Featured Item #14

Lot #77 Canada# 25P – Queen Victoria – 3¢ Red. Plate proof block of four in colour of issue on card mounted india paper.
Large margins all around. Plate proofs of the Large Queen issues are scarce and very few multiples remain. Research has failed to verify that another block of the 3¢ value exists (the Firth collection only contained a pair). Unitrade:$2400

Ian notes: "In the tenth feature below, I recounted an auctioneer’s claim. In those days it was a little more difficult to research scarce items. Also, we try to be very careful when making an assertion, hence the language ‘Research has failed to verify… etc.’ in this description. Regardless, making a claim like that is like a red flag. A long-time collector has very gently informed us that he has a block. Maybe a decade from now we will be able to offer a second block. Nevertheless, it is a rare and stunning addition to anyone’s collection (except one gentleman’s!)."