ASCENSION On printed album pages in a binder; noting mint sets of 1922 Overprints, 1924-1933 Badge of Colony (less 2sh), 1934 Pictorial, most of KGVI Pictorial series including perf varieties, quite comprehensive with high percentage NH from 1950s onward. Mainly F-VF (Scott 2024 cat. US$1,945)

NEW SOUTH WALES 63a,Brilliant fresh mint imperforate pair, tiny gum tone spot, large part original gum and choice, VF OG (SG 226g £500)

AUSTRALIA 365-379, 394-417,Complete mint sets of 15 and 26 stamps respectively in blocks of four, many have sheet margin on one or two sides, bright fresh colours, not often seen in blocks, F-VF NH (SG 354/414 £650)

BAHAMAS 1,1859 (September 26) Clean folded cover from Bahamas to Philadelphia, franked with Great Britain 1858 2p blue, Plate 7, perf 14 horizontal pair tied by light oval grid 'A05' (Nassau) cancels struck in upright position, clear Bahamas SP 26 1859 double arc dispatch on reverse, very rare and one of the nicest GB used in Bahamas covers, VF (Scott A3a; SG Z2)

Expertization: 2004 RPS of London certificate

The most attractive of the three known frankings (other are ex. Ayre and Ludington collections)

BAHAMAS 1,Perkins, Bacon Original Die Proof, engraved, printed in black on card mounted india paper measuring 24 x 27mm, good margins all around permitting obvious assessment of its status as a die proof; very rare die with about seven known in private hands, this being one of the nicest, VF (SG 1)

Expertization: photocopy of 1986 RPS of London certificate

Provenance: Staircase Collection (Harry Sands), Spink, April 1999; Lot 63

BAHAMAS 1,A marvelous Perkins Bacon original plate proof block of eight, engraved, printed in black on white card, from the upper left corner of the sheet; hint of toning as normal on these, rich colour, sharp impression on bright white paper; position 3 shows prominent plate scratch variety between "TA" in "POSTAGE". Plate proof multiples larger than blocks of four are very rarely seen, VF (SG 1)

BAHAMAS 1,A very rare used pair surrounded by ample to large margins, attractively cancelled by clear oval grid 'A05' cancel. An exceptional pair of the distinctive thin wove paper, a great rarity postally used, F-VF (SG 2 £2,600+)

Expertization: 1961 RPS of London certificate

Provenance: Major T. Charlton Henry Collection, Harmer, Rooke & Co., April 1961; Lot 71 - described as "Excessively rare."

BAHAMAS 1865 (February 11) Blue cover endorsed "Per Cunard via New York", addressed to Montreal, Canada, beautifully franked with two vertical pairs of the 1p carmine-lake shade, Crown CC perf 12½, neatly tied by oval grid "A05" cancels, Bahamas FE 11 1865 double arc dispatch on reverse, neat N. York Br Pkt / 10 / FEB 17 transit CDS along with two instructional markings - boxed "ADV" and "ADV NOT CALLED FOR" both further tie stamps, partially legible Montreal FE 20 split ring and postmarked a second time with neat JU 15 65 datestamp on obverse. Among the greatest classic Bahamas covers, a glorious showpiece for an advanced collection, VF (Scott 11; SG 21)

Provenance: Staircase Collection (Harry Sands), Spink, April 1999; Lot 607 - sold for £4,500 hammer.

BAHAMAS E1a, A brilliant, fresh mint single showing double "SPECIAL DELIVERY" two-line overprint in error, full original gum, scarce, F-VF LH; 1977 BPA cert. (SG S1 £800)

These Special Delivery stamps were issued by the Colonial Administration of the Bahamas Islands for circulation at four Canadian post offices - Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg.

BAHAMAS E1b,A superbly centered, brilliant fresh mint single with inverted SPECIAL DELIVERY overprint; very scarce and especially attractive in such premium condition, XF VLH; it is assumed only 30 examples were overprinted; 1979 BPA cert. (SG S1c £1,300)

BAHAMAS 1917 (April 28) On His Majesty's Service envelope with embossed Colony of Bahamas Crown and Coat of Arms on backflap, franked with Queen's Staircase 1p black and red and Special Delivery 5p black and orange with major error - double overprint, one inverted - from top right corner position, both tied by socked-on-nose Nassau CDS, third strike at right, addressed locally; central vertical fold to cover only, striking appearance. Without a doubt an immensely rare usage of this overprint error on cover, F-VF cover with VF stamps. (Scott E1c, 48; SG S1b, 75)

Provenance: Staircase Collection (Harry Sands), Spink, April 1999; Lot 560

BARBADOS 57a,Large numeral "1" with curved serif, reading up, a scarce unsevered pair devoid of any flaws, perforation line between and original face value tablet at foot removed as customary for this provisional stamp. Socked-on-nose Barbados March 1878 CDS postmark, choice, VF; 1960 RPS of London cert. (SG 86b £2,500)

BARBADOS 1880 (June 29) Cover bearing pair of 1p dull blue "Britannia", Crown CC, perf 14 tied by "bootheel" duplex datestamp, addressed to Arichat, Cape Breton, paying the 2p Ship Letter fee to North America; original "3" due handstamp crossed out, replaced with blue crayon "10" due subsequently deleted and charged "7" (cents due) as letter rate to Canada was 4 pence sterling, clear New York JUL 16 transit and partial receiver backstamps, very attractive, VF (Scott 51; SG 73)

BARBADOS 1880 (July 7) Small envelope endorsed "Per Str. Flamborough" to St. Athanase, Quebec, pays the 2 pence Ship Letter fee to North America, bearing pair of 1p grey blue "Britannia", Crown CC, perf 14 tied by Barbados JY 7 "bootheel" duplex datestamps, couple opening tears well away from franking, small "NY T" due marking with initial blue crayon "10" due marking deleted and charged "7" (cents due) as letter rate to Canada was 4 pence sterling, on reverse legible New York JUL 18 transit and St. Athanase JY 20 receiver; a pretty cover, F-VF (Scott 51a; SG 74) ex. Colin H. Bayley (March 1993; Lot 1224)

BERMUDA 1864 Sailor's envelope with minor faults, endorsed "From Isaac Dawson Seaman H.M.S. Phaeton Bermuda" to Surrey, countersigned by Commanding Officer, bearing GB 1p red tied by oval grid '50' in London, with London JY 1864 transit CDS in red, struck on front and back, a Fine and scarce Military Mail from Bermuda. ex. Morris Ludington (June 1999; Lot 883)

BERMUDA 1880 (July 8) Cover mailed from Hamilton to Kentville, Nova Scotia, endorsed "Via New York" manuscript route bearing 1p rose red and 2p bright blue, Crown CC, perf 14 tied by Hamilton JY 8 80 duplex grid '1' datestamp, slight foxing on 2p and couple opening to cover; pays the 3 pence letter rate to Canada, St. John, NB JY 13 and Kentville JY 14 80 backstamps, F-VF (Scott 1, 2a; SG 1, 4)

BERMUDA 7,A marvelous mint block of six with interpanneau gutter margin at left, very well centered with brilliant fresh colour, full white original gum, lightly hinged on top row, leaving lower three stamps NH. A superior and rarely seen large multiple of this re-issued perf 14x12½ stamp, VF (Scott 7 $1,260; SG 10 £1,080 as mint singles)

BERMUDA 10,Very scarce horizontal pair with wing margin at right, used with light oval grid cancels, F-VF; 1985 BPA cert. (SG 14 £1,300 as singles) ex. Sir Henry Tucker Collection of Bermuda (October 1978; Lot 186)

BERMUDA 1880 (December) Cover to Massachusetts, USA via New York, bearing two 1p rose red and a ½p stone, Crown CC tied by bold, elusive Bermuda, R.O. duplex grid '6' (K3) datestamp of Paget West (in use as of 1879), pays the 2½ pence rate to the US, with New York DEC 13 Paid All transit backstamp. This duplex is seldom seen (in black or blue), in fact an example in black was not present in the well-known Ludington collection, F-VF (Scott 1, 16; SG 1, 19)

BERMUDA 1887 (April) Registered cover from Ireland Island to Yarmouth, NS, pays 3p letter rate to Canada plus 2p registration with pair of 2p blue, Crown CA and two single 1880 ½p stone, Crown CC, one with DLR plate "1" margin, former tied by Inland Island (misspelt duplex) grid '3' datestamp (K3) and latter singles tied by oval grid '6' cancels (K1), previously of Southampton West employed as a supplementary postmark; backstamped Yarmouth AP 27 87 CDS on arrival. Highly unusual and very rare combination of cancels, registered mail and destination, F-VF (Scott 16, 20; SG 19, 25)

CYPRUS 73 variety,A well centered mint single showing the Broken bottom left triangle variety, bright colours, VF LH (SG 86a £325)

CYPRUS 88,A well centered and fresh mint example of this high value, VF OG (SG 101 £1,400)

CYPRUS About 50 stamps on Lighthouse hingeless pages, light duplication in places with one mint & one used shown. In-depth coverage of overprinted and surcharged issues including different plates, particularly strong showing of the 1p reds and "HALF PENNY" surcharges (13mm/18mm long), 1881-1886 Queen Victoria Key Types with surcharges noting ½pi (8mm apart) on ½p emerald green, Crown CC, used, etc. Some minor flaws, generally F-VF (Scott Classic 2023 US$5,273)

CYPRUS On Lighthouse hingeless pages with a high degree of completion; also extra singles in places. Noted better mint such as 1892-1894 ½pi-12pi Die B set of 7, 1894-1896 ½pi-45pi, 1903 KEVII 18pi, 45pi, 1904-1907 5pa-45pi, 1912 KGV 10pa-45pi, 1921-1923 10pa-10sh (less 10pa, 30pa & 2pi), 1924-1928 ¼pi-£1 (also a £5 forgery), 1928 & 1934 Pictorial, etc. Overall nice quality with fresh colours; an attractive collection in well-above average condition, F-VF (Scott Classic 2023 US$4,927)

CYPRUS Housed in a Lighthouse hingeless album, complete QEII era up to end of 1989, including definitives, commemoratives, souvenir sheets; also Turkish Northern Cyprus 1974 to October 1988 virtually complete (ex Scott 100, 151-152, 206-207), fresh and clean, VF NH (Scott US$1,485)

FRENCH COLONIES Mounted on quadrilled pages in five albums organized from "Afrique Equatoriale" to Zanzibar with nearly all colonies represented, many hundreds, often from early to more recent issues up to late 1940s or early 1950s. Virtually all mint with part and complete sets, single-issued stamps, etc. Long definitive sets, commemoratives, surcharges & overprints, back-of-book. A strong nucleus; overall clean and fresh throughout, Fine to Very Fine; a nice lot.

GERMANY Collection in old style clear mounts on blank leaves, excellent coverage for period covered, often with both mint and used represented, a high percentage of the later mint is NH; plus a duplicated stock on manila stockpages, the used often postmarked on piece tied by commemorative datestamps, also regular mint or used issues from Third Reich, airmails and other back-of-book. Noted mint NH Scott B103-B104, B106, B292-B29 blocks, early Federal Republic issues, etc. Overall clean, fresh condition.

EAST GERMANY (DDR) Organized on stockpages, after 1954 becomes more comprehensive with excellent showing of mint NH & used multiples to 1960. Noted Scott #82-84 1951 Mao NH blocks, 144a & 146a 1953 Karl Marx used souvenir sheets, #187-204 1953-1954 Redrawn Definitives set of 18 lower left corner margin NH blocks, #264a 1955 Engels souvenir sheet (15 NH; 9 used), etc. A clean lot.

GIBRALTAR In a Davo hingeless album with slipcase, starts with Queen Victoria mint or used (27 different) including 1886 Overprinted 2p mint, 1889 Spanish Currency overprint 40c, 50c & 75c mint, various KEVII and KGV to 1sh and 4sh respectively, quite well represented and mainly mint KGVI and QEII from 1953 to about 1983, most NH from mid-1970s; plus some recent sets on page to 1989. The odd flaw, mainly F-VF

GREAT BRITAIN 1a,A selected used example with distinctively deep colour on bright fresh paper, Maltese cross cancel in red, VF; 2023 RPS of London cert. identified as Spec AS4 (SG 1 £525)

GREAT BRITAIN 1,A superb stamp surrounded by noticeably large margins and ideally struck Maltese cross cancel in black, XF; 2023 RPS of London cert. identified as Spec AS14 (SG 2 £375)

GREAT BRITAIN 1d,A selected example with large margins, rich colour on blued "Bleuté" paper, used with central Maltese cross in black, VF and elusive; 2018 RPS of London cert. identified as Spec AS41e (SG 2a £775)

GREAT BRITAIN 1,Attractive, large margined example with Maltese cross cancel in red, VF+; 2021 RPS of London cert. identified as Spec AS46 (SG 2 £450)

GREAT BRITAIN 1,The sought-after positional stamp with well clear to ample margins, Maltese cross cancel in red, VF; 2020 RPS of London cert. identified as Spec AS46 (SG 2 £525)

GREAT BRITAIN 1,The very scarce plate, a single in the characteristic shade associated with this Plate, used on piece with mostly large margins except at lower right touching design, black Maltese cross cancel and Taunton JY 30 1841 datestamp struck beside, Fine+; 2014 RPS of London cert. identified as Spec AS72 (Scott cat. $5,750; SG 2 £4,600)

GREAT BRITAIN 176,A beautiful mint example with lovely fresh colour, well centered with full original gum, faint trace of hinging; light R. Calves expertizing backstamp, VF LH (SG 403 £2,800)

GREAT BRITAIN On Lighthouse pages, starts with Mulready envelopes - 1p black used Stereo "A140" and 2p unused Stereo "a209", followed by 1p black with 12 examples mostly plated (four with RPSL cert.), various perforated issues including 1864 1p Plate 71 / Plate 224 (missing Plate 77 and 225), then another plate collection of same stamp missing eight plates; 1870 ½p rose, all plates appear present including better Plate 9. Embossed 6p purple, 10p brown and 1sh pale green also shown and are in better condition than normally seen on these. Overall mixed condition variable from with several nice sound examples.

GREAT BRITAIN On Lighthouse ages, early issues mainly used and represented up to the 5sh rose, lower values includes different plates. Noted 1878 10sh & £1 watermarked Maltese Cross with usual heavy cancel but in otherwise sound condition, 1884 £1 brown violet, watermark Crown, repaired tear at top, oval datestamp, 1888 £1 brown violet, watermark Orbs, used with slight soiling and toning mostly visible from the back; has clear 1990 Enzo Diena cert. From late Victorian to KEVII era 1880s to 1900s, mint or used stamps up to high values, plus overprinted Officials (23 different) nearly all used. Typical mixed to fine condition on these; high catalogue value. Inspect.

GREAT BRITAIN About 150 different mint or used stamps on Lighthouse hingeless pages, noting 1913-1935 "Seahorse" with nine used, plus two mint - 1915 DLR 2sh6p light brown, worn plate and 1919 Bradbury, Wilkinson 5sh carmine; 1986 Enzo Diena cert. Also 1929 £1 PUC mint hinged and 1939 1sh indigo mint. Fine or better

LIBERIA 62a,An exceptional corner margin mint block displaying the INVERTED CENTRE error light hinging in selvedge only, all stamps are never hinged. A unique positional block from the sole sheet of 60 found; a highlight of Liberia philately, F-VF NH

LIBERIA 62a,A selected, well centered mint single showing the INVERTED CENTRE error, light natural gum bend, VF NH

LIBERIA The Charles N. Bauer collection of Liberia from classics to late 1960s, virtually untouched since the early 1990s. The following 13 lots are offered by definitive series or area. Starting about 1950, Charles made a valiant effort to acquire proofs, trial colours, surcharge and overprint varieties, imperforates and other oddities. The layout and presentation of the collection is a "time-capsule" and a pleasure to view, often with printed and penciled notes.


1860-1889 Early "Liberia" and Numeral Issues
Noting 1c-24c "Liberia" set of 10 different defaced die proofs (plus three duplicates; one watermarked), plus two defaced die proofs on 3c Palm Tree and 1892 1c-16c imperforate pairs. Also 1916 "Liberty surcharges, 1882-1883 postage dues including seven different imperforates and five postal stationery items. Mixed condition to be expected on these difficult issues.

LIBERIA Printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. with related 1913 Numeral surcharges and 1903 Liberty overprinted officials. Noting various 1913 imperf blocks with varieties including inverted surcharges, printed on gum side, 1903 Liberty PB & Co. presentation folder with proof block of 25 in rose (only nine stamps show), a die proof in red and an imperforate sheet of 50 printed in black on ungummed paper showing watermark, etc.

LIBERIA Printed by Waterlow & Sons, Ltd. with related 1893-1904 surcharges and 1892-1904 officials. Includes set of twelve 1892 issue imperf pairs to the $5, errors of colour, trial colour perf and imperf proofs in unissued colours, SPECIMEN overprints, surcharge varieties, errors including covers, etc.

LIBERIA Printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. with related 1910-1918 surcharges, 1915 semi-postals and 1906-1916 officials; extensive coverage. Noted inverted centers (10 different), imperf pairs, 1906 25c trial colour proof sheet of 20 in lake and silver on wove paper, a 30c green proof block of 25 in grey presentation folder (only nine stamps show), 1909-1912 trial colour die proofs (7 different), various vignette proofs, three sets of 10 proofs in black (one set in pairs), nice range of 1910-1918 surcharge varieties, notably on the 10c triangle, comprehensive showing of officials and myriad surcharges, some Military stamps, etc.

LIBERIA Printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. along with related 1918 semi-postals, 1918-1926 officials and 1920-1936 surcharges. Includes imperforates, proofs including set of 12 in black perforated and gummed by PB & Co., myriad inverted and double surcharges, semi-postal set of 13 handstamped SPECIMEN, etc.

LIBERIA Printed by State Printing Works in Berlin, extensive range mint and used including 1921 overprints, officials, various with inverted "1921" overprint, unusual block of 12 used of 20c OFFICIAL with double "1921", one is inverted, etc.

LIBERIA Printed by American Bank Note with officials, airmails, surcharges and revenues; the latter have ABNC punch or SPECIMEN overprint; large range of SPECIMEN overprints on regulars and back-of-book and 1927-1960 revenues. Noted inverted overprints and surcharges, 1936 6c on 1c green official airmail tied by Monrovia CDS to piece, etc. Also 1937 De La Rue triangle set with scarce 1c imperf pair.

LIBERIA Designed by Arthur Szyk, known miniaturist, with regular and airmail issues, die & plate proofs, progressive colour proofs with or without specimen, imperforates, colour shifts, sheetlets, etc., some of which signed by the designer himself.

LIBERIA Printed by H.L. Peckmor & Sons, regular and airmail (eight different). A spectacular lot comprising sheetlets, specimen overprints, trial colour specimens, transposed colours, missing centre imperforates including set in sheetlets, die proofs (21) from progressives to complete in issued colours, inverted centers with 3c (2), 4c, 5c, 10c, 25c (2), 50c (2), an amazing array of about 50 imperf souvenir sheets including progressives, trial colours and several with different shifted stamp "cliché", etc. An exceptional and highly specialized lot.

LIBERIA Earlier period mainly printed by Wright Bank Note Co. or H.L. Peckmore & Son. Extensive coverage to late 1960s, some more recent plus related airmails. Replete with die proofs, trial colours, plate proofs, imperforates, specimens, missing colours, inverts and myriad varieties & oddities, sheetlets, souvenir sheets, etc. No 1949 or 1952 Ashmun series; offered as respective lots in this auction. Excellent topical interest, rarely seen so comprehensive. A fabulous lot.

LIBERIA Three airmail series including imperf pairs of 1936 "triangles", colour shifts, six covers (three are first flights), 1938 Issue "PROOF" overprint set of 10 imperf pairs (plus a 4c in yellow), 1942 Additional Overprint Airmail set in mint blocks, 1944 30cts inverted surcharge on 1c green mint, etc.

LIBERIA Noting better 1893 Buchanan unused, Robertsport (faults but rare), later issues in multiples, a 1903 Robertsport inverted centre, an excellent showing of 1919 issues with proofs of frames, centers, imperforate multiples, scarce 1921 Snakes triangle set of five, three mint sets & the 1921 overprinted issue, with sets upright and inverted (3), plus various used sets, etc.

LIBERIA Twelve different Seapost - Paquebot cancels with hand-drawn illustration for each type, legible to very nice strikes on 59 stamps (some tied to piece) 1900s to 1930s. Mainly Fine or better; a challenging group to assemble.

POLAND 909-913,Set of five mint sheetlets of four stamps, each with matching serial number "No. 000847" in left sheet margin, elusive, VF NH

ST. VINCENT 3,A phenomenal mint block of fourteen in an excellent state of preservation along with superior centering for this notoriously tightly-spaced issue, deep radiant colour on flawless paper with FULL ORIGINAL GUM, mainly lightly hinged, four stamps in lower row are NEVER HINGED. THE LARGEST MINT MULTIPLE OF THIS STAMP, eclipsing the famous "Jaffé" block of 12, in not only size but having overall better centering and freshness. A wonderful showpiece of the highest order, VF OG / NH (SG 4)

It is worth mentioning the previous "largest known multiple" offered in the Peter Jaffé sale March 2006; Lot 119 - sold for an impressive £12,000 hammer against a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£2,500.

ST. VINCENT 1864 (February 24) Blue folded cover from the famous "Polignac" correspondence to Paris, paying the 8 pence rate to France, via the UK, franked with 1861-1862 no watermark rough perf 14-16, 1p rose red pair and single 6p deep green, cancelled by manuscript markings applied by the Argyll Estate (to prevent theft) and oval grid 'A10' cancels at Kingston, neat Saint-Vincent FE 24 64 CDS dispatch in red, bold London MR 15 64 transit CDS in red with same-ink oval "PD", red crayon "7d" along with Calais 16 Mars CDS and light same-day receiver backstamp, appealing and F-VF (Scott 1, 3; SG 1, 4) ex. Peter Jaffé (Part II, January 2007; Lot 251)

ST. VINCENT 9,An impressive mint strip of three, identified as Positions 1-3 in the famous Jaffé sale, reasonably well centered with noticeably large margins, exceptionally fresh and in an excellent state of preservation, highly appealing, VF OG (Scott 9; SG 13)

Expertization: 2006 David Brandon certificate

Provenance: W.W. Forsyth St. Vincent, Harmers of London, March 1978; Lot 159
Peter Jaffé, Spink, March 2006; Lot 225 - sold for £2,000 hammer.

