Here we can show you a great result:

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.

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.