British Empire & Foreign Countries March 5th and 6th 2013

Our specialised auction of the Postage Stamps and Postal History of British Empire & Foreign Countries, to be held on March 5th and 6th 2013, is currently in preparation.

The auction will feature the outstanding ‘Blantyre’ collection of Nyasaland, the John du Pont collections of Papua and Postage Dues, the superb collection of Malaya and States formed by the late Nigel Tyre, exceptional Key Plate High Values from the collection of Ian D. Crane MA, FRPSL, MsocInd, and the fine collections of Zanzibar formed by the late Peter Booth of Wallsend and Hungary Postal Stationery by Mervyn Benford of Banbury.

THE ‘BLANTYRE’ COLLECTION OF NYASALAND

This most exceptional collection brings to the market a number of rarities including the 1898 ‘Cheque Stamp’ imperforate 1d. with centre inverted and in a horizontal pair – formerly in the collection of Arthur Hind and believed to be the only multiple in private hands. Estimate £35,000-£40,000.

The 1895 £25 black and blue-green without watermark (S.G. 31) and 1896 £25 black and green with Watermark Crown CC (S.G. 42) are both particularly fine and fresh examples. Each is estimated at £7,000-£8,000.

The 1907 2d. and 4d. with Multiple Crown CA watermark are also unique, being lower right corner marginal examples – particularly desirable for display of the watermark. Only eighteen of each are believed to have survived, blocks of four and single sets being in the Royal collection and another set held in the British Library. Estimate £17,000-19,000.

Among a number of fine and attractive Key Plate items is the 1913-19 £10 purple and royal blue in a fine mint block of four from the upper right corner of the sheet with plate and sheet numbers and also showing Break in Scroll [R. 1/12] and Broken Crown and Scroll [R. 2/24], varieties. A most important multiple and probably the only plate block in private hands. Estimate £14,000-£16,000.

THE JOHN E DU PONT COLLECTION OF POSTAGE DUES

This interesting section of material collected by one of the most famous philatelists of the twentieth century includes a number of rare items.

Here will be found the unique unused example of the  Australia 1909-10 Perf. 11 2d. rose and yellow-green, die II (S.G. D74a). Estimate £10,000-£12,000.

For collectors of Great Britain Overprinted issues the Eritrea 1950 10c. on 1d. carmine unmounted mint block of six with one stamp [R. 7/17] showing “C” of “CENTS” omitted should appeal, being one of just four recorded examples of this variety. Estimate £2,000-2,500.

THE JOHN E DU PONT COLLECTION OF PAPUA

The dramatic variety overprint double, one diagonal on the 1907 Small “Papua” Overprint, thin paper 1s. blackand orange (S.G. 44ba) is particularly striking in this marginal block of four with three stamps cancelled by Port Moresby c.d.s. of Jan. 10 190.  This error affected twenty-four stamps on a single sheet of thirty, all but five being cancelled. A great rarity of Papuan philately. Estimate £30,000-£40,000.

Another popular variety is the 1930 1s. sepia and olive, Harrison printing, with aeroplane overprint inverted (inevitably sometimes described as ‘looping the loop’) from the only known sheet. Estimate £4,000-£5,000.

THE NIGEL TYRE COLLECTION OF MALAYA AND STATES

An exceptional collection with much cancellation and postal history interest (Further details to follow).

THE MERVYN BENFORD COLLECTION OF HUNGARY POSTAL STATIONERY

A most unusual specialised section, rarely offered in depth on the London market.

Among the many scarce items are the 1874 5k. envelope used registered in Transylvania additionally bearing the 1874 5k. and 1871 engraved 15k, the only such mixed franking known. The 1880 5k. rose postcard intended for international use but printed on original 1874 card with the earlier watermark, also enjoys ‘only known example’ status. Estimate £2,500-£2,800.

THE IAN D. CRANE COLLECTION OF DE LA RUE KEY PLATE HIGH VALUES

Presented throughout the catalogue, this consignment includes many scarce proofs, specimen stamps and an impressive range of revenue documents.

1907-08 Universal Colour Scheme £10 imperforate proof in purple and orange, the colour combination eventually used for the Straits Settlements $500. Estimate £600-£700.

Straits Settlements 1921-33 $500 overprinted “SPECIMEN”. Estimate £1,300-£1,500.