853-1867, where described as "The most outstanding 'Colon' cover of them all."
1843, 90r Black, Intermediate Impression (3). Complete unused pane of 18, 1st Composite Plate, State A, sharp impression (early Intermediate), large margins all around with full outer framelines, faint ms. "206" in bottom margin, tears in corners and other interior faults have been expertly improvedVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS INTACT PANE OF EIGHTEEN IS THE LARGEST UNUSED MULTIPLE OF THE 90-REIS BULL'S EYE ISSUE. NO OTHER UNUSED 90-REIS PANE IS RECORDED. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF BRAZIL AND OF WORLDWIDE CLASSIC PHILATELY.
The largest recorded unused blocks of the three Bull's Eye values are as follows: 30r, three blocks of four (one heavily creased and rebacked), none larger; 60r, a complete sheet of 60 from the Large Plate, followed by a block of 20 (Large Plate) and smaller blocks from the Composite Plates (there is no known complete unused pane of 18 of the 60r from the Composite Plate); and 90r, the unused pane of 18 offered here, followed by a block of 12 (these are the only recorded unused blocks of the 90r).
Photos of this pane in its original condition may be found in American Philatelic Society's 1943 Centenary Handbook (page 45) and the 1966 Harmer, Rooke & Co. catalogue of the de Souza collection (lot 591). They show the tears in the corners and interior scrapes, which have been sealed and touched up in places to great effect, but there are no paper additions.
Ex Dr. Hermes (according to A.P.S. 1943 Centenary Handbook, page 45), Mario de Souza (a key element of his Efimayo 1960 Grand Prix award-winning exhibit) and Angelo Lima (a key element of his exhibit, which won the International Grand Prix at Philexfrance 1989 and Grand Prix d'Honneur at Philanippon 1991). The pane was acquired by Islander in a private transaction when the Lima collection was dispersed through David Feldman S.A. in November 1993.
No catalogue can possibly measure the value of this unique item, but for the record the Meyer Brazilian Empire Stamp Catalogue prices an unused 90r block of four at Euros 46,000 and an unused pair at Euros 9,800, for a total of Euros 167,400.
1858, Medio Peso Rose Red Error (5). Vertical block of six containing two Medio Peso errors se-tenant with four of the normal One-peseta, the bottom four stamps come from the error bloc report with One-peseta Types 8-6 above the two Medio Peso Types C-D, the top pair comes from another bloc report with One-peseta Types 8-6 repeated--an unusual configuration, which is explained more thoroughly on page 32 and below--large margins to ample at bottom, two strikes of "TRUJILLO" straightline, pressed-out horizontal crease between stamps at bottom, three tiny pinholes, truly insignificant flaws and otherwise in excellent conditionVERY FINE APPEARANCE. BY FAR THE FINER OF TWO RECORDED SURVIVING BLOCKS CONTAINING THE MEDIO PESO ERROR (THE OTHER IS OFFERED IN THE FOLLOWING LOT). THIS EXTRAORDINARY MULTIPLE IS WIDELY REGARDED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT OFF-COVER PIECE OF PERUVIAN PHILATELY, AND IT IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE ARISTOCRATS OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY.
The make-up of the lithographic stone which produced the 1858 One-peseta is not known with certainty. However, by studying examples of the Medio Peso Error, specialists have deduced that at least one of the 10-subject bloc reports erroneously included a row of five of the Medio Peso denomination. The normal One-peseta bloc report consisted of two horizontal rows of five, all of the same denomination, which philatelists have classified as ten different numbered types, based on tiny distinguishing marks in each transfer. The correct arrangement of the types in the bloc report became known after the type numbers were assigned, which accounts for the non-sequential order of the bloc report (top row 10-1-4-7-3, bottom row 5-2-8-6-9).
Apart from the obvious philatelic importance of this se-tenant Medio Peso Error block, it also tells us something about the bloc report that produced it. The two errors, which are called Types C and D, are the third and fourth positions in the bottom row of the 10-unit bloc report. Normally, the stamps above these two positions in the bloc report would be Types 4 and 7. However, the Types are 8 and 6, which indicates that Types 5-2-8-6-9 were in the top row of the error bloc report rather than their normal position at the bottom. This means that not only were the five Medio Peso denominations transferred to the stone, but the entire bloc report of ten was uniquely configured with the bottom row positioned at the top and the error transfers at the bottom.
For many years, no one knew the whereabouts of the remarkable block of six offered here, which is known as the "Small Weinberger Block." We quote directly from the Bargholtz handbook on the Medio Peso error: "The earliest mention found of this block was in a 1930 publication Etudes Philateliques by Didier Darteyre, who illustrated it together with the Ferrari block and stated that the new block had recently been offered for sale by the German auction firm H. Kohler. Subsequently, in 1931, Hall mentioned that the block belonged to one of Mr. Kohler's customers, Mr. Alfred Weinberger from Czechoslovakia. An illustration of the block was also included in Hall's article mentioned above. After this, the block disappeared and was not seen or heard of again until 1997, when it was offered as lot 245 in the Harmers of London auction on 24 July together with some other material from the Consul Weinberger estate."
The "Large Weinberger Block," which included two Medio Peso Errors se-tenant with sixteen One-Peseta in a tall vertical block, no longer exists. It was also mentioned in the 1931 article by Hall, but sometime between then and 1959, it was cut down into two se-tenant strips of three (Types A/10/5 in one strip and B/1/2 in the other, both of which are now in the Jaretzky collection of Peru). The only other block containing the Medio Peso Error is the ex-Ferrary block offered in the following lot. Although a rare artifact, the Ferrary block's condition cannot compare to the "Small Weinberger Block" offered here.
Bargholtz Census A2. Ex Consul Weinberger. Offered publicly in this sale for only the third time in approximately 80 years.
1858, 3p ("Tres Ps") Green, 4p ("Cuato Ps") Vermilion (3, 4). 3p with huge margins all around showing portions of surrounding stamps, rich color, 4p usual small margins to slightly in, deep shade, both well-tied by three strikes of ponchito cancel, bold "Correos de Buenos Aires 31 Ago 58" circular datestamp on folded letter to Rosaria, light file folds well clear of stampsVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED COVER BEARING A COMBINATION OF THE 3-PESO AND 4-PESO HIGH VALUES. THE ONLY OTHER COVER BEARING MORE THAN ONE DENOMINATION OF THE FIRST ISSUE IS THE EX-CASPARY 2-PESO AND 4-PESO COVER. THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST OUTSTANDING COVER OF BUENOS AIRES, AND, IN A RANKING OF ALL ITEMS, IT IS SECOND ONLY TO THE "IN PESO" TETE-BECHE PAIR.
On this cover the 3p and 4p Barquitos stamps prepay 7 pesos postage. The 5-peso "heavy" rate was required on a letter weighing between 12 and 16 adarmes (16 adarmes is the equivalent of one ounce). One peso was required for each additional 4 adarmes. Therefore, this folded letter weighed between 20 and 24 adarmes (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 ounce), requiring 7 pesos prepayment.
This is without question the most important of only four covers we record with a Barquitos combination, which are: 1) 2p and 4p to Corrientes, ex Caspary; 2) 3p and 4p to Rosario, the cover offered here; 3) 1p Brown and 4r Brown to Uruguay, offered in this sale as lot 73; and 4) 1p Blue and 4r Brown to Buenos Aires, offered in this sale (lot 74). These Barquitos combination frankings are among the highlights of the entire Islander collection.
Illustrated in the Kneitschel book (page 118). Ex Gargantini, Kneitschel, Amundsen and Boker.
1859, 5c Violet, 10c Red Brown (3, 4). Each stamp has large margins all around, beautiful early shades, both stamps tied by blue "BOGOTA/FRANCA" oval handstamp on folded letter to Rio Negro, datelined "Sr. D. Manuel Maria Ballejo, Convto. de Nra. Me. Sta. Clara Seitiembre 1 de 1859" on September 1, 1859, the official first day of issueEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED COVER WITH CLASSIC COLOMBIAN STAMPS USED ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT IS THE ONLY FIRST DAY COVER OF ANY AMERICAN FIRST ISSUE, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.
