Lot 1304 1847 Stampless Transatlantic Letter Quebec to Upper Normandy France, rated with script “55” notation. Handstamped with multiple PAID markings. Contents indicate the letter was drafted on 18.DEC.1846. It bears no Canadian postmarks, but shows clear Manchester JA.18.1847 double split-ring and PAID 19 JA 19 1847 cds of London. From thence it travelled to Calais (20.JANV.47), Abbeville (21.JAN.47), and finally its destination in Upper Normandy (Seine Inférieure). The contents indicate the letter was written by the Mother Superior of the Canadian Branch of the “Chanoinesses régulières hospitalières de la miséricorde de Jésus,” a French Catholic religious order. The letter includes three pages of contents, almost entirely readable. An attractive item, in very fine condition, and of historical interest. Estimate $200, sold for $300 plus buyer’s premium.
Sparks Auctions
Lot 1479 — 1931 Australia to England first flight cover, sold for $218
Lot 1479 1931 Australia to England Registered First Flight Cover, mailed Sydney and addressed to London England. Franked with a combination of 5 different issues, totaling 26d. On airmail stationery “Per First All The Way By Air Royal Mail”. Light corner crease, else very fine and colourful. Estimate $150, sold for $190 plus buyer’s premium.
Lot 887 — 1849 France 15c green Cérès imperf, sold for $3910
Faulty or repaired classic stamps which get almost no attention when they are common, will still attract significant bidding if they have high catalogue value or are very scarce. This fifteen centimes green Cérès head imperf stamp is such an example (as is the Madagascar set we will feature next month).
Lot 887 France #2 1849 15c green Cérès Imperforate unused, with four margins but a couple of faults. Accompanied by a 1986 Roger Calves photographic certificate stating “… neuf, authentique, mais réparé”. Very fine appearance. Yvert #2 value is €10,000 for no gum. Scott CV$23,000, sold for $3,400 plus buyer’s premium.
Lot 1485 — Cape of Good Hope 1901 censored POW Cover, sold for $138
Lot 1485 Cape of Good Hope 1901 Boer War Censored Prisoner of War Cover to Diyatalawa Camp Ceylon, franked with 1p Cape of Good Hope definitive. Cancelled with grid obliterator, BLAUW-VLEY FE.25.01 cds. Addressed to a prisoner in Hut 64, Diyatalawa Camp, Ceylon, with Wellington FE.25.1901, Durban MR.5(?).1901, Colombo MR.29.01 transit backstamps. British “Paarl” (Snowden & Hepworth Type 18) seal along top, and Type 25 seal along bottom, which was in use at Prisoner of War camps in Ceylon. Some small faults as expected; nevertheless an elusive Boer War cover. Estimate $100, sold for $120 plus buyer’s premium.
Lot 49 — Canada 1868 half cent black Large Queen with Chignon Variety, sold for $184.
Lot 49 Canada #21iii 1868 ½c black Large Queen with Chignon Variety, unused (no gum), very fine. Unitrade CV$200, sold for $160 plus buyer’s premium.