Lot 183 Canada #723Ab 1978 (50c) Prairie Street Scene with “Ghost Town Variety,” mint never hinged, with brown ink omitted, very fine and scarce. Accompanied by a 2023 Greene Foundation certificate. Unitrade CV$3,000.
Sparks Auctions
Lot 367, St. Helena 1961 set of four Tristan Relief Fund surcharges, VF NH
Lot 367 Saint Helena #B1-B4 1961 Set of Four Tristan Relief Fund Surcharges, all four values are mint never hinged and have sheet margins at right or left. A fresh and remarkably well centered set, very fine. This is the first we have offered, and these do not come up very often, with only 454 sets produced. Each stamp has an expert signature on back in light pencil. S.G. #172-175, £8,000. Scott U$7,600.
Lot 393, Canada 1870 three cent Small Queen perf 12-1/2 on cover, Chatham NB to Richibucto
Lot 393 Canada #37d 1870 3c Small Queen Perforated 12½ on Cover, a lovely cover mailed on JUN.14.1870 from Chatham NB (“Venning” duplex cancel) to Richibucto, with same day receiver on back. The cover is franked with a 3c copper red Small Queen, perforated 12½ which has lovely colour and is fine-very fine centered. Accompanied by a 2015 Greene Foundation certificate. Most of the covers with this franking were mailed from Saint John NB, but some are known to have been mailed from other towns, such as this one, which is so far unrecorded in the literature, as well as the current census. A remarkably clean and very fine example of this Small Queen rarity. Unitrade CV$2,100.
Lot 161, Production File for Canada 1951 three cent Robert Borden issue
Lot 161 Canada #303DP Production File for the 1951 3c Robert Borden Issue, an amazing original group containing many items used in the production of the stamp, with a photograph, two reduced (stamp size) photographs, one destined for the engraver William Ford, two negative images of the issued stamp (one large and one small) as well as a beautiful and rare large die proof, in colour of issue, with several signatures and notes front and back, measuring 152 x 229 mm. We also note 19 letters (Feb. to Apr. 1951) pertaining to the preparation of this stamp, each giving interesting and important information on the various stages involved, as well as the original two government-style large envelopes, each having once contained all or these items, which are itemized in a list on their covers. Last, but not least are three stamp-size original photographs (listed on the cover of one of the large envelopes) each depicting King George VI wearing his military medals, with the names of two engravers, probably in preparation for the series of stamps issued around the same time, but depicting him wearing a suit and tie. A unique ensemble of items, the like of which is rarely offered. Estimate C$3,000.
Lot 370, Sudan 1905 1m rose and red brown Military Official with ! instead of I overprint, VF mint
Lot 370 Sudan #MO1a 1905 1m Rose and Red Brown Military Official, with Overprint Variety, mint hinged, with “!” instead of “I” in OFFICIAL overprint variety, a well centered and very fine stamp with only tiny soiling on top of some perforations at top and a very light crease. Rare, with very few examples known, especially this nice. Ex Israelow and accompanied by a 1977 Philatelic Foundation certificate (not mentioning the crease) and a 2023 RPSL Ltd. certificate. S.G. #A4a, £6,000. Scott CV U$4,750.
