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Shreves sale on Monday, June 11, 2007 was the remarkable collection of Great Britain Postage Stamps formed by William H. Gross. This was sold at unreserved public auction in New York City — with the entire sale proceeds to benefit the non-profit organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. It was anticipated that the final realizations from the sale of his Great Britain collection will result in potentially the largest single donation ever made in the United States to the international medical humanitarian organization, and will be given as an unrestricted gift by Mr. Gross and his wife, Sue Gross.
Volume 1: Devoted to Exceptional Line Engraved Rarities
Volume 2: An Amazing Collection of Outstanding Great Britain Mint Singles
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Description | Est | Sold |
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SH, Plate 1a, imprimatur, from the first registration sheet before hardening, strong color and a detailed impression, large to very large margins all around, very fine; a choice example of this rare imprimatur; 1969 RPS certificate; ex-Tes. |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$32,500 |
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EE-EF, Plate 1a, handsome unused horizontal pair from this especially scarce plate, intense color on bright fresh paper, four ample to full margins, a fine pair for exhibition; any unused multiple from Plate 1a is extremely elusive; ex-Cooley. |
$5,000 $7,500 |
$11,000 |
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TA-TD, Plate 1a, the magnificent unused horizontal strip of four from the bottom left corner of the sheet showing plate number "1" and part inscription "Price 1d. Per Label. 1/- per Row of 12. £ 1.. Per Sheet. Place the", deep rich color, only just beginning to show signs of plate wear above value tablets, exceptionally large margins all round, including huge and complete sheet margins at left and at bottom, small part original gum, TA has small thin spot and TD has crease at top right resulting in some splitting as well as a thin, overall in a fine state of conservation for this important and famous plate number piece; ex-Seymour, Pichai. |
$50,000 $75,000 |
$130,000 |
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BF, Plate 1a, an exceptionally well margined single tied to 1840 (May 6) folded letter from London to Paisley by two strikes of red Maltese Cross cancels, dated in manuscript on reverse "London 6 May 1840" which is over struck by clear "B/My-6/1840" London cancel, accompanying 1995 BPA certificate states "...genuine, address partially restored and soiling along vertical crease reduced..." which, in our opinion, is negligible and professionally done, overall a very fine example of the extremely rare and highly sought after first official day of use of the world's first postage stamp; ex-Cooley. |
$30,000 $40,000 |
$80,000 |
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OA-QB, Plate 1a, an extraordinary block of six (2 x 3), with large margins at top and bottom and just clear or slightly touching at sides, positions OA and PB showing re-entries, on an especially clean and slightly larger entire addressed to Manchester, tied by fine light strikes of orange red Maltese Cross cancels, with matching clear "Chester/My 7, 1840" second day of use double arc datestamp on reverse, block has been lifted, ironed and neatly replaced on the cover, removal of wax seals on reverse impinges "C" of "Chester" datestamp, overall a spectacular combination of an impressive multiple on an early May date entire, being the second day of issue; a marvelous exhibition item; signed Enzo Diena and accompanied by a 1974 RPS certificate. |
$40,000 $50,000 |
$62,500 |
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EA, Plate 1b, choice mint example, quite fresh, with deep rich color and impression on bright paper, large to very large margins all around, o.g., minor h.r., very fine and handsome; 1986 PF certificate. |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$5,750 |
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HG, Plate 1b, fresh mint single, deep rich color and impression, large margins all around except just a bit closer at bottom right, minute corner crease at top left in sizable margin and of little consequence, large part o.g., nearly very fine. |
$3,000 $4,000 |
$6,500 |
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MA-OF, Plate 1b, the phenomenal mint block of eighteen (6 x 3) with 10-17 mm sheet margin at left and inscription "ICE 1d. per label 1/- Per Row of 12. £ 1.. Per Sheet. Plac", "MF" has double letter "M", vibrant color, wonderfully well margined all around and with practically full original gum (ink mark on reverse of one stamp), a few minor thin spots and negligible traces of foxing often associated with this paper and characteristic of the gum; a wonderful multiple in every regard, being the largest mint Penny Black multiple still remaining in private hands, of the highest exhibition caliber, not only one of the gems of Mr. Gross' collection, but also one of the great classic rarities of Great Britain and world philately; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-Adams, "Daisy" and Pichai. |
$400,000 $500,000 |
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PA-PF, Plate 1b, the remarkable left sheet-margin horizontal strip of six with inscription "PR" that was originally part of the large block offered in the previous lot (once having been a block of twenty-four), all positions except PE showing re-entries or recut side-lines, unused, with full to large margins, ironed out horizontal crease, otherwise very fine; a rare and stunning unused Penny Black multiple in its own right that, after years of having been separated from the original multiple, was miraculously reunited by Dr. Pichai Buranasombati in the late 1990's and was one of the showpiece multiples contained in his Grand Prix winning collection of Line Engraved issues; ex-Tes. |