ST. VINCENT 14A,A spectacular mint block of fifteen with part sheet margin at right, brilliant colour with full original gum, hinged to lightly hinged, light natural gum crease on two and minor gum thin on one, otherwise in an excellent state of preservation, a rarely seen large multiple, Fine+ (Scott 14A; SG 18)

Provenance: Major T. Charlton Henry Collection, Harmer, Rooke & Co., April 1961; Lot 1255

ST. VINCENT 26,An outstanding corner margin mint pair, remarkably well centered for this challenging issues, great colour on fresh paper, with full original gum with left stamp very lightly hinged and right stamp NEVER HINGED. A very rare mint pair; no larger multiples exit, making this corner margin example very desirable indeed, VF (Scott 26 $1,600+; SG 37 £1,400 as hinged singles)

Provenance: Peter Jaffé, Spink, March 2006; Lot 416

ST. VINCENT 54,An impressive mint sheet of twenty, well centered with rich colour on fresh paper; a few trivial peripheral flaws confined to selvedge, otherwise in overall great shape, hinged mostly in the margin, nineteen stamps are NEVER HINGED. Very few sheets of this high value survive intact, VF (SG 53)

ST. VINCENT 89,An impressive used vertical strip of three with superb solid colours, sharp impression and in flawless condition, neatly tied to small piece by Kingston, St. Vincent DE 21 12 postmarks; a beautiful and very seldom seen used multiple in selected quality, VF+ (SG 93 £1,200 as used singles)

SWITZERLAND Accumulation as received with a few hundred covers / cards arranged in two shoeboxes and two photo-albums, noting illustrated view cards, postal bands / printed matter wrappers, stampless official mail, incoming mail to Switzerland from various countries and eras, etc. Mixed condition throughout, from faulty to very fine; a great lot for someone wanting to study rates, postmarks, frankings, etc. Also in the lot is a 1964-1980s used collection, 1996-1999 annual collections, various new issues in glassines / cards, etc., and non-Swiss related covers, cards, noted as well. Inspect.

USA 1, 1b,1848 (September 8) Folded lettersheet from New York to Boston bearing a 5c orange brown on bluish wove paper, just touched at foot to large margins, cancelled by mute grid in red with same-ink, superbly struck New York SEP 8 dispatch at left, F-VF; also an 1850 (March 20) Folded lettersheet from Ann Arbor bearing a full margined 5c red brown on bluish wove paper, circular grid cancel, same-ink partially legible MAR 20 dispatch at left, light file fold not affecting stamp, in clean fresh condition, VF

USA 26,An impressive top margin mint block of forty-one stamps (lower left stamp supported by hinges does not belong); scissor separated in left margin, some split perforations and overall dried brown original gum, otherwise in nice shape considering its large size and age and with excellent centering. An attractive block ideal for plating, F-VF

USA 230P4-245P4,Complete set of 16 plate proofs in issued colours on card; old hinging on back mentioned for the record, a nice VF set

USA 233,A mint pane of 50 stamps, brilliant fresh colour, folded twice horizontally along perforations, small flaw in right margin only, stamps with full original gum, never hinged, mostly Fine or better NH (Scott cat. US$9,450)

USA 285-E8-293-E7,A fabulous set of nine Large Die Essays, the "normal" bicolours with the central vignettes printed in black, on india paper with sinkage area measuring approx 63 x 71mm, sunk on fairly equal large sized cards. Superb colours and in choice condition; the vignettes of the Mississippi Bridge (2c) and Farming in the West ($2) showing on these were eventually reversed when issued, VF+

USA 292,A post office fresh mint single, well centered with deep colour on fresh paper, full original gum; a nice stamp, VF LH

USA 292,An unusually choice, well centered example with intact perforations all around, showing horizontal guideline at top, large margined and nicely used with duplex cancel, VF; 1983 PF cert.

USA 498f,An unusually choice mint booklet pane of thirty with tab margin intact at right, extremely well centered, seldom seen this nice, XF NH

USA 630,The mint souvenir sheet of 25 stamps, noticeably nicer than normally encountered, VF NH

USA 1608a, 1610a,Mint single completely missing the engraved black colour and ($1) Rush Lamp and Candle Holder with omitted brown (engraving) colour; a striking duo, VF NH

USA Tied by Washington, D.C. first day slogan cancel to airmail cover flown on Graf Zeppelin to Sevilla, Spain, two different cachets and Spanish receiver backstamp, VF (Scott C14)

USA A nicely centered plate number single tied by Washington, D.C. first day slogan cancel to airmail cover flown by Graf Zeppelin to Lakehurst, NJ via Friedrichshafen, two different cachets with MAY 31 receiver backstamp, VF (Scott C15)

USA 1930 (May 31) 1c Green postal card uprated with 65c Graf Zeppelin, well centered and tied by Philadelphia duplex to Maribor, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia), two different Graf Zeppelin cachets, Friedrichshafen 6.6.30 receiver, stamp further tied by Maribor 30.VI.30 double ring CDS on arrival, slight edge crease at right, a neat item to an unusual destination, F-VF (Scott C13)

USA Six covers and one card, includes $1.30 brown on May 7, 1930 card and May 23, 1930 airmail cover, $2.60 blue on April 29, 1930 cover; 50c green block of four, three singles on October 4/7, 1933 covers. All with Graf Zeppelin cachets, F-VF

USA Housed in a specialized Lighthouse hingeless album with slipcase, includes Transportation, Flags and non-denominated issues (including bureau precancels). Many dozen different, mainly collected as strips of five, a very strong showing of different plate numbers, a specialized showing of precancel bar gaps, etc. Only a few missing but noted better 5.2c plate 3 & 5 and 20c plate 7-8; a few with APS certs. A lot of effort went into the assembly of this comprehensive collection, VF NH

UNITED NATIONS Housed in three Lighthouse hingeless albums with slipcases; includes New York 1951-1985, Geneva 1969-1985 and Vienna 1979-1985, high degree of completion and supplemented with several dozen sheets, sheetlets or other multiples on blank pages. Some LH on earlier issues but generally VF NH throughout

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH The complete set of 250 stamps from Antigua to Virgin Islands including the key British Forces in Egypt overprint, F-VF LH (Scott US$1,750; SG £1,700)

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH The complete set of 250 stamps from Antigua to Virgin Islands, about half are NH (catalogue values are for hinged); also includes the British Forces in Egypt overprint used with light cancel, F-VF (Scott cat. US$1,675; SG £1,450)

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH The complete set of 138 stamps, Aden to Zanzibar, some light gum yellowing in places (mainly low denominations), otherwise fresh and F-VF NH (Scott cat. US$2,542; SG £2,250)

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH The complete set of 138 stamps, Aden to Zanzibar; Singapore $5 with couple tone spots, F-VF NH (Scott cat. US$2,542; SG £2,250)

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH Four different with 1935 Silver Jubilee (225 stamps) lacking four Dominion countries and Offices in Morocco British Currency to complete; 1937 Coronation complete mint (appears NH) and used, the latter lacking Leeward Is. 1p, Morocco Agencies, French Currency and Newfoundland to complete; 1949 UPU Congress mint NH set (lacking Burma) and 1953 Coronation set. Mainly F-VF

WORLDWIDE Collected over a span of about 40 years and organized in well over 300 stockbooks and 25 Schaubek, Lighthouse or Davo albums; plus another 50 empty albums (included with the lot). Nearly every area of the world is represented including small, exotic countries, predominantly used. Most countries start with classics and continue to modern issues, also back-of-book. Some duplication and mixed condition to be expected, however offers plenty of opportunity for studying earlier issues, postmarks, etc. on stamps that one does not see on a regular basis. Previous owner often acquired stamps abroad during frequent trips, particularly to his beloved Switzerland. Certainly one of the largest collections we have had the pleasure to offer intact; we kindly ask anyone contemplating bidding on this lot to view it in person to appreciate the depth of material.

WORLDWIDE A very large assortment as received in many shoeboxes, on album pages, etc. Duplicated stock of predominantly used Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, USA from late 1890s to modern issues, unchecked. Some covers, FDC, noting USA old-time used collection as well on pages, modern mint new issues in presentation folders, etc. Inspect.

BRITISH COLUMBIA 4,An unusually choice mint example with seldom seen large margins showing portion of adjacent stamp at top, bright colour, mint hinged with large portion of characteristic early DLR printing gum. A scarce stamp to locate in such premium quality, VF OG

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1802 (June 7) Small folded cover with manuscript "Free" and signed "S Jarvis" at left, mailed to St. John with partly well-struck, nearly complete two-line "FREDERICTON N B / JUNE 7 1802" (JGY Fig. 21 RF 9 - very rare) straightline on reverse as customary for early Colonial markings. It predates Jephcott, Greene & Young's recorded year of usage (1804), VF

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1803 (July 8) Clean, fresh folded cover from Saint John, NB to London, England and rated "1N10"; on reverse a quite clear two-line St. John, N.B. / July,8.1803 (JGY Fig. 14) straightline in black, light Bishop mark struck on arrival. A very rare straightline marking according to the Jephcott, Greene & Young handbook, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1805 (June 6) An unusually clean folded cover from Saint John, NB to Quebec, rated "3N" and on reverse a superb two-line "St. John, N*B* / Junea.6.1805" straightline in black (JGY Fig. 13a), very attractive, VF; ex. H.W. Lussey (Sissons Sale 125, September 1956; Lot 35)

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1826 (April 26) Folded cover to Fredericton, rated "1N3", very rare "RICHIBUCTO." (JGY Fig. 38, RF 10) straightline at left with "26 April 1826" below, part of addressee erased and small age spot, a beautiful cover; the earliest reported use of the straightline according to J.R. Saint exhibit collection, F-VF; ex. J.R. Saint (June 2000; Lot 210)

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1828 (December 23) Folded lettersheet to Bathurst, rated "7d" and bearing a superbly struck large Miramichi Star Circle (JGY Fig. 58 - very early usage as recorded years of usage are 1828/1834) with filled-in "23 Dec 28" date; light ageing along file folds well away from the beautiful postmark. This is the actual strike pictured in Jephcott, Greene & Young on page 67, F-VF cover with XF strike

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1830 (September 22) Folded cover with intact black wax seal on reverse, mailed to Fredericton, rated "Free" and signed by official, superb strike of the very rare "RICHIBUCTO." straightline (JGY Fig. 38) with manuscript date below, sealed opening tears and part of address erased, a Fine cover with XF strike; ex. John Young (December 1992; Lot 37)

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1840 (July 27) Folded cover addressed to Fredericton and rated "8 + 2N1 = 2/9", the high rate suggests it originated from a Way Office. Quite well struck intaglio GAGETOWN NB postmark (JGY Fig. 73 RF 8) with filled-in "27 July 40" date, predating Jephcott, Greene & Young's recorded year of usage (1841). Among the most distinctive early postmarks of New Brunswick, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS 1845 Folded entire lettersheet datelined "St. John Decr. 18, 1845" and sent prepaid, addressed to Quebec and rated "11½", clear double ring Grand Falls N.Bk in red with handwritten date (JGY Fig. 72), backstamped with partially legible receiver in red, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK STAMPLESS COVERS Five items in fine or better condition plus five covers bearing Canada LQ or SQ stamps in mixed condition, all New Brunswick related, also an Upper Canada CORNWALL straightline cover. Noted two oval rate handstamps, postmarked by grids, St. Stephens and Oromocto both with Paid 3d inside circle, St. Andrews NB Star Circle in greenish blue, etc. Inspect.

NEW BRUNSWICK 1,An attractive mint example of this rarity, large margined including portion of sheet margin at foot; minor imperfections consisting of crease along left frameline and two small thin spots, still a rare mint stamp of wonderful appearance, radiant colour and still retaining a large portion of its original gum. Only a handful mint OG examples in any condition exist, VF. (Unitrade cat. $10,000)

Expertization: 1994 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - British North America Part Three, H.R. Harmer, Inc., January 1970; Lot 284

NEW BRUNSWICK 1,A selected, full margined, used example with bright colour on fresh paper, clear oval grid '1' cancellation of Saint John, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 1a,A lovely used example in a darker shade than normally encountered, sharp impression and ample margins, quite well struck and ideally positioned oval grid '24' cancellation of Sackville (RF 8 - very rare), VF

Provenance: Nicholas Argenti, Harmer Rooke & Co., November 1963; Lot 21

NEW BRUNSWICK 1855 (April 9) Small envelope from the well-known "Miss Smith" correspondence, bearing two singles and a diagonal bisect of the Three pence dark red; right stamp just in at right, bisect with trivial flaw, all tied by oval grid '1' cancels, St. John, NB dispatch below and two stamps further tied in transit by "tombstone" Pkt Letter Paid Liverpool 22 AP 55 in red, British 5d Claim instructional marking in red at left, Ware AP 23 receiver backstamp. A lovely cover franked solely with Three pence Heraldic stamps for the 7½ pence letter rate (effective as of August 1, 1854) to the United Kingdom, F-VF (Unitrade 1a, 1b; cat. $6,000)

Provenance: John Seybold, J.C. Morgenthau, March 1910; Lot - and with his backstamps
W.H. Brouse (private sale 1920s)
Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 5 - British North America Part Two, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1969; Lot 845

THE EARLIEST RECORDED COVER amongst the ten listed multiple three pence franked covers to the UK in Arfken & Firby "The Pence Covers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 1851-1860" census listing.

NEW BRUNSWICK 1859 (November 12) An unusually clean, folded entire lettersheet with "Lancaster Mills Nov 12th 1859" dateline, franked with a diagonally bisected 3p dull red, trivial edge flaw, alongside a superb 6p yellow on bluish wove paper, both with full to large margins and neatly tied by Saint John oval '1' grids, endorsed "via Halifax" and addressed to Hull, UK, very clear NO 28 59 CDS receiver. Pays the correct 7½ pence letter rate, pencil signed by expert Holcombe, VF and attractive (Unitrade 1b, 2; cat. $6,000)

Expertization: 1990 Peter Holcombe certificate

Provenance: Hiroyuki Kanai Specialized New Brunswick, Harmers of New York, October 1986; Lot 2026

NEW BRUNSWICK 2P,Perkins Bacon original plate proof block of four printed in black on thin card, unusually large margined for this notoriously tightly-spaced issue, XF

NEW BRUNSWICK 2,An immensely rare unused example of this classic stamp, uncharacteristically large margined except at lower right clear of design, hint of oxidation, a much under-rated stamp in sound condition; often missing from even advanced collections, F-VF

Expertization: clear 1994 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: "An Important New Brunswick Collection", SG Auctions, November 1980; Lot 46

NEW BRUNSWICK 2d,Remarkable used example of this undervalued and challenging shade, amazing bold colour and sharp impression, readily distinguishable all other shades, ample to large margins, pristine fresh colour and paper, centrally struck oval mute grid cancellation with hollowed centre showing the central Crown as intended. A difficult stamp to obtain and especially desirable as it once graced a pre-eminent collection of the past, VF

Expertization: 1969 RPS of London certificate

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 457 - described as "mustard yellow... rich true colour... extremely fine"

NEW BRUNSWICK 3P,Perkins Bacon original plate proof, a block of twenty (4x5) printed in black on thin card with part sheet margin at left, among the largest surviving multiples, VF (Unitrade cat. $16,000)

NEW BRUNSWICK 3P,Perkins Bacon original plate proof block of nine printed in black on thin card, displaying the complete SPECIMEN overprint and rarely seen, VF (Unitrade cat. $7,200 as normal singles)

Provenance: "An Important New Brunswick Collection", SG Auctions, November 1980; Lot 28

NEW BRUNSWICK 3P,Perkins Bacon original plate proof printed in black on thin card - a superb corner margin block of wonderful appeal, XF

NEW BRUNSWICK Official reprints of 1890, set of three in blocks on thin hard white wove paper, each with side sheet margin, ungummed as issued, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 5, 9,"Goodall" Compound Die Essay, engraved and printed in slate violet on india paper 62 x 32mm; trivial mount mark and light stain on left proof, nevertheless visually striking and rarely seen intact. A spectacular item ideal for exhibition, VF (Minuse & Pratt 5E-A + 9TC1)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 480

Literature: Illustrated in Capex '96 Gems of Canadian Philately on page 233.

NEW BRUNSWICK 5, 9,"Goodall" Compound Die Essay, ample margins all around and printed in green on india paper measuring 53 x 25mm and affixed to non-contemporary card of similar size; minor wrinkling and some adhesion on back. Despite the trivial imperfections very few compound die proofs in any condition survive. A major rarity with VF appearance

Provenance: Robert V.C. Carr, Siegel, October 1987; Lot 878

Literature: Illustrated in Capex '96 Gems of Canadian Philately handbook on page 233

NEW BRUNSWICK 5,Trial Colour Die Essay printed in blue violet on india paper, originating from a "Goodall" compound die; very scarce, a visually striking colour, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 5P + varieties,A magnificent plate essay sheet of 100, printed in brown (near issued colour) on card mounted india paper, shows the three constant Major Re-entries (Positions 13, 60 & 61); an extremely rare intact sheet -- we are only aware of one other, which has the specimen overprint. A wonderful item for a serious collection, XF (Unitrade cat as normal proof singles)

Provenance: American Bank Note Company Archives, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, September 1990; Lot 2259

NEW BRUNSWICK 5Piii,Plate essay block printed in dark red brown on india paper with diagonal SPECIMEN overprint - serif lettering in red, on india paper with sheet margin at foot, close margin at left and small translucent spot on lower left proof likely of natural cause, a scarce proof block, F-VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 5Piv, 5Pvi,A rare plate proof block of ten printed in dark red brown on card mounted india paper, overprinted SPECIMEN in red; left column with Type B specimen and right column with scarce Type D specimen - thin sans-serif lettering, no dot after "N" (only the fifth column received the Type D overprint), most attractive and certainly one of the largest known blocks with the Type D overprint, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 5,The spectacular vertical pair of UNIQUE status, in fact the only existing multiple of this unissued, infamous stamp portraying New Brunswick's Postmaster General. Extremely well centered with rarely seen full intact perforations all around, characteristic uncleared perf discs, couple thin specks at top and minute nick at lower left, all inconsequential for this great rarity. One of the most iconic items in all of British North America philately. A great showpiece that has graced many important collections of the past, VF (Unitrade cat. $40,000 as singles)

Expertization: 1981 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Discovered in 1933 by Dr. George Clarke (who had purchased part of the estate of Connell's son-in-law)
Dr. Lewis L. Reford (Part One), Harmer, Rooke & Co., March 1950; Lot 1010
Nicholas Argenti Gold Medal Collection of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Harmer, Rooke & Co. Ltd., November 1963; Lot 190 - sold for £1,400, the second highest realization for a New Brunswick lot. To our surprise, it even surpassed the famous strip of three of the 1sh + bisect 3p cover to Peru!
Claude Cartier Part I, SG Auctions, April 1977; Lot 62
Unknown provenance New Brunswick Decimal Collection, Maresch Sale 123, March 1981; Lot 29
Rarities of the World, Siegel, May 2000; Lot 497

NEW BRUNSWICK 5,An appealing mint single of this rare classic stamp, depicting the portrait of New Brunswick Postmaster General - a major "faux-pas" which caused a public outcry resulting in his resignation. Characteristic colour, impression and centering, slightly clipped perfs at top, otherwise intact all around and very seldom seen in such sound condition still retaining part original gum, somewhat disturbed from previous hinging. A well-above average mint stamp, missing from many advanced collections, Fine OG

Expertization: 1976 RPS of London certificate

Provenance: Edward Tresoldi Granger, H.R. Harmer Ltd., October 1958; Lot 286
"An Important New Brunswick Collection", SG Auctions, November 1980; Lot 112

Literature: Illustrated in Capex '96 Gems of Canadian Philately handbook on page 233

NEW BRUNSWICK 5,Prepared but never issued; a very scarce unused example of this infamous stamp, printed by American Bank Note Co. and depicting New Brunswick's Postmaster General. It was replaced in haste with the 5c green properly illustrating Her Majesty the Queen's portrait, two small creases, scissor separated at left but perforations unusually intact on other sides, overall in well above average condition, Fine

Expertization: 1959 BPA certificate

NEW BRUNSWICK Original photograph of Honorable Charles Connell 62 x 105mm, along with his signature on small piece and another (earlier version) on handwritten letter dated 1852 and signed by him. Plus three Small Queen covers addressed to Sherriff F.R.J. Dibblee, who was responsible for confiscating and destroying the unissued "Connell" stamps. Excellent collateral material.

NEW BRUNSWICK 6P-11P,The complete set of six in plate proof sheets of 100 on card mounted india paper; the 1c Locomotive in dark violet and the others in issued colours; the five cent shows the “Elongated earring” variety (Position 60). A superb and very rare set of sheets; perhaps only other survives intact, VF (Unitrade cat. $44,500)

Of the six issued stamps only three show “American Bank Note Co. New York” plate imprints – One cent (eight times), Two cent (fourteen times) and 17c (once; at foot). The other values have no plate imprints.

