Auction review: ‘Vampire Bite’ variety nearly doubles estimate

Last week, a nearly 130-year-old three-cent Small Queen variety nearly doubled its pre-sale estimate as part of All Nations Stamp and Coin’s weekly auction #1139.

A Fine used 1888 three-cent Small Queen “Vampire Bite” variety (Scott #41vi) was offered as Lot 16 of the 200-lot sale on Dec. 23. The result of plate damage during the later Ottawa printings of the Small Queen issue, this example is catalogued at $150 but hammered down for $266.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Described by owner and auctioneer Brian Grant Duff as “well attended,” the Vancouver-based auction house’s 1139th weekly auction drew bids from across the country and abroad. Each of the 200 lots sold, and the sale brought 112 per cent of its pre-sale estimates.

Lot 48 was a 1975 eight-cent Christmas stamp (SC #677b) that realized $110.

Duff added he’s planning a “special auction” for All Nations’ 1150th sale in spring 2018.

Other highlights include Lot 48, a used 1975 eight-cent Christmas “black double printed” variety (SC #677b). Estimated at $50, this example brought $110.

Lot 54 offered the original as well as reprinted 2017 Hanukkah booklets recently issued by Canada Post. Estimated at $60, the pair of booklets sold for $125.

Lot 54 was an original Hanukkah booklet (top) and a reprinted booklet (bottom) that brought $125 altogether.

Rounding out the highlights was Lot 63,  July 3, 1884 Moodyville, B.C. cover to New Westminster. This three-cent cover was expected to bring $25 but hammered down for $121—nearly five times its initial estimate.

For more information, visit allnationsstampandcoin.com/A1139.html.

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