$30,000 $40,000 |
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The above two lots - the mint block of eighteen and the unused strip of six - will first be offered individually then as a single lot, if the bidding for the two units together exceeds the combined total each has realized individually, the two will be sold as one lot, creating the spectacular reconstructed block of twenty-four. | $1,000,000 | |
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AB, Plate 1b, attractive single with four close to mostly large or huge margins, including a bit of the sheet margin at top showing a partial inscription "wet. 1/-", tied by red Maltese Cross to lovely folded letter dated 22 August 1840 sent from Landrake to Dublin, with perfect strike of scarce "Landrake/Penny Post" two line handstamp in black, "Devonport/Aug 23/1840" transit c.d.s. and Dublin "B/24 AU/1840" arrival c.d.s. both in red on reverse, a very fine and desirable cover. |
$3,000 $4,000 |
$4,750 |
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MJ-NK and OJ-PK, Plate 1b, two blocks of four which were originally a block of eight, used together on a spectacular entire from Limerick via Hull to Hamburg, position MK with re-entry, NJ, PJ and PK retouched check letters, each block with margins just touched on one side, while other three margins are large, all cancelled with Maltese Crosses in a striking deep red brown color which contrast wonderfully with the deep shade of the stamps, manuscript "Per Packet from Hull" at top, reverse with "Limerick/AU 27/1840" c.d.s., "5M/AU28/40" diamond framed handstamp of Dublin in red, "Schiffsbrief Post/Sept 1840/Hamburg" c.d.s. and partial "Hull/Ship Letter" in red, entire with a small tear at top and one inside flap a bit damaged in opening, neither of which affects its overall magnificence and beauty; a cover of immense rarity and certainly one of the most important Penny Black covers to an overseas destination in existence; an essential cover for a Large Gold medal collection of Line Engraved issues; 1990 BPA certificate; ex-Sir Leonard Atkinson. |
$150,000 $200,000 |
$150,000 |
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SD-SE, Plate 1b, horizontal pair with ample to mostly large margins, used to pay the postage due on 1841 (12 Feb.) Mulready 1d. letter sheet A81 (minor faults on reverse) from Dublin to Edinburgh (14 Feb.), cancelled by Maltese Cross in red with a matching strike adjacent, showing perfectly struck framed "More / To Pay" h.s. below, manuscript "2" and "over 1 oz.", origin and arrival d.s. on reverse, very fine and stunning; a truly fabulous usage of the Penny Blacks on an underpaid Mulready; to our knowledge this is the only use of the 1840 Penny Black to pay postage due; 1957 RPS certificate and 1989 BPA certificate; ex-Sparrow, Glassco, Wills, Manzi and Pichai. |
$20,000 $30,000 |
$80,000 |
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SD-TE, Plate 2, a striking unused bottom sheet-margin block of four with part inscription "Sheet. Place the Labels ABOVE the", from the second state of the sheet, first repair (S.G. Spec. #AS17), three of the stamps are in the unrepaired state, while position TE has been re-entered, plus the marginal inscription has been re-entered and is clearly doubled in places, wonderfully bright, uniformly large margins all around, TE with trivial thin speck and with minor natural wrinkle/crease, overall an extremely fine block of exceptional beauty and rarity; ex-Cooley. |
$20,000 $30,000 |
$75,000 |
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AB, Plate 2, a lovely single with ample to mostly large margins all around, including a sizable sheet margin at top measuring 6mm, showing "bel. 1/- Per Row o" partial inscription, tied to neat 1840 folded letter From Newbury to Oxford by bold and clear Maltese Cross in red, "Newbury/JU 13/1840" c.d.s. and red "Oxford/JU 14/1840" arrival c.d.s. both on reverse, very fine and pretty; inscription singles on cover, particularly this choice, are quite desirable and sought after; 1989 RPS certificate. |
$2,000 $3,000 |
$6,250 |
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TB, Plate 2, with ample to large margins, tied to 1840 (26 July) Lesage Clerical pictorial envelope number 1 depicting "The Church tossed on a stormy sea", type B (sold by Lawrie and Knight), from Grangemouth to Lucan, County of Dublin (29 July), showing origin and arrival c.d.s. on reverse, extremely fine in every regard; a charming and delightful cover of peerless quality and desirability, very rare; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Illustrious", Manzi and Pichai. |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$30,000 |
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PC and PG, Plate 2, two singles, each with margins a bit close or cutting at a few points, used on an 1842 cover from Barbados, cancelled upon arrival at Portsmouth, whereupon it was redirected to Chelsea and additionally franked with 1841 1p Red Brown from Plate 20, vertical pair lettered DD-ED (with ED being the "open top at north east" frame variety - S.G. Spec. #BS9h), all four stamps tied by black Maltese Cross cancels, cover noted at top in manuscript "Date March 9 Barbados" and later noted below "Recd. in Sloane St/April 8, 1842" when it was received in Chelsea, several backstamps including "Chief Office" straightline (a couple others partially cut away from removal of a bit of one back flap), some slight soiling and staining from running or redirection ink, overall fine; an extraordinary cover of tremendous rarity, being one of the most amazing usages extant of a Penny Black used from a foreign point of origin; signed Enzo Diena and accompanied by a 1991 BPA certificate. |
$50,000 $75,000 |
$30,000 |