NEW BRUNSWICK 6Piii, iv, v,Plate proof block of six (2x3) in dark violet brown on card mounted india paper, showing all three types of the SPECIMEN overprint in red -- the scarce Type D on top row followed by Type B and Type C. An elusive se-tenant SPECIMEN overprinted block, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 7,“Goodall” die proof in greenish blue on india paper 24 x 29mm, sunk on card 46 x 45mm, lightly inked ABNC imprint and die number "219" at foot; a rare and beautiful proof in immaculate condition, XF (Minuse & Pratt 7TC2g)

NEW BRUNSWICK 7,“Goodall” die proof in brownish red on india paper, 23 x 29mm, die sunk on card 45 x 47mm, showing albino impression of ABNC imprint and die number "219" at foot; in pristine condition, XF and rare (Minuse & Pratt 7TC2g)

NEW BRUNSWICK 7Pi,A superb plate proof sheet of 100 in the issued colour on card mounted india paper, fresh and choice, shows fourteen ABNC imprints, XF (Cat. as single proofs)

NEW BRUNSWICK 7a,A fabulous corner margin block of sixteen (4x4) imperforate horizontally, small portion of selvedge missing, shows two full ABNC imprints (and portion of a third at top left), well centered with deep colour, without gum as are known examples of this major error, VF (Cat. as eight pairs)

Provenance: Specialized New Brunswick Collection, Harmer, Rooke of London, June 1965; Lot 414

Literature: Illustrated in Capex '96 Gems of Canadian Philately on page 232.

We know of two other part-perforate blocks of sixteen (from the unique sheet, different corner positions)

NEW BRUNSWICK 7a,A visually striking block of four, imperforate horizontally in error, very well centered and showing the full ABNC imprint in the top margin, ungummed as are all known examples of this elusive error, VF+ (Unitrade cat. as two pairs only)

NEW BRUNSWICK 8,A superb “Goodall” die proof, printed in brownish red on india paper 29 x 33mm, sunk on card 42 x 55mm, die number "97" above and ABNC (albino) imprint at foot; remarkably choice with rich colour, XF (Minuse & Pratt 8TC2a)

Provenance: "An Important New Brunswick Collection", SG Auctions, November 1980; Lot 113

NEW BRUNSWICK 8Pii, iii, iv,Plate proof sheet of 100 on card mounted india paper shows the three different types of SPECIMEN overprint in red (Type B on 50 proofs, Type C on 40 and the elusive Type D on 10). No plate imprints as on the issued stamp, VF (Cat. as single proofs)

NEW BRUNSWICK 8Pii, iii, iv + inverted specimen,An extraordinary plate proof sheet of 100 in issued colour, on card mounted india paper, showing an INVERTED SPECIMEN OVERPRINT SETTING -- the overprints are reading down on the first five rows and up on the others (as intended). As a result there are ten tete-beche "reading down & reading up" pairs in the fifth and sixth rows. A wonderful proof sheet showing what we believe to be a unique error on any British North America proof, VF (Cat. $5,750+ as normal proofs)

Also of note, on the top half of the sheet the scarce Type D proofs with inverted SPECIMEN appear in the sixth column. The other five proofs with Type D specimen on the lower half of the sheet appear in the fifth column as customary.

NEW BRUNSWICK 8 variety,A dynamic unused duo in two distinct shades, one a major pre-perforation paper fold resulting in a langled "blank" stamp, light crease as a result of the variety; the other a major perforation shift (9mm down), F-VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 9,A very rare set of four "Goodall" die proofs, engraved and printed in greenish blue, bluish green, brownish red and dark yellow brown, on characteristic size india paper 26-29 x 30-32mm; natural india fibre inclusion on greenish blue proof and small nick at left on bluish green proof, negligible for these very elusive coloured proofs, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 9,Trial Colour Die Proof, engraved and printed in dark blue (indigo), exceptional colour with remarkably sharp features on india paper, originating from a "Goodall" Compound Die, very large margins all around and in choice condition, XF

NEW BRUNSWICK 9Piii, iv, v,Plate proof sheet of 100 in brownish red on card mounted india paper showing three different types of SPECIMEN overprint in green (Type B on 50 proofs, Type C on 40 and the elusive Type D on 10, the latter found in the 5th column). No plate imprints appear on this stamp, VF (Cat. as single proofs)

NEW BRUNSWICK 1860 (June 6) Blue cover from Gagetown to Fredericton bearing a diagonally bisected 10c vermilion affixed over provisional oval handstamp "3d" (5c), clipped perfs on one side as often seen, neatly tied by oval grid numeral "14", clear double arc Gagetown JU 6 1860 dispatch on back and partial Fredericton receiver backstamps, lightly wrinkling to cover in no way detracts, a beautiful bisect cover, F-VF (Unitrade 9a)

Expertization: 1962 BPA certificate

An attractive in-period provisional use of a 10c vermilion bisected to pay the 5c domestic letter rate (effective May 1860). This was the temporary replacement for the controversial (and never issued) 5c Charles Connell stamp. The 5c Queen Victoria stamp is said to have been issued in or around July 18, 1860.

NEW BRUNSWICK 1860 (October 31) Folded cover bearing a diagonally bisected 10c vermilion with intact perforations on both sides, well centered neatly tied by clear Chatham oval grid '8' cancellation with double arc dispatch OC 31 backstamp, partly legible Way Office postmark at left with filled-in "Oct 31 1860" date, paying the 5 cent Interprovincial letter rate to Nova Scotia with "H" (Halifax) oval receiver on back. Seldom seen in such choice condition, VF (Unitrade 9a)

Expertization: 1971 BPA certificate

A very nice provisional usage of a 10c vermilion bisect paying the 5c domestic letter rate (effective as of May 1860). Bisecting of 10 cent stamps was tolerated as a replacement for the controversial (and never issued) Charles Connell stamp or shortage of 5c stamps in general.

NEW BRUNSWICK 10,An exceptional “Goodall” Compound Die Proof, engraved and printed in black on india paper 31 x 26mm sunk on card 45 x 31mm, die number "No.129" below the completed stamp with a progressive proof of the oval alongside. Visually striking, rare and in pristine condition, XF (Minuse & Pratt 10TC2a)

NEW BRUNSWICK 10,American Bank Note Company Trade Samples; a remarkable assembly of sixteen proofs in distinctive different colours and shades on at least three paper types, two perforated and gummed (one on chemical paper with black ink defacing lines) by the ABNC; eight are in sound condition. Great effort was placed on acquiring the more desirable darker shades and colours. A neat group for the specialist, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK 10Pii, iii, iv,Plate proof sheet of 100 in dark blue on card mounted india paper, showing the three types of SPECIMEN overprint in red (Type B on 50 proofs, Type C on 40 and the elusive Type D on 10), VF (Cat. as single proofs)

NEW BRUNSWICK 1861 (July 6) "Liberty & Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable" US Flag bicoloured patriotic envelope franked with a 12½c Steamship tied by oval grid cancel, addressed to Liverpool, England, St. Stephen JY 6 1861 dispatch, St. John JY 8 transit and clear Liverpool JY 23 61 CDS receiver on back; a beautiful cover and a most unusual usage of a U.S. patriotic from New Brunswick, VF (Unitrade 10)

Provenance: Robert V.C. Carr New Brunswick Collection, Siegel, October 1987; Lot 922

NEW BRUNSWICK 11,"Goodall" Die Proof in greenish blue on characteristic sized india paper 26 x 30mm, rare as less than half a dozen were printed in this colour, VF

NEW BRUNSWICK A valuable accumulation noting 1c Goodall die proof in black, rebacked but nice appearing, 1c Type B & C specimen blocks, 1c dark violet block plus light rose strip of three and single on bond paper; various 2c trial colour singles and blocks, 2c dark green sheet (some ageing in margins), blocks of 30 in two shades of orange with five imprints; 5c Connell stamp size Goodall die proofs in light blue violet, green (2) and black on india paper, plate proof pair and single, trial colour block in orange (oxidized) and singles of Type A and C specimen; 5c green se-tenant Type B-D specimen block of six; 10c stamp size Goodall die proofs in black, green (2), brown and slate on india, 10c brownish red sheet with SPECIMEN in green, lower left block severed and hinged back; six 12½c ABNC trade sample proofs (two are sound), a plate proof block of 16 in issued colour; 17c with two die proofs in black, one on india other on card, a plate proof block of eight Type B, C, D se-tenant, various other multiples with or without specimen overprint, latter with proof block of 16, etc. A great lot to further expand and for in-depth specialization.

NEW BRUNSWICK On seven stockpages noting Pence issues with shades: 3p (7 plus a pair), 6p (7), 1sh (one mint, one unused repaired and three used), a faulty 5c Connell with RPSL cert.; range of 1c to 17c with multiples noting a 1c pair imperforate vertically, mint OG block of the 5c, etc. Six stamps with certificates. Also three more stockpages and an album page with official reprints and forgeries. Condition mixed from faulty to VF.

NEW BRUNSWICK Eight sheets (three without sheet margin) in variable condition including some faults mainly confined to selvedge, severed perfs, etc. Includes 1c (4; no gum), 2c (2; both no gum, without margins), 10c overall toned but many stamps NH and 17c mint OG (no margins) with usual stacking offset on gum side, slight abrasion on a few stamps. From our past experiences, New Brunswick Decimal sheets are noticeably scarcer than the ones for Nova Scotia issues.

NEW BRUNSWICK Thirteen covers and two fronts, the latter includes a 3p bisect strip for 7½p letter rate to England; 1959 BPA cert. Noted 3p dark red bisect and 6p yellow, latter lifted and hinged back to cover to Hull, England, a 1860 bisect 10c half used as 5c for domestic rate, etc. Mixed to fine or better condition

NEW BRUNSWICK Jephcott, Greene & Young "The Postal History of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 1754-1867", Sissons publication, 1964, 393 pages, hardcover limited edition of 400 with dustjacket, latter with edge faults, book in good shape. Long out-of-print and an essential title on the subject. Also Quarterman reprint of Nicholas Argenti "The Postage Stamps of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia", 223 pages + 24 plates.

NOVA SCOTIA STAMPLESS COVERS 1795 (January 7) Folded entire lettersheet mailed from Hamilton, Scotland to Quebec, manuscript prepaid "1/10" in red along with circular Paid 1795 JA 7 in red, small double ring Hamilton dispatch on back, arriving in Halifax where it was struck with a superb HALIFAX N:SCOTIA Mar 15 95 Colonial datestamp (Macdonald type HAL-4b) on reverse, a further charge of "1/8" currency was levied for the overland passage from through New Brunswick to Lower Canada. The winter journey being difficult and long, took a whole month attested to by docketing on reverse noting "Received 15th April"; an attractive early Colonial cover displaying clearer markings normally seen, XF; 1984 BPA cert.

NOVA SCOTIA STAMPLESS COVERS Folded lettersheet datelined "Halifax August 18th, 1820" mailed to Digby, Nova Scotia, rated "7" and struck by quite clear "Annapolis 29 Aug20" straightline handstamp (JGY Fig. 31 RF 9; Macdonald type 25) with second date digit changed to "8", ageing and file fold, a Fine cover with VF strike of this rare marking; ex. John Young (December 1992; Lot 45)

NOVA SCOTIA STAMPLESS COVERS 1823 (May 12) Folded lettersheet to Halifax, rated "9" but reassessed "Free", bearing a quite clear straightline DIGBY.MAY_1823" with "12" inserted by hand (JGY Fig. 33 RF 9; Macdonald Type SL-3). The illustration of this marking depicted in Jephcott, Greene & Young on page 50 is based on this cover, VF

NOVA SCOTIA STAMPLESS COVERS 1829 (October 16) Folded cover to Halifax, rated "11d, plus 1d for Halifax local delivery", very attractive and clearly struck double circle Post Office Pictou (JGY Fig. 47; Macdonald type 51), F-VF cover with XF strike; ex. John Young (December 1992; Lot 70)

NOVA SCOTIA - 1 PENCE 2i,A visually striking irregular unused block of four with diagonally bisected top left stamp, sheet margin at left, slight soiling, a F-VF and scarce multiple; 1986 BPA cert.

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 183, November 1960; Lot 1131

NOVA SCOTIA - 1 PENCE 3,A selected and attractive unused example, ample to noticeably large margins with bold fresh colour and impression associated with this scarcer shade, VF

NOVA SCOTIA - 2 CENTS 13,Engraved Die Proof in colour of issue on card mounted india paper 45 x 45mm, shows die sinkage on three side, in pristine fresh condition, VF+ and quite scarce (Minuse & Pratt 13P2)

NOVA SCOTIA - 2 CENTS Five mint sheets of 100, overall nice condition considering their age, couple with minor peripheral flaws, otherwise sound with majority of stamps NH. Includes 1c (2 on white paper), 8½c on white and on yellowish paper and 10c on white paper. F-VF; a great lot for studying plate varieties.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 9d,Lower right imperforate block, ungummed as issued, VF

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 15a,A scarce mint block imperforate vertically between pairs, characteristic crackly brown original gum, Fine+ NH

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Seven sheets with intact selvedge all around; minor split perfs in places, includes 2p rose sheet of 60, 3p blue (3 sheets of 30, two different shades) and sheets of 30 of the 4p black on yellowish and on white paper (2). Majority of stamps NH, F-VF; not often seen and in overall nice condition.

PROVINCES Various with emphasis on Nova Scotia; noting BC mint #12, Nova Scotia 6p yellow green vertical bisect tied to piece by oval mute grid, Annapolis OC 28 1857 datestamp struck at left (Mohrmann cert.), 3p & 1sh bisects cancelled on piece, halves used as 7½p, a choice 3p pale blue used, several Cents proofs including ABNC 8½c trade sample proofs in darker rose and lilac shades; Prince Edward Island with 3p imperforate pair, three different Tilleard die proofs and some plate proofs in black, etc. Mixed condition to very fine

NFLD. TRADE SAMPLE PROOFS Plate 1, Paper 9,(1929) Trade Sample Die Proofs printed in purple on white diagonal mesh wove paper (0.004" to 0.0045" thick), the second state of the plate with the 4 pence displaying the characteristic scars; the complete set of nine denominations with both dies of the 3 penny. Exceptionally fresh and choice, XF

NFLD. TRADE SAMPLE PROOFS Plate 1A, Paper 10,(1929 - defaced state) Trade Sample Die Proofs printed in yellow green on the scarcer thick yellow wove paper (0.007" to 0.008" thick). The complete set of nine denominations including both dies of the 3 penny triangle. Rare and visually striking, XF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 1P,A superb Perkins Bacon plate proof pair, printed in black on thin white card, fresh and large margined; scarce - only one sheet of 120 was printed, XF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 7P,Perkins Bacon original plate proof pair, printed in black on thin white card, exceptionally fresh with large margins all around. Superb in all respects and very rare as only one sheet of 20 was printed, XF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 8,A fresh mint corner margin block with ample to large margins, great colour and sharp impression, full dull white original gum associated with this Issue; pencil signed by experts Theophile Lemaire and Alberto Diena on reverse, VF LH

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 11A, 11Ai,A remarkable mint block of forty - the right half of a sheet, horizontal fold between rows, light natural paper wrinkling on some in first column, natural inclusion between two. Displays virtually complete papermaker's watermark "STACEY WISE / 1858" on twelve stamps along two rows. Full, thinly applied original gum characteristic of the issue, all but two stamps are NEVER HINGED. A rarely seen large multiple of this popular classic in an excellent state of preservation, VF LH (Unitrade cat. $16,320)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 11A,A visually striking mint triangular block of nine, well margined and in pristine fresh condition, faint hinging on three leaving six stamps NH, VF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 18, 18ii,Mint sheet with large portion watermark (STA)CEY WISE / 1858 over six stamps, ten are NH including all watermarked stamps, crease between first and second rows and crease in right margin, a scarce watermarked sheet, VF (Unitrade cat. $1,860)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 20,A fresh mint sheet, lightly hinged in selvedge only, natural wrinkle at top hardly visible from the front. An attractive sheet with VF NH stamps (Unitrade cat. $1,200)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 21, 21i,A fresh mint sheet showing large portion of papermaker's watermark (STA)CEY WISE / 1858 reading up and spanning six stamps in first two columns, horizontal fold in the margin at centre between second and third rows, faint hinging on lower corner stamps leaving eighteen NH; a VF and rare sheet. (Unitrade cat. $5,440)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 1 PENCE 23,A lovely mint sheet, fresh rich colour, light hinge in selvedge and natural gum bends mainly in margin; a scarce intact sheet, all stamps are VF NH (Unitrade cat. $2,400)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 2 CENTS 24,Large Die Essay by engraver Charles Henry Jeens of Perkins, Bacon Co. with oval
engine turned surround Codfish vignette, printed in grey black on india paper 65 x 46mm, die sunk on slightly larger card. An exceptional essay in choice condition - an ideal frontispiece for a Newfoundland collection, XF (Minuse & Pratt 24E-A)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 2 CENTS 1871 (November 22) Yellow cover from the Claudius Watts correspondence, bearing 2c green on white wove paper and 1868 1c violet (First Engraving; National Bank Note Co.) tied by segmented St. John's cork cancels, addressed to Harbor Grace; on reverse St. John's NO 22 1871 datestamp and on observe legible Harbor Grace NO 23 1871 double arc receiver. Only seven such franking covers are recorded in the Sammy Whaley cover census, F-VF (Unitrade 24, 32)

This cover was sent by Horatio John Watts (son of Claudius) who resided St. Pierre & Miquelon, where some of the correspondence may have originated, according to Whaley's findings (see page 97-98, in his book Newfoundland 1865-1879 A Cover Study). Although, this cover is listed under Whaley's chapter 5: St. Pierre and Miquelon rate covers, we are unable to ascertain such a claim.

NEWFOUNDLAND - 2 CENTS 31P,Lower right corner margin plate proof block of nine in the issued colour on card mounted india paper, full ABNC plate imprint on two sides, VF (Cat. as singles only)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 2 CENTS 32TC, vi, viii, ix,Four different trial colour plate proofs by National Bank Note Co. (Newfoundland's only stamp printed by this firm), in dark red brown, yellow orange, blue and in black, the latter lower left corner margin, all on card mounted india paper, VF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 2 CENTS 40,A fresh and nicely centered mint block with brilliant colour on fresh paper, full original gum relatively lightly hinged, natural gum bend on top left stamp. A scarce block, VF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 4 1897-1947 ISSUES 78-86,The complete set of forty-seven in mint blocks with sheet margin on one or two sides, ABNC security punch and specimen overprint in various types and colours. All known printing orders from of the issue are represented with shades, papers and gums used. Generally only one sheet of each printing order was prepared; a complete set in blocks in virtually unheard of, F-VF NH (Unitrade cat. $7,400)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 4 1897-1947 ISSUES 143,A very scarce set of four De La Rue Trial Colour Large Die Proofs in shades of green ranging from greenish black to yellowish green, printed on gummed on yellowish wove paper partially adhering to quadrilled ledger pieces, each with manuscript numbers "1" to "4" with the colour code (the stamp was eventually issued in red brown). Usual minor creasing for these, otherwise VF

NEWFOUNDLAND - 5 1932-1938 RESOURCES 197c,A well centered mint pair imperforate horizontally between, fresh with full original gum, VF NH and elusive

NEWFOUNDLAND - 6 1941-1944 RESOURCES 253i/269v,The set of five top margin imperforate gutter margin blocks of eight with plate numbers, all with Waterlow security punches; typical minor flaws and usual crease in the interpanneau margins. Three blocks have printer's manuscript markings. A rare set, VF OG (Walsh cat. $14,250) ex. Robert H. Pratt (private sale)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 6 1941-1944 RESOURCES 253i, 254iv, 255vi, 257vii, 269v,Imperforate horizontal gutter margin blocks of eight with Waterlow archival security punches, folded at centre as always with typical wrinkles. This rare set of five interpanneau blocks is complete as no other values exist in this format, VF OG

NEWFOUNDLAND - 4 1897-1947 ISSUES 269iii,A remarkable inter-panneau block of eight imperforate vertically, wide (45mm) gutter between blocks, bottom strip creased, customary fold at centre, typical gum wrinkles found on Waterlow printings. Top strip displays centre of the sheet guidelines and colour dots, NH with Fine centering as do all that exist. (Unitrade cat. $3,000)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 7 AIRMAIL C2,A very well centered mint hinged block of four, all four positions with period after "1919" and comma after "POST"; each with pencil Bolaffi guarantee on back, a fresh block in selected condition, VF H

NEWFOUNDLAND - 7 AIRMAIL 1930 (September 25) Clean and fresh "Columbia" Flight cover bearing Publicity 20c and 30c for the special 50c rate, neatly tied by St. John's slogan datestamp, endorsed "via Airplane Columbia", backstamped with superb Harbour Grace AM OC 9 30 departure CDS, London OCT 13 1930 arrival CDS. An elusive Supplementary Mail franking, VF (Unitrade 157, 159)

NEWFOUNDLAND - 7 AIRMAIL C6-C8,The set of three engraved trial colour plate proof singles in black on bond paper, each with large margins, choice, VF; only 100 sets exist.

NEWFOUNDLAND - 7 AIRMAIL C12,A well centered and fresh mint pane of four (the complete surcharge setting), a few perf separations at top, full pristine original gum and in exceptional condition, VF NH

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS In black mounts on 1950s Jarrett album pages, starts with a few Pence issues, then excellent representation including most Cents issues and fairly complete from Cabot series to 1949, later airmails and postage dues also shown. Fresh colours and a good percentage are NH; also some Provinces noting Nova Scotia 5c blue mint. Generally Fine to Very Fine

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS On old-time Jarrett album pages, many dozen different noting five different Pence issues, then well covered from 1865 to 1897, a nice assortment of part and complete sets from 1897 Cabot to early 1930s; also a few Provinces. Mainly Fine or better noting many nicely postmarked stamps

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS An interesting range of plate proofs & imperforates, noting 1861 3p green "triangular" shape mint block of four, 1937 Long Coronation plate proof sets in black and in issued colours (former no 1c and latter set no 3c as usual), 1941 1c Codfish (Waterlow Printing) NH pair, 1947 4c Birthday NH pair, 1931 $1 Airmail, watermarked, imperforate pair NH with small margins, 1932 Unissued "Wayzata" $1 dark blue, 2 sheets of 20 stamps with gum disturbance or marginal flaws, 1931 Pictorial plate proof set of 3 in black, 1932 covers to England, a few first flight covers from 1930s & 1940s, a Maritime and Newfoundland Airways red on yellow cinderella imperforate sheet of 25; some Pence forgeries, etc. Worth a closer look.