This cover is illustrated in Dieter Bortfeldt's Colombia Philatelic Handbook and Catalogue 1859-1860 (page 4), where it is described as "Cover dated 1 September 1859 - The ONLY known cover from the FIRST DAY." The handstamped postmarks on early Colombia covers usually did not have a date (except for the Medellin receiving mark).
Ex Larsen
1843, 30r Black, Late Impression (3). Large Plate, State A, Positions 23-24/29-30/35-36, block of six, large to huge margins including sheet margin and outer frameline at right, tied by one of four strikes of "Correio Geral da Corte 1/4/1845" circular datestamp on folded cover to Rio Pardo, the block is affixed over the backflap and has been carefully opened so as to preserve the block in perfect conditionEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY BLOCK OF ANY BULL'S EYE ISSUE KNOWN ON COVER. THIS SPECTACULAR ITEM, DISCOVERED ONLY IN THE PAST 30 YEARS, IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE PHILATELIC ITEMS OF BRAZIL AND ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST CLASSIC IMPERFORATE COVERS.
This extraordinary cover was discovered sometime in the 1970's and sold to Reinaldo Bruno Pracchia, who featured it in his award-winning exhibit, which garnered the Grand Prix d'Honneur at London 1980. It was acquired by Angelo Lima and again became one of the cornerstones of his Grand Prix exhibit (International Grand Prix at Philexfrance 1989 and Grand Prix d'Honneur at Philanippon 1991). Islander acquired the cover at the November 1993 sale of the Lima collection, held by David Feldman S.A.
1859, 5c and 20c Blue, Se-Tenant (6b). Stone A, Positions 24-26/35-37/46-48, block of nine containing 5c transfer error (Position 35) on plate of 20c, forming a se-tenant multiple with adjoining stamps, Position 25 is the retouched transfer, original gum, large margins, beautiful rich color and fresh paper, couple usual slight gum creasesEXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR BLOCK FROM THE 20-CENTAVOS LITHOGRAPHIC STONE, CONTAINING THE 5-CENTAVOS TRANSFER ERROR. THIS IS THE SMALLER OF ONLY TWO SE-TENANT BLOCKS KNOWN. ONE OF THE FAMOUS ARISTOCRATS OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY.
Dieter Bortfeldt's Colombia Philatelic Handbook and Catalogue 1859-1860 states (page 41), "Only 4 pieces known, all in mint condition."
Ex Thomas William Hall, Crocker, Newbury and Neuberger.
1859, 5c Blue Violet, 10c Red Brown, 20c Blue (3c, 4, 6). Three different values of the First Issue, each with full to large margins, bright fresh colors, tied by two perfect bold strikes of "BOGOTA" oval handstamp on blue folded cover to Ambalema, "Mauricio Rizo, Bogota" double-oval sender's handstamp, receipt docketing "1859, Mauricio Rizo, Diciembre 19", file fold far from stampsEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED COLOMBIA FIRST ISSUE COVERS BEARING THREE DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS. THE QUINTESSENTIAL COMBINATION OF QUALITY, RARITY AND PHILATELIC IMPORTANCE.
This cover is illustrated in Dieter Bortfeldt’s Colombia Philatelic Handbook and Catalogue 1859-1860 (page 11).
Ex Jewell and Wickersham.
1859, 20c Blue, Tete-Beche (6c). Stone A, Positions 1-4, 12-15, block of eight with top left corner sheet margins, containing the inverted transfer, Position 13, forming a tete-beche multiple with adjoining stamps, original gum, large margins all around, bright fresh color and paper, couple typical slight gum creasesEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF FIVE RECORDED TETE-BECHE MULTIPLES OF THE 20-CENTAVOS AND THE SMALLER OF TWO BLOCKS CONTAINING THE INVERTED TRANSFER. TRULY ONE OF THE ARISTOCRATS OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY.
Illustrated on page 39 of Dieter Bortfeldt's Colombia Philatelic Handbook and Catalogue 1859-1860, which states, "It is said that only about 4 examples are known in mint and only one in used condition" (page 41).
Ex Crocker, Newbury, Neuberger and Londono.
1859, 20c Blue (6). Four singles, mostly full to large margins except lefthand stamp touched, end stamp at right has slight vertical crease, varying impressions in a deep shade, tied by two perfect strikes of "BOGOTA" framed handstamp on blue legal-size registered cover to Cartagena, red registration markings including "Certificacion a Bogota/Salio en 28 de Fbro. 1860" two-line script handstamp with date in manuscript, matching "Confederacion Granadina, Bogota, Admon. Geral de Correos Nacionales" oval handstamp with coat of arms, multiple strikes of "0" handstamp, manuscript "80cs" rate at upper right, red wax seals, neat receipt docketing at lower left, vertical fold at leftEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY REGISTERED COVER EXTANT BEARING THE COLOMBIAN FIRST ISSUE, AND, IN FACT, IT IS THE ONLY REGISTERED COVER BEFORE 1863. IT IS ALSO THE LARGEST NUMBER OF FIRST ISSUE 20-CENTAVOS STAMPS KNOWN ON COVER AND THE HIGHEST FRANKING OF THE FIRST ISSUE. TRULY ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR COLOMBIAN COVERS IN EXISTENCE, AND AN IMPORTANT ITEM FROM BOTH THE POSTAL HISTORY AND PHILATELIC PERSPECTIVES.
This remarkable artifact of Colombian postal history is illustrated on page 13 of Dieter Bortfeldt's Colombia Philatelic Handbook and Catalogue 1859-1860. It surfaced in the 1982 Corinphila sale of the Neuberger collection and has no prior recorded history. The only other cover known to us which bears more than one 20-centavos is the cover to Hamburg illustrated on page 5 of the Bortfeldt handbook.
THE DR. ROBERT H. LEBOW COLLECTION OF BOLIVIA. Intact collection comprising hundreds of items, many on handwritten exhibit pages, includes stampless covers, 1867-68 Condor Issue, 9-Star and 11-Star 1868-69 Coat of Arms Issues, 1878 Arms and "The Law" Issue, 1887-94 Coat of Arms Issue and a solid representation of later issues, a detailed review follows:Stampless Covers: 42 (including a few documents and fronts only), almost all from Republic Period (1825-67), nice range of straightlines, fancy and pictorial markings including "Oruro Franca" oval and leaf, "Santa Cruz Franca" oval and eagle, spectacular "Cochabamba" ornately framed straightline, "Potosi Franca" with eagle, "Chayanta Franca" with figure of man, and "Correos de la Chimba/Bolivia" illustrated ship oval, condition generally excellent;
1867-68 Condor Issue (Scott 1-8): Substantial representative collection of this scarce First Issue, including off-cover stamps, mostly 5c stamps (including sheets), but also includes two postally-used pairs of 10c Brown; five covers with 5c including three with pairs (Sucre, Tupiza and Oruro straightlines), superb strip of three on cover (Santa Cruz) paying 15c rate, and strip of four on cover (one stamp torn when opened), also a 5c pair on front and a 10c Brown uncancelled on cover from the well-known De la Torres correspondence; and large quantity of documents showing fiscal use of Condor Issue, including large blocks of 5c Yellow Green, 5c Violet block of eight (Scott value $1,200.00), 10c Brown strip and bisect, 50c Blue (two) and 100c large blocks; there are sheets and plate reconstructions made of Reprints which have not been figured in our estimate;
1868-69 Coat of Arms 9-Stars and 11-Stars, 1878 Arms and "The Law", 1887-94 Coat of Arms Issues (Scott 10-46): Hundreds of proofs, stamps and covers, a wonderful specialized collection including one 500c 9-Star (No. 14, Scott value $1,000.00) and two 500c 11-Star (No. 19, Scott value $3,500.00 each), ten 9-Star covers and 14 11-Star covers including bisects, two 1868 Allegory of Justice postal usages, Arms and "The Law" bisect covers, 1893 imperforate varieties;
Later Issues and Air Post: Specialized collection including a plethora of philatelically-inspired varieties, such as inverts, inverted surcharges, "Muestra" and proofs, the rarest stamp is 1911 20c on 2c Villa Bella provisional surcharge (No. 97, Scott value $2,500.00, with Friedl certificate), nice group of Air Post including 1925 Junkers Flight "Sucre" overprints (6 unused, 2 pieces, one with inverted overprint), 1930 Air Post overprint varieties including a set of inverts;
Overall condition is excellent, with many Very Fine or better stamps and covers throughout. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a significant collection of this philatelically-rich South American country, including six Condor Issue covers, which alone would fetch $15,000 to $20,000 if offered individually. We strongly recommend careful examination (a PDF of the album pages is available at our website)
1858, Medio Peso Rose Red Error (5). Type E, large margins to ample at bottom left, used with horizontal pair of 1858 1d Blue (3), Types 6-7, large margins, all tied by "YCA" dotted oval cancel on blue folded cover to S. S. Tomas LaChambre y Ca. in Lima, docketed with September 5, 1858 origin date, lightly cleaned and pressedEXTREMELY FINE. THIS SPECTACULAR COVER BEARS THE ONLY RECORDED TWO-COLOR FRANKING WITH THE MEDIO PESO ERROR. IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COVER OF PERUVIAN PHILATELY AND ONE OF THE ARISTOCRATS OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY.