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LB-MJ, Plate 3, the incredible block of eighteen, intense color and sharp impressions on bright paper, mostly with margins but touched in places and some creasing, neat red Maltese Cross cancellations, overall in a very fine state of conservation for what has been long recorded as the largest used multiple of the Penny Black in existence; one of the most important classic multiples in philately and an astounding exhibition item; ex-Seymour (from which LK/MK were one time cut in order to make the block free of repairs) and Pichai. |
$150,000 $200,000 |
$85,000 |
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TH, Plate 4, 1840 stampless folded letter from Little Ribston to London, with manuscript "P1", with "Wetherby/Dec 24/1840" c.d.s and "PAID/25 DE/1840" tombstone datestamp in red, entire redirected to Norfolk and franked with 1p Black (four margins) and cancelled by red boxed "York St." handstamp, backstamped "E/DE 25/1840", entire with light edge soiling and some minor edge splitting due to thick contents, overall very fine; a scarce and attractive Christmas Day holiday use; 1994 BPA certificate. |
$2,000 $3,000 |
$4,000 |
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CJ-CK, Plate 5, scarce mint horizontal pair, with full and well balanced margins all around, deep rich color, just faintly toned overall but actually quite fresh and handsome, o.g., relatively lightly hinged, very fine; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Daisy". |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$35,000 |
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LA-MC, Plate 5, a splendid full left sheet-margin mint block of six (3 x 2), with partial inscription "Per Sheet. Place the Labels ABOVE t", other margins very large except just a bit close at one point at bottom left, marvelously bright and fresh, strong color and crisp impression, full clean o.g., some minor h.r.'s, tiny scissor cut at bottom frame line of position MB, some light creasing which is endemic to most existing mint Penny Black multiples, tiny pinhole in margin between two stamps, overall of very fine and exceptional appearance; one of the premier inscription multiples from this, or any other plate, as well as being one of the largest surviving mint multiples from Plate 5; 1994 BPA certificate; ex-Caspary, "Maximus" and Cooley. |
$50,000 $75,000 |
$260,000 |
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MA-MJ, Plate 5, an extraordinary horizontal strip of ten, deep rich color, full to mostly large margins all around, MD has small nick at top and there are a few small tears or faults also at top (mainly in the margin), tied to large 1840 (15 Oct.) folded entire from Dublin to Liverpool by Maltese Crosses in red, entire with couple of edge tears, fine; a stunning ten pence rate cover and the largest recorded strip from this plate on cover, a veritable showpiece; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Daisy" and Pichai. |
$15,000 $20,000 |
$72,500 |
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LC, Plate 6, select mint single, deep luxuriant color, four large to very large margins, o.g., minor h.r., extremely fine; 1978 BPA certificate |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$12,500 |
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MB-NC, Plate 6, an exceptional quality used block of four, featuring not only uniformly large margins all around (just a bit closer at right), but just as impressive is its wonderfully fresh color and impression on bright paper, deep red Maltese Cross cancels, pressed out horizontal crease in bottom pair not at all apparent from the face and not affecting this block's extremely fine appearance; few used multiples exist in this outstanding quality; ex-Cooley. |
$7,500 $10,000 |
$13,000 |
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JA, Plate 6, three large margins, just touching at left, tied to extremely attractive small size "Fore's Comic Envelope No. 1" Mulready caricature letter sheet by red Maltese Cross, posted from London to Walsall, Staffordshire, "I/AU 18/1840" backstamp, in much better condition than typically found, with only minor edge wear and the wax seal having been cut out from reverse, very fine; a rare and eye-appealing usage; 1996 BPA certificate |
$7,500 $10,000 |
$14,500 |
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EH, Plate 6, mostly with clear to large margins, a few slight surface abrasions, tied to 1840 (18 Oct.) entire letter (light soiling) from Kilmarnock to Prince Edward Island, cancelled by Maltese Cross in red, showing "Halifax/Nov 14/1840/Nova Scotia" double-ring transit c.d.s. at left, with red boxed "Kilmarnock/OC 18/1840" (Sunday) origin handstamp in red on reverse, various manuscript rate markings "1/-" for transatlantic letter rate, "Cy 1n4 / 2 / 1n6" representing the total due in currency including the inland colonial postage; an unusual and fantastic destination - for British North America as a whole there are only four covers recorded bearing Penny Blacks; 1992 BPA certificate; ex-Pichai. |
$15,000 $20,000 |
$27,000 |
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DJ, Plate 6, single with close to ample margins, tied to 1840 folded letter addressed to Rowland Hill, Esq./Downing Street, the inventor of the postage stamp, black Maltese Cross cancel, red fancy "2 An 2/DE 31/1840" handstamp on reverse, light vertical fold just barely affecting stamp, letter itself is quite clean and fine; a wonderful cover to begin a specialized Penny Black collection or any Great Britain collection |
$3,000 $4,000 |
Not Sold |
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DK-EL, Plate 7, a fabulously fresh and choice right sheet-margin block of four with partial "PRIC" imprint at bottom right, other margins quite large except EK just touched at bottom, in an incredible state of preservation and possessing a marvelous overall mint "bloom", strong color and impression on bright paper, pristine full o.g. with only a light hinge mark, in fact the superb bottom right stamp is never hinged and could easily qualify as the finest quality never hinged Penny Black in existence, DK with small surface rub in D square, overall very fine; an enormously rare block, especially in this outstanding condition; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-Shaida, "Daisy". |
