Lot 39 Canada 1879 1c yellow, perforated 11½x12, mint block of nine with full streaky, dull whitish gum, never hinged. Every stamp is very nicely centered and the block is quite fresh. Extremely fine, and as fine a block of this scarce printing as can be found, with very few larger blocks still remaining intact. Accompanied by 2007 Greene Foundation certificate. (Unitrade 35vii)
Provenance: Michael Roberts (2006)
Unitrade CV$16,200
Daniel Cantor Small Queens
Lot 102 — Canada 1870 three cent indian red Small Queen, unused
Lot 102 Canada 1870 3c Indian red, perforated 12½, unused (no gum), with deep, rich colour and a wonderfully fresh example of this rare mint stamp. Fine-very fine. Accompanied by 1986 Greene Foundation certificate. (Unitrade 37d)
Only eight mint or unused examples of the 3c perf 12½ are recorded. Taking into consideration the lovely colour, perforations and overall “bloom” of this stamp, this example is arguably the second finest example, with only the ex-Dr. Clare Jephcott and Bill Simpson example being finer (this stamp sold for $26,000+15% in 2014).
Provenance: Julian Smith (1986).
Unitrade CV$9,000
Lot 461 — Canada 1877 illustrated Small Queen cover to Portugal, rated 16 cents
Lot 461 Canada 1877 16c pre-UPU cover to Portugal, franked with 1c yellow orange, perforated 11½x12, and 5c olive green strip of three, all cancelled with neat target cancels, paying the old 16c pre-UPU letter rate. Mailed at Gaspé Basin, Qué. (FEB.28.1877) to Lisbon, Portugal (Mar. 27 receiver on back) via Québec (Mar. 7) and London, England (Mar. 21), and with FRANCA paid handstamp applied upon arrival in Portugal. For a period of three months (Oct. 1875 to Jan. 1876) the letter rate to Portugal was reduced from 28c to 16c, prior to being further reduced to 10c. This cover was mailed in the 10c rate period, but franked at the old 16c rate, probably due to the postmaster not being aware of the change, or the sender wanting to ensure that the cover was sent fully prepaid. A lovely and clean cover, with illustrated advertising from John LeBouthillier & Co. depicting drying cod fish, pristine and extremely fine. (Unitrade 35d, 38)
This much-heralded cover has always been considered to be one of the most important and desirable Small Queen covers in existence due to the combination of a rare destination and rate, the rarity of illustrated pre-UPU covers, and the overall quality and attractiveness of the stamps and envelope. One of the highlights of the Cantor collection and a rare opportunity for a collector to become the next custodian of this fantastic cover which has graced several important Small Queen collections.
Provenance: Charles de Volpi (1966), “November” collection (1994), S.J. Menich (2000).
Illustrated in: Canada’s Small Queen Era 1870-1897 by George Arfken, p.321.
Estimate $6,000
Lot 350 — Canada 1877 registered Small Queen cover to England, rated 13 cents
Lot 350 1877 13c pre-UPU registered letter rate cover to England, franked with a 5c olive green and an 8c blue RLS, both tied by straightline REGISTRATION handstamps, paying the pre-UPU 5c preferred rate plus 8c registration fee. Mailed from Goderich, Ont. (neat JUN.8.1877 inner broken circle) to London, England (June 23 receiver) through Toronto and Lothbury. Also a red crown Registered cancel on front. A very clean cover, with clear postmarks and one of only 16 known franked with an 8c RLS. Rare and very fine. (Unitrade 38, F3)
Eight cent registered letter stamp covers are rarities of the highest calibre, with only 16 covers having been recorded with the 8c RLS used for its intended purpose. Of these 16 covers, many have faults or are otherwise unattractive. The cover offered here is in absolute pristine condition, unlike any other 8c RLS covers and graced the collections of multiple illustrious collectors. One of the key items from the Cantor collection and one of the most important Small Queen covers to England.
Provenance: Bill Simpson (1980), “November” collection (1994), S.J. Menich (2000), William H. Gross (2009).
Estimate $15,000
Lot 193 — Canada 1874 ten cent Small Queen die proof, dull rose lilac
Lot 193 Canada 1874 10c die proof in dull rose lilac on watermarked thin wove paper, 24x30mm, with two printing guidelines in each corner, also with very clear watermark showing “188” in thick double-lined numerals (likely part of the year of manufacture), extremely fine. Only three 10c die proofs are recorded in this colour, with the watermarked paper example offered here being probably unique. A lovely showpiece which has graced a number of illustrious collections and destined for the best collection or exhibit.
Provenance: Dr. Lewis Reford (1950), Brazer, Morris, Sam Nickle, Bowen “Ten” collection (1995).
Estimate $20,000