According to the Percy Bargholtz booklet on the Medio Peso Error, the first report of the error occurred in June 1858, about three months after the March 10, 1858, issue date of the first official government postage stamps. Bargholtz cites the generally-accepted statement that postmasters were instructed to treat the Medio Peso error as a One-peseta stamp, but he also notes that a few covers appear to have required the half-peso denomination and were accepted as such.
The cover offered here was posted in September 1858, months after the errors were discovered. It is probably franked for the double rate of two pesetas with the Medio Peso Error counted as a One-peseta stamp. The Bargholtz census of Medio Peso Error covers lists all of the covers which were known to him in 2001. Only this cover bears the Medio Peso Error in combination with a stamp other than the One-peseta Rose Red.
Bargholtz Census Da1. Ex Magonette and Schatzkes.
1858, 2p ("Dos Ps") Blue, Diagonal Half Used as 1p (2b). Upper left diagonal half tied all around by "Correos de Buenos Aires 26 Abr 59" circular datestamp on folded cover to Gualeguaychu, the bisect pays the reduced one-peso domestic rate in effect in 1859VERY FINE. THIS IS BY FAR THE FINER OF THE TWO KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE 2-PESO BLUE BISECT ON COVER.
Ex Gargantini, Kneitschel and Boker
1854, 5c Red Brown, Lithograph, "Big Squeeze" Transfer Flaw (7 var). Galvez Type 1 (Blank 5/Vt 1/2), large margins to barely in at top, tied by lightly-struck four-ring cancel, red "Valparaiso 11 Nbre 54" circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Santiago, file folds and small tape stains clear of stampVERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE "BIG SQUEEZE" LITHOGRAPHIC TRANSFER FLAW USED ON COVER. ONE OF THE GREATEST ITEMS OF CHILEAN PHILATELY AND ONE OF THE MOST STRIKING PLATE VARIETIES AMONG ALL CLASSIC ISSUES.
Ex Galvez. Illustrated in Blank book (plate 21)
1859, 1p ("To rs") Blue (8). Horizontal strip of four, lefthand stamp shows "Cuato rs" variety with uncleared letters, large margins to clear at bottom, beautiful dark shade, uncancelled on blue folded cover from Buenos Aires to Rosario, receipt docketing with Sep. 3, 1859 origin date, horizontal file foldEXTREMELY FINE. A UNIQUE COVER BEARING AN UNCANCELLED STRIP OF FOUR OF THE "TO" PESO BARQUITOS ISSUE. THIS IS THE LARGEST MULTIPLE OF THIS STAMP AND THE LARGEST UNCANCELLED MULTIPLE OF THE ENTIRE BARQUITOS ISSUE.
Ex Gargantini and Boker (where it realized DM 13,000 in 1979)
THE JOHN H. HALL JR. COLLECTION OF CHILE 1853-65 "COLON" ISSUES. A truly remarkable intact collection, comprising more than 650 stamps (almost all are used, many in multiples and some on covers), all meticulously presented in three volumes with extremely detailed write-up, this study collection was completed in 1936 and reflects the philatelic priorities of the era with emphasis on plate varieties, watermark orientation and shade/paper varieties, including all of the "Colon" issues from 1853 to 1865, each identified by printing; in addition to the mounted collection there is loose material, including stamps on pages (the working collection) and a number of lots from the Caspary and Col. Green sales (still on the original lot pages), some later issues (not counted in overall tally); a brief overview of each issue follows, the quantities are approximate and include both the mounted and loose material, Scott Nos. are for basic shades, stamps are used unless otherwise indicated:Proofs: more than 20 items including defaced die proofs and Black plate proof blocks of the 1c, 5c and 10c, and a set of 5c, 10c and 20c with Perkins Bacon & Co. "Cancelled" Specimen obliterator on a page with note "To my friend John Hall... John Wilson 1938";
5c, 10c 1853 Perkins Bacon & Co., London (Scott 1, 2): 5c (26) and 10c (17) incl. No. 1 pair and 1a, two pairs of No. 2, plus three 5c covers and one 10c cover;
5c, 10c 1854 Desmadryl, Santiago (Scott 3-6): 5c (47) including No. 3b Chestnut (ex Caspary) and 3e Double Impression, plus two on covers; 10c (20) including scarce shades and two pairs, a bisect on cover identified as Greenish Blue;
5c 1854 Gillet Engraved, Santiago (Scott 4/4a): A wonderful group of this scarce issue, including more than 50 of the Burnt Sienna and 4 of the rare Chocolate shade (Scott 4a, $2,700.00 each), a couple of superb imprint sheet-margin stamps including one from the Col. Green sale that brought $41 in the 1940's;
5c 1854 Gillet Lithographed, Santiago (Scott 7): The scarcest and most desirable of the "Colon" issues, a fabulous study collection including the pair discovered in 1898 that led to the revelation of Gillet's lithographic printing, before this pair was recognized and documented, no one knew that Gillet had resorted to lithography when he was unable to produce high-quality stamps from the engraved plate, this pair obviously has great philatelic significance; in total there are 36 stamps off-cover, two singles on covers (one dated Aug. 2, 1854, very early use) and a pair on cover; among the numerous lithographic transfer flaws are examples of the prominent "squeezes", including the "Big Squeeze" (Galvez Type I, Blank Ty. 5/Vt 1/2), ex Walters, a choice stamp which alone would be estimated at $10,000-15,000, and the rare "Chile" and "o" of "Centavos" squeezed (Blank 5/Vt 2/8); there is a also a fascinating page presenting a Black proof impression and single used stamp, both with the White Flaw in "C" of "Colon", which, according to the write-up, does not appear on any engraved stamps, its presence on the proof and single and the physical characteristics of these two impressions indicate that both are lithographic printings (potentially an extremely rare, if not unique, proof);
5c 1855 Perkins Bacon & Co., London (Scott 8): 60+, including pairs, strips and block of four, wide range of shades and watermark varieties noted;
5c, 10c 1856-62 Santiago Post Office Printings (Scott 9-10): 5c (160+) and 10c (75+), including an enormous array of shades, cancels and varieties, numerous multiples, plus eight 10c bisects on covers incl. two with additional full stamps;
1c, 10c, 20c 1862 Perkins Bacon & Co., London (Scott 11-13): 1c includes unused pair and block, used multiples and No. 11a Double Impression, One Inverted (with B.P.A. certificate), 10c (80+) including three covers, 20c plate proof and four unused, 18 used;
5c 1865 Santiago Post Office Printing (Scott 14): two unused, 91 used, plus No. 14b Printed on Both Sides and No. 14d Double Impression;
Reprints: Several dozen in blocks and singles, all identified by the source
The condition of the stamps is outstanding, with the vast majority having four margins and many are Extremely Fine, especially by the standard applied to the narrowly-spaced "Colon" issues; the provenance is impeccable, with many of the stamps originating in the Riesco and Walters collections sold during the early part of the 20th Century, and some coming from the Caspary sale in June 1958.
An extraordinary opportunity to acquire a "time capsule" study collection formed by John Hall Jr., one of the great collectors of the 20th Century and a friend/contemporary of Lichtenstein, Caspary and Boker. Our estimate reflects the pure commercial value of the stamps (the Scott value applicable to basic stamps, not counting the "Big Squeeze", covers and unlisted varieties, is more than $50,000.00). The uncounted, yet enormous value, of this collection is the work and scholarship of presentation. A color PDF of the collection can be downloaded from our website.
