Falklands and Egypt on Fire

The Grosvenor British Empire & Foreign Countries auction, held on 7th and 8th December 2006 at their Strand saleroom achieved a total price of £1,043,347, well above pre-sale estimates with lots fiercely contested by a full book of bidders and a well attended room on both days.

Specially featured was the Falkland Islands and Dependencies, including the collection of the late Geoff Moir and material from the collections of the late Colonel Philip Shepherd and others.  Illustrated on the front cover, the unique frame plate number example of the 1964 HMS Glasgow error (lot 1972) has left our shores for a remarkable £30,555, a sign perhaps that at least early Queen Elizabeth II errors are continuing to follow the trend shown by those from the previous reign.

The 1891 bisect cover (lot 1693), subject of much interest as having been addressed to CW Alcock, one of

The unique frame plate number example of the 1964 HMS Glasgow error sold £30,555,

the most important figures in the history of Sport, climbed to an exceptional £8,822, whilst a 1910 postcard to Norway (lot 2134) showing a fine strike of the large “SOUTH GEORGIA” imprint finally sold for £7,820.

Egypt showed again that it is one of the toughest markets in which to compete, with the collection of the late Robin Bertram, separated into 218 attractive lots, achieving a result of £210,045, more than three times the estimated value.


A recently discovered selection of previously unknown proofs of Ireland attracted very strong bidding. The die proof of the 1942 St. Patrick 5s. (lot 717) reached £2,588, whilst a full sheet of the 1940-68 4d. (lot 714) realised £11,998.

With auction prices having been so strong, and always on the rise throughout 2006, the Grosvenor directors predict a very interesting 2007 season to come.

For further information contact Grosvenor Auctions at 399-401 Strand, 3rd Floor, London WC2R 0LT, Tel. 020 7379 8789, Fax 020 7379 9737.