Eastern Auctions set to offer second part of ‘rare’ collection
Eastern Auctions’ second instalment of the Glen Lundeen Admiral collection “offers another dazzling array of proofs and, especially, plate multiples.”
“Once again, the war tax section is very impressive,” adds Yohann Tanguay, Eastern’s chief describer. “As a group, these are very rarely seen and many have not been seen in decades.”
The 137-lot Glen Lundeen Collection of the Admiral Issue of Canada, Part II, will be sold on Saturday, Aug. 19.
Tanguay says the collection represents “the finest and most expansive offering of die proofs and plate multiples ever seen at auction. It also contains some of the rarest lathework and imperforate multiples.”
For example, Lots 506, 518, and 520 feature “extraordinary” large die proofs with signatures from postmaster officials.
Lot 506 features 1918 dark brown three cents, Die 1, printed on India paper, die sunk on a larger card with die number “O-G-266.” It features deputy postmaster general R.M. Coulter’s hand-signed “Approved Deputy P.M.G.” It also has a hand-stamped “Postage Stamp Branch Superintendent May 25, 1918 P.O. Dept. Ottawa” in blue and on a reverse double-ring. It has a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-plus.
“This is a wonderful showpiece and, as far as we know, the only known in private hands,” says Tanguay.
Lot 518 is another rare war tax die proof with an archival hand stamp. It features a 1915 two-cents plus one-cent carmine, Die 1. The description states: “A remarkable approved large die proof on India paper 63 x 76 mm die sunk ‘OG-100’ number above design, oval Postage stamp branch Superintendent Dec. 13, 1915, P.O. Dept. Ottawa hand stamped in violet and pen manuscript ‘approved RMC’ (by Deputy Postmaster General Robert Miller Coulter).” Lot 518 has a pre-sale estimate of $3,500-plus.
One of only two known, Lot 520 features a 1916 two-cents plus one-cent brown, Die 1. “A marvellous approved large die proof on 63 x 76 mm India paper, die sunk on large 126 x 173 mm card; the hardened die number ‘OG-100.’” It features an oval “Postage Stamp Branch Superintendent Aug. 9, 1916” hand stamp and is signed “RMC” by Coulter. Lot 520 has a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-plus.
“These three lots are important items, as they bear the seal of approval from a government official,” Tanguay explains. “They certainly stand apart from the normal die proofs and are thus highly collectible. We know of very few of these – from only a few different denominations – that exist in private hands.”
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