1858, 5p ("Cinco Ps") ("Cinco Ps") Orange (5). Positions 41 and 42, originally a horizontal pair (rejoined with hinge), left stamp unused (no gum), right stamp with large part original gum, huge sheet margins at left and bottom, others sides mostly clear of framelines, beautiful bright rich color, exceptionally fresh and entirely soundEXTREMELY FINE. THIS REJOINED PAIR OF RARE UNUSED 5-PESO STAMPS IS THE CLOSEST PHILATELISTS CAN COME TO A MULTIPLE OF THE THREE HIGH VALUES OF THE FIRST BARQUITOS ISSUE. THE TWO STAMPS ARE ALSO AMONG THE FINEST UNUSED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-PESO EXTANT.
There are no intact multiples of the 3, 4 or 5-peso Barquitos stamps. Therefore, this rejoined pair of the 5-peso is the nearest example of a multiple.
Ex Dale-Lichtenstein, Boker and Sanchez. Pencil note on back of left stamp indicates it came from the collection of Dr. Chiesa, one of the earliest collectors of Buenos Aires stamps.
1858, -1/2p Orange Yellow (6a). Vertical strip of five, all Type E, large margins all around, vivid shade, cancelled by three strikes of red "HUALGC" Hualgayoc straightline on judicial wrapper to the President of the Supreme Court in Trujillo, boldly struck oval judicial coat of arms handstamp at lower left, part of back removed, the strip has very slight wrinkles and creasesVERY FINE. THIS IS THE LARGEST RECORDED FRANKING OF THE MEDIO PESO 1858 ISSUE ON COVER. NO OTHER MULTIPLES EXCEPT PAIRS ARE KNOWN ON COVER. A SPECTACULAR AND IMPORTANT ITEM OF CLASSIC PERU AND SOUTH AMERICA.
Ex Consul Weinberger
1859, 1p ("In Ps") Blue (7). Horizontal strip of four, large margins to slightly in and irregularly separated at lower left, one stamp has pre-use vertical crease, tied by two strikes of "Correos de Buenos Aires 16 Set 59" circular datestamp on blue folded cover to RosarioA FINE STRIP ON AN IMMACULATE COVER. THIS IS THE LARGEST USED MULTIPLE OF THE ENTIRE BARQUITOS ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING OF ALL BUENOS AIRES COVERS.
Ex Schatzkes and Boker
1858, 4p ("Cuato Ps") Vermilion (4). Three large margins, slightly in along half of right frameline, gorgeous deep shade, tied by perfectly struck ponchito cancel on folded letter to Rosario, datelined Buenos Aires, Oct. 18, 1858, small stain spot at rightVERY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE VERY FEW COVERS KNOWN WITH THE 4-PESO VERMILION BARQUITOS ISSUE.
The 4-peso rate was required on a letter weighing between 8 and 12 adarmes (-1/2 to -3/4 ounce). Examples of the 4p Vermilion Barquitos on cover are exceedingly rare. Only a half-dozen 4p covers are known. As a measure of rarity, only cut-down portions of covers were offered in the sales of the Dale-Lichtenstein and Alemany collections.
Ex Consul Weinberger
1843, 90r Black, Late Impression (3). 2nd Composite Plate, State C, Positions 9-12/15-18, block of eight from the bottom right corner of the pane with huge margins including sheet margins and outer framelines at lower right, four strikes of "Correio Geral da Corte 27/10/1844" circular datestamp, part of manuscript in sheet margin, some wrinkles and slight internal creasing pressed out, a few soiled spots visible after light cleaningVERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING LARGE USED BLOCK OF THE 90-REIS BULL'S EYE ISSUE. USED MULTIPLES ARE RARELY FOUND IN THIS CHOICE CONDITION.
Although a number of used blocks of the 90r Bull's Eye have survived, including a cancelled pane of 18, the condition of the large multiples is frequently unsatisfactory. This block, with only minor flaws, is certainly one of the most desirable in terms of quality.
Ex Lima. Meyer Euros 28,000 as two used blocks of four
1858, 1p ("In Ps") Light Brown (1). Positions 39/47, vertical pair, large margins to clear at upper left, bright color, tied by two light strikes of blue ponchito cancel, matching "Renta de Correos San-Nicolas" double-oval handstamp on blue folded letter to Buenos Aires, datelined San Nicolas Nov. 12, 1858, sender's endorsement "1er Argentino", slight wear along file fold well clear of stamps and markingsEXTREMELY FINE. THE PAIR ON THIS COVER AND THE PAIR ON PIECE IN THIS COLLECTION ARE THE ONLY RECORDED CANCELLED MULTIPLES OF THE ONE-PESO "IN PS" BROWN. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING BARQUITOS ISSUE COVERS EXTANT.
As previously noted, the One-peso "In Ps" Brown is a rare stamp on cover. Multiples on or off cover are exceedingly rare, and, to the best of our knowledge, all three are contained in the Islander collection. They are the pair on piece (lot 79), this pair on cover, and the uncancelled pair on the cover in lot 80 (the only reported "unused" multiple).
Ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Boker (where this cover realized DM 12,000 in 1979)
1858, 4r ("Cuato rs") Brown, 1p ("In Ps") Blue (1, 6). The October 1858 (4r) and January 1859 (1p) issues used together, 4r large margins almost all around, just barely touched at right, 1p with three large margins and slightly in at top, rich colors, tied by blue ponchito cancel, matching faint strike of "Renta de Correos San-Nicolas" double-oval handstamp on blue folded letter to Buenos Aires, datelined San Nicolas, Feb. 26, 1859, sender's endorsement "Pr Argentino", lightly toned file foldVERY FINE. ONE OF FOUR RECORDED COVERS BEARING MORE THAN ONE DENOMINATION OF THE BARQUITOS ISSUE (THREE OF WHICH ARE IN THIS COLLECTION). A MAJOR POSTAL HISTORY RARITY OF BUENOS AIRES AND SOUTH AMERICA IN GENERAL.
The 1p and 4r stamps on this cover pay the rate for a letter weighing 1 to 11/2 ounces (4 reales for the additional rate). The 1p Blue is used during the second month of issue. This is one of four covers we record with a Barquitos combination: 1) 2p and 4p to Corrientes, ex Caspary; 2) 3p and 4p to Rosario, offered in this sale (lot 53); 3) 1p Brown and 4r Brown to Uruguay, offered in this sale (lot 73); and 4) 1p Blue and 4r Brown to Buenos Aires, the cover offered here. These Barquitos combination frankings are among the highlights of the entire Islander collection.
Ex Schatzkes
1858, 4p ("Cuato Ps") Chestnut Brown, Error of Color (4 unlisted variety). Position 18, sharply-struck ponchito cancel, margins mostly clear of or just touching framelines, rich unadulterated color in the distinct Chestnut Brown shade, couple creases across corners at leftVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY USED STAMP AMONG THE THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 4-PESO CHESTNUT BROWN COLOR ERROR, PROVIDING EVIDENCE THAT THIS MAJOR RARITY OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY WAS ISSUED THROUGH THE POST OFFICE.
Until the discovery of this used 4p Chestnut Brown color error, status of the two unused examples was unclear. The used stamp offered here is evidence that the errors reached the post office. Due to its extreme rarity, the 4p Chestnut Brown color error has remained in relative obscurity, compared with color errors of other countries. We are confident that this sale will draw deserved attention to these important classic error stamps.
With 1985 Solari-Mautalen photo certificate for the unused and used copies offered in this sale.
1858, -1/2p Buff (6). Horizontal strip of ten with repeating Types A-E from left to right, large margins except touched at left, bright shade, light multiple strikes of "LIMA" dotted oval, three vertical creases, left pair thinned, a few other tiny imperfectionsVERY FINE FOR A MULTIPLE OF THIS SIZE. THIS UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE STRIP OF TEN PROVED THE COMPOSITION OF THE MEDIO PESO LITHOGRAPHIC STONE, EARNING IT ACCLAIM AS THE "ROSETTA STONE" OF PERU. AN EXHIBITION PIECE OF THE HIGHEST ORDER OF RARITY.
The Medio Peso stone was built up from transfers of the five-unit bloc report (Types A, B, C, D and E). A vertical block of ten of the Medio Peso Buff is the only other multiple of this size (larger than five). When Islander had his pick of the Schatzkes collection, he chose this strip over the block, because the strip shows the all of the transfer types.
