Sparks Auctions

Featured Item #15

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Lot #788 Newfoundland #212-225P – Sir Humphrey Gilbert Issue. Impressive and very interesting complete set of numbered die proofs of this 1933 issue. Printed entirely in black, the clear details are extensive. The thin, translucent paper shows the Coat of Arms watermark of the issue, uncharacteristic of most die proofs. Suitable for exhibition. Est:$6000

Ian comments: "This lot of die proofs offers a complete set of fourteen. Each has a number and is printed on thin paper with the watermark of the Newfoundland Coat of Arms. Another great Exhibition item."

Featured Item #14

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Lot #77 Canada# 25P – Queen Victoria – 3¢ Red. Plate proof block of four in colour of issue on card mounted india paper.
Large margins all around. Plate proofs of the Large Queen issues are scarce and very few multiples remain. Research has failed to verify that another block of the 3¢ value exists (the Firth collection only contained a pair). Unitrade:$2400

Ian notes: "In the tenth feature below, I recounted an auctioneer’s claim. In those days it was a little more difficult to research scarce items. Also, we try to be very careful when making an assertion, hence the language ‘Research has failed to verify… etc.’ in this description. Regardless, making a claim like that is like a red flag. A long-time collector has very gently informed us that he has a block. Maybe a decade from now we will be able to offer a second block. Nevertheless, it is a rare and stunning addition to anyone’s collection (except one gentleman’s!)."

Featured Item #13

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Lot #1537 France C5a – Airplane over Marseille – 1.50fr Deep Carmine – "E.I.P.A. 30" Perfin Initials. Remarkable example of this rare 1930 issue with perfin initials. The stamps were sold at the International Air Post Exhibit, held in Paris in November. We offer a very fresh item with generous, balanced margins and original never hinged gum. Accompanied by 1966 Expertisese a Brun (Paris) certificate. Sc:$3600

Ian notes: "In 1930 the International Air Post Exhibit privately perforated two airmail stamps with the initials EIPA 30. This is the scarcer of the two values and is missing in most collections."

Featured Item #12

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Lot #98 Canada #34iii – Queen Victoria – 1/2¢ Black – Gutter Pair.

Scarce, top margin gutter block of eight. The yellowish paper is typical of the 1890’s printing and there is a strong offset on the back. Original, never hinged gum with light bends at upper right. Unitrade $2000

Ian comments: "The half cent Small Queen is Canada’s smallest ever postage stamp. It was printed on sheets of 200 with two panes of 100 stamps separated by a gutter. Virtually all sheets were guillotined into two panes of 100 for distribution to Post Offices. In philatelic jargon, this item is described as an inter-panneau block. I expect to see it in an exhibit in the future."

Featured Item #11

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Lot #1058 Tasmania 4 – Queen Victoria – 1d Dark Carmine Excellent brilliant colour on this item with unobtrusive grid cancel. Sound with four margins all clear of the design. Select item. (SG 14 CV £ 800) Sc:$1050

Ian says: "The classic stamps of Van Dieman’s Land (Tasmania) have very narrow margins. A completely sound stamp with all margins clear is quite scarce in this condition. The nearly clear Chalon portrait and deep colour make this an attractive addition to an advanced collection."

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