Announcements

Announcements

Welcome to Sale 36, the Comox Valley Collection

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The Comox Valley collection was formed over a period of 40 years, to very high standards. Its owner purchased each stamp or set individually and carefully from reputable dealers and auction houses, and the result is immediately evident. The owner’s priority when purchasing was first to obtain sound stamps; if a never hinged copy could not be located only a lightly hinged one would do. For the used material, clear and light cancels were his preference. Although the collector did not purchase many printing or plate varieties, the collection contains many shade, paper and perforation varieties.

High values of Falkland Islands 1933 Pictorial set, lot 815.

The collection is now being offered in a two day completely unreserved sale: Day One will feature Canada and BNA, followed by the United States; Day Two will feature an alphabetical offering of wide-ranging British Commonwealth countries, followed by strong worldwide.

The Canada collection is quite extensive, and includes strong Provinces, with many desirable, often certified stamps. The United States collection is also fairly complete and includes many rarities, with over 400 certificates of authenticity, many of which are graded.

The British Commonwealth and worldwide collections are also extensive to about 1970 (for many countries) and are made up of mostly fresh mint stamps, with a dusting of used here and there. Some of the better singles and sets are being offered separately, and we have tried not to break up any sets. This part of the collection is strongest in British Commonwealth countries, with a high degree of completion, all collected with the same high standard.

The vast majority of this impressive collection has been scanned online, and can be seen on StampAuctionNetwork.com, where you can participate in advance or live bidding. We gladly welcome requests for more scans. All of our sales are conducted in Canadian dollars, with an industry-low buyer’s premium of 17%.

We hope you enjoy this sale and find many items that make you happy.

Stéphane Cloutier
Auction Manager

Sale #35 Has Concluded

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Lot 339
Lot 339 Canada #1693var 2003 $5 Moose with Dramatic “Misplaced Moose” Variety, a mint never hinged full pane of 4, with all Moose and foliage, etc. engraved colours shifted up by about ¾ inches. Very fine, and as far as we know unique. Accompanied by a 2020 Greene Foundation certificate. One of the most visually striking modern varieties. Different but just as impressive, if not much rarer than the “Missing Moose” variety, both would look great side by side in a collection. Estimate $5,000, sold for C$15,000.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.

Auction #35 is over. Prices Realized can be seen on our Stamp Auction Network listing or downloaded from our site.

We are now preparing invoices and organizing material for shipping, which will take us until Tuesday, February 23rd. Invoices will be sent out by e-mail. While we cannot usually interrupt our work to answer phones, all calls and e-mails will be returned as soon as we can provide the information you are seeking. We ask for your patience as we continue to work within the health and safety protocols necessary to keep our customers and staff safe during the ongoing pandemic.

Buyers who pick up their auction winnings at our offices at 1770 Woodward Drive in Ottawa can make appointments beginning at 10:00am on the 23rd of February. Payment arrangements must be made by phone or e-mail prior to picking up your material. A staff member will meet you in the parking lot at your appointment for curb-side pickup. We can only serve one person at a time. Please do not just show up as we will not be able to accommodate you. If you wish to have your lots shipped to you, please contact us.

Our Mailing List is the best way to find out the schedule of future auctions, ongoing updates, and other information about Sparks Auctions.

Sparks Auctions’ Sale #35 Postponed to January 27-29, 2021

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NB February 8th, 2021: We are pleased to confirm that this auction will take place February 16-18, 2021.

To all our valued customers,

Today, the Government of Ontario announced a business and social shutdown in the province from December 26 through January 23, to reduce the spread and effects of COVID-19 on our communities. Our offices will therefore be closed during this period and we are moving the dates of Auction #35 to January 27-29, 2021. We are hopeful that the shutdown achieves its goals and that these dates will not change again.

The sale has been available for bidding on Stamp Auction Network since December 11. Bidding has been brisk since then. We will be monitoring email and phone messages during this closure and would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Rest assured that we will keep you informed of any changes. Thank you for your business and for understanding.

Stéphane Cloutier
Auction Manager

Sale 35 Winter 2021

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NB February 8th, 2021: We are pleased to confirm that this auction will take place February 16-18, 2021.

Welcome to Sparks Auctions’ Sale 35. For the last several months we have been preparing this sale, and we believe the results shown here showcase our hard work, diverse philatelic knowledge, and passion for the hobby.

