A Traditional Philatelic Auction House — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
We would like to thank all of our bidders and consignors for another successful auction.
There is much to say about the sale, and we will post often in the coming days. Please watch the site.
The phones will not be answered on Friday while we get a handle on the huge volume of material that needs to be sorted, invoiced and readied for shipping. If you have any questions, please leave a message or send us an e-mail (info@sparks-auctions.com).
Wurttemburg 1851-1894 Comprehensive used collection, on Lighthouse hingeless pages. Nearly complete with the exception of 1851/1865 colour shades and paper varieties. Includes many key values including Scott #6 (closed tear), 18 (small thins), 29, 46 (small thin) and 53 (thinned with Ceremuga certificate stating “genuine in all respects”). Also note several clear town postmarks, #2 on folded letters. Generally fine-very fine with several very fine, four margin stamps throughout. Overall much better quality than normally seen. An excellent opportunity from which to build a specialized collection. Scott CV $11,319
Canada #359, 1956 5¢ Hockey signed by designer, matched set of plate blocks, never hinged, autographed by James Simpkins, who was well-known for his cartoon character, a bear named Jasper. Includes a small original watercolour on card of Jasper by Simpkins. Estimate $100
US #C15, 1930 $2.60 Zeppelin stamp on flown cover, from the June 3rd 1930 Graf Zeppelin flight from Lakehurst to Friedrichshafen, mailed at Varick St. Sta. New York May 31 1930. Usual cachets on front and Friedrichshafen June 6, 1930 receiver on back. Frost Cat. No. 8.) 127-49E. Frost 2005 CV $1800
We had some network difficulties yesterday that delayed the start of Session 1 by ninety minutes. Customers who were bidding on the Canada and B.N.A. material waited patiently as we uninstalled anti-virus software that was blocking us from properly running the auctioneer’s monitoring system, and the live audio feed. Thanks to James at Stamp Auction Network for quickly diagnosing the problem.
We also experienced one or two brief delays while the auction was under way, and we wish to apologize for the frustration this caused for bidders who were unable to execute live bids.
The lesson is that we will always be sure to have the entire auction day system ready and tested one day in advance of the sale.
Our systems are ready to go today, with the British Commonwealth section beginning promptly at 1p.m. EST.