By Mike Walsh
Collectors will have one last chance to own “some of the most prized items” in the legendary Glen Lundeen Admiral collection, including two “one-of-a-kind” latheworks and an “incredible” composite essay.
“This is the third and final portion of Glen Lundeen’s Admiral collection,” says Eastern Auctions’ chief describer Yohann Tanguay. “It will be your last chance to secure some of the prized items that have graced this legendary collection.”
Part 3 will be sold on March 9, offering 132 fascinating lots.
“As with the previous two sales, the third instalment offers another solid representation of rare die proofs, plate multiples, and War Tax,” Tanguay says. “In this sale, we have two of the rarest Admiral latheworks to be offered: the two-cent green with Type C inverted and the three-cent brown Type E special. Both are one of a kind; no other has been found since they were issued more than 100 years ago.”
The auction also includes spectacular essays.
“Lot 501: this composite die essay is in a way the ‘genesis’ of what was to become the Admiral series,” explains Tanguay. “An incredible item in all respects.”
The essay features photographic models of the two cents and 20 cents affixed on a large card measuring 167 by 146 millimetres. Prepared by the American Bank Note Company, the “two cents” has been touched up in Chinese white and black ink. Other unique features on the Admiral proof include “Engrave in 2 lines,” signed “JAM” (Jose Antonio Machado), and dated “Sept. 30/11.” It also includes a “DEW” (Department of Engravings & Works) notation in red crayon dated “10/3 11” and is initialled at the bottom right. The reverse shows a “CHECKED / SEP 21 1911” handstamp and is also initialled.
Described in the auction catalogue as “a spectacular, unique” composite die essay, Lot 501 has a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-plus.
The Lundeen collection also includes “the first attempt at producing the three-cent denomination.” Lot 506 features a 1918 Admiral large trial proof of the two cents printed in brown with lower corners “2” and “Two” modified in Chinese white and brown paint to “3” and “Three” with the die number “F-211” completely erased. The American Bank Note Co. Ottawa imprint horizontal fold is clear of the frame at the top. The oval handstamp in violet reads “POSTAGE STAMP BRANCH SUPERINTENDENT, APR 19 1918, P.O. DEPT. OTTAWA.” In black ink are the initials “RMC” (Robert Miller Coulter, deputy postmaster general). On the reverse is a double ring American Bank Note Co. / Ottawa APR 2 1918 datestamp in red and Model No. handstamp and “951” manuscript. In very fine condition, the “extraordinary proof” has a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-plus.
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