Ex Hall, Burrus and Schatzkes.
1843, 90r Black, Late Impression (3). Horizontal pair, full to large margins, well-tied by two bold strikes of "Correio de Alcantra" dateless circle in brown ink on greenish folded cover, reinforced along vertical file fold (clear of stamps), minor edge wear, the pair has been lifted and hinged in place, a few tiny imperfections only visible on back of pairVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE OF THE 90-REIS BULL'S EYE TO PAY THE 180-REIS SHIP RATE FROM MARANHAO PROVINCE. ONE OF TWO REPORTED BULL'S EYE COVERS WITH THE ALCANTARA DATESTAMP.
Ex Koester and Lima
1858, 1d Deep Blue (3). Block of 21, Types as follows: First Row 17-18-19-20-10-17-18, Second Row 2-3-4-5-1-2-3, Third Row 7-8-9-10-6-7-8 (Type 10 in Position 16), large margins, deep shade, cancelled by seven neat strikes of "TRUJILLO" straightline handstamp, small tears, three vertical creases mainly between stamps, usual thins and small hole in one stamp, these imperfections are typical of a large used block of this classic issue and none really affects its overall superb appearanceEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE OF THE ENTIRE PERU 1858 ISSUE. IT WAS THE FRONTISPIECE OF THE COLONEL JOHN F. RIDER COLLECTION SOLD BY ROBSON LOWE IN 1978 AND IS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF PERUVIAN PHILATELY.
The 1858 One-dinero lithographic stone was made from multiple transfers of the 20-unit bloc report. The bloc report contained 19 different transfers. Position 16 was either blank on the original bloc report or the transfers on the printing stone were erased and replaced with different types from the bloc report. In this block we have parts of four different transfers of the bloc report. Type 10 was used to fill in Position 16 (top row, fifth stamp from left).
Ex Magonette, Rider and Bustamante.
1859, 5c Blue Error of Transfer (6b), In Se-Tenant Pair With 20¢, Sheet Margin at L. Ample to Large Margins, Fresh o.g. minute paper inclusion & tiny thinning, o/w Very Fine & Extremely Rare Pair, Only Two Others Known. ex Ferrari, Caspary, Lilly
1858, 5p ("Cinco Ps") Olive Yellow (5b). Framelines complete on three sides and mostly complete at top, a deep rich shade and unusual heavily-inked impression creating an impasto effect, tied by perfectly struck ponchito cancel on large part of folded cover (portions of interior and addressee's name cut away)VERY FINE STAMP ON A REASONABLY COMPLETE COVER. ONLY THREE EXAMPLES OF THE 5-PESO BARQUITOS ISSUE ARE KNOWN ON COVER.
Signed Bloch. Ex Grunbaum
1858, 1d Deep Blue, -1/2p Orange Yellow (3, 6a). 1d vertical pair, Types 3/8, huge margins, deep shade, -1/2p Type C, large margins, bright color, tied by brownish "YQUIQ" Yquique dotted oval on folded cover with part of letter to LaChambre & Co. in Lima, docketed with Oct. 8, 1858 origin date, sender's blue double oval handstamp and routing "pr Vapor", slight wear along file fold reinforced internallyEXTREMELY FINE. THE ONLY KNOWN COMBINATION OF THE MEDIO PESO AND ONE-DINERO 1858 ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF ALL CLASSIC PERUVIAN COVERS.
Ex Magonette and Schatzkes. Signed A. Diena.
1858, Medio Peso Rose Red Error (5). Vertical se-tenant pair, Medio Peso Type A at bottom, One-peseta Type 5 at top, from the same bloc report transfer which has the One-peseta types normally found in the bottom row in the top row, large margins to clear at upper left, bright shade, tied by light strikes of "Admon. Pral de Correos de Tacna 18 Junio 58" circular datestamp on folded letter to Sor. Don Juan de la Cruz Torres in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in perfect conditionEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF FOUR RECORDED COVERS IN THE BARGHOLTZ CENSUS BEARING THE MEDIO PESO ERROR IN A SE-TENANT MULTIPLE WITH THE ONE-PESETA. THIS IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE FOUR ADDRESSED TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY, AND ONLY THREE OTHER MEDIO PESO ERROR COVERS TO A FOREIGN DESTINATION ARE RECORDED (ALL TO BOLIVIA WITH SINGLES). ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING COVERS OF CLASSIC PERUVIAN PHILATELY.
The se-tenant Medio Peso Error pair on this cover shows the unusual configuration of the bloc report that produced it. The error, Type A, is the first position in the bottom row of the 10-unit bloc report. Normally, the stamp above this position in the bloc report would be Type 10. However, the One-peseta is Type 5, which indicates that Types 5-2-8-6-9 were in the top row of the error bloc report rather than their normal position at the bottom. This means that not only were the five Medio Peso denominations transferred to the stone, but the entire bloc report of ten was uniquely configured with the bottom row positioned at the top and the error transfers at the bottom (see diagram on page 34).
Bargholtz Census Ca2. Ex Schatzkes.
1858, 1d Blue (3). Full to large margins, cancelled by "CALLAO" dotted oval (ties by impression thru paper), blue "Callao Mar. 12, 1858" circular datestamp on greenish folded letter to Lima dated March 11, 1858, sender's notation "Urgente", sent on the morning train to Lima (manuscript “71/2” denotes 7:30 a.m. train departure)EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF PERU'S 1858 ISSUE. THE LETTER IS DATED JUST ONE DAY AFTER THE MARCH 10, 1858, ISSUE DATE, AND THE CALLAO DATESTAMP WAS APPLIED ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
The short-distance rate of one-dinero applied to this letter from Callao to Lima. Dated on March 11 and postmarked on March 12, this cover is the earliest known use of the First Issue and very close to the March 10, 1858, first day of issue.
1859, 5c Blue Violet (3c). Vertical block of ten from Stone A (First Stone), original gum, sheet margins at top and bottom, large to clear at sides, distinctive shade -- not a Reddish Violet but clearly the Blue Violet associated with the Stone A printings -- slight lightning-shaped creasing attributable to gum, two bottom stamps have small thinsVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED UNUSED MULTIPLE FROM STONE A, WHICH IS SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE THIS WAS THE FIRST STONE USED TO PRINT THE 5-CENTAVOS FIRST ISSUE AND UNUSED EXAMPLES FROM STONE A ARE RARE IN ANY FORM. THIS REMARKABLE BLOCK WAS VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN TO SPECIALISTS UNTIL IT EMERGED IN EUROPE IN 1980. ONE OF THE GREAT ITEMS OF COLOMBIA AND OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY IN GENERAL.
The Bortfeldt handbook (page 27) illustrates the Stone A used block of ten offered in the following lot (same positions) and alludes to the block offered here: "It is said, but not confirmed, that a similar strip [ block] exists in mint condition."
1859, 1p ("In Ps") Blue (7). Large margins to just touched, small spot of wear at upper right corner, tied by blue ponchito cancel, matching "Admon. de Correos de Mercedes" double-oval handstamp on blue folded cover to Bayonne, France, faint but readable "Correos de Buenos Aires 29 Ago 59" circular datestamp, red London transit backstamp (Nov. 5), "GB/1F60C" framed accountancy handstamp, Calais transit datestamp on front and other French transits on back, ms. French due marking in decimes, minor edgewear and toned spotsVERY FINE. A RARE USE OF THE ONE-PESO "IN PS" BLUE BARQUITOS ISSUE ON A COVER TO EUROPE.
The One-peso stamp paid internal postage in Buenos Aires, and the entire rate to France was collected from the addressee.
1858, 5p ("Cinco Ps") ("Cinco Ps") Ocher (5a). Light shade, margins well clear of framelines at sides, just slightly into top frameline and a bit cut in at bottom, tied by blurry ponchito cancel, "Correos de Buenos Aires 10 Ago 58" circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Parana, file fold well clear of stampVERY FINE. ONE OF THREE RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE 5-PESO BARQUITOS ISSUE (ONE OF WHICH IS CANCELLED IN MANUSCRIPT). AN IMPORTANT POSTAL HISTORY ARTIFACT OF BUENOS AIRES.
The 5-peso "heavy" rate was required on a letter weighing between 12 and 16 adarmes (-3/4 to 1 ounce).