$40,000 $50,000 |
$130,000 |
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AF-BH, Plate 7, a magnificently fresh and eye-arresting top sheet-margin block of six (3 x 2), showing "Addrefs and towards the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the" large part of the inscription, mostly large margins on other three sides, superb color and impression on brilliantly white paper, pristine full o.g. that is never hinged, small natural paper inclusion in the margin below position BH, light vertical filing bend/crease just just clips AF-BF in right margins, but not at all affecting this incredibly rare block's sensational overall appearance, very fine; 1972 BPA certificate; ex-Wills, Shaida and "Tes". |
$50,000 $75,000 |
$260,000 |
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FA-GF, Plate 7, an absolutely spectacular left sheet-margin block of twelve (6 x 2) on experimental thin paper, showing "Back be careful not to remove the Cem" partial inscription in the full sheet selvage, other margins quite large and magnificently balanced, possessing an extraordinary overall freshness and brilliance that must be seen in person to fully appreciate, superb color and impressions, pristine o.g., all but one or two stamps never hinged, some light natural gum wrinkling and two or three negligible tone specks that are of no significance, extremely fine; a fantastic multiple of tremendous beauty and rarity; signed in the sheet margin by both A. Diena and G. Bolaffi, as well as being accompanied by a 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Daisy" |
$200,000 $300,000 |
$400,000 |
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MJ-PL, Plate 7, a phenomenal right sheet-margin mint block of twelve (3 x 4) on experimental thin paper, with full inscription "In Wetting the Back be careful not to remove the Cement" in full sheet selvage at right, other margins large to very large, having been extracted from the famous mint block of twenty-eight from the incomparable Seymour collection sold in a series of sales by Robson Lowe in 1951-52, this being the finest and most impressive portion of that remarkable multiple, marvelously bright and fresh, deep luxuriant color and crisp impressions, full o.g., lightly hinged, there is some minor and quite typical creasing in the right hand vertical strip (also just catching position PK), overall very fine; one of the great classic multiples of the world and a stunning exhibition piece; signed on the reverse in pencil by, G. Bolaffi, A. Diena and E. Diena, as well as being accompanied by 1959 Giulio Bolaffi, 1991 Enzo Diena and 1981 BPA certificates; ex-Seymour, "Maximus" and Shaida |
$200,000 $300,000 |
$400,000 |
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BG, Plate 7, select four margin example tied to very scarce 1841 registered folded letter to Antrim, Ireland, superbly cancelled by a central strike of a black Maltese Cross, red double boxed "PAID/AP27/1841" handstamp alongside, with manuscript endorsement "No. 134/Registered Letter" at top left, red octagonal "Paid at/Liverpool/AP 26 1841" marking at bottom left, backstamped "Antrim/AP 28/1841" on reverse, all markings and endorsements wonderfully strong, and the folded letter is quite clean overall with a couple usual file folds, very fine and choice: among the finest of the very few recorded registered covers bearing a Penny Black; 1985 RPS certificate |
$7,500 $10,000 |
$200,000 |
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OE, Plate 8, an attractive mint single, well clear to large margins on all four sides, black color is intense with a razor-sharp impression, o.g., h.r., a fresh and very fine original gum example from this scarcer plate; 1997 Brandon certificate |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$10,500 |
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RG-TH, Plate 8, an extremely rare and desirable bottom sheet-margin mint block of six (2 x 3), showing "ards the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the" partial inscription in the wide sheet selvage, other margins ample to quite large, extraordinarily fresh, strong rich color and crisp detailed impressions, full clean o.g., lightly hinged, both the RG-RH and TG-TH pairs with diagonal crease, neither of which affects its impressive overall extremely fine appearance; any mint multiple from this elusive plate is a major rarity, as very few of any size are known, particularly being an inscription multiple; 1995 BPA certificate |
$40,000 $50,000 |
$170,000 |
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DD, Plate 8, three large margins, close at right, used on a fascinating and most unusual 1841 triple usage turned folded letter, sent by the S. Lewis & Co. to Lincoln on February 3rd, using the DD stamp and tied by a red Maltese Cross and with Lincoln c.d.s. along side, with a HH stamp (Plate 9) applied on a preprinted return form attached to the original letter (not cancelled and with four full margins) so it could be returned with a subscription for a dictionary being offered, then original recipient turned the cover and sent it on February 6th to Brigg from Lincoln, using a DL stamp (Plate 8, re-entry position) which is tied by a red Maltese Cross, arriving the same day, entire letter has been refolded to accommodate displaying all three adhesives for an exhibit page, some minor soiling and edge wear, two cancelled stamps with minor file creases passing through them, overall fine; certainly one of the most unusual usages of a Penny Black one will ever encounter |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$4,000 |
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QJ, Plate 9, scarce unused example from this elusive plate, deep rich color, four ample to mostly large margins, faint horizontal bend and just the slightest suggestion of a thin speck, very fine appearance; ex-Cooley |
