Month: October 2007

Featured Item #9

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Lot #1560 Germany – Bremen #14 – Coat of Arms – 10gr Black – Perf 13.0 x 13.0. Officially the last issue (in 1867) of the Free City of Bremen, which became integrated with the North German Confederation the following year. Typical centering else very fine in all respects with period usage "Bremen" straightline boxed cancel. Accompanied by 1983 Friedl photo certificate stating "…is in my opinion genuine. I have signed it. (Herbert Bloch)". (Mi 14 €1400) Sc:$1000

Ian remarks: "The stamps issued by the German States prior to unification include some of philately’s great classics. Finding the scarcer examples in top quality involves a lot of searching and sometimes disappointment. Here’s one you will be proud to put in your album."

Featured Item #8

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Lot #589 Canada #443-444 P – Gifts of the Wise Men Issue Possibly unique 1965 Christmas issue proofs. The 3c olive value has manuscript acceptance "x" in margin. The 5c value, later issued in violet blue, is shown here on plate in trial olive colour. Wonderful exhibition quality items. Est:$3200

Ian notes: "Die Proofs are quite special in themselves, but when a Die Proof has notations such as ‘approved,’ it has added appeal. Sometimes a progressive Die Proof (that is, a Die Proof showing a stage in the design process prior to final approval) has a ‘wow’ factor that impresses.  The progressive Die Proof which is part of this lot has a manuscript ‘X’ (click photo to see scan)."

Featured Item #7

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Lot #205 Canada #77a var – Queen Victoria – 2c Carmine – Die II – Unlisted Thick, Yellowish Paper As yet unlisted paper variety similar to that found on 1¢ green and 2¢ purple. Stunning block of four with exceptional margins, pristine, never hinged original gum. Est:$2400

Ian notes: "Here is a block which perfectly combines scarcity and quality. Although not listed in Unitrade the two cent carmine is found on the same thick paper as #76a and the more recently listed #75v. Both of these have a 6.67 times factor in catalogue value over the regular stamp in fine condition and a 3.33 or 4.25 factor in very fine condition. This is an undervalued block."

Featured Item #6

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Lot #2038 Canada – 1914 Empress of Ireland Five Page Disaster Exhibit. Wonderful exhibit with handsome and scarce material telling the unfortunate philatelic history of the sinking of this Canadian Pacific Liner on May 29, 1914. This story of Canada’s worst peace-time sea disaster unfolds with picture postcards, salvaged mail and very scarce "Ambulance" cover sent from Dead Letter Office, Ottawa. The exhibit is supported by excellent text and supplementary material. (Click on scan to see more.) $1500

Ian says: "The Empress of Ireland holds a special fascination and this Exhibit could likely be expanded into a smashing one-frame competititive entry. It would be nice to see it in a future show. "

Featured Item #5

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Lot #298 Canada #108a – King George V – 3c Yellow Brown – Wet Printing. One of the toughest shade and printing combinations within this issue, we offer an example of outstanding quality. Very large, symmetrical margins and distinct, strong colour. Flawless full original never hinged gum. Unitrade Cat. $75

Ian remarks: "I could probably pick several dozen items from the nearly 200 lots of Admirals. I was undecided between the very scarce wet printing of the one dollar (Lot 378) and the three cent brown which combines a scarce shade with exceptional margins. There might be very stiff competition for lot 298. "

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