Ex Sanchez and Galvalisi
1858, 4p ("Cuato Ps") Chestnut Brown, Error of Color (4 unlisted variety). Position 15, unused with traces of gum which may be original, ample to large margins except touched at bottom left, rich unadulterated color in the distinct Chestnut Brown shadeVERY FINE. ONE OF THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 4-PESO CHESTNUT BROWN COLOR ERROR. A MAJOR RARITY OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY.
There are two unused and one used examples of the "Cuato Ps" (4-pesos) Barquitos in Chestnut Brown, a color that clearly differs from any of the normal Red/Vermilion shades of the April 1858 Issue. The color is also totally dissimilar to the Brown shades of the later printings of the "In Ps" (One-peso) and "Cuato rs" (4-reales) stamps from the modified plates. Furthermore, the plate positions of the three recorded 4p Chestnut Brown errors do not correspond with the "Ps" positions on the "Cuato rs" plate (5, 28, 33, 41), so we can be certain that the distinctive Chestnut Brown ink was used in conjunction with the 4-peso plate before it was modified. It probably resulted from an error in mixing inks between printing different denominations (the color is closer to some of the 5p shades than any others).
Until the discovery of the used 4p Chestnut Brown, usage of the color error could not be verified. The used stamp offered in the following lot is evidence that the errors reached the post office. Due to its extreme rarity, the 4p Chestnut Brown color error has remained in relative obscurity, compared with color errors of other countries. We are confident that this sale will draw deserved attention to these important classic error stamps.
With copy of 1985 Solari-Mautalen photo certificate for the unused and used copies offered in this sale.
1858, Medio Peso Rose Red Error (5). Type D, large to huge margins, beautiful bright color, cancelled by perfect strike of "PIURA" dotted oval on blue Jan. 20, 1859 folded letter to LaChambre & Co. in LimaEXTREMELY FINE STAMP AND COVER. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE MEDIO PESO ERROR AND ONE OF ONLY A DOZEN SINGLES ON COVER RECORDED BY BARGHOLTZ.
Bargholtz Census Db7. Ex Magonette and Schatzkes
1854, 5c Red Brown, Lithograph, "Big Squeeze" Transfer Flaw (7 var). Galvez Type 3 (Blank 5/Vt 1/3), large margins all around, lightly-struck four-ring cancel well away from the key part of the impression at bottomEXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THIS REMARKABLE LITHOGRAPHIC TRANSFER FLAW, IN WHICH ALMOST ALL OF THE WORD "CENTAVOS" IS MISSING AND THE STAMP IS NEARLY SQUARE. UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE FEW IN EXISTENCE. A SUPERB STAMP FOR THE CONNOISSEUR.
Ex Walters, Caspary and Galvez. Illustrated in Blank book (plate 21).
1859, 1p ("In Ps") Blue, Printed on Both Sides (7b). Position 39 and an inverted impression of another position on back, unused (no gum), large margins to slightly in along top and left frameline only, faint trace of toningVERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF ANY BARQUITOS ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. A MAJOR SOUTH AMERICAN RARITY WITH AN IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF PAST OWNERS.
Ex Ferrary, Dale-Lichtenstein and Boker
1859, 2-1/2c-1p First Issue Study Collection (1-7). Small stockbook, some loose cards and auction lot sheets containing more than 400 stamps, some in multiples, every denomination and shade represented including some very scarce examples, approximately 100 mixed denominations are arranged by cancellation, including some beautiful strikes and colored markings, the other 300 or so stamps are arranged by denomination and shades, including the following approximate quantities (unused/used): 2-1/2c (32/16), 5c Stone A Violet shades (16/22) and Stone B Blue shades (19/8), 10c (25/13, including scarce Chocolate shades), 20c (60/32) and 1p (52/8, including five on bluish paper), a few of the highlights are shown above, including scarce unused single and used strip of three of the 5c Reddish Violet Stone A, 5c & 10c early shades tied on piece, 10c Chocolate pair, 20c Stone A block, 1p single on bluish paper, and 1p blocks (one on unusual grayish paper), some degree of small faults to be expected, but overall this is far above the typical Colombia First Issue condition with many superb stamps throughout, a rare opportunity to acquire Islander's working study collection, representing 40 years of selection from important sales
1858, 4r ("Cuato rs") Brown, 1p ("In Ps") Light Brown (1, 6). The two October 1858 issues used together, 4r with two huge margins showing parts of adjoining stamps, framelines mostly complete in other sides, 1p with small margins but framelines mostly complete, crisp shades and impressions, tied by ponchito cancel struck twice, "Correos de Buenos Aires 11 Dec 58" circular datestamp on folded cover to Paysandu, Uruguay, sender's endorsement "Por Vpor Corza", small sealed tear at top edge, minor toned spots, a few of which touch stamps and effectively provide a further "tie" to the coverVERY FINE. ONE OF FOUR RECORDED COVERS BEARING MORE THAN ONE DENOMINATION OF THE BARQUITOS ISSUE (THREE OF WHICH ARE IN THIS COLLECTION). A MAJOR POSTAL HISTORY RARITY OF BUENOS AIRES AND SOUTH AMERICA IN GENERAL.
The 1p and 4r stamps on this cover pay the rate for a letter weighing 1 to 1-1/2 ounces (4 reales for the additional rate). This is one of four covers we record with a Barquitos combination: 1) 2p and 4p to Corrientes, ex Caspary; 2) 3p and 4p to Rosario, offered in this sale (lot 53); 3) 1p Brown and 4r Brown to Uruguay, the cover offered here; and 4) 1p Blue and 4r Brown to Buenos Aires, offered in this sale (lot 74). These Barquitos combination frankings are among the highlights of the entire Islander collection.
Ex Dale-Lichtenstein. Buhler handstamps on interior behind stamps. Stanley Gibbons handstamp at bottom of address panel.
1854, 5c Orange Brown, Lithograph (7c). Horizontal strip of four and two pairs (one pair in a different shade) tied by four-ring cancel, red "Santiago 14 Nbre 54" circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Valparaiso, from the Jagerschmidt & Jullian correspondence, lightly toned file folds clear of stampsVERY FINE. A SPECTACULAR AND VERY RARE MULTIPLE FRANKING OF THE 5-CENTAVOS LITHOGRAPH. ONE OF THE GREAT COVERS OF CLASSIC CHILE.
The Jagerschmidt & Jullian correspondence was the source of the famous cover with the block of fourteen offered in this sale. Blank reports that a strip of six is the second largest multiple of the 5c Lithograph.
Ex Lee
BRAZIL, 1843, 90r Black, Fine to Intermediate Impression (3). Two singles, Second Composite Plate, State B, position 10 and First Composite Plate, State B, position 8 (per Napier), huge margins to large, tied by "Correio Geral Da Corte" circular datestamp on reverse flap of 1844 folded cover to Rio Pardo, cover without side flaps, stamps have been removed and replaced with some repairs behind stamps and minor toningVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN INCREDIBLY RARE TWO STAMP FRANKING OF THE 90-REIS FIRST ISSUE "BULLS-EYE". A MAJOR BRAZIL RARITY.
This cover traveled from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Pardo which is located about 100km to the east of Porto Alegre - a distance of over 1,700km. With 1990 E. Diena (as "sono perfetti") and 2015 Moorhouse certificates.
1858, -1/2p Buff, Diagonal Half Used as 2 Pesetas (6, unlisted bisect). Bottom right diagonal half tied all around by "PUNO" oval and negative stars handstamp on greenish folded cover to Arequipa, docketed with Dec. 16, 1859 origin date, tip of bisect has tiny scuffVERY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 1858 MEDIO PESO BISECTED TO PAY TWO-PESETA RATE. A MAJOR RARITY OF PERUVIAN PHILATELY.
This cover was acquired directly from Peru by Islander. The other cover bearing a bisect of the Medio Peso is also postmarked at Puno (letter dated Jul. 11,1860). It was offered in the Corinphila Oct. 24-29, 1994 sale (lot 7222) and realized 27,000 Swiss francs plus premium.
