Lot 509 Australia #J1S-J20S 1902-04 First Two Sets of Postage Dues with Various SPECIMEN Overprints, with 44 stamps (missing a few values in range) all on two large sheets, with several strikes of “POSTES ET TELEGRAPHES / MADAGASCAR / COLLECTION DE BERNE” handstamps in red. There is a notation at bottom of first sheet reading “Quarante deux figurines postales / Certifié conforme” and signed by the “Directeur des Postes et Télégraphes”, second sheet similar except “Trois figurines…”. We note different SPECIMEN overprints, either serifed or non serifed, horizontal or vertical (reading up or down). There is another stamp on the first sheet, that of New South Wales Scott #108 (specimen overprint catalogues $52). A great group, likely unique and a must have for any serious Australia collector. Both pages scanned online. Rsv. Estimate $2,000, sold for C$1,900.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
Madagascar
Lot 1120 — 1891 Madagascar 5c to 1fr Numerals, sold for $207
This lot is another example where rare stamps find a market even when they are faulty. While not as impressive as the 15centimes Cérès head featured last month, this is still a strong result.
Lot 1120 Madagascar #8-12 1891 5c to 1fr Numerals, used with 1891 cds cancels, 5c with large thinned area, 10c and 25c have a pinhole each, else mostly fine. Scott CV$381, sold for $180 plus buyer’s premium.