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS Includes 1937 Long Coronation set of ten trial colour plate proofs in black on bond paper (no 1c exists in this colour); 6c Princess defaced proof in black; and 1941-1944 1c-48c set of fourteen plus 1947 4c Birthday and 5c Cabot in imperforate blocks with Waterlow security punch on gummed stamp paper with usual wrinkles, VF

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS A comprehensive lot of 29 imperforate corner blocks on gummed watermarked paper; each stamp with Waterlow archival security punch. Includes a complete set 1c to 48c plus additional printings; twelve blocks show plate numbers. Usual wrinkling and creasing, a scarce group, majority are VF NH; ex. Robert H. Pratt (private sale)

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS A remarkable lot consisting of 31 left centre or top centre imperforate blocks; each stamp with Waterlow archival security punch. Includes a complete set 1c to 48c plus additional printings / plates; fifteen are plate blocks, others with positional guidelines. Usual wrinkling and creasing so prevalent on these multiples. A very seldom seen offering, mainly VF NH; ex. Robert H. Pratt (private sale)

NEWFOUNDLAND LARGE LOTS An impressive lot of 45 imperforate blocks of four on watermarked paper, each stamp with Waterlow archival security punch. Includes the full set from 1c to 48c, plus additional blocks from different printings of 1c, 2c, 3c, 5c, 10c, etc. Usual gum wrinkles and creases associated with these, mainly VF NH; also includes 29 perforated blocks with similar punch. A great lot for the specialist. ex. C.A. Stillions.

CANADA STAMPLESS COVERS 1795-05,1795 (May 4) Folded lettersheet from Montreal to Quebec, struck with quite clear MONTREAL MAY, 4 two-line handstamp in black, rated "9" (to collect) for single-sheet for a distance between 101-200 miles. In excellent condition considering its age, VF (CS Type VIII)

CANADA - 2 PENCE 1,A seldom seen unused single, faint laid lines, repaired at left side and somewhat oxidized. Nevertheless, a presentable and very fine appearing example of this stamp that is rarely available in unused condition; 2020 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade cat. $60,000)

CANADA - 2 PENCE 2,A noteworthy used example surrounded by unusually large margins, portion of adjoining stamp visible at foot, excellent colour with faint laid lines, socked-on-nose concentric rings cancellation; a choice stamp, XF; 2011 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 2 PENCE 4d,An attractive mint single with bright fresh colour, well clear to large margins, area of disturbance from previous hinge removal, F-VF OG

CANADA - 2 PENCE 8a,A tremendously difficult unused classic stamp, in at upper right to large margins, devoid of the myriad paper faults and flaws so prevalent on this fragile paper; only a miniscule number of unused examples exists, Fine; 1963 BPA cert.

CANADA - 2 PENCE 1858 (June 17) Folded cover endorsed "Per Indian" mailed from Toronto to London, addressee obliterated, franked with a wide margined 7½ pence green with lovely colour, neatly tied by two strikes of the diamond grid cancellation, split ring dispatch at left, Montreal JU 18 transit backstamp and London "Paid 1858 JY 1" circular datestamp in red, F-VF (Unitrade 9)

Provenance: John Seybold, J.C. Morgenthau & Co., March 1910; Lot 619 - with his distinctive owner's handstamps struck on the inside flaps of the cover.

CANADA - 2 PENCE 11 variety,An appealing used single with bright colour, showing a Strong Re-entry (Position 84 in the perforated sheet of 100 subjects) with doubling of the left frame, marks in "A" (and just below in oval) of "HALF" along other traits, light partly legible four-ring numeral cancel, Fine

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14 variety,An attractive used example of the very rare LAID PAPER variety, displaying unmistakable clear horizontal laid lines, intact perforations all around and neat grid cancellation. Little is known about this paper variety as so few exist, in fact, this is the first time we have had the pleasure to offer one; it has been reported that the last time an example was offered at auction was in the E. Carey Fox sale (Second Portion in October 1968) - a very lightly cancelled example that sold for an impressive US$825. One of the greatest rarities of Canada's Decimal series, Fine+

Provenance: Maresch Private Treaty (First catalogue, 1977); item 70 with retail price of $2,500.
Sam Nickle sale, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 239

Two other Canadian stamps found on laid paper can be compared - the One cent Large Queen and the highly prized, ultra-rare Two cent of the same series (Scott 31 and 32 respectively). Well centered, sound examples of the former are worth several thousand dollars. The 2 cent, of which only three examples are known, would certainly fetch more than a quarter million dollars if offered at auction today.

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14b,A remarkable used horizontal strip of five in an immaculate state of preservation, characteristic deeper shade of an early printing, beautiful sharp impression, well centered with superbly struck clear four-ring '39' (St. Johns, C.E. RF-5) cancellations. A marvelous multiple that will stand out in anyone's collection, VF+

Provenance: Bertram Collection, Shanahan's Auction, February 1959; Lot 470
E. Carey Fox, Second Portion, H.R. Harmer Inc., October 1968; Lot 86

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14v, viii,A scarce used block, quite well centered and showing two examples of the elusive "E" plate flaw variety on the left pair )Positions 34 and 44), light concentric rings cancellations ideally positioned far away from the varieties. A wonderful item for the specialist, VF

Provenance: Frank Laycock, Robson Lowe Ltd., June 1980; Lot 1
Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale September 1981; Lot 56

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14,A used vertical strip of three attractively cancelled by neat four-ring '49' cancellations IN BLUE of Whitby, C.W. Fine with VF strikes

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14,Five singles with coloured concentric rings cancels - in bright orange red, red, bluish green, blue (small ink spot on back) and dark blue. A striking lot, F-VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14viii,A well centered used single with clear, centrally struck Campbellford double arc dispatch datestamp IN RED, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14,An exceptionally well centered used single with bright colour, ideally cancelled by face-free concentric rings IN RED, very seldom seen with such attributes, XF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14b,A used single cancelled by superb socked-on-nose Intaglio "1857" fancy cancel (Lacelle 177), corner crease and slight perf ageing, Fine with XF strike

CANADA - 3 CENTS 14viii,A superbly centered used single with lovely bright fresh colour, ideal fancy grid '37' cancellation of Québec, as good as it gets, XF

CANADA - 3 CENTS "The Globe" with Toronto, Canada West, Tuesday, December 25, 1860 dateline, not mailed from the Office of Publisher, paying the 1c transient fee with a sound example of the 1c deep rose, perf 11¾, tied by light four-ring numeral (either '13' of Galt or '33' of Port Hope). Minor edge wear, full newspaper folded for better presentation and in good condition considering its age, F-VF (Unitrade 14b)

CANADA - 3 CENTS 1868 (June 6) Orange cover mailed registered from Montreal to Beauharnois, a late usage of the 5 cent Beaver paying a combined new rate of 3c domestic rate plus 2c registration, tied by Montreal duplex, straightline REGISTERED handstamp in red; same-day receiver backstamp. A rarely seen single-franking Decimal Issue cover mailed during the Large Queen period. One of only five known such frankings recorded in the Wayne Smith census; a rare and appealing registered cover, VF (Unitrade 15)

CANADA - 3 CENTS 16P + variety,An attractive, upper margin, plate proof block of six in black brown on india paper, top centre proof shows the constant "String of Pearls" (Position 3) plate variety, VF (Unitrade cat. as normal plate proofs)

Another plate variety, short entry behind head, is visible on Positions 2 and 12.

Provenance: Maresch Private Treaty (First catalogue, 1977); item 74
Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale 133, September 1981; Lot 263

CANADA - 3 CENTS 16Pi + variety,Plate proof block of four in black brown on india paper, vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, top left proof is the constant "String of Pearls" (Position 3) variety, negligible mount mark on lower left proof; appealing and very scarce, VF (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

Provenance: Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale 133, September 1981; Lot 264

CANADA - 3 CENTS 17,An extremely well centered unused single with noticeably wide margins, tiny stain visible from reverse only, superb colour and impression; a beautiful stamp, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 17,A very scarce four-ring numeral cancelled used block, clear to legible '49' numeral strikes of Whitby, perf separation at lower pair strengthened by hinges, old paper hinge adhering to top right stamp, quite well centered with excellent colour; a great item, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 17,A nicely centered used example with large margins, brilliant colour and large portion of instructional Too L(ate) marking handstamp in italics, unusual, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 17vii,A superb, fresh used single, very well centered with part ABNC imprint in margin at left, fabulous colour and sharp impression, neat bluish-black grid cancel, XF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 18, 18iv,A well centered used block of six (2x3), mute grid cancels, creasing from usage on lower pair, bottom left stamp shows the Major Re-entry (Position 94). An impressive and rare block, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 18,A well centered used block, bright colour and concentric rings cancels; a scarce block, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 18ii,A reasonably centered used horizontal strip of four, sound with intact perforations, light Montreal SP 14 66 duplex datestamps, scarce and appealing, F-VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 18ii, shade,A superb used pair with exceptionally dark rich colour on fresh paper, very well centered with ideal concentric rings cancels, XF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19TCi + variety,A superb trial colour plate proof block of four, printed in black on india paper, sheet margin at right, displaying a sharp impression of the Major Re-entry (Position 100) on lower right proof. Exceptionally fresh and choice, a very rare proof block, XF

Provenance: Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale 133, September 1981; Lot 481

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19TC + variety,Trial colour plate proof block in pale blue on india paper, close to large margins, shows the elusive "burr over shoulder" variety on top right proof (Position 7), a scarce positional block with the sought-after variety, F-VF

Provenance: Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale 133, September 1981; Lot 474

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19,A remarkable mint pair with fabulous colour deep and bright impression on fresh paper, intact perforations clear of design on three sides, relatively lightly hinged with unusually clean white original gum - in fact one of the nicest OG multiples one can hope to find on this popular classic stamp, Fine+ OG

Expertization: 2019 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: E. Carey Fox, Second Portion, H.R. Harmer, Inc. of New York, October 1968; Lot 164

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19,A superior mint example of this notoriously difficult stamp, very well centered with perforations well clear of design on three sides, deep rich colour on fresh paper and large part original gum. A beautiful mint example of this popular classic stamp, VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19iii,A very scarce unused example of the "Burr over Shoulder" plate variety (Position 7), very short-lived as it occurred just before the last printing order in February 1867, tiny shallow thin but otherwise Fine; very few unused examples exist (if at all).

Provenance: Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale 133, September 1981; Lot 475
The "Carrington" Collection of the Province of Canada, 1851-1868, Matthew Bennett Auctions, June 2002; Lot 3380 - described as sound.

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19, 19iii, 19iv,The sensational used block of thirteen (Positions 1-7 / 11-16), printed in a lovely bright shade on fresh paper and displaying both the Re-entry at Position 5 and the sought-after "Burr over Shoulder" plate flaw at Position 7, the latter occurred just prior to the last printing order in February 1867. Ideal light cancellations, unobtrusive and away from the varieties, well centered for such a large multiple; light wrinkle in second column and a few split perfs strengthened by hinges. A wonderful block with superior overall freshness and in an excellent state of preservation. An outstanding showpiece - among the largest known multiples and without question the most desirable used multiple of the Seventeen cent Cartier. Fine to Very Fine (Unitrade 19, 19iii, 19iv)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn Decimal Collection, Robson Lowe, Toronto, November 1983; Lot 121
The "Carrington" Collection of the Province of Canada, 1851-1868, Matthew Bennett Auctions, June 2002; Lot 3378 - where it realized an impressive US$17,000 hammer!

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19,A well centered block with neatly struck diamond grid cancellations of Toronto, faint soiling at right perfs, a lovely and scarce block with rich colour and sharp impression, F-VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19, 19a, 19i,The three listed shades in selected used quality - blue, slate blue and Prussian blue, choice well centered with light grid cancels, appealing and VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19ii,A lovely used example of the sought-after Major Re-entry (Position 100) with strong doubling of vertical frameline at left, in oval below or above "POSTAGE" and "CENTS" among other features, quite well centered with three large margins, unobtrusive light duplex cancellation well away from the plate variety traits; a wonderful example, F-VF

CANADA - 3 CENTS 19iii,A reasonably centered example clearly showing the prominent "Burr over Shoulder" variety (Position 7) that occurred just before the last printing in February 1867, light grid cancel away from this key variety; one shorter perf at top, still noticeably nicer than most of the few known examples, F-VF

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN Master Die Essays, engraved, two unadopted designs with respective frame and central vignette prior to engraving of value tablet and country name, stamp size and affixed to small archival ledger piece. Although unadopted, the Queen Victoria essay certainly has similarities to the Large Queen series; an extraordinary and UNIQUE duo, VF (Unlisted in Minuse & Pratt)

Provenance: British American Banknote Company Archives, Proofs, Essays and Models, Spink, New York, October 1997; part of Lot 397

In 1866, the British American Bank Note Co. was founded through a merger of Smillie's and Burland, first established in Ottawa circa. 1867, the BABN prepared essays using vignettes and models of existing Canadian stamps then printed by the American Bank Note Co. to develop potential arrangements with Canadian authorities to print their postage and revenue stamps and paper money.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN Compound Die Essay of two engraved vignettes in black on india paper 56 x 27mm affixed to slightly larger archival grey card 85 x 31mm, engraver's guidelines at centre with annotation "No 2a" in ink. Superb BABN engraved vignettes, VF (Unlisted in Minuse & Pratt)

Provenance: British American Banknote Company Archives

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 21,British American Bank Note Company Die Essay - the unissued design, printed in claret, stamp size on india paper, usual india thinning, light stain and tiny edge flaw, large margined and of very fine appearance. A very rare and appealing die essay. (Minuse & Pratt 21E-AB, unlisted in this colour)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

This essay was previously categorized as an essay for the Large Queen Issue; see Minuse & Pratt handbook as an example. However, it bears a closer resemblance and shows similar characteristics to adopted on the Small Queen issue.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 21,Spectacular Engraved Die Proof printed in black on thin hard bond paper measuring 25 x 29mm, very rare in the issued colour. A glorious showpiece, VF (Minuse & Pratt 21P2b)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 21, 21ii, 21iv,An attractive unused left margin block of sixteen, minor perf separation, complete BABN imprint at left; a few stamps with "spur" in scroll left of "H" variety and one with line above "P" of "POSTAGE" (Position 63), F-VF

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 21,A post office fresh mint block, sharp impression on bright white paper, full dull, white streaky original gum, lower right stamp NH. An appealing block, F-VF LH

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (September 3) Small envelope mailed from Hamilton to a Soldier in 3rd Batn 60 Rifles, Madras, East Indies and inscribed "formerly of the 2nd Battn Rifle Bde" at left, franked with two pairs of ½c black on medium horizontal wove paper, fourth stamp faulty from placement at edge of envelope, tied by light Hamilton SP 13 68 duplex grids, London Paid 16 SP 68 transit in red; reverse with six Indian transit and receiver postmarks including Sea Post, three different Madras and two more from Bangalore dated OC 21; entering the Dead Letter Office on November 11 before being returned to sender. The cover was indifferently and carelessly inscribed "DEAD" in large letters. THE ONLY KNOWN MILITARY CONCESSIONARY LETTER TO INDIA FRANKED WITH LARGE QUEEN STAMPS. One of the most outstanding Large Queen covers extant and a showpiece of the highest order, VF (Unitrade 21)

Expertization: 2002 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Unknown provenance, John Sheffield Auctions, January 2003; Lot 413 - sold for an impressive $39,000 (exclusive of buyer's premium).
Ron Brigham, February 2014; Lot 62

Census: Of the four Military Concessionary rate covers, recorded in the census compiled by Wayne Smith (revised late 2021), the other three are franked with a single 2c and mailed to the UK. Interestingly enough, only five other covers are recorded to India with Large Queen frankings, four of which have Mixed-Issue frankings with Decimals or Small Queens. All are major rarities.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 22,An impressive mint block of eight, some perf separation strengthened by hinges, natural gum inclusion on third stamp in lower row; all eight stamps are unusually well centered and sound mint with full original gum, hinge remnants to lightly hinged. One of the largest surviving mint blocks, VF (Unitrade cat. $16,000 as singles)

Provenance: General Robert Gill, Robson Lowe Ltd., October 1965; Lot 135
Captain Vivian Hewitt, Robson Lowe Ltd., December 1968; Lot 1054
S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 861

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 22,A nicely centered mint block displaying gorgeous fresh colour on white wove paper, single short perf at foot, large part original gum. A scarce block in well-above average condition, VF OG (Unitrade cat. $8,000)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 22,A remarkably fresh mint block, amazing bright colour on fresh paper, a few split perfs in places strengthened by small hinges, unusually clean large part original gum. A lovely block, F-VF; 2000 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade cat. $5,600)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - BNA Part Three, January 1970; Lot 1179

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 31,An attractive used example of this sought-after stamp, displaying the distinctive deeper shade associated with the laid paper variety, strong laid lines also with a vertical "vergé" line. A difficult to find sound example with unobtrusive grid cancellation, Fine; 1991 PSE cert.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 31,An unusually well centered example of this elusive paper type, true colour on the distinctive thicker paper and showing a vertical "vergé" line, negligible nibbed perfs at right and two small shallow thins, VF appearing with a light, legible centrally struck four-ring '516' cancel of Montreal (RF 7). A rare combination of a very scarce marking on this difficult stamp. (Unitrade cat. $12,500)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 22a,A very well centered used single showing nearly complete watermark letters "ILL" of "CLUTHA MILLS", light duplex datestamp, VF+

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (December 1) A clean, fresh cover mailed registered from W.O. White's Cove, NB to Fredericton, domestic letter rate paid by 3c red on Bothwell paper and registration fee of 2c by a vertical pair of 1c brown red on medium horizontal wove paper, tied by light oval grid '10' cancels (transferred to White's Cover circa.1865), Way Office dispatch at left with filled-in "1 Dec 68" manuscript date, neat Gagetown DE 1 and Fredericton DE 4 backstamps, minor flaws in no way detract, a beautiful cover, VF (Unitrade 22, 25viii)

Provenance: Charles deVolpi with his signature invisible ink "CdeV" circular handstamp.
Horace Harrison Collection of Canadian Postal History, Bennett Auctions, February 2003; Lot 101

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1869 (April 8) An impressive cover bearing a Nova Scotia 5c dark blue Colonial stamp alongside a 1c brown red Large Queen on thin paper, both superbly tied by Halifax two-ring '4' cancellations, split ring dispatch at left; cover reduced at left and part of backflap missing. Addressed to Boston paying 5c Colonial plus 1c Dominion postage for the required 6 cent letter rate to the U.S., St. John, NB AP 10 transit backstamp; no U.S. backstamp as customary States. A fabulous cover, in fact the only recorded cover bearing this extraordinary franking. Ideal for exhibition for an advanced postal history collection, a Fine cover with VF-XF stamps and strikes (Unitrade 22b + Nova Scotia #10)

Although Nova Scotia Decimal stamps were withdrawn from circulation April 1, 1868, they were never demonetized. Very few post-Confederation covers bearing Nova Scotia and Canada stamps exist, generally a 2c with a 1c Large Queen for the 3c domestic letter rate. All are great rarities. The last one of these we offered (October 2015 public auction, Lot 358) sold for $12,000 hammer.

Provenance: Vincent Graves Greene Collection, with his signature handstamp on reverse.
Koh Seow Chuan Grand Prix Collection of New Brunswick & Nova Scotia, Spink, New York, April 1999; Lot 272
Ron Brigham, February 2014; Lot 122

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in H.E. & H.W. Duckworth "The Large Queen Stamps of Canada and Their Use 1868-1872" handbook (first edition) on page 32 (Figure 3).

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 23a,The famous "Firth" mint block of six. Very well centered and printed in a noticeably early bright orange shade; a few split perfs sensibly strengthened, small paper adherence on upper left stamp and overall lightly glazed full original gum, an incredible block of great aesthetic beauty and in an excellent state of preservation. Clearly one of the most spectacular items one can find in the Large Queen issue - the LARGEST SURVIVING MINT MULTIPLE of the revised colour on the One cent stamp. A wonderful item for the connoisseur that has graced several of the most important Large Queen collections of the past, VF OG

Provenance: J.D. Smart, Sissons Sale 120, February 1956; Lot 598
Fred Jarrett, Sisson Sale 172, February 1960; Lot 100 - sold for an impressive $6,750 hammer! The highest realization in Jarrett's Large Queen collection, even surpassing the famous 2c watermarked strip of twenty (Lot 134) which then sold for $6,000. Nowadays, the latter would command a six-figure price tag.
Gerald Firth, Sissons Sale 305, November 1971; Lot 77 - sold for $8,500 hammer, being the third highest realization among this important 287-lot Large Queen sale, only surpassed by a 2c watermarked strip of twenty and a used 2c green laid paper selling for $9,500 and $25,000 respectively.
Emily Lindsey, Maresch Sale 311, January 1988; Lot 355
S.J. Menich Large Queen Collection, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 883 - sold for US$30,000 hammer, the highest realization of the auction dedicated to Large Queen essays, proofs and stamps.
Ron Brigham, February 2014; Lot 131

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 23a,The magnificent mint corner margin block of four, printed in an eye-arresting deep rich orange colour, from the first printing of the changed colour that appeared early in 1869, completely sound and displaying unusually clean original gum, top pair with remarkably PRISTINE ORIGINAL GUM, NEVER HINGED. Only the famous block of six can rival this multiple which is in a more attractive, deeper shade and has superior gum. A wonderful showpiece that will stand out in anyone's collection; among the most important mint multiples of the entire Large Queen Issue, Fine+ LH

Provenance: Gerald Firth, Sissons Sale 305, November 1971; Lot 78
Stanley Cohen, Cavendish Auctions, October 1986; Lot 227
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 23a variety,A remarkable unused example on the distinctive soft, smooth, very white paper, with unusually sharp impression, completely devoid of the usual flaws so often seen on this notoriously fragile paper. A well centered stamp in the characteristic first printing colour found during the first two or three months of 1869, hint of colour oxidation at top; displaying an unusual and prominent vertical plate scratch through Queen's hair. An exceedingly rare combination of the short-lived One cent deep orange colour with the very scarce paper type (Duckworth Paper 8). A wonderful stamp for the advanced collector, VF

Documented in Duckworth "The Large Queen Stamps of Canada and Their Use", second edition handbook on page 63.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 23a,A well centered unused example in the deep rich shade associated with the First printing of the new colour change, VF

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 24,Trial Colour Die Proof, engraved and printed in rich deep blue (indigo), just clear to small margins and trivial mounting marks. Exceptional colour and impression on the distinctive india paper, Fine; a beautiful coloured proof of great rarity. (Minuse & Pratt 24TC2a)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 24iv,A left margin mint block of six with brilliant colour on fresh paper showing the distinctive vertical mesh associated with this paper type, some split perfs supported by small hinges, dull perfs at top and some areas of light gum disturbance, nevertheless a very scarce mint multiple, lovely and fresh with large part original gum, Fine+ (Unitrade cat. $8,400 as Fine OG singles)

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 172, February 1960; Lot 133 - for a block of 14 from which it originates.
S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 950

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 24,A brilliant fresh mint block with exceptional colour, intact perforations all around, trivial flaws on top left stamp, the lower pair with full original gum, NEVER HINGED. An attractive mint block in a superior state of preservation, Fine+ LH (Unitrade cat. $7,200)

Provenance: J. Grant Glassco, Robson Lowe Ltd., July 1969; Lot 99 - offered as a block of six from which this block originates.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 24b,A nicely centered unused example, rich colour on fresh paper, one shorter perf at left, VF; 1995 Greene Foundation cert. ex. "Lindemann" (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 24a,Bright fresh unused example showing full "A" of the papermaker's watermark, hardly discernible corner crease, otherwise a nice example of this elusive stamp, Fine; 1990 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (August 6) Orange envelope addressed to Wiltshire, England at the very rare 2c Military Concessionary Rate, endorsed "1st Battalion Rifle Brigade" and franked with a single 2c green on thin paper tied by Ottawa duplex, countersigned by commanding officer at left, clear Salisbury AU 19 68 arrival CDS struck on back; cover expertly restored along right side and stamp with crease, VF appearance. An important cover sent at the special concessionary rate for soldiers, regardless of their location in the British Empire. A great rarity for the Military or Large Queen specialist alike. (Unitrade 24b)

Expertization: 1964 BPA certificate

Provenance: S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, June 2000; Lot 111 - sold for US$16,000 hammer, not mentioning the cover repair.

