On Sept. 5-6 Cherrystone Philatelic Auctioneers will conduct its next auction of stamps and postal history of the world including United States, Great Britain and the British Commonwealth, along with large lots and collections. At this sale collectors will get a unique chance to acquire one of the greatest and most famous philatelic items - Lady McLeod cover. The lot is being offered by an auction house with a starting price of $30,000.
The privately issued blue Lady McLeod stamp carried mail in Trinidad aboard a steamship that plied between Port of Spain and San Fernando carrying passengers, freight and mail. In 1847 the owner, David Bryce, made a stamp available so that those who wished to send letters were able to prepay the charge for carrying them on board the ship. Although an unofficial issue, the Lady McLeod stamp was the first adhesive postage stamp ever issued relating to “post by sea.”
Cherrystone offers philately enthusiasts a splendid sound and exceptionally fine example of the iconic Lady McLeod on cover. The auction house described this lot as having “large margins nearly all round and neatly canceled with a pen "X"; address panel with a vertical fold professionally repaired internally and lacking side panels, otherwise attractive with the stamp in unusually fine condition with many of the known examples being torn or with other faults.”
Nowadays there are still in existence only 26 unused, 24 used and 39 stamps Lady McLeod on covers so the hammer price for this lot promises to be much higher than $30,000! Let`s follow this sale to see its unexpected results.
