Sparks Auctions

Lot 180 — Canada eight cent slate grey Small Queen die proof

by

Lot 180Lot 180 Canada 8c Small Queen large die proof in slate grey on India paper, 54x67mm, showing edge of die on all sides, fresh and attractive, with a few insignificant wrinkles described for strict accuracy, very fine. A rare die proof with only a handful known and especially desirable in the colour of issue (Minuse & Pratt 44DP1).

Provenance: Jack Weatherwax (private sale)
Estimate $10,000

Lot 258 — Canada 1893 fifty cent deep blue Widow Weeds, mint

by

Lot 258Lot 258 Canada 1893 50c deep blue Widow Weeds, mint, with major re-entry showing strong doubling of whole top frameline and scrolls. Very nicely centered among large, even margins, with full original gum, hinged. Fresh and extremely fine. (Unitrade 47i)
Unitrade CV$1,000.

Lot 359 — Canada ten cent dull lilac rose Small Queen cover to Suez Arabia

by

Lot 359Lot 359 Canada 1878 10c UPU letter rate cover to Arabia, franked with a 10c dull lilac rose, tied by a duplex cancel, paying the 10c double weight UPU letter rate. Mailed from Toronto (OCT.15.1878) to Suez, Arabia (receiver on back) via London (Oct. 28 transit in red), Alexandria, Egypt (transit on back). A lovely and fresh cover, slightly reduced at left, very fine. (Unitrade 40)

An exceptional cover in all aspects, from the light cancel on the stamp, the overall fresh “bloom,” to the exotic destination where it was sent. The only recorded solo use of the 10c value to Arabia (Egypt) and arguably amongst the finest and most important usages of the 10c value on UPU covers. Based on an unpublished census of 10c covers, this is also the earliest UPU rate cover bearing a 10c stamp.

Provenance: Unknown collector, Sissons auction (1976).
Estimate $5,000

Lot 136 — Canada 1890 five cent grey Small Queen, mint

by

Lot 136Lot 136 Canada 1890s 5c grey, mint with sheet selvedge at top showing partial plate imprint. Perfectly centered among four large and even margins, with full original gum, never hinged. Truly a remarkable stamp and extremely fine. Accompanied by a 2014 Greene Foundation certificate.
Unitrade CV$900

Lot 56 — Canada 1872 two cent Small Queen die proof in dark red

by

Lot 56Lot 56 Canada 1872 2c trial colour die proof in dark red on India paper, 19x24mm, fresh and very fine. A lovely and rare die proof with only a handful of examples extant, and especially attractive in this vibrant colour. Accompanied by 2013 Greene Foundation certificate. (Minuse & Pratt 36TC4)

Provenance: George Arfken (1990).
Estimate $5,000

×