Lot 932 15c rate 1889 cover to Australia, mailed from St John’s on FE.9.1889 and addressed to Melbourne, Australia, through San Francisco (FEB.20 transit on back). Originally franked with a strip of three of the 5c dark blue Harp Seal and somewhere along the way a large part of the middle stamp got removed (remaining two are damaged), with “Stamp Lost / In Transit” boxed handstamp. There is also a red “PAID ALL” handstamp on front. Once arrived in Melbourne on APR.11, several attempts were made to try and find the addressee, with many hand written notes to that effect, as well as pink Letter Carrier handstamps on front. Both front and back show a boxed “Unclaimed At / Melbourne” handstamp, and the cover was opened at bottom and re-sealed with stamp selvedge, with a pencil “2/9/89” date, as well as an interesting note on back reading “Opened by Mrs. Strachan but not for her, 11/4/89.” The back then shows several circular and boxed datestamps, mostly Dead Letter Office, dated OCT.10 and DEC.3. Very fine, and a rare destination for Newfoundland, plus a great story to boot. Estimate $500.
five cent dark blue
Lot 260, Canada 1897 five cent dark blue Leaf on bluish paper, VF NH, sold for C$546
Lot 260 Canada #70 1897 5c dark blue Queen Victoria Leaf, on Bluish Paper, mint never hinged, fresh and very fine. Accompanied by a 2018 Greene Foundation certificate. Rsv. Unitrade CV$825, sold for C$475.00 plus 15% buyer’s premium.
Lot 467, Canada five cent dark blue Admiral, XF NH, sold for C$719
Lot 467 Canada #111 1914 5c dark blue Admiral, mint never hinged, nicely centered among large margins, quite fresh and extremely fine. Accompanied by a 2015 Greene Foundation certificate. Unitrade CV$900, sold for C$625.00 plus 15% buyer’s premium.