Lot 66 Canada #38a 1875 5c Slate Green Small Queen, Perforated 11½ x 12, mint with full original gum, never hinged. A very fresh stamp which has wonderful centering and is extremely fine. A difficult stamp to find in such lovely quality. Accompanied by a 2007 Richard Gratton AIEP certificate and a photocopy of the stunning block of six from which it came. The 5c perforated 11-1/2×12 is one of the most challenging of all Small Queens to locate in premium quality. Its rarity can be traced back to the fact that only a few of the early 5c printings had this perforation measurement, and very few were saved by collectors or otherwise not used. This printing normally displays unevenly applied gum with streaks and/or bubbles, and the example contained in the “Outaouais” collection displays these characteristics. A true condition rarity for the connoisseur. Unitrade CV$4,500, sold for $4,200 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
A Traditional Philatelic Auction House — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