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in H.E. & H.W. Duckworth "The Large Queen Stamps of Canada and Their Use 1868-1872" first edition on pages 389-390 (Figure 142). Second edition, page 390 (Figure VI-33).

Census: According to the exhaustive Large Queen cover census compiled by Wayne Smith (revised late 2021), a mere four Military Concessionary rate covers exist, three of which are franked with a single 2c Large Queen.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1869 (September 11) Orange envelope bearing Cents issue 1c rose perf 12 and a scarce 2c blue green on soft white "blotting" paper (faults), tied by light, partially legible two-ring '48' cancels (RF-8 on cover), clear Simcoe split ring dispatch; a very scarce franking for the 3c domestic letter rate to Toronto, light receiver backstamp. Of only a half dozen covers reported bearing this Mixed-Issue franking, this is likely the only one with this scarce paper type, Fine (Unitrade 14, 24iii)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - BNA Part Three, January 1970; Lot 1246

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in Arfken & Leggett "Canada's Decimal Era 1859-1868" era book on page 286 (Figure 1)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1871 (December 6) Large folded ledger Municipal printed form (4 pages) mailed from Vankleek Hill, Ontario to L'Orignal (13km away), bearing a remarkably fresh, choice horizontal strip of three of 2c emerald green on medium horizontal wove paper tied by neat segmented corks cancels, Vankleek Hill split ring dispatch at left, same-day receiver backstamp. A beautiful in-period multiple usage of the Two Cent paying a 6c double letter rate (3c per half ounce), VF; 1998 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade 24i)

Another plausible rate comes to mind - Printed matter rate of 1c per one ounce, therefore, this cover would represent a circular up to 6 ounces; a possibility.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1872 (January 12) Small mourning cover to Lancashire, England in excellent condition bearing a vertical strip of three of 2c bright green on medium horizontal wove paper, tied by Quebec duplex, two British backstamps including Clitheroe JA 29 72 receiver. An attractive in-period franking for the 6c letter rate to the U.K. via Canadian Mail Packet, a beautiful cover, VF (Unitrade 24)

One of only seven 6c rate cover to England, franked with three 2 cent stamps, per the Wayne Smith census.

The 2 cent Small Queen was in circulation as early as March 1872.

Provenance: John Siverts (Part One), Maresch Sale 226, May 1989; Lot 733
S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, June 2000; Lot 124

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 25,Typographed Die Essay by the National Bank Note Company, printed in green on thin yellowish wove paper (0.003" thick) measuring 55 x 63mm, without colourless border around the design, showing characteristic sold background; negligible small thin. A very attractive and seldom seen essay, VF (Minuse & Pratt 25EA-B)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 25,An extraordinary engraved British American Bank Note Die Essay printed in a beautiful shade of dark green, stamp size on india paper. The lower corner numerals and "THREE CENTS" ornamental imprint are in a different format than the issued stamp; small clear margins and negligible mounting marks - traits observed on two other examples we have had the pleasure to offer in the past, Fine. A very rare Large Queen essay produced by the same printer as the issued stamp. (Minuse & Pratt 25E-Ba)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 25,Trial colour plate proof printed in dark purple on white card, small even margins all around; striking and elusive, VF (Minuse & Pratt 25TC4)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 25b,An extremely well centered mint example with superb colour on fresh paper, original gum with area disturbed from previous hinge removal. A challenging mint stamp to locate with such superior centering and great colour, XF OG

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 25a,A very rare mint example portion of "LS" watermark letters of "CLUTHA MILLS" at top, a few nibbed perfs at left as often seen on this Bothwell paper with noticeably strong vertical mesh, slight oxidation, relatively lightly hinged. One of the rarest mint stamps of the entire Large Queen series, VF OG

Expertization: clear 1988 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Emily Lindsey, Maresch Sale 211, January 1988; Lot 373
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 33,A very rare mint single with clear laid lines also showing a vertical "vergé" line, oxidized colour, possessing large part original gum lightly disturbed, tiny thin and corner perf flaw at foot. Despite the minor imperfections a very rare mint original gum example, Very Good (Unitrade cat. $20,000)

Expertization: 1987 Greene Foundation certificate.

Provenance: Emily Lindsey, Maresch Sale 211, January 1988; Lot 375

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (November 14) Orange cover bearing the elusive 3c bright red on laid paper, characteristic shade and distinctive horizontal laid lines, tied by concentric rings cancels, light Merrickville, C.W. split ring datestamp below, pays the 3c domestic letter rate; envelope with corner crease at top left and light wrinkles / creasing away from stamp and small portion of backflap missing, a scarce laid paper franking, Fine (Unitrade 33)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1869 (September 13) Yellow envelope bearing vertical pair of 3c red on medium wove paper, cancelled by light concentric rings, partially legible Uxbridge split ring CDS below, top stamp shows "Cracked Plate" variety in "TS" of "CENTS"; pays the 6 cent letter rate to Boston, no backstamp as customary for mail to US. A very scarce usage of this listed plate variety on cover, F-VF (Unitrade 25, 25v)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1869 (July 9) Mott's Economic Lubricant "Steam Engine" illustrated advertising cover, franked with a 3c red on medium wove paper, tied by Toronto dispatch CDS to Manilla; slightly reduced at left, small tear at top and backflap missing, light JY 10 receiver and Vincent G. Greene backstamp, attractive, F-VF (Unitrade 25)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 26,Trial colour plate proof in dark blue on a distinctive thin wove paper with clear vertical mesh, clear to large margins, F-VF, rarely seen in this colour.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 26iv,An exceptionally fresh mint block, uncleared perf discs as often and a few split perfs strengthened by hinges, displaying clean characteristic dull, streaky original gum. A nice and seldom seen mint block, Fine OG (Unitrade cat. $6,400)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 26iv,A scarce mint block with deep rich colour and large part characteristic dull, streaky original gum associated with this particular denomination, a few split perfs at top, Fine OG, a scarce block (Unitrade cat. $6,400)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 26iv,A visually striking used pair with ideally struck two-ring '36' cancellation of St. Johns, C.E. (RF-6, rare), one short perf, an impressive numeral cancelled pair, Fine with VF strike

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 27,An extremely well centered mint single of this challenging stamp displaying well balanced margins and rich colour, large hinge remnant but showing a clean portion of its white original gum. A superior mint example, XF OG; 1993 Peter Holcombe cert.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 27ii,A rare mint example on this distinctive, elusive paper type (Duckworth Paper 8), characteristic deep shade and sharp impression on smooth, very white paper, in sound condition which is hard to find on this notoriously fragile paper and possessing a large portion of its smooth, white original gum, Fine OG, seldom encountered as such.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 27ii,Mint single of this elusive, short-lived paper type (Duckworth Paper 8), redistributed original gum, Fine (Cat. as no gum)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 27v,A quite well centered mint rejoined block; faint toning at centre perfs but essentially sound with wonderful colour and freshness, displaying unusually clean, full, smooth white original gum; a challenging multiple to find, Fine+ (Unitrade cat. $7,200)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (August 28) Small white envelope mailed from New York to Montreal franked with a 6c dark brown on medium horizontal wove paper, corner fault that occurred prior to being affixed, tied by cork cancel and cork cancels with second partial strike of duplex at top right, Montreal receiver on back. A rare instance of a Canadian stamp being accepted by the New York post office, according to the Wayne Smith Large Queen cover census only one other cover bearing a 6c Large Queen mailed from the US has been recorded (from same correspondence), VF (Unitrade 27)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1870 (April 22) Cover from Montreal franked with a 6c brown on medium wove paper, small perf flaw at top and tied by duplex, addressed to London, England, small cover nick at top and backflap missing, struck on arrival with neat London PAID 5 MY 70 CDS in red. Forwarded to Baden, Germany with new address and endorsed "via Belgium" with 6p red purple (Plate 8) affixed and tied by London May 6 70 duplex, superb Aachen double ring transit datestamp in blue and clearly struck Baden 8 MAY receiver backstamp. A very rare and significant Large Queen cover; only one other such dual franking forwarded to Germany has been recorded, VF (Unitrade 27 + Great Britain Scott 51)

Provenance: S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, June 2000; Lot 127

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1871 (December 9) Cover front bearing an extraordinary PARTIAL DOUBLE PRINTING error of the Six cent yellow brown (Plate 1), showing strong, unmistakable doubling of the frame, ornaments, circle surrounding vignette and value tablet, couple short perfs and rounded corner but otherwise sound and well centered with traces of the right portion of BABN plate imprint along right perfs (proving it is from Position 60); used together with a Small Queen 3c rose, First Ottawa printing, both neatly tied by fancy corks, clear Aylmer, Que split ring dispatch at left, pays a triple weight domestic letter rate to Papineauville; couple cover creases at left well away from the stamps in no way detract. Only four examples are reported and this the only one on cover. A spectacular item on the short-list of the rarest Large Queen varieties extant, F-VF (Unitrade 27iv cat. $25,000)

Provenance: Gerald Firth, Canada Large Queens, Sissons Sale 305, November 1971; Lot 196 - sold for $1,150.
Maresch Private Treaty (First catalogue, 1977); item 121
Ron Brigham (bought privately in June 1998)


Census of the four known examples:

1) Single off-centered with noticeable perf flaws, lightly cancelled; partial double print 3mm apart; ex. Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - BNA Part Three, January 1970; Lot 1295 - sold then for US$1,050 hammer.
2) Single off-centered with several short perfs on three sides, and small tear; partial double print visible, cancelled by similar segmented cork cancel as the one offered here (probably of Aylmer, Quebec); ex. Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 10 - Canada, December 1970; Lot 626 - sold for US$550.
3) Single tied to small piece by similar segmented cork cancel and with a clear Aylmer OC 18 71 split ring struck to the side of the piece; ex. S.J. Menich, February 1997; Lot 1048 - sold for US18,000 hammer.
4) Offered here.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1870 (March 18) Orange cover endorsed "via New York" bearing pair of ½c black clipped on two sides and single 3c red and 6c brown, minor perf flaws, tied by faint two-ring numeral cancels and additionally cancelled by manuscript "X", mailed to Trinidad, Cuba with Spanish oval "NA" (Norte America) handstamp per postal regulations governing mail to Cuba 1870-1871; somewhat reduced at left and minor edge wrinkling at foot; reverse shows partially legible Amherst, NS double arc dispatch and a Trinidad, Cuba 9 ABR 70 CDS arrival postmark. Pays a very rare 10 cent per half ounce, via U.S. Packet to Cuba (effective October 1869 to October 1870), Fine (Unitrade 21, 25, 27)

Census: Wayne Smith Large Queen cover census (as of late 2021) records only four covers to Cuba; this being the only one with this particular franking.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1870 (May 20) Ottawa Hotel amber envelope with large illustration of the hotel on reverse, endorsed "per Canadian Mail Steamer" and mailed to Switzerland. A very rare three-colour Large & Small Queen franking - 2c green, 6c brown (Plate 1) and Small Queen 3c copper red, tied by Montreal duplex grid / datestamps; 2c replaced slightly away from its original position with small portion of "PD" oval line painted over stamp, clear London PAID 31 MY 70 transit CDS in red and Swiss receiver Pfaffikon 2 VI 70 backstamps. An early 10 cent pre-UPU letter rate per half ounce (via Belgium, effective as of February 9, 1870) to Switzerland; overpaid by 1 cent for convenience and with great visual appeal, F-VF; 2006 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade 24, 27, 37b)

Census: According to Wayne Smith Large Queen cover census (revised as of late 2021), only a mere five covers have been reported (four different frankings) showing a 10 cent rate to Switzerland. Three of the five covers have Large & Small Queen mixed-issue frankings.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1871 (August 29) Registered cover with three-colour franking of 2c green and 6c brown (Plate 1) on medium wove paper with a Small Queen 3c orange rose (1st Ottawa Printing), each cancelled by oval grid, Harvey, NB double arc dispatch at left, addressed to Boston with quite clear SEP 2 Registered CDS receiver unusually struck on front. An attractive mixed-issue franking paying the 6c letter rate plus 5c registration, only a few exist, this being one of the nicest, VF (Unitrade 24, 27v, 37a)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1869 (January 18) Amber envelope, endorsed "by Cunard..." and "Registered", mailed to London with an extraordinary franking consisting of single 2c green & 3c red along with three 6c dark brown (Plate 2) on medium horizontal wove paper, couple minute perf flaws but otherwise stamps are sound and lightly cancelled by mute grids, Toronto split ring dispatch at centre alongside light "Crown" Registered handstamp in red; small portion of backflap missing and light cover soiling, clear London, W.C. FE 1 69 arrival CDS. A remarkable three-colour franking paying a very rare registered Cunard Line letter rate, 15 cent pre-UPU letter rate plus 8 cent registration fee; only five exist to the UK and only one has a similar franking (to Scotland). A wonderful showpiece, F-VF (Unitrade 24, 25, 27)

Provenance: Horace Harrison Collection of Canadian Postal History, Matthew Bennett Auctions, February 2003; Lot 134

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN Undated Wells, Fargo & Co. "Victoria, Vancouver Island" printed frank in black on white envelope front, used as a paste-up; couple small tears at left. An impressive franking bearing Large Queen 6c dark yellow brown (Plate 1) strip of three and single (two stamps clipped at right and one with corner flaw) alongside a well centered Small Queen 6c yellow brown (First Ottawa Printing, perf 12) tied by light Wells Fargo & Co Victoria, V.I. / Express oval in blue (R. Lowe HS-33), additional strike at centre; a rare item especially with a mixed-issue franking, Fine (Unitrade 27b, 39 early printing)

Provenance: S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, June 2000; Lot 47

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28,The extraordinary Die Proof, engraved and printed in black on glossy surfaced celluloid, measuring approx 40mm by 35mm, originating from the Robert Burland Holdings (his card accompanies), a relative of George Bull Burland, formerly of Burland & Lafricaine. The company merged with the Smillie's group to form the British American Bank Note Company in 1866 and George became manager* of the newly created firm, located then in Ottawa. A highly interesting and UNIQUE Die Proof - we are unaware of any other Large Queen die proof displaying similar technique and security features. An absolute showpiece, VF (Unlisted in Minuse & Pratt handbook)

*Became president of the BABN Company in 1881.

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn (private treaty sale)
S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 809
Ron Brigham, February 2014; Lot 430

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28,Plate proof block of four on white card, deep rich colour, fresh, large to oversized margins. A scarce proof block that should command a premium, VF (Cat. as singles)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28,An impressive mint block of eight, unusually well centered for such a large multiple, beautiful colour and impression on fresh paper showing clear horizontal mesh, minor perforations flaws and some split perfs strengthened by hinges, small thin on second stamp in lower row, large part OG partly disturbed, VF appearing and no doubt one of the largest surviving multiples. (Unitrade cat. $22,400)

Provenance: S.J. Menich Canada Large Queens, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 1141

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28,A very well centered mint block of six, lovely colour on bright white paper, some split perforations reinforced by two hinges, trivial flaws on left pair and lower centre stamp with small flaw at bottom right, large part original gum somewhat lightly glazed, VF; a scarce and appealing mint multiple. (Unitrade cat. $16,800)

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 172, February 1960; Lot 339
Emily Lindsey, Maresch Sale 211, January 1988; Lot 396

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28,A post office fresh mint block, quite well centered with great colour on pristine fresh paper, unusually full original gum showing a small remnant on top pair, lower pair LH. A beautiful block in an excellent state of preservation, F-VF OG (Unitrade cat. $8,000) ex. "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28iii,An immensely rare mint block of this distinctive paper type (Duckworth Paper 8), characteristic deep rich colour and impression, some split perfs supported by hinges, two creases - one vertical on right pair and other on lower left stamp ending in a tear. Despite the imperfections, a rare mint block (in any condition). Fine appearance with large part original gum. (Unitrade cat. $16,000 as fine OG singles)

Expertization: 1998 Greene Foundation certificate

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 28i, 28ii,A scarce mint block with distinctive pastel-like colour and clear impression, showing the prominent no outer frameline at value tablet and left of "TWELVE" (Position 67) on top left stamp, hinge support along horizontal perfs, Fine with unusually nice original gum. (Unitrade cat. $5,200)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (October 3) Cover from Sydney, Cape Breton to Cheltenham, England, franked with a 12½c blue on medium horizontal wove paper (small corner fault top right) tied by mute grid, Sydney, CB split ring dispatch at left; small portion of backflap missing and opening tear at top in no way detract from its great appeal. Forwarded to new addressee at Devonport with British One penny red stamp (Plate 97) affixed and tied by grid '177' with Cheltenham duplex further tying the stamp, on reverse light Devonport OC 21 CDS receiver, Fine+ (Unitrade 28 + GB 1p)

Provenance: George Arfken, Firby Auctions, May 1997; Lot 914

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1873 (January 31) Flimsy envelope endorsed 'per S.S. "Polynesian"' and addressed to Ibiza, Balearic Islands (Spain) displaying a one-of-a-kind franking consisting of a horizontal pair 12½c blue Large Queen (right stamp faulty) and single 3c orange rose Small Queen, First Ottawa printing, tied by clear Montreal duplex grid datestamps, London PAID 12 FE 73 transit CDS ties left two stamps, light Spanish receiver backstamp; part backflap missing, cover repaired behind franking and some wear at lower right. Despite the imperfections, an extremely rare rate and destination; pays the 28 cent pre-UPU letter rate, per half ounce, Fine appearance (Unitrade 28, 37a)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1883 (August 6) Registered parcel post piece to Montreal bearing a 12½c dull blue pair (no outer frameline variety at bottom left on right stamp) plus Small Queen 1c yellow and 10c magenta, Montreal printings perf 12, and a 5c green RLS, cancelled or tied by segmented corks, Sorel, C.E. split ring dispatch and straightline REGISTERED handstamp; rough edge at right and horizontal fold away from stamps. Pays six times the 6c (per 4 ounces) parcel post rate (in effect as of April 1, 1879) for a total of 36 cents + 5c registration (in effect on domestic parcel post since July 1, 1859). One of only two know 36 cent Domestic Parcel Post + 5c registration fee and a unique franking according to the latest cover census, Fine (Unitrade 28, 28ii, 35i, 40a, F2)

Literature: Illustrated and described in Harrison, Arfken & Lussey "Canada's Registered Mail 1802-1909" handbook on page 270 (Figure 381).

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29,Plate proof single in a lovely rich shade of purple on white card, attractive, VF

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29e,A scarce, attractive mint example of the first printing, nicely centered with intact perforations and great colour on the distinctive semi-transparent paper with faint horizontal mesh, quite lightly hinged; a tough stamp to find, VF

Expertization: 1989 Greene Foundation certificate (as 29b red lilac)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30aiii,A very rare unused example of this printing & perforation gauge also showing the constant "Pawnbroker" variety (Position 10), centered high with intact perforations, excellent colour on fresh paper, Fine; 2000 Greene Foundation cert.

This stout smooth surfaced paper with very clear horizontal mesh is known as "Pirie" paper without the script watermark.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30d,A fabulous reconstruction of the papermaker's watermark "Alexr. Pirie & Sons" in large cursive letters - spanning seven stamps (reads from right to left as seen from the back). Each stamp showing a large portion of the watermark as detailed below - in fact, a larger portion than we are accustomed to seeing with the watermark plainly visible in fluid.

