In this digest, we have gathered highlights from October's 2023 most intriguing auctions, understanding your passion for philately and collecting. This month's digest aims to shed light on the noteworthy auctions that have unfolded some fascinating information for both novice and experienced stamp collectors.
October 4th, David Feldman: Great Britain and The “Arden” Collection. David Feldman Auction is a well-known auction house specializing in stamps and coins. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, they have been operating since 1968. Their auctions attract collectors worldwide as well as feature the diversity of rare items. With their expertise, including valuations and expert opinions, they represent a trusted and transparent auction experience. This auction will present lots from Great Britain from the XIXth century. Here's an interesting one.
In the early days of the new Reign, specifically on 1st February, 1901, De La Rue released Statements featuring new dies and plates. These statements were created using Victorian designs that were already in existence. The anticipation of a short reign prompted this action. Shortly after, on 11th February, two sets of Essays were submitted, classified as Type A (King Edward VII three-quarter face portrait, facing left) and Type B (King Edward VII portrait, facing left).
Currently, the lot is estimated to be valued at £18,000.
October 12th, Spink: The Lionheart Collection of GB & British Empire Part XVII. Spink auction is a prestigious auction house specializing in collectibles such as coins, banknotes, stamps, dating back to 1666. Known for their expertise and rigorous authentication processes, Spink ensures the authenticity and quality of the items offered in their auctions. This October, many unique lots will be represented at the auction, including this one.
Turks and Caicos Islands: the rare 1881 (1 Jan.) 2½d. on 1/- stamp in a mesmerizing dull blue shade color. This exceptional find features Setting 9 and a Type 26 surcharge, intriguingly devoid of the expected fraction bar. Its unused condition, accompanied by tiny traces of gum, adds to its allure. With a Holcombe Certificate from 1988 validating its authenticity, this extraordinary rarity is coveted among collectors. Currently valued at £15,000 by Stanley Gibbons, its estimated range falls between £4,000 and £5,000.
October 14th, Dr. Derichs: 172nd Auction - TROST Part VII. Dr. Derichs auction is a prominent auction house specializing in the sale of fine art and antiques. With a reputation for curating exquisite and diverse collections, Dr. Derichs auctions attract a lot of art enthusiasts and passionate collectors. Their auctions feature various artworks, like paintings, sculptures, and decorative art pieces, offering something every collector may enjoy. On October 14th, they will represent philately lots from Germany. It's worth mentioning one of them.
This is a block of four 3 kreuzer black on dark yellow stamps, exhibiting a remarkable "d" color with even and enormous margins on all four sides. Affixed to a piece, this block features an attractive blue stirrup cancel with the inscription "Ellwangen 2 September 1852", adding to its visual appeal. The upper stamps proudly showcase the type "IVa," while the lower ones display the type "III." The outstanding quality of this block of four is unquestionable, validated by a photo expertize from Thoma BPP and a new photo expertize from Heinrich BPP.
Both confirm its genuineness, immaculate condition, and extraordinary rarity. In fact, it is the largest recorded unit in the d-color and holds prime status as a highly sought-after philatelic gem. The experts further note that they have registered only two more blocks of fours like this. With a Michel catalog value of 6000 EUR plus, this rarity is considered a prized possession among collectors.
