Rare and high-quality material from Canada, British North America, and around the world headline Sparks Auctions’ Autumn 2025 Sale, Oct. 29-31.
The auction features standout Canadian classics, desirable Newfoundland Airmails, specialized collections, and worldwide postal history, together with proofs, varieties, and modern errors that will appeal to collectors across all levels.
Lot 274 features the 1930 50-cent on 36-cent olive green Columbia Flight, from position one of the setting of four. It has full never hinged original gum, a rich deep shade, and is described as a lovely fine–very fine example of this airmail rarity. The stamp is accompanied by 2001 Philatelic Foundation and 2004 B.P.A. certificates.
Only 300 examples of the 35-cent Caribou stamp were overprinted to commemorate the transatlantic flight of the Miss Columbia, a Bellanca monoplane piloted by Captain J. Erroll Boyd and Lieutenant Harry P. Connor, who departed Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, with the aim of completing a non-stop transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to England. At the urging of the postmaster, a bag of mail was carried aboard the flight; 48 stamps were reserved for covers posted at Harbour Grace, with a further eight stamps – two blocks of four – given to the pilots. The remaining stamps were placed on sale at the St. John’s post office on Sept. 25, 1930. According to the lot description, of the 300 stamps originally issued, about 100 are believed to have been used on cover, while many of the remaining examples no longer retain the freshness and condition seen in the stamp offered here.
“This is a lovely example of one of Newfoundland’s most significant airmail issues,” the Sparks Auctions team noted. “Its never hinged condition and position within the original setting make it a particularly desirable showpiece for advanced collectors.”
Beyond this highlight, the sale brings together an exceptional range of material spanning early Canadian issues to worldwide postal history, supported by strong collections and in-depth studies that showcase both rarity and research.
CANADIAN AND WORLDWIDE STRENGTH
Sparks describes its Fall Sale as “an impressive array” of material that blends Canadian classics with international depth. The Canadian section includes high-quality singles and proofs, complemented by an array of modern varieties and errors. Collectors of postal history will find sought-after Pence, Decimal, and Small Queen issue covers, while British North America includes British Columbia rarities and Newfoundland Airmails signed by early aviation pioneers—Raynham, Hawker, Grieve, Alcock, and Brown.
Canadian revenues also stand out, led by Part II of the “Simone Collection,” featuring Supreme Court and War Savings rarities and seldom-seen “IN PRIZE” usages on document.
“Our goal with this sale was to combine the depth of traditional philately with the excitement of fresh material,” the Sparks team added. “We’ve also reorganized the layout so collectors can view stamps and postal history side by side, rather than in separate sections.”
GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS AND COLLECTIONS
The worldwide and British Commonwealth sections include notable items from the Crimean War, China, India, and Great Britain, plus early issues from around the world. Extensive Lots and Collections range from small groupings of classic material to intact holdings and specialized exhibits.
A highlight is a Canada Admiral Issue collection, alongside an exhibit of the 1934 3-cent Cartier, Gold Coast studies, and Penny Red plating collections from Great Britain. Thousands of online images and video walkthroughs accompany the lots.
LOOKING AHEAD
Following the Fall Sale, Sparks will host its December Worldwide Postal History Auction, offering material from Admiral postal history to Zeppelin and pioneer aviator mail. Consignments are also being accepted for the Winter 2026 sale.
The Sparks Auctions Sale No. 54 will be held over three sessions:
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Session 1 (Lots 1–468): Wednesday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. EDT
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Session 2 (Lots 501–866): Thursday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. EDT
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Session 3 (Lots 901–1520): Friday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. EDT
For more information, visit sparks-auctions.com or contact the firm at (613) 567-3336. Online bidding is now open.