Details of the watermark for each stamp (from right to left) follow:

1) Nearly complete capital letter "A"; perf fault at right, small tear at top
2) Almost complete "lex" letters; crease near left perfs
3) "xr." letters and small portion of "P"; faults
4) Nearly complete capital letter "P"; sound used with RPO FE 22 77 split ring
5) Portion of "P" letter and complete "iri" letters; corner crease and small tear
6) Complete "ie &" letters plus the ampersand; ink stain and small thin
7) Very large portion of "Sons" letters; sound (1981 RPS of London cert.) ex. Cohen (October 1986; Lot 252)

Despite the imperfections, it has taken many years of patience and diligence for the previous owner, the late Horace Harrison, well known student and author, to accomplish this feat. We are unaware of a similar reconstruction of the Script Watermark. A glorious showpiece of the utmost rarity, Fine (Unitrade cat. $28,000+)

Provenance: Horace Harrison (private sale late 1990s)

Literature: Illustrated in Capex '96 Gems of Canadian Philately on page 60.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30c,An extraordinary mint strip of three of this very scarce, short-lived printing, with rich colour and bold impression, a few split perfs strengthened by small hinges, exceptionally fresh and in remarkably sound condition, unlike most examples we have seen. Believed to be the largest surviving multiple (we are not even aware of a mint pair); retaining an unusually large portion of its dull, streaky original gum. All of these superior attributes are seldom encountered. A beautiful mint multiple, very impressive indeed. A showpiece, F-VF OG (Unitrade cat. $28,500 as singles)

Provenance: Dr. Lewis L. Reford (Part Three), Harmer, Rooke & Co., March 1951; Lot 809
General Robert Gill, Robson Lowe Ltd., October 1965; Lot 170
Stanly Cohen, Cavendish Auctions, October 1986; Lot 258
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30c,An extremely well centered mint example of this rarity, perforations are completely sound, small dry print area at right, otherwise rich colour on fresh paper, hinge remnant with large part dull streaky original gum. One of the best centered mint examples we have had the pleasure to offer, VF+ OG

Expertization: clear 1985 Greene Foundation certificate, identified as old CS number 26m "deep violet shade, very thick paper, mint OG, genuine in all respects"

Provenance: Dr. Lewis L. Reford (Part Three), Harmer, Rooke & Co., March 1951; Lot 808
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30c,A large margined unused single with excellent colour on the distinctive thick paper with vertical mesh, minute natural inclusion and small shallow thin at foot, much nicer than normally encountered, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $4,750)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30c variety,A rare mint example displaying the shade associated with the thick carton paper but printed on medium wove paper with horizontal mesh (Firth Group VIIIB), OG with paper hinge remnant, exceptional fresh colour. A great stamp for the specialist, which the Firth handbook observes as "Rare in this shade", F-VF

Expertization: 1990 Greene Foundation certificate, described as "Scott 30c deep violet shade on very thick paper, mint OG".

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30e,A remarkable trio of mint horizontal pairs showing three shade variations of the deep blue shade, also known as "Studd's Cold Blue", very distinctive from the myriad other shades found on the Fifteen cent Large Queen. Each with original gum and scarce thus, two pairs with light gum thins. A rarely seen and striking group, Fine (Unitrade cat. $6,000 as Fine unused)

Expertization: second and third pair with 1995 Greene Foundation certificates

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29,A lovely multiple comprised of two rejoined blocks of four, full BABN imprint (Boggs Type IV), brilliant colour on fresh paper, lower centre pair hinged leaving six stamps including the nicely centered top row NEVER HINGED. A gorgeous plate block with great eye-appeal, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $2,400)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29i,Upper left corner block of twelve stamps centered to top left, minor perf separation in places, couple natural pre-printing paper wrinkles in first column, six stamps from next two columns NEVER HINGED, a scarce large multiple, Fine OG

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29d, 29vi,A mint imperforate corner block, typical natural wrinkling and gum thins mostly confined to right pair, left pair (Positions 81 & 91) show the listed plate scratches in the vignette above "CE" of "CENTS", and below / above "P" of "POSTAGE" respectively, usual uneven brown original gum of this imperforate, VF appearance; a very rare block showing the two plate varieties.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29d + variety,A scarce mint corner margin imperforate block, natural wrinkling and creasing as often seen; full brown original gum, VF

A prominent plate crack is visible in the margin, positioned at left of Position 100.

Provenance: Maresch Private Treaty (Third catalogue, 1983); item 203
S.J. Menich Canada Large Queens, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 1216

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 30ciii,An exceedingly rare unused example of this short-lived paper type showing the constant "Pawnbroker" variety (Position 10). Some small faults not readily visible in no way detract, Fine appearance; very few unused thick paper can exist with the 15 cents best known plate variety. Described in "Lindemann" exhibit collection as: "Very likely UNIQUE".

Expertization: 1991 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29ii,An attractive and desirable mint top right corner margin block showing the constant "Pawnbroker" variety (Position 10) on upper right stamp, hinged in margin and lower pair, partly disturbed gum on left pair, the key variety is NEVER HINGED, F-VF

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 29d, 29ii, 29iv,A remarkable mint imperforate corner margin block displaying the "Pawnbroker" variety (Position 10) as well as the documented and listed plate scratch variety (top of Position 9), both varieties show clearly thanks to the deep colour associated with this imperforate, full original gum with barest trace of hinging (at first glance looks NH). An exceedingly rare positional block, VF VLH

Provenance: Maresch Private Treaty (Second catalogue, 1982); item 177
S.J. Menich Canada Large Queens Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 1217

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1868 (October 12) Legal size blue envelope with intact black wax seal on reverse, endorsed "per Java from New York" and mailed to Scotland, displaying an impressive and one-of-a-kind franking of a block of three of the 15c deep red lilac shade on medium horizontal wove paper perf 12, tied by light Hamilton OC 12 duplex, small stain at top left, overall in excellent shape considering the large franking and weight it originally carried; reverse struck on arrival with neat Glasgow OC 24 68 CDS postmark. Pays a very rare triple Cunard Line letter rate (in effect January 16, 1868 to December 31, 1869) for letter up to 1½ ounce; THE ONLY KNOWN SUCH FRANKING AND RATE COMBINATION. A great showpiece, F-VF (Unitrade 29b)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn (private sale)

Census: The Wayne Smith Large Queen census (revised late 2021) reveals that this is the only recorded triple Cunard Line rate franked with three 15c to the UK.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1870 (March 21) Folded cover endorsed "per Mail via U. States" mailed from Montreal to Paris and franked with three single 15c reddish purple on Bothwell paper with clear vertical mesh, neatly tied by Montreal MR 21 70 duplex, manuscript "1/3" credit for British claim, London Paid 2 AP 70 CDS in red with same-ink oval "PD", blurry Calais transit CDS; three files folds (one through centre stamp) and small cover fault at bottom right. Little is known or recorded pertaining to exact rates to France but we believe letter this to be a double Cunard Line rate (via the US) of 22 cents per quarter ounce (as of 1863 and may have continued as far as late 1870). An extraordinary cover, demonstrating the complexities of weight related letter rates to France that existed during this pre-UPU period, F-VF (Unitrade 29v)

Expertization: 2002 Greene Foundation certificate which mentions "genuine in all respects, however the rate does not appear to match the currently known rate tables."

Provenance: Harry Lussey Large Queen Collection, Maresch Sale 118, August 1980; Lot 261

Census: According to Wayne Smith Large Queen cover census (as of late 2021), this is the only known cover to France bearing three examples of the 15 cent stamp.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1874 (May 15) Envelope endorsed "Allan Line" at top left, mailed from Agriculture & Travaux Publics (Agriculture and Public Works) at Quebec with light blue oval governmental handstamp in French, franked with a 15c red lilac on stout smooth surfaced horizontal wove paper, perf 12 and a Small Queen 1c orange (Montreal printing, perf 11½x12) tied by Quebec duplex, minor gum soiling around stamps from affixing. Neat London Paid 27 MY 74 datestamp in red, same-ink oval "PD" handstamp, Calais 28 MAI transit CDS at left, on reverse Paris 28 MAI 74 receiver. Paid the 16 cent letter rate, weighing between ¼ and ½ ounce. A remarkable and rare mixed-issue franking to France, F-VF (Unitrade 29b, 35d)

Census: According to Wayne Smith census (as of late 2021), only four covers franked with single Large Queen 15c and Small Queen 1c stamp have been recorded.

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1884 (December 11) World Publishing Co'y, Guelph, Ontario advert cover to Sydney, New South Wales (Australia) bearing a 15c dark slate grey on medium horizontal wove paper, perf 12, tied by segmented cork, clear Guelph dispatch CDS at left; slightly reduced at left and small tear at top, two different San Francisco (receiver and dispatch) CDS on reverse and Sydney JA 19 85 receiver, redirected to Cootamundra with manuscript "2" penny forwarding fee to collect from recipient, the stamp further struck with Sydney duplex, clear JA 20 receiver backstamp. A scarce and appealing 15 cent Large Queen non-UPU letter rate cover to the Australian States, redirected within New South Wales, Fine (Unitrade 30i)

Provenance: The "Victoria" Collection of Canada, Danam Auctions, July 1981; Lot 166

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1886 (July 6) Legal envelope from Wapella, Assiniboia to Lincolnshire, England, franked with a 15c grey on medium vertical wove paper perf 12 and 5c green RLS tied by circular mute cancels, oval "R" registration handstamp at left, two strikes of Wapella, Assa split ring dispatch, another two strikes on reverse along with two RPOs, oval Registered Winnipeg transit and Louth JY 25 86 CDS receiver backstamp. Light toning mainly confined to edges of the cover; a rare 15c single franking paying the triple UPU letter rate, plus 5 cent registration to the UK, especially so originating from Assiniboia (now Saskatchewan), Fine (Unitrade 30, F2)

Provenance: George Arfken, Firby Auctions, May 1997; Lot 929

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1887 (March 23) Cover from Brantford, Ontario to Sydney, New South Wales (Australia), franked with a 15c slate grey on medium vertical wove paper perf 12, slight perf flaws, tied by Brantford duplex, Windsor and San Francisco APR 4 and APR 8 transit backstamps; minor flaws and some wear along sides of envelope. Redirected to Melbourne with new address and oval handstamp "MORE TO PAY" with manuscript "2d" rate inside, Sydney MY 5 87 dispatch at bottom right, Melbourne MY 7 arrival backstamp. A scarce cover to New South Wales, redirected to another state, Fine (Unitrade 30)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1887 (December 3) Cover from Galt, Ont. to Sydney, New South Wales (Australia), bearing a 15c slate grey on medium vertical wove paper perf 12 with cork cancel, some light perf toning and light soiling to cover, four different backstamps - Windsor DE 3, San Francisco (two different dates) and Sydney JA 11 88 receiver; a scarce non-redirected Large Queen cover to the Australian States, Fine; clear 1998 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade 30)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1888 (January 5) Oceanic Publishing Co., Guelph, Canada large envelope with red wax seal on back, addressed to New Zealand, endorsed "Via San Francisco", franked with two pairs of 15c blue grey on medium vertical wove paper perf 12, wrinkling near top perforations from thick original content, cancelled by segmented corks, Guelph JA 5 dispatch postmarks, San Francisco receivers dated JAN 10 and JAN 12 along with Auckland 3 FE CDS receiver backstamps. Pays an impressive 60 cent Quadruple non-UPU rate (15c per half ounce), F-VF (Unitrade 30b)

Expertization: 1998 Greene Foundation certificate

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1888 (February 28) Flimsy envelope from Newmarket, Ontario to Sydney, New South Wales (Australia), bearing 15c blue grey tied by cork cancel and light Newmarket FE 28 dispatch CDS; cover slightly reduced at left and on reverse clear Windsor FE 29 and San Francisco MAR 5 transits, Sydney AP 4 arrival backstamp. Paid the current non-UPU 15 cent letter rate to New South Wales. Mailed back to "Bloomfield PO, Ontario Canada" in manuscript, rated "6d", Sydney AP 10 dispatch and partly legible Bloomfield MY 19 receiver backstamps. An attractive, well-travelled cover, crossing the Pacific Ocean twice (and taking 80 days to do so), Fine (Unitrade 30b)

CANADA - 4 LARGE QUEEN 1888 (February 29) Oceanic Publishing Co. Guelph, Canada envelope addressed to Auckland, NZ bearing two well centered 15c dark bluish grey on medium vertical wove paper perf 12, tied by light segmented cork cancels, Guelph dispatch CDS at left, endorsed "Via San Francisco"; envelope with couple tears and slightly reduced at right, superb San Francisco MAR 6 CDS transit on back. Despite the minor flaws a very scarce double non-UPU letter rate to New Zealand (joined the UPU on October 1st, 1891), Fine; clear 1992 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade 30b)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 34,A large margined and choice plate proof single printed in issued colour on india paper, XF

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 34b,A scarce mint horizontal pair imperforate vertically between, typical centering for this error, Fine OG

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 1897 (January 9) A.H. Adams, Stamp Dealer, Whitby, Ont. envelope in clean condition, pays a 1c unsealed circular rate to Winnipeg with a well centered pair of ½c black superbly tied by Port-Whitby split ring datestamp, XF (Unitrade 34)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35,Plate proof single with deep colour on thick white card, choice, VF+; 1993 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35ii,A marvelous and very rare mint block of twenty, wide margin at left suggesting the block is from the first five columns of the sheet; quite well centered with exceptional rich colour and sharp impression associated with an early printing, characteristic uncleared perf discs, dulled perfs at left and hint of perf toning mentioned for the record, full smooth white original gum, seven stamps are NH. One of the largest mint multiples of the First Ottawa Printing, VF (Unitrade cat. $10,200)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty circa. 1997)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35ii,A remarkable mint block of nine in a distinctive early rich shade, characteristic uncleared perf discs, wing margin at left, minor perf soiling at top, full smooth white original gum, four stamps are NH. A beautiful block, F-VF

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35ii,An appealing early printing mint block of four in an excellent state of preservation, characteristic uncleared perf discs, faint perf tones at left, full immaculate smooth white original gum, Fine NH

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35d,A fabulous reconstructed plate imprint strip of twenty consisting of upper left block of ten, a block of four and upper right block of six, BABN imprint (Boggs Type IV) and shaded, serifed "ONE CENT" counter at left; diagonal crease along top row stamps in UL block and selvedge thin on the imprint block of four. Exceptionally fresh colour and characteristic dull, streaky original gum, eighteen stamps are NEVER HINGED. A major plate imprint rarity and along the earliest surviving plates of the One cent Small Queen, Fine (Unitrade cat. $9,400 as single stamps)

Provenance: C.M. Jephcott (private sale) - the UL counter part imprint block of ten

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35d,An exceptionally fresh mint block, a few split perfs at top, superb colour and impression; full, dull streaky original gum with lower pair NH, a lovely block, Fine LH

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35a printing,A spectacular mint block of 24 with radiant colour showing complete BABN imprint (Boggs Type V) in lower margin, some hinge supports mostly confined on sides of the margin away from the imprint. A short-lived printing showing both perf 12 gauge and full, dull streaky original gum, the latter trait typically associated with earlier Montreal printings, twenty stamps are NEVER HINGED. A beautiful and rare block of this elusive printing, Fine OG / NH (Unitrade cat. $6,600 for standard orange shade printing)

Provenance: C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 31
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty circa. 1997)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35a printing,A brilliant fresh mint block, very early perf gauge 12 with distinctive dull streaky original gum, Fine + NH. Much scarcer than later Montreal printings.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35,A remarkable mint corner block of twenty from the plate of 200 subjects, showing left half portion of the BABN imprint (Boggs Type VII) above position 10 along with unshaded, sans-serifed "ONE CENT" counter at top left, top row quite well centered with noticeably large margins, some minor perf separations strengthened by small hinges, full original gum with twelve stamps NH, F-VF and very scarce (Unitrade cat. $1,640 for singles only)

Provenance: C.M. Jephcott (private sale). His exhibit page annotates this strip as Plate "C".

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 35 variety,Dramatic pre-printing paper fold, resulting in large void area when unfolded, tiny nick at left where fold started, light duplex cancel. A great item for the specialist and rarely seen decidedly broad. Fine

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 1882 (December 26) Cover endorsed "via New York", mailed from West Arichat, NS to Cuba, bearing a 1c yellow and two single 2c green, Montreal printings perf 12, right stamp perf faults from placement, tied by highly unusual and well struck intaglio EM fancy cancels (Lacelle 399) from the signet ring of Postmaster E. Mouchet; cover lightly aged and somewhat reduced at left. Clear West Arichat split ring dispatch at left and on reverse double ring Sagua La Grande 5 JAN 1883 arrival backstamp. A very scarce fancy cancelled cover to an exotic destination, Fine with VF strikes (Unitrade 35i, 36)

Provenance: Stanley Cohen, Cavendish, October 1986; Lot 484

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 1897 (November 12) The Railway News newspaper folded with printed dateline New Glasgow, N.S. Thursday November 4, 1897, addressed locally franked with a diagonally bisected 1c yellow (Ottawa printing) in sound condition, tied by mute cork cancel, some edge faults, Fine; an extraordinary usage paying a transient newspaper rate - half cent per newspaper under one ounce mailed individually. Fewer than six such usages are believed to exist. (Unitrade 35c; cat. $6,000)

Expertization: 2000 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part III, Maresch Sale 313, October 1996; Lot 1404

The Canadian Post Office gave permission to bisect One cent stamps due to a short-lived shortage of the Half cent for about a week during November of 1897. According to Jarrett "proper" dates were Thursday Nov. 4 to Saturday Nov. 6 and Monday Nov. 8, 1897. However, in addition to the above we are also aware of another example postmarked with Oxford-Pictou RPO November 11, 1897.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 36e,An impressive mint left margin block of eight of the scarcer early perforation gauge, complete BABN imprint (Boggs Type IV), a few split perfs in margin strengthened by a hinge, adherence on right stamp in third row (lightly yellowed from front), otherwise bright fresh colour and unusually nice, dull, white streaky original gum, four stamps NEVER HINGED. A rare plate block of this elusive printing, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $12,100 as singles)

Provenance: C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part IV, Maresch Sale 317, March 1997; Lot 1191

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 36e,A mint corner block of six (3x2), bright colour, natural gum crease touching lower left stamp, characteristic uncleared perfs, full, dull white streaky original gum with lower three stamps NH. A scarce multiple of this sought-after printing, Fine (Unitrade cat. $3,150 as singles)

Provenance: J. Grant Glassco, Robson Lowe Ltd., July 1969; Lot 261
Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 78

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 36i,A well centered mint block with superb rich colour and full original gum, very faint trace of hinging, lower pair is NH, VF+; 2016 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 36i var.,A mint top margin pair displaying a major misperforation from a paper fold prior to gumming, void gummed area is visible from back, highly unusual.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 36iii,A large margined mint imperforate block on the distinctive yellowish paper, minute gum thin on upper right stamp, otherwise full clean original gum and VF+ VLH

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 37 + variety,A superb plate proof block with exceptionally vivid colour on white card, noticeably large margins; rarely seen in a block, XF

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part III, Maresch Sale 313, October 1996; Lot 1444

The lower right proof shows a Major Re-entry (unknown position) with prominent doubling in "NADA", remarkably and very distinctively in all letters of "POSTAGE" and to a lesser extent in "CENTS" and lower right "3". A wonderful block for the advanced collector.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 37b shade,A rejoined unused strip of four of this elusive, short-lived shade, which superseded circa. August 1870 the first printing copper red. Well centered with amazing colour and impression, a few "blinds" perfs. We doubt a larger multiple of this distinctive early shade exists, VF

Expertization: 1990 Greene Foundation cert. (identified as Scott 37b)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 37iii,Visually striking mint corner block of ten, showing portion of BABN imprint (Boggs Type IV) at top, the scarcer perforation gauge, lovely colour, small stain on back of right stamp in second row shows through, natural short gumming on lower right stamp, top pair LH, centre six stamps NH with characteristic dull streaky original gum. One of the largest surviving multiples, Fine (Unitrade cat. $3,800 as singles)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 37,A very attractive mint plate block of twelve showing full BABN (Boggs Type IV) imprint at top, cross guidelines at centre, portion of counter at left, brilliant fresh colour; some perf separation confined to selvedge, hinged on top right pair leaving ten stamps NH. A scarce positional imprint multiple, F-VF

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part I, Maresch Sale 304, March 1996; Lot 129

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 41b,A visually striking rejoined imperforate strip of four, full BABN plate imprint (Boggs Type VII with hand-punched "H" above, hinging mostly in the margin; a very rare plate positional piece ideal for exhibition, VF

Provenance: Bill Simpson (Part II, May 1996; Lot 101 - originally offered as an irregular block of six)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 41 variety,A misperforated mint block of twelve (design of sixteen stamps visible), shifted vertically to dramatic effect, colour somewhat oxidized, mainly LH (three stamps NH), a spectacular block.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 38a,A lovely mint single in a distinctive early Montreal shade, rich colour, paper hinge remnant, large part dull streaky original gum; a Fine OG example of this scarce stamp.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 42a,Upper left mint imperforate block of six showing the "FIVE CENTS" counter imprint, vertical crease in right pair, thinning in top margin just touching pos. 2, full original gum lightly hinged, VF appearing and scarce. (Unitrade cat. $2,700 as three pairs)

Provenance: C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part I, Maresch Sale 304, March 1996; Lot 217

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 42a,A lovely mint imperforate block with nearly complete BABN imprint (Boggs Type V) at right, couple natural gum creases, negligible for this rare imprint block, VF OG (Unitrade cat. as two pairs only) ex. Bill Simpson (November 1980; Lot 438)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 42,A well centered mint block of ten with pastel-like colour and showing wide & narrow stamps, nearly full BABN imprint (Boggs Type V) in right margin, full original gum, hinged to very lightly hinged, VF (Unitrade cat. $3,000 as singles) ex. Maurice Burrus (April 1963; Lot 227)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 42,An impressive mint block of 24 stamps (8x3), very well centered for such a large multiple; small gum inclusion on one and minor gum wrinkle on two, a seldom seen large intact block in choice condition, F-VF NH (Unitrade cat. $12,720)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 39,Engraved Trial Colour Die Proof printed in black on india paper 25 x 29mm, natural paper fibre inclusion and tear at top; an extremely rare coloured die proof of the Six cent Small Queen, VF (Minuse & Pratt 39TC2) ex. Bill Simpson (Part One, March 1996; Lot 227)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 39 variety,A remarkably fresh mint block in the early bright shade normally associated with the scarcer perf 11½x12, possessing unusually full, dull white streaky original gum, NEVER HINGED. A very scarce early perf 12 block, top right stamp very well centered. A wonderful item for the specialist, believed to be from the earliest Montreal printing of 1873, F-VF NH (Unitrade cat. as normal #39)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 39d shade,A brilliant fresh mint block in the distinctive shade, lovely clear impression and smooth shiny gum, an elusive late Montreal printing, Fine+ H

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 39,An unused example with diagonal SPECIMEN handstamp in violet, allegedly prepared for distribution at the 1891 UPU Congress in Vienna, Fine and scarce

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 43b + variety,A choice mint imperforate block showing nearly complete BABN imprint (Boggs Type IV) in right margin, deep rich colour on fresh paper, full original gum, relatively lightly hinged. A most appealing plate imprint block, VF (Unitrade cat. as two pairs only) A known Re-entry (Position 60) is shown on LR stamp with doubling of "POST" of "POSTAGE".