Signed Bloch
1878-80, 5c Black, 25c Green, Roulette (10, 12). Tied by target cancel, blue Granada Jul 7, 1879 double-circle ds on cover to New York, additionally franked with Great Britain 1p & 3p Rose (33, 61) tied by Greytown July 15 cds, Colon transit and New York Due 5 Cents markings, U.S. 2c & 3c Postage Due (J2, J3) cancelled by intertwined "NY" in beaded circle on back, trivial edge stain, o/w Very Fine and an exceptionally rare franking and most desirable with stamps in full view
COLOMBIA, 1920, 10c Mulicolored (C2-C10). Complete Set of Nine Values, Beautiful Fresh Colors, quality varies including No. C7 which has light creases and minor stains, A Very Rare Set and seldom offered as a unit, with Diena Certificate for No.7 which declares the stamp "genuine and it is in good condition" (stamp also signed by Roumet, Rendon, et al)
1859, 5c Blue, "50" centavos instead of "5" Cliche Error (2b). Stone B, Position 38, ample to large margins all around, lightly struck "(BU)GA/(FRANCA)" oval cancel leaving "50" error denominations completely visible, excellent color and entirely soundEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE FINEST OF THE FIVE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE "50" CENTAVOS TRANSFER ERROR. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF SOUTH AMERICAN PHILATELY.
On Stone B of the 5-centavos a transfer of the 20-centavos was erroneously placed in Position 38. The “2” of the “20” was corrected to a “5,” but the “0” was not removed, producing a “50” centavos denomination. After postal officials became aware of the error, they defaced the “50” centavos stamp by punching out the center of Position 38 in the remaining printed sheets. This explains the rarity of this error.
The Bortfeldt handbook illustrates all five known examples of the rare "50" centavos transfer error. The stamp offered here is believed to be the only sound four-margin example known.
Ex Thomas William Hall, Newbury and Neuberger.
1854, 5c Orange Brown, Lithograph (7c). Vertical block of six from the top left corner of the sheet, large margins except at upper right where slightly irregular, cancelled by light strikes of four-ring target, bright color and very freshFINE-VERY FINE. THE FINER OF TWO RECORDED BLOCKS OF SIX. ONLY THREE BLOCKS ARE KNOWN ON OR OFF COVER, ALL OF WHICH ARE IN THE ISLANDER COLLECTION. AN IMPORTANT RARITY OF CHILE AND SOUTH AMERICA IN GENERAL.
The 1854 Lithograph stamps are extremely rare in multiples. Only one unused pair is recorded, and strips of three or larger are rare on or off cover. As for blocks, there are just three: 1) the block of fourteen on the cover to Valparaiso offered in this sale as lot 119; 2) the block of six offered here, ex Caspary and Galvez; and 3) block of six, ex Walters and Galvez, offered in this sale as lot 121.
Ex Caspary and Galvez (where it realized 12,000 Swiss francs in 1979)
1858, 4p ("Cuato Ps") Vermilion, Diagonal Half Used as 2p (4a). Upper left diagonal half with huge left sheet margin and full margin at top showing patterned frameline, uncancelled, originating on blue folded letter to Buenos Aires, datelined Dolores, Nov. 5, 1858, sender's endorsement "Franco" indicating prepaid, some skillfully lightened stains and minor cosmetic reinforcement around edgesEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-PESO BISECT ON COVER. ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING BARQUITOS ISSUE COVERS KNOWN.
Ex Jewell and "Mercedes" (Neuberger). With 1966 Kneitschel photo certificate
1858, Medio Peso Rose Red Error (5). Type C, huge margins to full at bottom, rich color, tied by light strike of "LIMA" dotted oval on blue Jul. 13, 1858 folded letter to Jose Maria Pena in Arequipa, tiny bleached specks on coverEXTREMELY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE MEDIO PESO ERROR AND ONE OF ONLY A DOZEN SINGLES ON COVER RECORDED BY BARGHOLTZ.
Bargholtz Census Db3. Ex Schatzkes. Signed Holcombe.
1858, 4r ("Cuato rs") Brown (6). Positions 17-19, horizontal strip of three, large margins almost all around, just barely in at bottom left of lefthand stamp, deep rich color, tied by two neat strikes of "Correos de Buenos Aires 26 Abr 59" circular datestamp on double-rate folded cover to Rosario, light file fold clear of stripEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING BARQUITOS ISSUE COVER. THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLES OF THE 4-REALES BROWN ARE STRIPS OF THREE, OF WHICH VERY FEW ARE KNOWN. THIS IS THE ONLY STRIP KNOWN ON COVER.
Ex Schatzkes and Alemany
1858, 3p ("Tres Ps") Green (3). Cancelled by perfect bold blue ponchito cancel, matching "Correos de Buenos Aires 11 May 58" circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Rosario, sender's routing "pr Vapor '1er Argentino'" and red "Fragueiro e Hijo, Buenos-Ayres" double-oval handstamp, neat receipt docketing on flapEXTREMELY FINE IN ALL RESPECTS. A SUPERB FOUR-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE 3-PESO BARQUITOS ISSUE ON AN IMMACULATE AND COLORFUL COVER WITH RED AND BLUE MARKINGS.
After surveying numerous auction catalogues, in which fewer than a fifteen 3p covers could be found, we are confident that this is the finest of all. The Caspary collection had two choice 3p stamps on covers, but with black cancels. One similar cover with a four-margin stamp and blue cancels was located in the Gargantini collection (Corinphila Sale 46, Nov. 16-21, 1959), but that cover does not have the red oval handstamp, which adds significantly to the visual appeal of the cover offered here.
Ex Consul Weinberger
1854, 5c Red Brown, Lithograph (7a). Horizontal strip of four, large margins all around, intense shade and proof-like impression, tied by four strikes of four-ring cancel, "Serena Chile 3 Set. 55" double-circle datestamp on deep blue folded cover to ValparaisoEXTREMELY FINE GEM STRIP OF FOUR IN A WONDERFUL DEEP SHADE, USED ON A STRIKINGLY COLORFUL COVER. WITHOUT QUESTION THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL 5-CENTAVOS LITHOGRAPH COVERS EXTANT.
Ex Burrus and Galvez (where it realized 14,000 Swiss francs in 1979)
1854, 5c Chocolate Brown, Lithograph (7d). Unused (no gum), ample margins to clear at bottom right, intense color in the true Chocolate Brown shade (arguably Deep Chocolate Brown), proof-like impression which gives every appearance of a recess-printed stampVERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENTAVOS LITHOGRAPH IN THE CHOCOLATE BROWN SHADE. A TRULY SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THIS RARE "COLON" ISSUE.
Signed Diena. Ex Galvez
1843, 60r Black, Intermediate Impression (2). Block of four, original gum, lower left stamp matches Napier 1st Large Plate, State B, Position 57, but others in block do not correspond to Napier's plating, large margins, sharp impression with lines of lathework nearly complete, natural gum wrinkleEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE BLOCK OF THE 60-REIS WITH ORIGINAL GUM. ALMOST ALL BULL'S EYE MULTIPLES ARE WITHOUT GUM. A SUPERB MULTIPLE FOR THE CONNOISSEUR.
Ex Lima. Meyer Euros 11,000 (without premium for original gum)
Paris Ballon Monte Cover to Peru. Small folded letter datelined Sept. 29, 1870 and postmarked "Paris Ministere des Finances 6E./29 Sept. 70", and carried on the Etat-Unis, franked with France 30c Brown (34 pair) and 20c Blue (33) tied by "35" in dotted star struck 3 times, tiny "par ballon monte", pair tied by red "London Paid" dated Oct. 13th, Lima backstamp, fresh and Very Fine, very rare destination
1854, 5c Red Brown, Lithograph, "Big Squeeze" Transfer Flaw (7 var). Galvez Type 1 (Blank 5/Vt 1/2), full to large margins, four-ring cancel well away from the key part of the impression at bottom, tiny corner crease at bottom rightEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS REMARKABLE LITHOGRAPHIC TRANSFER FLAW, IN WHICH ALMOST ALL OF THE WORD "CENTAVOS" IS MISSING AND THE STAMP IS NEARLY SQUARE.