$1,000 $1,500 |
$2,400 |
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TJ-TL, Plate 10, the unique unused strip of three from the bottom right corner of the sheet showing plate number "10" and inscription "the Back be careful not to remove the Cement." in the sizable sheet selvages, uncharacteristically fine impression for this plate, large to enormous margins all around, some light barely perceptible pressed creases which are inconsequential to this wonderful and famous corner plate number piece which ranks among one of the most important line engraved items extant; ex-Seymour, Shaida and Pichai |
$50,000 $75,000 |
$150,000 |
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AF-CG, Plate 11, a stunning partial top sheet margin block of six (2 x 3) showing inscription "Addrefs and towards the RIGHT H", ample to large margins on other three sides, intense color, full clean o.g., lightly hinged (at least two stamps may be never hinged), some light bends/creases (mostly confined to the margins between the stamps) and are of little significance given this block's enormous rarity and importance; one of the premier mint multiples among the very few that exist from the elusive Plate 11; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Daisy". |
$75,000 $100,000 |
$320,000 |
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SL, imprimatur, a gem right sheet-margin example of this rare and desirable imprimatur of the "VR" Official, taken from the first registration sheet before hardening, large to huge margins all around, extremely fine; ex-Dale, "Tes". |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$32,500 |
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HE, an impressive quality mint single, being the double letter variety showing clear doubling of the check letter "H" (S.G. Spec. #VR1b), four full and wonderfully balanced margins, crisp detailed impression, o.g., extremely fine; mint examples of the "V.R." Official are seldom encountered this choice; 1981 RPS certificate |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$30,000 |
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OJ-PL, Plate 1, a striking right sheet-margin mint block of six (3 x 2), showing "t to remove the Cement." partial inscription in the full sheet selvage at right, other margins full and marvelously well balanced, brilliant color and impression on especially bright paper, position OK being the shifted transfer variety and all P squares recut, o.g., two horizontal creases (one passing through each horizontal strip) that in no way detract from the overall magnificent appearance of this very rare and important multiple; among the most eye-appealing of the few existing marginal Two Pence mint multiples; signed Enzo Diena and accompanied by his 1991 certificate, as well as being signed by Peter Holcombe and accompanied by his 1991 certificate; ex-Atkinson. |
$50,000 $75,000 |
$210,000 |
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AI-CJ, Plate 1, a brilliant mint block of six (2 x 3), an especially deep shade and radiant prooflike impression, close to large margins virtually all round except BI touched at left, much original gum, two light central diagonal creases and CI has a thin, overall in a wonderfully fine and fresh state of conservation; a ravishing mint multiple of this great classic stamp; 1965 BPA certificate; ex-Cooley, Pichai. |
$30,000 $40,000 |
$25,000 |
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HI-HL and IA-ID, Plate 1, two horizontal strips of four, both tied to single piece by neat and unobtrusive multiple strikes of black Maltese Cross cancels, each strip quite well margined as both have ample to mostly large margins all around, pale blue shade and nice impressions, top left corner of HI with small tear, otherwise very fine; an impressive franking on a piece of eight Two Pence Blues; signed Enzo Diena on reverse of piece |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$6,000 |
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FA-FC, Plate 1, horizontal strip of three tied to large size folded letter addressed to Regents Park by red Maltese Cross cancels, clear black circular "Q/MY-12/1840" rare early May date cancel, along with red boxed May 13, 1840 receiving handstamp on reverse, strip with close to ample margins (just touching at a few points), letter has been refolded extensively to both improve appearance and to fit an exhibition page, some soiling and light running of address ink, nevertheless this is a rarely seen early May date usage, particularly with a franking larger than a single |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$8,500 |
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AE-BE vertical pair and DC-DE horizontal strip of three, Plate 1, uprating a Mulready 2p envelope, a209, to India (slightly refolded at top to its original pre-use position), from Bristol (30 Sept. 1840) to Ajmeer redirected to Agra via Bombay and Cawnpore, both the pair and strip of three have ample to large margins and possess rich bright blue color, pre-printing or application wrinkles, clearly cancelled and well tied by Maltese Crosses in red, showing origin, transit, and arrival d.s. all on reverse; one of the great uprated Mulready covers and an exhibition item of the highest echelon, of the two recorded uprated Mulready usages to India this is by far the finer; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Daisy", Pichai. |
$40,000 $50,000 |
$450,000 |
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CC-CE and AF-AH, Plate 1, two horizontal strips of three tied to lovely 1840 double letter sheet to Malta, from the famous Lady Louis correspondence, each strip with margins just touching to full, deep rich colors, all cancelled with indistinct red Maltese Cross cancels, sent from Clifton (manuscript dated "Clifton Oct. 9th 1840" at left) and with Clifton dumb handstamp in black, manuscript "Via Falmouth" below address, backstamped Bristol in red, the letter sheet itself is quite neat and clean, very fine; an eye-appealing and rare overseas usage to Malta from a well known correspondence; 1994 BPA certificate |