Provenance: William Moody III, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1951; Lot 162
C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part III, Maresch Sale 313, October 1996; Lot 1524

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 43,A top margin plate block of twenty from the right pane of the two-pane plate, BABN imprint (Boggs Type V) and plate letter "C" (reversed) above, shaded and serifed "SIX CENTS" counter at right; natural printing ink smear in margin, perforation split between fifth and sixth columns strengthened by hinges, thin on one stamp (pos. 16), otherwise full original gum with six stamps never hinged. A great showpiece, very scarce, F-VF

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part IV, Maresch Sale 317, March 1997, Lot 1260
Ted Nixon, Eastern Auctions, March 2012; Lot 244

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 43,An appealing mint block of sixteen from lower left corner of the sheet, shows BABN imprint (Boggs Type IV), a few trivial split perfs supported by hinges, full original gum with five stamps NH, Fine and scarce

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 43,Lower margin plate block of eight showing complete BABN imprint (Boggs Type V), from "C" plate, overall disturbed gum and area of missing gum on lower right stamp, otherwise sound. An attractive plate multiple, F-VF; ex. Bill Simpson (Part I, March 1996; Lot 262)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 43i,An upper left mint block of six from Plate "B" showing full shaded "SIX CENTS" counter at top, very well centered with both stamps in second column showing jumbo margins; brownish OG unevenly applied with offset adhesion, a wonderful positional block ideal for exhibit, VF

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 44,A marvelous Trial Colour Die Proof, engraved, printed in blue on india paper 26 x 31mm; an absolute rarity of great beauty and ideal for a serious collection, XF (Minuse & Pratt 44TC2a)

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part I, Maresch Sale 304, March 1996, Lot 277
Ted Nixon, Eastern Auctions, March 2012; Lot 275
Ron Brigham, April 2016; Lot 535

AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND MOST DESIRABLE COLOURED DIE PROOF. WE ARE AWARE OF ONLY ONE OTHER IN THIS COLOUR IN PRIVATE HANDS.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 44,Plate proof single in issued colour on white card, exceptionally fresh and choice, VF+

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 44,Right margin mint block of six in the true rich shade of the last printing, showing wide & narrow stamps resulting in lower centre stamp being particularly well centered with large margins; faint hinging on lower right stamp leaving five NH, F-VF; multiples of the 8c larger than blocks of four are unusual. (Unitrade cat. $2,080)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 45,A plate proof single in a distinctive colour on thick white card, sheet margin at left and very large margins on other sides, visually striking, XF; ex. Bill Simpson (Part II, May 1996; Lot 233)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 40e,A selected mint example of this challenging stamp, completely sound, typical centering and true pastel-like colour, clear and impression on bright white paper, characteristic dull, streaky original gum. Much nicer than normally encountered, Fine+ OG

In our opinion, this stamp is undercatalogued; mint original gum examples deserve a substantial premium.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 45c,A spectacular mint imperforate block of sixteen, lovely colour, ungummed as issued, displaying complete BABN imprint (Boggs Type V), horizontal creases between second and third rows and in third row, pinpoint inclusion on third stamp in lower row. Despite the imperfections, an impressive imprint block ideal for exhibition, VF appearance (Unitrade cat. $6,000 as pairs)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 45c,An exceptionally fresh mint corner margin imperforate block of six with "10" counter at top, large margined, top left pair hinged, leaving other two NH. A scarce positional block with superb colour and of wonderful appeal, XF (Unitrade cat. as three pairs)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 45i,A choice mint imperforate block in a beautiful distinctive shade, full original gum, lower pair is NH, VF LH

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 45a,A choice mint block of eight in a distinctive shade associated with the earliest Second Ottawa printing; gum with mild hinge remnants to lightly hinged; an attractive multiple of the Ten cent Small Queen, F-VF

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 1893 (August 1) United States 10c Columbian postal envelope addressed to Germany, uprated with US 1c Columbian plus a Canada mixed-issue franking of 15c Large Queen and 1c, 2c, 3c, 5c and 10c rose carmine Small Queen, Ottawa printings perf 12, tied by U.S. German Sea AUG 1 93 duplex grid '10' datestamps; light cover staining, Aschersleben 10.8.93 arrival CDS on back. A one-of-kind US - Canada franking, visually striking and F-VF (Unitrade 30, 35, 36i, 42, 45a + USA Scott #230, U351)

Provenance: S.J. Menich, Firby Auctions, June 2000; Lot 173

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN A fabulous quartet of Engraved Die Essays, each stamp size and printed in dark orange red, yellow green, dark bluish green and slate respectively, first three on india paper, the fourth essay on thin hard bond paper; all with a minor degree of faults, typical of these, and mainly visible from the back only. A great lot, VF appearance (Minuse & Pratt E-1)

Expertization: 1989 Greene Foundation certificate for the dark orange red essay.

STRIKING DIE ESSAYS OF THIS DENOMINATION, NEVER ISSUED AS THE FIFTEEN CENT LARGE QUEEN CONTINUED TO BE PRINTED WELL INTO THE 1890s.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Engraved vignettes of Queen Victoria in black on india paper and affixed to printer's annotated bluish archival card measuring 85 x 40mm. A phenomenal piece featuring the "Chalon" vignette of the Queen Victoria taken for the issued Prince Edward Island 1870 4½ pence stamp (annotated die "1a" at left); an unadopted vignette annotated in blue crayon "in box 1 to 29"; and finally the circular vignette used for the Widow Weeds set issued in 1893 20 cent & 50 and annotated die "9A" at right. A spectacular, exhibition-worthy item, unique, VF; ex. British American Bank Note Archives (sold circa. 1997)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Engraved Die Essay of Widow Weeds Vignette; an unadopted portrait, printed in black on india paper trimmed closely around the vignette, measuring 35 x 42mm and affixed to slightly larger archival ledger piece. A great item from the BABN archives, VF

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN British American Bank Note Co. engraved vignette of Queen Victoria facing right in her widow weeds, in large oval with decorative ornaments. Also a circular vignette facing left (as on the issued stamps). Both printed in black, die sunk on white wove paper with "VICTORIA" and BABN Co. Montreal & Ottawa imprints. An appealing collateral duo, VF

The former vignette (without imprints) was adopted for the 1869 British American Bank Note Company Trade Sample Sheet; positioned at the centre and surrounded by various Large & Small Queens and Second Bill Issues.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 46,Lower margin mint block of ten with unusually rich post office colour on, showing left portion of BABN imprint (Boggs Type V) at right, lower centre stamp LH, natural bend on another, full original gum with nine stamps never hinged; visually striking and F-VF (Unitrade cat. $13,450 as singles)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 46,Superb centered mint block, bright vivid colour, a superior example, VF+ H

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN 47a,An unusually nice mint imperforate pair, large margined in the characteristic deep shade associated with the imperforate issue, VF H, much nicer than normally encountered.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co. Engraved Composite Die Essays consisting of 1c & 3c plus 5c, 10c & 15c; affixed to archival ledger piece with ink annotation "136" (partial) and "137" above. Also a 2c, also engraved and in black with unusual die number "D-1" below design, affixed to similar ledger piece with "129" at top. The 1c, 2c and 5c are faulty, the others are essentially sound. A glorious showpiece - the 5c, 10c & 15c are great rarities. (Minuse & Pratt similar to Figure 3 - after 37E-a, without "100" counter, unlisted in this colour)

Literature: Illustrated in "History of the Canada Bank Note Engraving & Printing Company" article by Christopher Ryan, BNA Topics, Whole Number 482, Vol. 57, No. 1, January - March 2000, pages 6-22 (as Figure 1). And pictured on the front cover of the journal.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co. lithographed plate essay upper left block of twelve in bright yellow on white surfaced thick wove paper, nearly complete CBNE & PC imprint and full ONE CENT counter; natural inclusion on two, trifle thin in the margin. A marvelous plate imprint essay multiple ideal for exhibition, VF

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 175, March 1960; Lot 32
C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 267

Literature: Illustrated in Hillson & Nixon "Canada's Postage Stamps of the Small Queen Era, 1870-1897" on page 76 (figure 7.16).

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co. engraved plate essay lower margin block of eight, printed in yellow on card mounted india paper, complete CBNE & PC imprint in inverted position, exceptionally fresh and striking, VF

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 175, March 1960; Lot 29
C.M. Jephcott (private sale)
Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 266

Literature: Illustrated in Hillson & Nixon "Canada's Postage Stamps of the Small Queen Era, 1870-1897" on page 76 (figure 7.15).

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co. Die Essay, engraved, printed in blue on india paper 29 x 34mm; trivial natural india thin at top, exceptionally nice, VF and rare (Minuse & Pratt 36E-Aa) ex. Bill Simpson (Part I, March 1996; Lot 380)

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co., engraved plate essay block of twelve from bottom of a sheet of 100, printed in dark green on card mounted india paper, displaying complete framed CBNE & PO imprint in inverted position. Exceptionally fresh and superb in all respects, XF showpiece

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co., an engraved lower margin plate essay strip of ten from a plate of 25-subjects printed in brown on card mounted india paper, portion of CBNE & PO imprint (unframed Roman letters) at foot (initially trimmed before card mounting). A beautiful plate essay multiple, VF

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 272

Literature: Illustrated in Hillson & Nixon "Canada's Postage Stamps of Small Queen Era, 1870-1897" on page 77.

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co., an engraved, corner margin, plate essay block from a sheet of 100 subjects, printed in dark green on card mounted india paper, showing "TWO CENTS" counter at top; a most attractive and choice positional block, XF

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 271

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co. lithographed plate essay corner block of twelve from a sheet of 100, printed in a pale orange red shade on white surfaced wove paper, virtually complete CBNE & PC imprint and full THREE CENTS counter displayed in selvedge, couple corner crease touching bottom left essay. A rare and appealing multiple, VF

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 175, March 1960; Lot 120
C.M. Jephcott (private sale)

Literature: Illustrated in Hillson & Nixon "Canada's Postage Stamps of the Small Queen Era, 1870-1897" on page 76 (figure 7.23).

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co. lithographed plate essay, a reconstructed block of eight (from a sheet of 100), printed in black on white surfaced wove paper and showing complete framed CBNE & PO imprint in inverted position, light thin on top pair of right block, otherwise in fresh and choice condition, VF

Provenance: Bill Simpson, Part II, Maresch Sale 307, May 1996; Lot 277

CANADA - 5 SMALL QUEEN Canadian Bank Note Engraving & Printing Co., engraved plate essay block of six from right of a sheet of 100 subjects, printed in orange on card mounted india paper, displaying virtually complete framed CBNE & PO imprint; remarkably fresh and most appealing, XF; ex. C.M. Jephcott (private sale), Bill Simpson (Part I, March 1996; Lot 391)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 50/65,A remarkable set of fourteen Large Die Proofs IN ISSUED COLOURS PRINTED ON INDIA PAPER, die sunk on uniform full-size cards measuring 226 x 150mm. Scarcer than proofs printed directly on card; the one cent and two cent which do not exist in this format (see below). All in an excellent state of preservation, showing razor-sharp impressions and exceptional colours; the three cent proof has penciled "2" at top right and annotation "Color Selected" at lower left. A fabulous set in all respects, XF; the 20c and $1 proofs with 2021 Greene Foundation cert.

It is almost certain that the india proofs were printed first, prior to the those printed directly on cards. There are two distinctive features of die proofs on india paper:

First, the One cent is printed in green and the Two cent in orange. These reversed colour proofs are rarities and when surfacing on the marketplace are almost invariably offered individually.

Second, being printed on india paper and then sunk on card, they display a more opaque tone when held against a light source, as well as a higher luminescence under ultra-violet light. The latter trait is readily apparent as the india paper exhibits considerable fluorescence. Those printed directly on card show none of these features.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 50-65,A fabulous set of sixteen Large Die Proofs, all printed in the issued colours and die sunk directly on uniform full-size cards measuring 226 x 150mm. Each die proof is in an immaculate state of preservation, showing true colours and sharp impressions. A magnificent set of Canada's first ever commemoratives, XF

Provenance: American Bank Note Company Sale, September 1990; part of Lot 1660A

A GLORIOUS SHOWPIECE SET, RANKING AMONG THE MOST DESIRABLE OF ALL CANADIAN DIE PROOFS.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 57, 57i,An unusually choice mint Plate 19 block of six, shows the constant Re-entry (Position 3) on top centre stamp; negligible gum bends on two stamps, a very seldom seen plate multiple especially in such nice condition, VF NH; clear 1997 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade cat. $4,650 as singles)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 59-65,The set of seven mint singles with SPECIMEN overprint, disturbed gum on $2 and $5, $3 without gum and a few short perfs, still a well-above average set of these difficult specimen overprints, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $3,900)

The 20c stamp shows the Major Re-entry (Position 37).

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 59, 59i, iii,Two matching mint Plate 21 strips of three showing Re-entry (Position 2) on left stamp; former strip with variety NH, latter strip with variety and right stamp NH. Attractive and scarce plate multiples, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $4,675 as singles)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 62,Sheet margin mint example with true rich colour, centered right but with plate number "26" at top and with full immaculate original gum, Fine NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 63,A premium quality mint single of this key stamp, very well centered, sheet margin at top shows small part of "OT" imprint (being Pos. 2 in the sheet of 50), hint of a gum bend for strict accuracy (not mentioned in accompanying certificate), with full original gum, NEVER HINGED. Among the scarcest late Queen Victorian era stamps to find in such selected quality, VF NH; clear 2023 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 63,A beautiful, post office fresh mint single with rich colour and strong impression on pristine fresh paper, full unblemished original gum, NEVER HINGED. The key stamp of this popular commemorative series, F-VF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES Engraver's Progressive compound "triptych" Die Essay on india paper 88 x 73mm, showing three versions of the central vignette and surrounding oval along with inscriptions and shading; immaterial india wrinkles. UNIQUE, VF

Unlisted in both Minuse & Pratt "The Essays and Proofs of British North America" and Glen Lundeen BNA Proofs website.

Provenance: Ron Brigham, June 2014; Lot 263

A clear "centrepiece" to a traditional gold-medal collection of this late Victorian era definitive series.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES Engraver's Progressive compound "triptych" Die Essay on india paper 37 x 132mm, showing an amazing progression of the design focusing on surrounding "maple leaves" frame, lower two versions nearly identical, all three with same central vignette of Queen Victoria. Inconsequential light india thinning at foot and horizontal fold at top well away from essays, small portion of engine-turning engraving at foot. UNIQUE. The ideal companion to preceding lot, VF

Unlisted in both Minuse & Pratt "The Essays and Proofs of British North America" and Glen Lundeen BNA Proofs website.

Provenance: Ron Brigham, June 2014; Lot 264

A clear "centrepiece" to a traditional gold-medal collection on this late Victorian era series.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 66i,A precisely centered mint single with the Major Re-entry (Plate 1, Right Pane, Pos 4) with distinguishable marks in lettering and frames, among other traits, VF+ NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 67,A nicely centered mint single with large margins, deep rich colour and full immaculate original gum; VF+ NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 67i,A fresh, choice imperforate block, large margined with bright colour, ungummed as issued, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 68,A fresh Plate 1 plate proof block of twelve (from Right Pane), in a deep rich colour on bright white card, XF, choice (Unitrade cat. $1,200 as single proofs)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 69,Progressive Die Proof printed in dull violet, stamp size on card mounted india paper (0.011" thick), showing white blanks with semi-circular ends (McLaughlin Style A). An appealing initial stage engraved proof, VF (Minuse & Pratt 69PX-Ba)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 69,Progressive Die Proof printed in violet red, stamp size, on thick bluish green wove paper (0.005" thick), showing white arcs with partial horizontal lines in oval at sides (McLaughlin Style B). A rare and remarkable initial stage coloured proof, VF (Minuse & Pratt 69PX-Cc)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 69,A superb Plate 3 plate proof block of twelve in issued colour on card; light card crease at lower right, VF (Unitrade cat. $1,200 as single proofs)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 69,A brilliant fresh mint single, well centered with full original gum, VF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 70i,A large margined imperforate pair, ungummed as issued and with lovely rich colour, VF+

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 71, 71i,Top left plate proof block of 24 on card mounted india paper, plate imprint trimmed off prior to sinking on card, displays the Engraver's Slip (Position 14, left Pane). A striking block with a major plate variety, VF (Unitrade cat. $5,400 as normal proofs)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 72,An outstanding mint single, very well centered with massive margins, amazing vivid colour on bright white wove paper, full unblemished original gum. One of the very finest extant, VF+ NH GEM; 2012 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 73,A well centered mint example of this key stamp, brilliant and fresh with full pristine original gum; a beautiful stamp, VF+ NH; 2012 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 73i,A choice mint imperforate pair with large margins, deep rich colour and full original gum; nicer than normally encountered, VF+ LH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 74-84,The complete set of ten plate proofs in issued colours on card mounted india paper (2c purple does not exist), ample to very large margins, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 74,Die Proof printed in the issued colour on card mounted india paper 58 x 71mm; showing die number "F-114" and ABNC Ottawa imprint (23mm long), archival adhesive marks on reverse only; a rare proof ideal for an advanced collection, VF

Other than the 3 cent denomination on india or wove paper, all Numeral Issue die proofs (both trial or issued colours) are rarities.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 74v, ii,An outstanding imperforate Plate 1 block of twelve showing the Major Re-entry (Plate 1, Right Pane, Position 18) on lower right stamp, strong doubling marks in "CANA" of "CANADA" and notably in "STAGE" of "POSTAGE", inclusion on lower left stamp, an extremely rare imperforate plate block, especially desirable showing the only major plate variety on this particular stamp, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 74,A superb, very large margined mint single with radiant colour, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 74vi,Used single with prominent Horizontal Stitch Watermark (no need of fluid to see it), light unobtrusive CDS, Fine and scarce

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 75vi,A superb mint, large margined imperforate block, ungummed as issued, fresh XF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 75a,A choice imperforate mint pair with full even margins, distinctive deeper shade with full original gum, scarce, XF LH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 75,A post office fresh mint single with precise centering and pristine original gum, VF+ NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 76a,A selected mint single in the distinctive shade associated with this printing, well centered with full original gum; difficult to find, VF NH; 2018 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 76i,An exceptionally well centered mint single with brilliant colour with full immaculate original gum, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77iv,A brilliant, fresh and choice imperforate block with sheet margin at top, ungummed as issued, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77c,A superb mint imperforate pair with four full even margins, brilliant fresh colour and full pristine original gum; tough to find this nice, XF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77c,A fresh mint imperforate pair, choice and not often seen, VF LH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77d,A superb corner margin imperforate pair of the scarcer die, ungummed as issued, XF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77d variety,Imperforate pair from top left corner position, showing the distinctive die and very clearly horizontal mesh paper associated with the booklet pane sheets (see Unitrade 77ei footnote) where the rare tête-bêche panes and pairs originated. A great item for the specialist, VF+ (Unitrade cat. for standard Die II pair)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77b,A remarkable mint booklet pane of six, very well centered for this challenging item, bright colour on distinctive horizontal mesh wove paper associated with Canada's first booklet pane, full original gum NEVER HINGED, in an excellent state of preservation, VF NH; 1996 PF cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 77a,A premium mint example of the second die, very well centered with large margins, full pristine original gum, an elusive stamp, VF+ NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 78,Engraved Die Proof in near issued colour on wove paper with clear horizontal mesh, measuring 41 x 73mm and showing die number "F-113" and ABNC imprint (24mm long), scarce and choice, VF (Minuse & Pratt 78P1a)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 78,Very well centered mint block of four, VF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 78,A bright mint example of this underrated stamp, very well centered within noticeably large margins, full immaculate original gum, VF+ NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 79a,A choice, fresh mint imperforate pair showing the barest trace of hinging, VF VLH; 2014 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 79b,A post office bright fresh mint single on the distinctive whiter paper with horizontal mesh, well centered with full unblemished original gum; a beautiful stamp, VF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 80a,A remarkably large margined mint imperforate pair showing part of adjoining stamp at left and sheet margin on other side, VF LH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 81,Trial Colour Small Die Proof, engraved, printed in olive green on card mounted india paper 23 x 38mm; showing die number "O-10" and complete American Bank Note Co. Ottawa. imprint (21.5mm) below design; shallow card thin not readily noticeable, a very rare coloured proof. Unlisted in both Minuse & Pratt and Glen Lundeen BNA Proofs website - a clear indication of its rarity, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 81,A superb mint example as fresh as the day it was printed over 120 years ago, exceptional bright colour on fresh paper, extremely well centered within well-balanced margins, full immaculate original gum. It would be a challenge a find an example that rivals this one, XF NH; 2016 PF cert. (Graded XF-S 95)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 81a,Imperforate pair with sheet margin at foot with lovely bright fresh colour, ungummed as issued, choice, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 82,A superbly centered mint single on vertical mesh wove paper, surrounded by very large margins; exceptional colour and full original gum. A gorgeous stamp that will stand out in anyone's collection, XF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 83,An extraordinary Trial Colour Proof of the finished stamp, engraved, printed in deep reddish violet on white wove paper, gummed and perforated 12 by ABNC; trivial gum thins. A most unusual and no doubt, very rare proof, VF OG (Minuse & Pratt 83TC6a)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES Engraved Die Essay printed in slate grey, stamp size on india paper; natural india paper unevenness but essentially sound with excellent depth of this fugitive colour, Fine (Minuse & Pratt E-2a)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 84,An exceptionally well centered mint single of this sought-after stamp, displaying well balanced margins, remarkably fresh with intact perforations, faint trace of a fingerprint on gum mentioned for accuracy. A beautiful example of one of the key stamps of the late Queen Victorian era, VF+ NH; clear 2016 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 84, 84i,A bright, fresh and well centered mint top margin block displaying the elusive Engraver's Slip variety (Position 2) on upper left stamp, hinged in margin only, all stamps are NEVER HINGED. A rare block, F-VF; 2001 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade cat. $8,350)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES An impressive Die Essay - prepared but never issued, printed in olive green (the eventual adopted colour of the twenty cent), stamp size on card mounted india paper; brown paper on reverse likely from a presentation card, small ink mark purportedly done by the engraver or archivist. Very few proofs of the 50 cent Numeral exist in private hands regardless of condition or colour, VF (Minuse & Pratt E-3d)

