Auction #1

November 8-10, 2007

Lot 79

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Here we can show you a great result:

Lot 79

Canada #26a – Queen Victoria – 5c Olive Green – Perf 12.1 x 12.1. Tough stamp in any condition, as it has been estimated that about only 6% have this perforation gauge, which must be consistent on all four sides. We offer a very finely centered example with trivial, light toning, otherwise fault free. Faint Toronto duplex cancel.

We received an enormous bid of $3500 on this lot from a good customer, along with instructions to break a tie. The pre-sale underbidder had this lot opening at only $220, but once offered the price climbed quickly and soon a live internet bidder was the driving force.

He tried jumping the bidding in increments of several hundred dollars. His bids came fast and furious but slowed down after $3000. The $3400 bid fell to the live bidder. Our bid of $3600 seemed to stop him, but after a few seconds a $3800 bid was registered and proved successful.

Bidding wars like this help make a live auction interesting for all.

Auction #1 News

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November 12th is the Remembrance Day holiday in Canada, but four of us are working hard to prepare invoices and have as many lots as possible ready for shipping starting tomorrow when the Post Office opens.  Local Ottawa customers can pick up lots beginning Tuesday as well, but please call us first at the number above so we can prepare your winnings.

With over 2200 lots it was an exhausting three days for the Sparks Auctions team.  Any new technology causes some apprehension, and we tried to anticipate all contingencies.  The result was that everything ran even more smoothly than we anticipated in our most optimistic scenario.  As we complete the auction cycle, we will have learned three new systems, tamed a brand-new four-station computer network and mastered on-line interfaces to two different programs.  All functioned perfectly and except for a screensaver popping up a few times on the main auction floor display, and about 90 seconds of muted internet audio, we had great luck over the 25-plus hours of the auction sessions.

We wish to thank all of our bidders for their bids, and our consignors for submitting their material.

Featured Item #16

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Lot #139 Canada #45a – Queen Victoria – 10¢ Dull Rose. Extremely well centered strip of four with tidy "Toronto MR5/94" cds cancels and wonderful colour. Top quality item. Unitrade:$240

Ian says: "Because the Small Queens were perforated using line perforation machines it is unusual to find a multiple with consistently very fine centering. This strip of four with its deep colour, attractive circular date stamp postmarks and overall quality made an immediate ‘wow’ impression. This visually spectacular strip is made up of two pairs which have been expertly rejoined."

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!)."