$15,000 $20,000 |
$17,000 |
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BA-BF and BG-BL, Plate 1, two horizontal strips of six, cut from the same complete row, varying margins, pale blue shade, tied to impressive 1841 (18 June) folded entire from Liverpool to New York, boldly cancelled by Maltese Crosses in black and showing "Boston/SHIP/July 3/Ms." c.d.s. in red adjacent, with origin double-ring d.s. on reverse, endorsed "Britannia Steamer 12 June 1841", lower strip lifted and reaffixed in its original position; a spectacular 2/- double rate Trans-Atlantic cover and the highest recorded franking for a cover sent abroad with this plate, a remarkable showpiece; signed Enzo Diena and accompanied by a 1998 RPS certificate; ex-Hunt, Pichai. |
$20,000 $30,000 |
$15,000 |
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PG-QH, Plate 2, an exceptional used block of four, possessing large even margins on three sides, fourth margin clearing but close, deep rich color, very light and unobtrusive black Maltese Cross cancels, faint bend between top and bottom pair, very fine; an exceedingly rare block in far superior quality than normally found; ex-Cooley |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$4,000 |
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DG-KK, Plate 2, a showpiece used block of ten (5 x 2), with margins all around except just touching at one point on EG, pale blue shade, black Maltese Cross cancels, block with some minor surface rubbing on two stamps and a vertical crease through DK/EK, still quite fine and handsome for such a large multiple; signed by both Enzo Diena and Peter Holcombe, also accompanied by the latter's 1991 certificate; ex-Atkinson |
$15,000 $20,000 |
$10,000 |
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AK-AL horizontal pair from the top right corner of the sheet and BK-CL block of four from the right of the sheet, Plate 2, both tied to remarkable folded entire from Newport to Lubeck, Germany, both the pair and block with full to large margins (but just touched at one point at bottom of each), deep rich color, black Maltese Cross cancels tie stamps, "Newport-Mon/My 18/1841" double ring c.d.s on reverse along with London transit (May 19) and May 24 arrival marking, rated "2" in red crayon, a very fine and famous cover to an enormously rare destination; 1998 RPS certificate; ex-Meroni, Seymour, Shaida and Pichai |
$20,000 $30,000 |
$50,000 |
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Two 1p Black singles, FK and GC, Plate 1a and 2p Blue, AC, Plate 1, all tied to handsome large folded letter from London (28 May) to Manchester and readdressed (as requested in the contents of the letter) without further postage to Ashgrove, Herts., stamps with ample to large margins and beautifully tied by red Maltese Cross cancels, London datestamp on reverse, cover has been slightly refolded at left, 2p with small sealed cut, overall a very fine mixed franking, which is especially rare and desirable in this choice condition; signed by both Enzo Diena and Peter Holcombe, also accompanied by the latter's 1991 certificate |
$20,000 $30,000 |
$35,000 |
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1p Black, SJ, Plate 6 and 2p Blue, RI, Plate 1, uprating an 1840 (30 Oct.) Mulready 1p letter sheet (A19, with Scottish Provident Institution printed advertisement in blue on inside, vertical filing crease) from Dumfries to Annan, both with large even margins except the 2p has truncated lower right corner, cancelled by Maltese Crosses in red, showing another fine central strike adjacent and framed origin d.s. on reverse, typical vertical filing crease, an exceptional uprated Mulready of exquisite quality and character, a charming and delightful cover; 1998 BPA certificate; ex-Grunin, Pichai. |
$30,000 $40,000 |
$47,500 |
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The extraordinary "Lady Louis" uprated Mulready envelope to Malta, envelope (A151) addressed to Lady Louis, Malta and inscribed via Falmouth, bearing 1p Black, DA, Plate V (state 2) single, a 1p Black, PA-PD horizontal strip of four, Plate 1, plus 2p Blue FI, GI and HI singles, Plate 1, mostly with margins all around, all cancelled by striking and distinctive orange Maltese Cross cancels of Bristol and with corresponding "Bristol/JA 9/1841" backstamp, "No. 17" black handstamp on the front of the cover below stamps, two stamps slightly repaired and address panel a bit toned; this stunning and incredibly rare cover has long been regarded as one of the most important postal history rarities of Great Britain and is perfectly suited for exhibition; 1998 BPA certificate; ex-Grunin. |
$75,000 $100,000 |
$650,000 |
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1p Black, HD and HL singles, Plate 6 and 2p Blue, SI and SK singles, Plate 1, all tied to large portion of 1840 folded letter (also a bit refolded) to Holbeach by indistinct red Maltese Cross cancels, "Lynn/OC 2/1840" origination c.d.s. on reverse, all stamps with four ample to large margins, a fine and extremely rare combination franking of two of each value; signed Enzo Diena and accompanied by his 1984 certificate |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$9,000 |