At Sparks Auctions the property of our consignors is of the utmost importance. Our aim is first and foremost that every consignment whether a single stamp or several cartons obtains the highest realization. Our lotting decisions, careful descriptions and numerous high-quality scans speak volumes about the care we take in our work. This is why we are receiving more and more consignments not only from estates, but more importantly from collectors, who want their treasures handled in the most professional and lucrative way.

Our auction listing on Stamp Auction Network includes more than 10,000 high quality scans or pictures. A PDF of the auction catalogue can be downloaded here on our site. You can also find posted corrections, additional photos, and full details on pre-auction viewing, the daily auction sessions and details about shipping or picking up your winnings.

This is the first of three sales we are preparing for the first half of 2021. We are confident it will provide you with nice new material for your collections or dealer stock. Some of the interesting items offered in this sale include:
• A worldwide collection in 228 albums, offered by country or area
• Retired postal history dealer worldwide stock including many Graf Zeppelin flights, censor mail, etc.
• A great offering of worldwide first day covers
• Part 2 (post 1959) of the Jan van der Ven Canadian First Day cover collection
• Extensive collection of Large Queen stamps, postmarks and postal history including mixed frankings
• Extensive collection of Karl Lewis hand-painted covers
• One of our best offerings to date of Newfoundland stamps, essays and proofs
• Extensive and rare offering of Newfoundland Cents Issue postal history from a “Western Holding”
• An outstanding offering of early Canadian air mail postal history and stamps with many very rare items.

Confidential bidding before the auction can be done in many ways: by entering bids directly in SAN; by sending us your bids by phone, email, or fax; or by using the services of one of the agents listed in our catalogue. As a reminder, all of our sales are conducted in Canadian dollars, and our buyer’s premium remains at an industry low of 17%.

Sparks Auctions is doing its utmost to keep its staff and customers safe during the worldwide pandemic, and we have posted our COVID-19 protocols in our offices and online. Sale 35 will be conducted without a public floor, and bidding during the auction will be possible in one of two ways, the best being through our usual live internet bidding on Stamp Auction Network. We also offer live bidding by telephone, but this will be limited to ensure a high-quality experience for participants. Please contact us early if this is a method you prefer.

From the Office
The Sparks Auctions team is pleased to welcome Peter MacDonald as its General Manager. He joins Auction Manager Stéphane Cloutier in the overall management of the firm, and takes up his role in mid-December. “Peter brings a background in philately and significant executive experience. Our clients have come to expect the highest integrity and attention to detail in their dealings with us,” said Sparks President Ian Kimmerly. “With Stephane and Peter leading our dedicated and skilled team, navigating the current market and planning for a bright future, we know our consignors, bidders and buyers will benefit greatly.”

Need a Gift Idea?
Are you looking for that perfect, last-minute philatelic gift for a friend or family member? We have the answer – a Sparks Auctions Gift Certificate/Card for any amount on future purchases from Sparks Auctions. Contact Kate by email or telephone to order one or more today, and we will send an easy-to-print PDF to you in time for the holidays.

Enjoy the Sale!

Stéphane Cloutier
Auction Manager,
Sparks Auctions

Sale #34 Is Complete

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Lot 208 Canada #116 1912 10c Plum Admiral, mint never hinged, quite fresh with bright colour and four very large margins, extremely fine. As good as it gets for this sought after stamp. Accompanied by a 2019 Greene Foundation certificate. Rsv. $950. Unitrade CV$1,200, sold for C$1,579 including 17% buyer’s premium.

Auction #34 has finished. Prices Realized can be seen on Stamp Auction Network or downloaded here. Unsold lots will be available to purchase for thirty days at the Reserve (Rsv.) price posted online and in the catalogue.

We are now preparing invoices and organizing material for shipping, which will take us until Friday October 2nd. Invoices will be sent out by e-mail. While we cannot usually interrupt our work to answer phones, all calls and e-mails will be returned as soon as we can provide the information you are seeking. We ask for your patience as we continue to work within the health and safety protocols necessary to keep our customers and staff safe during the ongoing pandemic.

Buyers who pick up their auction winnings at our offices at 1770 Woodward Drive in Ottawa can make appointments beginning Monday, October 5th. Payment arrangements must be made by phone or e-mail prior to picking up your material. A staff member will meet you in the parking lot at your appointment for curb-side pickup. We can only serve one person at a time. Please do not just show up as we will not be able to accommodate you. If you wish to have your lots shipped to you, please contact us.

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