Ex Galvez
MEXICO, 1864, 4r Green, Eagle (24). "Veracruz 38. 1866" overprint, full to large margins, tied by "Franqueado Vera Cruz Abril 15" circular datestamp, used with pair of France 1860 80c Napoleon (20), large margins except touched at top, scissors cut and crease, tied by anchor in diamond maritime cancel, partly readable "1 Mexique 1 15 Avril 66" octagonal datestamp and "P.P." framed handstamp on folded cover to the Vice Consul of Spain at Matamoros, slight wear and faint toning around edgesVERY FINE. A FABULOUSLY RARE MIXED-FRANKING COVER AND POSSIBLY THE ONLY COMBINATION OF THE MEXICAN 4-REALES EAGLE AND FRENCH IMPERFORATE NAPOLEON ISSUES EXTANT.
The few known covers bearing Mexican and French stamps during this period typically have a Mexico 2-reales stamp. This 4-reales double-rate usage is exceedingly rare (see Mexican Maritime Mail, Schimmer and Heath, p. 122-129).
With 2005 MEPSI certificate
1843, 60r Black, Intermediate Impression (2). 1st Large Plate, State B, Positions 44-46/50-52, Position 50 major re-entry in numerals, block of six, unused (no gum), large margins all around, sharp impression showing nearly all lines of lathework, bright fresh paper, negligible pinhole in lower left stamp (Position 50)EXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT UNUSED BLOCK OF THE BRAZIL 60-REIS BULL'S EYE. ALTHOUGH LARGER BLOCKS AND A COMPLETE SHEET OF 60 EXIST, THIS SUPERB BLOCK OF SIX IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING IN TERMS OF QUALITY. A WONDERFUL EXHIBITION ITEM.
Ex Kuyas and Lima. Meyer Euros 14,000 for an unused block of four and pair
1843, 60r Deep Black, Early Impression (2). 1st Composite Plate, State A, Position 1, the first stamp in the 60r pane cancelled by full clear strike of "Correio Geral da Corte 1/8/1843" first day of issue datestamp, large margins including outer frameline at top, few tiny toned spots, negligible corner crease at bottom leftEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF APPROXIMATELY A HALF-DOZEN KNOWN BRAZIL BULL'S EYE STAMPS WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE DATESTAMP. IN THE ABSENCE OF A FIRST DAY COVER, THIS STAMP REPRESENTS THE ONLY MEANS TO DISPLAY THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE OF THE FIRST STAMPS ISSUED FOR NATIONAL USE IN THE AMERICAS.
The August 1, 1843, issue date has been well-established since 1948, when Hugo Fraccaroli published his article, "Date of Issue of First Brazilian Stamps" in the London Philatelist (March 1948).
1858, Medio Peso Rose Red Error (5). Vertical se-tenant pair, Medio Peso Type B at top, One-peseta Type 1 at bottom, from two separate bloc report transfers, large margins all around, bright shade, cancelled by light strikes of "Admon. Pral de Correos de Tacna 08 Junio 58" circular datestamp, faint toned spotsEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB SE-TENANT PAIR OF THE MEDIO PESO ERROR AND ONE-PESETA. ONLY FIVE SE-TENANT PAIRS ARE RECORDED IN THE BARGHOLTZ CENSUS (EXCLUDING THE LARGER MULTIPLES AND COVERS), AND TWO OF THESE ARE IN THE TAPLING COLLECTION. THIS IS PROBABLY THE FINEST OFF-COVER PAIR EXTANT.
Bargholtz Census Cb2. Ex Ferrary, Vigil, Schatzkes and Gonzales Garcia.
-----, 1935, 20c Amelia Earhart (C74). Mint Never Hinged Block, Nicely Centered, scissors separated at left yielding some trifle blunt perfs., otherwise Very Fine, Exceedingly Rare, One of Two Blocks Extant, Each Stamp Signed Bloch, with Friedl Certificate, The Premier 20th Century Item of Mexican Philately
1854, 5c Orange Brown, Lithograph (7c). Horizontal strip of four, huge margins on three sides, barely in at right, bright Rose Brown shade and clear impression, cancelled by light strikes of four-ring cancel (not tied), red "Santiago 11 Obre 54" circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Valparaiso, from the Jagerschmidt & Jullian correspondence (the source of the famous block of fourteen on cover offered in lot 119), lightly toned file fold far from stampsEXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT COVER BEARING A RARE MULTIPLE OF THE 5-CENTAVOS LITHOGRAPH.
Ex Galvez
MEXICO, 1864, 4r Green, Eagle (24). "Veracruz 38. 1866" overprint, full to large margins, tied by "Franqueado Vera Cruz Abril 15" circular datestamp, used with pair of France 1860 80c Napoleon (20), large margins except touched at top, scissors cut and crease, tied by anchor in diamond maritime cancel, partly readable "1 Mexique 1 15 Avril 66" octagonal datestamp and "P.P." framed handstamp on folded cover to the Vice Consul of Spain at Matamoros, slight wear and faint toning around edgesVERY FINE. A FABULOUSLY RARE MIXED-FRANKING COVER AND POSSIBLY THE ONLY COMBINATION OF THE MEXICAN 4-REALES EAGLE AND FRENCH IMPERFORATE NAPOLEON ISSUES EXTANT.
The few known covers bearing Mexican and French stamps during this period typically have a Mexico 2-reales stamp. This 4-reales double-rate usage is exceedingly rare (see Mexican Maritime Mail, Schimmer and Heath, p. 122-129).
CHILE, 1854, 5c Pale Brown, Gillet (Santiago) Lithographed Printing (7). Eight stamps including horizontal strip of three (upper right), strip of four (upper left) and single (lower left), margins vary from large to slightly in, tied by multiple strikes of four-ring cancel, red "Santiago 18 Dbre 54" circular datestamp on light blue folded cover to Jagerschmidt & Jullian in Valparaiso, two stamps in strip of four have bearely detectable creasing and small scuffs, light waterstainsFINE APPEARANCE. A SPECTACULAR FRANKING WITH THE 5-CENTAVOS 1854 GILLET LITHOGRAPH PRINTING. ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING OF ALL "COLON" ISSUE COVERS.
A similar cover from the Jagerschmidt & Jullian correspondence was contained in the Galvez and Blank collections, and another with eight 5c Lithograph stamps (strip of four and two pairs) realized $23,000 hammer in our sale of the Islander Collection.
With 1979 R.P.S. certificate (issued to Gerhard Blank)
1859, 10c Brown Orange (4d). Stone B, Positions 9-11/20-22/31-33, block of nine from the upper right corner showing tilted transfer in Position 11, unused (no gum), large margins including corner sheet margins, usual worn impression, horizontal crease in bottom row, diagonal crease in top right margin, few toned spotsVERY FINE. THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE FROM THE 10-CENTAVOS STONE B, SHOWING THE STRIKING TILTED TRANSFER VARIETY. ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING BLOCKS OF THE ENTIRE COLOMBIAN FIRST ISSUE.
Illustrated in the Bortfeldt handbook on page 34 where described as "probably the largest unit known of this stone." Ex Newbury and Wickersham.
1859, 5c Violet, 10c Red Brown (3, 4). Both stamps in early shades, large margins, tied by single clear strike of "BARRANQUILLA/FRANCA" oval handstamp on blue folded letter to Mompos, datelined September 24, 1859, the first month of issue, file fold, few trivial erosion speck in address, faint age toning, none of which affects stampsEXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT COVER BEARING TWO VALUES OF THE 1859 ISSUE IN SUPERB CONDITION. FIRST ISSUE COMBINATION COVERS ARE OF THE GREATEST RARITY, ESPECIALLY USED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF ISSUE.
The Bortfeldt handbook states (page 3): "In comparison to other countries, stamps on cover, on piece or with identifiable date used during the first month, September 1859, are extremely rare. Only a few items are recorded today, which are more expensive than similar items with dates of the following months." This cover is illustrated in the Bortfeldt handbook on page 6.
1858, 5p ("Cinco Ps") Ocher (5a). Huge margins at top and left showing parts of adjoining stamps, mostly large at right and bottom except where touched at corner, wonderful deep rich color, tied by ponchito cancel on large piece with two strikes of "Correos de Buenos Aires" circular datestamps (Sep. 24 and 25, 1858 dates) and part of Cordoba address, fold in pieceEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE LARGE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-PESO BARQUITOS ISSUE.
There are only three recorded 5p covers (one cancelled in manuscript). Therefore, this large piece with the Buenos Aires datestamps and part address assumes greater importance. In addition, the stamp is a superb example of the 5-peso.
Ex Consul Weinberger