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The famous "Daisy" July 7, 1841 folded entire bearing the world's first three adhesive postage stamps, entire written from Thirlstane Castle to the Earl of Lauderdale at Dunbar and franked with 1840 2p Blue, IB, Plate 1, then redirected to Dunse and further franked with 1840 1p Black, OK, Plate 6 and 1841 1p Red brown, JG, Plate 8, all cancelled with black Maltese Cross cancels, boxed "Lauder/JY 7/1841" and similar boxed "Dunbar/JY 8/1841" postmarks on reverse, boxed "Dunse/JY 9/1841" receiving handstamp on front, all quite strong and legible, tear to one back flap (not extending to front) and central file fold, very fine and simply stunning.Also included with this lot is an amazing companion cover dated July 7, 1841 similarly addressed and redirected, bearing an 1840 1p Black, NK (which originally formed a vertical pair on the "Daisy" cover!), Plate 6, and an 1841 1p Red brown, FC, Plate 8, both stamps creased by horizontal file fold and NK cut in a bit at left. This is a highly important companion piece to confirm both the authenticity of the "Daisy" cover and to offer additional evidence for the eventual usage of all three stamps on the one cover.The overall appeal and immense rarity of this cover cannot be overstated. Typically any three color franking from the classic period of philately is highly sought after and desired by collectors. But to have a three colored franking consisting of all three of the world's first postage stamps is simply beyond the wildest imagination of any collector. In our opinion, this historical cover ranks among the world's greatest rarities and shares the spotlight with some of the most famous and most valuable covers in the world - such as the remarkable Cape of Good Hope block of four of the 4p error of color on cover, or the stunning U.S. 1847 10c "Rush" cover - which are each valued into seven figures. There is no doubt this is an exhibition item without equal for the Line Engraved specialist/exhibitor. Accompanied by a 1996 BPA certificate; ex-"Daisy". |
$300,000 $400,000 |
$375,000 |
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May 5, 1840, 1p letter sheet, A27, used from London to Topsham, with perfect clear strike of "J/5 MY 5/1840" c.d.s. on reverse, boxed "T.P./Brixtn.New Rd." handstamp and "2" manuscript rate marking on front, some wrinkling to letter sheet, but overall in much better condition than most Mulreadys are found, very fine; an extremely rare and choice pre-official usage date cover |
$7,500 $10,000 |
$32,500 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p letter sheet, A1, used from London, excellent strikes of oval "8 Nt 8/MY 6/1840" and boxed "PD/MY 6/1840" (over letter join) both in red on reverse, corresponding choice strike of red Maltese Cross at top center on front, some minor imperfections and perimeter splits at bottom, overall very fine and handsome for this rare and popular first day of usage; 1975 BPA certificate; ex-Shaida |
$5,000 $7,500 |
$9,000 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p letter sheet, A6, used from London to Topsham, red "B/6 MY 6/1840" London dispatch handstamp on reverse which is slightly blurry but clearly identifiable as a May 6th first day of usage, red Maltese Cross cancel at top center, much less edge wear than typically encountered, fine and rare; 1978 RPS certificate; ex-Shaida. |
$3,000 $4.000 |
$2,700 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p letter sheet, A17, used from London to Pentonville, superb strike of red boxed "PD/MY 6/1840" London dispatch cancel on reverse over letter join, deep red Maltese Cross cancel at top center on front, along with "T.P./Fore. St." two line handstamp, small tear at bottom and minor soiling, both of little importance, very fine and most attractive; ex-Shaida |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$7,250 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p letter sheet, A25, used from London to Cornwall, red Maltese Cross on front, quite clear ""B/MY-6/1840" circular London datestamp on reverse, some minor perimeter splits and imperfections, fine; ex-Shaida |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$5,500 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p letter sheet, A27, used from London with central red Maltese Cross cancel and a blurred two-line "T.P./Charles St. West" blue handstamp, mostly complete red boxed "PD/MY 6/1840" London dispatch handstamp struck over letter join, some characteristic perimeter flaws and faintly toned on face, still fine and rare; ex-Shaida |
$3,000 $4,000 |
$5,750 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p letter sheet, stereo missing when wax seal removed, used from London to Warwick, with bold red Maltese Cross and red two-line "T.P./High Holborn" handstamp on front, interesting "5th May 1840" manuscript endorsement also on front, clear black "B/MY-6/1840" London dispatch datestamp just slightly over letter join on reverse, vertical file fold and some usual edge wear, fine; ex-Shaida |
$3,000 $4,000 |
$4,750 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p envelope, A136, used from Bristol to Somerset, with clear "Bristol/May 6/1840" double circle datestamp in reverse, choice strike of deep red Maltese Cross cancel at top center and with interesting manuscript endorsement "May 5, 1840" on the front as well, couple of filing creases and mild soiling, still fine and most attractive; official May 6, 1840 first day usages are far more elusive from towns other than London; ex-Shaida. |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$10,500 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p envelope, A144, used from London to Liverpool, red Maltese Cross cancel at top center, choice strike of "T.P./Tower Footing" two-line handstamp and manuscript "6 May 1840" endorsement all on front, light but clear "C/MY-6/1840" London dispatch datestamp on reverse, light crease at bottom, typical minor soiling and imperfections, fine; ex-Shaida |
$3,000 $4,000 |
$5,250 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p envelope, A153, used from London to Effingham, superb strike of red Maltese Cross cancel at top center and corresponding red "B/MY-6/1840" London dispatch datestamp on reverse, both markings unusually strong and clear, additionally the cover is much fresher than typically encountered (professionally, but gently cleaned), small tear at top of little consequence, very fine; a lovely example of this popular and rare official first date of usage for a 1p Mulready envelope; ex-Shaida |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$12,500 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p envelope, A153, used from London to Ramsgate, excellent strike of red Maltese Cross at top center, partial but identifiable "(M)Y 6/1840" red London dispatch cancel on reverse which has been partially removed when back flap was reduced, still a presentable example of this classic first day rarity; ex-Shaida |