CANADA 85a,A choice mint imperforate horizontal pair with lavender oceans, bright fresh colours, sheet margin at right and large margins on other sides, ungummed as issued, VF+

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 85iii,A remarkably large margined imperforate pair with grey oceans, ungummed as issued, VF JUMBO

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 86a,A bright fresh mint imperforate block with blue oceans, radiant colours and ungummed as issued, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 86a,Imperforate horizontal pair with blue green oceans, full even margins, ungummed as issued, VF

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 87-88,A superior mint duo, precise centering with large margins and full pristine original gum, XF NH

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 87i,A well centered mint Plate 5 block of twelve, showing narrow 4-5mm surcharge spacing variety between first and second and fifth and sixth columns, eight stamps are NH, appealing, VF (Cat. as four narrow spacing strips of three)

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 1899 (January 5) Clean cover addressed locally bearing a selected example of the rare "2" (cent) provisional surcharge in violet on two-thirds of 3c Numeral, tied on left side by clear Port Hood, NS JA 5 99 split ring struck at 3 o'clock angle as customary, cover slightly reduced at top; Stanley Gibbons and R.H.W. (Raymond H. Weill) guarantee backstamps. A spectacular cover of the well-documented Port Hood provisional surcharge, very few exist on cover, VF (Unitrade 88C, cat. $12,000)

Expertization: 1961 PF certificate

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 1899 (October 6) Large envelope registered from Berlin, Ontario to Detroit, bearing an impressive quintuple series franking consisting of Small Queen ½c, 2c, 3c, Jubilee 2c, 3c, 8c, Leaf ½c, 1c (2), 5c, 6c, Numeral 2c purple, 5c, 8c, both Provisional Surcharges and 1898 Map stamp tied by Berlin CDS postmarks, light corner wrinkling away from stamps. An impressive and colourful franking, F-VF (Unitrade 34/86)

Provenance: Don Bowen "Ten Auction", Eaton & Sons, June 1995; Lot 2357

CANADA - 6 1897-1902 VICTORIAN ISSUES 1900 (January 9) Large registered cover to Switzerland, bearing 12 stamps from four different series with Small Queen ½c (2), Jubilee 1c (oxidized), 3c, 5c, Leaf 1c, 2c & provisional surcharge, Numeral 1c, 2c purple, and 1898 Map stamp, three stamps with minor perf toning tied by Berlin JA 9 00 CDS postmark, Toronto transits and Bern 22.I.00 receiver backstamps; light horizontal cover fold away from stamps. A remarkable Mixed-Issue franking paying a triple UPU letter rate plus 5c registration fee to Switzerland, F-VF (Unitrade 34/87)

Provenance: Don Bowen "Ten Auction", Eaton & Sons, June 1995; Lot 2358

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,Large Die Essay with white numerals, engraved, printed in green on white wove paper (0.0055" thick) measuring 70 x 92mm with the complete die sinkage area visible, rarely seen; a marvelous showpiece, VF; 2008 Greene Foundation cert. (Minuse & Pratt 89E-Ae)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,Large Die Essay with white numerals, printed in black on white wove paper (0.0055" thick) measuring 69 x 95mm with virtually complete die sinkage area; very scarce, choice and striking, VF (Minuse & Pratt 89E-Ad)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,Large Die Essay with white numerals, engraved, printed in reddish brown on white wove paper (0.0055" thick) measuring 51 x 67mm; superb fresh and appealing, XF and very scarce (Minuse & Pratt 89E-Ae)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,Large Die Essay with white numerals, engraved, printed in bright blue on white wove paper (0.0055" thick) measuring 65 x 65mm, a choice showpiece in a very attractive colour, VF (Minuse & Pratt 89E-Ae, unlisted in this colour)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,Large Die Essay with white numerals, engraved, printed in a striking bright orange red colour on white paper (0.005" thick) measuring 53 x 70mm, in choice condition and of great eye-appeal, XF (Minuse & Pratt 89E-Ae, unlisted in this colour)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,Large Die Essay with white numerals, engraved, printed in blue green on white wove paper (0.0055" thick) measuring 66 x 73mm, the adopted colour (for the issued stamp), couple minute inclusion spots, a beautiful essay showing die sinkage on three sides, very scarce, VF (Minuse & Pratt 89E-Ae)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,De La Rue & Co. Die Essay, typographed in black on white enamel surfaced wove paper, 57 x 51mm; the model taken by Perkins Bacon and subsequently by American Bank Note Co. to make the die for the 1903-1908 King Edward VII series, appealing and very scarce, VF

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,De La Rue & Co. Plate Essay, typographed in scarlet on white wove paper, comb perforated 14 and affixed on thick white glossy card 45 x 47mm; based on a model that was taken by Perkins Bacon and subsequently by American Bank Note Co. to produce the die for Canada's King Edward VII series. Visually striking, VF

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89,An exceptionally well centered mint example with large margins, radiant colour, sharp impression and full immaculate original gum, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89ii,An exceptionally fresh mint block, well centered with large margins, sheet margin at right, superb colour that really stands out from other known shades, full unblemished original gum. A highly select block ideal for the shade enthusiast, VF NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII Commemorative Card with printed message from George Ross, Chief Post Office Superintendent, Canada bearing the complete King Edward VII series 1c to 50c along with ½c Numeral tied by Field Post Office No. 1 / Canada Militia / Niagara Camp, Ont JUN 16 09 circular datestamps; light ageing / soiling on 10c & 20c stamps. An unusual and most attractive presentation card, F-VF (Unitrade 74, 89-95)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 89xxx/90xxxi,Six vertical format coil strips of four or larger (one is composed of two 2c Style S precancelled pairs). Includes three with roller or precancels (with OG or NH), one has paste-up. While other three are mint OG or NH paste-up coil strips; one with faults. Four items pencil signed on reverse (J. Sissons or B. Maresch) and sold on that merit. A scarce lot of these precursor coil stamps.

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90c,An extremely rare mint imperforate Plate 1 block of eight of the much scarcer Type I, in the distinctive shade with rich colour, ungummed as issued, VF

We are only aware of one other Type I, Plate 1 imperforate multiple - an imprint block of four. Two others could be possible from Plate 2.

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90c,A mint imperforate block of eight in the brighter shade associated with this particular plate, sheet margin at left, ungummed as issued; characteristic small ink marks between stamps, allegedly done by Fred Jarrett on most Type I imperforates from Plate 2. Imperforate multiples larger than a block of four are very rarely seen, VF

Penciled signed by renowned dealer Fred Jarrett on reverse with his pencilled note reading: "Certified stamps nos. 21-22-31-32-41-42-51-52 from Rare Plate 2".

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90iv, v,A matching set of three lower left imperforate blocks - from Plate 43 with defaced horizontal line in red and Plates 31 & 32 (slightly different shades) with line in black; all with usual gum glazing and / or creasing associated with these, VF with full original gum appearing NH. (Unitrade cat. $1,800 as hinged pairs)

Provenance: Senator Henry Hicks, Maresch Sale 259, November 1991; Lot 652-654

Known as experimental printings, Plates 31 & 32 shows show wider impressions from a dry printing on pre-gummed paper. Plate 43 has noticeably narrower impressions resulting from printing on damp paper which was later gummed.

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90d,An imperforate tête-bêche pair of booklet panes, exceptionally fresh, bright colour on the distinctive horizontal mesh wove paper associated with these, ungummed as issued, faint wrinkle entirely confined to margin at left. A superb item of which only fourteen exist. A wonderful showpiece, XF

Provenance: Ron Brigham, January 2016; Lot 165

King Edward VII booklet panes were printed in sheets of 168 stamps laid out in two columns, each of which contained fourteen booklet panes arranged in seven tête-bêche strips of twelve. A plate imprint appeared above each column.

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90e,A superb mint single, very well centered with large margins, bright colour associated with this elusive design type (from Plates 1 & 2 only, among the 86 different issued plates), full immaculate original gum, VF+ NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90,A precisely centered mint example, beautiful fresh colour, bright impression and full pristine original gum, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 90i,An extremely well centered mint single with large margins, lovely colour on fresh wove paper. A gorgeous stamp, XF NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 91,A premium mint example as fresh as the day it was printed, very well centered with full unblemished original gum. A beautiful stamp, XF NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 92a,A highly select mint corner margin imperforate pair, ungummed as issued, XF

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 92i,A superb mint block of four, well centered with distinctive colour and full immaculate original gum. A difficult shade to acquire, especially so in such a select multiple. A great item for the advanced collector, VF+ NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 92iii,A remarkable mint single, superior centering with large margins, distinctive late printing shade with brilliant colour and impression on fresh paper, full pristine original gum. A wonderful stamp, VF+ NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 93,A post office fresh mint Plate 1 strip of three, nicely centered with radiant colour on fresh paper, faint hinging in selvedge only, all stamps with full original gum, VF NH (Unitrade cat. $8,400 as single stamps)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 93,An exceptionally fresh mint Plate 2 strip of four, printing order "71" at right (from 1911 printing), displaying vivid colour and sharp impression, hinged once in the ungummed part of the margin, all stamps possess full pristine original gum NEVER HINGED. A remarkable and rarely seen multiple, especially attractive with such exceptional colour, F-VF NH (Unitrade cat. $6,500 as single stamps)

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 93i,A choice mint block in the distinctive shade, unusually fresh with lovely colour, VF H

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 94,A well centered mint example of this challenging stamp, fabulous rich colour on fresh paper and full unblemished original gum. One of the key stamps of the era, VF NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 95i,A very well centered mint block of this key stamp, printed in an attractive deeper shade on bright white paper, lower pair with lightly glazed gum; seldom seen with such superior centering, XF OG

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 96-103,The American Bank Note Company Archives Artist Models

A breathtaking assembly of the artists' handpainted models created for Canada's Second Commemorative Series issued in 1908. The lot consists of six different UNIQUE pieces as follows:

Item I
Artist's handpainted die essay of the Half cent in black ink, brown paint and Chinese White, with two photographic vignettes affixed over painted design; The King is shown in Civilian dress, which was first approved and then subsequently rejected in favour of a military uniform. Surrounded by various signatures, annotations and handstamps including American Bank Note Order Dept. AUG 24 1908 "clock" on reverse.

Item II
Half cent Die proof (stamp size) affixed on thick card with protective page overleaf; King's original portrait in Civilian dress has been excised by the artist and replaced with a sepia photographic image showing the King in Military Uniform.

Item III
Artist's handpainted triptych composite die, comprising One cent, Two cent and Five cent values, each with handpainted surrounds in their preliminary (and later accepted) colours, all with touched up value tablets, scrolls, top and lower inscriptions in Chinese White and affixed to individual cards and with central vignettes being a photographic reproduction of a design with changes done in a mixture of paint and watercolour. Each with artist and designer signatures below designs, affixed on large card, annotated "Engrave Dies & send to Ottawa" above, datestamped at lower right; on reverse with two different ABNC clock datestamps.

Item IV
Artist's handpainted composite die, prepared in similar fashion to Item III, includes the Seven cent and Ten cent values with handpainted surrounding frames. Seven cent without central vignettes and Ten cent with shaped photographic reproduction of the selected Quebec scene affixed in place and enhanced with watercolour. Various signatures, initials by designer and other ABNC employees, plus several datestamps on front and on reverse.

Item V
Artist handpainted individual model of the die for the Fifteen cent denomination, painted surrounding frame in shades of orange and Chinese white; with shaped photographic reproduction of the chosen scene of Champlain's Departure affixed in place and enhanced with watercolour. Various ABNC employee and artist signatures and datestamps, plus a couple of the latter on reverse.

Item VI
Artist handpainted individual model of the die for the Twenty cent denomination, painted by hand of surrounding frame in shades of brown, additional finishing touches to value tablets, scrolls, and inscriptions in Chinese White, directly on thick card; with shaped photographic reproduction of the chosen scene of Cartier's Arrival affixed in its place and enhanced with watercolour. Three different American Bank Note Company employee and artist signatures around painted model and datestamped "ENTERED MAY 14 1908" at lower right corner.

Provenance: American Bank Note Company Archives, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, September 1990; Lot 1867 (part of)
The "Libra" Collection, Eastern Auctions, October 2011; Lot 1 (part of)
Ron Brigham Collection, July 2016; Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11

First offered at the American Bank Note Archives Sale in 1990, it has also graced two very important collections of the recent past. A wonderful opportunity to acquire this very significant set of UNIQUE Artist's proofs, perhaps the most significant assembly of pre-production material of any issue of Canada. Many years may pass before it resurfaces.

THE MOST IMPORTANT SET RELATED TO THE 1908 QUEBEC TERCENTENARY ISSUE.

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 96-103,Printer's Archival Die Proofs - the set of eight stamp sized die proofs in issued colours, each with ample margins; the ½c is the rare "Civilian Dress" essay - the unadopted die; printed on card mounted india paper and neatly affixed to America Bank Note printer's archival card. A wonderful showpiece, VF (Minuse & Pratt 96E-A, 97P2a-103P2a)

Provenance: Herbert McNaught Collection, Firby Auctions...
The "Libra" Collection of 1908 Québec Tercentenary Issue, Eastern Auctions, October 2011; Lot 9
Ron Brigham, September 2015; Lot 9

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 96-103,A complete set of Die Proofs printed in black on thin white card, stamp-size with small even margins and individually affixed on white card. The Half cent shows the "King in Civilian Dress", the rare die essay of the unissued design. A superb set of these very rare proofs - only a miniscule number of each were made for presentation purposes by American Bank Note Company, VF (Minuse & Pratt 96E-Ac-103TC2a)

Provenance: Senator Henry Hicks, Maresch Sale 259, November 1991; Lot 755

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 96-103,The complete set of large die proofs in issued colours on india paper; die sunk on full-size cards approx. 230 x 152mm for the ½c, 5c, 10c, 15c & 20c and on smaller cards approx. 175mm by 105mm for 1c, 2c and 7c. The 1c and 2c are the rarest proofs of the set (any size). A very scarce set, a cornerstone for an advanced collection of the issue, VF

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 96,Large Die Essay showing the Prince of Wales (King George V) in Civilian Dress, printed in issued colour on india paper 74 x 62mm, die sunk on large card 173 x 103mm with rounded corners at right and two punch marks from an American Bank Note Company presentation book, showing die number "F-192" and ABNC imprint. A spectacular essay - the unadopted die, only a handful exist (stamp size to large size), a highly desirable of the Québec Tercentenary series, VF (Minuse & Pratt 96E-A)

Provenance: Rosemary Nickle, Firby Auctions, October 1988; Lot 479
Ron Brigham, September 2015; Lot 15

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 96,A superb Large Die Proof printed in the issued colour, the adopted design on india paper 72 x 62mm, die sunk on full-size card 229 x 155mm, die number "F-199" and ABNC imprint. A beautiful and choice die proof, XF

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 97,A spectacular mint single, precisely centered within noticeably large margins, post office fresh with full immaculate original gum; superb in all respects, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 97i,A marvelous mint example, extremely well centered with large margins, amazing deep colour with prominently 'hairlines' in margins. One of the nicest examples we have handled, XF NH JUMBO

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 98,Progressive Large Die Proof, engraved, printed in black on untrimmed india paper with die sinkage 76 x 63mm, die sunk on large card 206 x 137mm; the Second State with additional engraving in the portraits only, unfinished scrolls and unerased guidelines, among other traits. A very rare and superb unfinished die proof, XF (Minuse & Pratt 98E-Ba)

Provenance: Rosemary Nickle, Firby Auctions, October 1988; Lot 518
The "Libra" Collection of 1908 Québec Tercentenary Issue, Eastern Auctions, October 2011; Lot 3
Ron Brigham, September 2015; Lot 19

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 98,Progressive Large Die Proof, engraved, printed in black on untrimmed india paper with die sinkage area 76 x 63mm on large card 209 x 136mm; the Third State with further engraving of the portraits, most noticeable in the King's eyelids, again with unfinished scrolls and unerased guidelines. A marvelous unfinished die proof in immaculate condition, XF (Minuse & Pratt 98E-Ba)

Provenance: Rosemary Nickle, Firby Auctions, October 1988; Lot 520
The "Libra" Collection of 1908 Québec Tercentenary Issue, Eastern Auctions, October 2011; Lot 4
Ron Brigham, September 2015; Lot 20

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 98i,A selected mint single showing the 'hairlines' variety, quite distinctive in side margins; an elusive variety, VF+ NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 99,An extremely well centered mint single with bright colour on fresh white paper; a choice stamp, XF NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 100,A beautiful mint single, well centered and fresh, full immaculate original gum, VF NH

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 101,Central vignette model measuring about 180 x 100mm, touched up with watercolour and pencil notation at foot "QUEBEC IN 1700 FROM AN OLD PRINT IN SULTE'S" (bilingual) affixed on large card with archival annotation "used on 10¢ stamp Die No. F 195" at top, date initialed "4 / 29 / 08 Jam" (Jose A. Machado, designer) at bottom left, ABNC backstamped "D.E.W. APR 24 1908" and Returned... 11 1908" on reverse. UNIQUE Artist model, adopted for the 10 cent stamp, VF

Provenance: American Bank Note Company Archives, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, September 1990; Lot 1867 (part of)
The "Libra" Collection of 1908 Québec Tercentenary Issue, Eastern Auctions, October 2011; Lot 1 - Item VIII
Ron Brigham, September 2015; Lot 22

CANADA - 7 KING EDWARD VII 103,A seldom seen mint Plate 1 block, the key value of the set, centered right, a few split perfs in selvedge, the top pair is NH. A lovely, sound mint plate block, Fine+

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 104e,An exceptionally well centered mint example with bright, distinctive colour, full unblemished original gum, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 104ii,A nicely centered mint single with deep rich colour on fresh paper, full unblemished original gum; a superb stamp, XF NH

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 105f,A fresh mint block showing complete, full strength Type D lathework, F-VF NH (Unitrade 105f)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 106,Trial Colour Small Die Proof, engraved, printed in black on yellowish horizontal wove paper (0.003" thick) measuring 31 x 35mm, rare and VF; 1989 Greene Foundation cert. (Minuse & Pratt 106TC2a)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 106c,A remarkable mint example of this distinctive early shade, precisely centered with gorgeous colour and bright impression, XF NH; this shade is often mistaken for the pink colour.

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 106ix,A premium mint example showing prominent "hairlines" in margins as well as throughout the design for dramatic effect, extremely well centered with bright fresh colour and full unblemished original gum, XF NH

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 106ii,A superb mint example with vibrant colour, distinctive from the myriad shades found on this stamp, precisely centered and full original gum, XF NH

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 106iv,A beautiful Upper Left Plate 93 strip of ten with printing order number "910A" at right, penciled "29 Sept 16" date of acquisition, reasonably centered and showing the distinctive scarcer shade, LH in selvedge only leaving all stamps NH, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $1,170)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 107iv + shade,Choice fresh, well centered mint singles in two distinctive shades; one with pastel-like colour and impression and the other in an unusually bright shade of yellow green. A lovely duo, VF+ NH

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 107e,An outstanding mint single, remarkably well centered within enormous margins, bright colour on fresh white paper. A great stamp in all respects, XF NH JUMBO

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 107iv,A fresh, nicely centered mint Plate 216 block of eight, rich colour, VF NH (Unitrade cat. $720 as singles)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 108b,A very well centered and choice mint Plate 20 strip of ten from upper right pane, penciled "22 Feb 19" date of acquisition, light hinging in selvedge only leaving all stamps VF NH (Unitrade cat. $1,950)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 108b,A well centered mint single, characteristic full white original gum associated with this shade, VF NH

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 108,A superbly centered mint Plate 106 block of twelve with printing order "944AK" at right, hinged in selvedge only, all stamps with pristine original gum and NH. A lovely plate block, XF (Unitrade cat. $1,800 as singles)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 108c,A well centered mint example in a darker shade than normally seen on a dry printing, large margins and pristine original gum, VF NH

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 109,Post office fresh mint single, extremely well centered with pristine original gum, XF NH GEM

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 109c,Superb mint single showing the scarcer die, precise centering with noticeably large margins, XF NH JUMBO

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 110b,A well centered mint single with deep colour, VF NH; 2018 Greene Foundation cert.

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 110d,A superb mint single surrounded by uncharacteristically large margins, brilliant fresh colour, XF NH JUMBO

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 111a,An appealing mint Plate 1 block in the distinctive rich shade of the first printings, on bright fresh paper and hinged in the selvedge only leaving all stamps never hinged, Fine+, very scarce. (Unitrade cat. $1,680 as single stamps)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 111a,A lovely fresh, mint Plate 2 imprint block in the distinctive shade, and sharper impressive than from later printings, the lower pair is NH, tiny moisture spot on lower left stamp, Fine+ LH, a very scarce plate block; 2015 RPSL cert. (Unitrade cat. $1,120 as single stamps)

CANADA - 8 KING GEORGE V 111 shade,A scarce mint Plate 3 strip of four, quite well centered and displaying an unusual early shade between Indigo and dark blue, hinged in margin just touching the top of centre pair, end stamps are NH, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $1,410 for normal blue shade stamps)