$2,000 $3,000 |
$23,000 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p envelope, A157, used from London to Hastings, deep red Maltese Cross cancel at top center, clear "B/MY-6/1840" black London datestamp on reverse, while markings are quite choice, the envelope itself is worn and has the usual faults associated with the frail Mulready paper, nevertheless it still remains exhibition worthy; ex-Shaida |
$2,000 $3,000 |
$4,250 |
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May 6, 1840, 1p envelope, A166, used from London to Aberdeen, red Maltese Cross cancel at top center, faint black London May 6, 1840 dispatch cancel (the day date "6" is unmistakable), and the month and day are confirmed by the deep red "MAY 8 M/1840" arrival c.d.s. which slightly overstrikes the first day postmark, some faults and soiling, a presentable example; ex-Shaida. |
$2,000 $3,000 |
$2,000 |
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1841 1p Red brown, Plate 1b, printed from the "Black" Plates, choice mint example, with four ample to mostly large margins, brilliantly fresh, deep rich color, o.g., h.r., very fine; actually a much rarer stamp from Plate 1b than the black printing; ex-"Kay-Jay" (S.G. Spec. #AS6; £8,500). |
$5,000 $7.500 |
$14,500 |
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1840 2p Blue, OH, Plate 1 and 1841 1p Red brown, DE, the former with ample to mostly large margins, the latter close or touched in places, used together in a very rare mixed franking on an 1841 (Nov.) folded entire from London to Greenock, stamps tied by two neat strikes of black Maltese Cross cancels, red "London/NO 22/1841" dispatch datestamp, as well as red Greenock arrival handstamp on reverse, a very fine and seldom seen combination; signed Enzo Diena |
$15,000 $20,000 |
$6,000 |
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1841 1p Red brown, HH, Plate 16, handsome single with intense color and four ample to mostly large margins, tied to folded letter by a bold and very rare red Maltese Cross cancel, with matching "Billericay/DE 25/1845" Christmas Day c.d.s. on reverse, addressed to Rickmansworth, with its receiving c.d.s. of December 28 on the front, couple of normal file folds, a very fine and truly rare usage of a red Maltese Cross cancel which was against regulations and this use is some nine months after black ink had been mandated, the Christmas Day usage further enhances this cover's desirability; 1986 BPA certificate; ex-Cooley. |
$7,500 $10,000 |
$27,000 |
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1841 1p Red Brown, two vertically bisected halves of two different stamps, used together on a cover dated July 1, 1842 and positioned next to one another to give the impression of a single stamp in an effort to defraud the post, sent from London to Worcester, with stamp(s) tied by black Maltese Cross cancel, the cover was redirected upon arrival and inscribed "try Broadway", the reverse with London "W/JY-1/1842" dispatch and Broadway arrival c.d.s., very fine; to our knowledge, this is the only known example of such an attempted, and successful, fraud from an imperforate Line Engraved issue; 1997 BPA certificate |
$10,000 $15,000 |
$16,000 |
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1841 1p Red brown, MA-MC horizontal strip of three and a PA single, used on a petite 1851 (19 Feb.) folded letter from Paris, France to London, the stamps cancelled by light neat strikes of French lozenge grids, representing a truly phenomenal usage, the sender prepaying the proper postage with British stamps in his possession and being accepted for payment by both postal systems, Paris dispatch c.d.s. and red London receiving c.d.s. on reverse, stamps with mostly ample to large margins, very fine; a lovely cover of the utmost rarity and importance for the Line Engraved specialist and/or exhibitor |
$20,000 $30,000 |
$35,000 |
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1849 2p Blue, white lines added, IA, Plate 3, pristine mint single, bright color, full margins all around, just a bit closer at bottom right, o.g., lightly hinged, very fine (S.G. #14; £3,000). |
$1,000 $1,500 |
$2,000 |
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1849 2p Blue, white lines added, LA-LB, Plate 4, a gem quality left sheet-margin horizontal mint pair, showing "ce the Labels ABOVE" inscription in the full sheet selvage, marvelously bright and fresh, lovely color, large to very large margins all around, just a bit close at one point at bottom right, full clean o.g., lightly hinged, extremely fine; as fine a pair as could be found; 1984 RPS certificate; ex-"Asch" (S.G. #14). |
$4,000 $5,000 |
$14,500 |
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1849 2p Blue, white lines added, LC, Plate 3, nearly four margin example tied to cover front addressed to Rowland Hill, the well known inventor of the prepaid adhesive postage stamp, stamp tied by black Maltese Cross cancel, vertical fold and faint toning to front, a wonderful frontispiece to a Great Britain collection (S.G. #14) |
$750 $1,000 |
Not Sold |
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1864 1p Rose red and Lake red, imprimaturs, an extraordinary assemblage of imprimaturs, each being a different plate number ranging from 71 to 224, in fact this group contains 119 out of 145 different plate numbers that exist as imprimaturs, even more amazing is that each within this group is a left or right sheet-margin example and almost all have four margins, most are lettered either BA or BL, some with light pencil notations in the sheet selvage only, overall very fine; an assemblage that would be next to impossible to duplicate (S.G. Spec. #G1 imprimaturs; £41,650). |
$15,000 $20,000 |
$62,500 |
