Collectors of the stamps and postal history of Great Britain take note: there’s an “exceptionally strong” offering of this material in an upcoming sale hosted by John Sheffield Philatelist, Ltd.
Sheffield said Public Auction No. 180, to be held Nov. 13, includes a “wide range of material that will appeal to the specialist as well as the general collector” of this country’s material. The sale will be held at the Four Points Hotel on 1150 Wellington Rd. S., in London, Ont. Lot viewing begins at 9 a.m. on the day of sale, and the auction starts promptly at 1 p.m.
“We usually have a few Great Britain collections or individual stamps in each sale but this time there is much more than usual,” he said, adding his company was chosen to sell an “enormous” collection that has been stored for more than 80 years.
On its website, the London, Ont.-based firm shows a list of stampless cover collections illustrating the Uniform Penny Postage rates; the Edinburgh and Glasgow Penny Posts; two-pence Local Posts; and a selection of other markings. Other collections include Machins and intact booklets.
Among the top highlights is Lot 309, a “matched pair” of imperforate and perforated one-pence stamps issued by Great Britain in 1841. It has a pre-sale estimate of $300.
“The section is also loaded with plated copies of the early Victorian issues,” Sheffield added.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Sheffield said the sale is not limited to Great Britain.
“In the Worldwide section there are 114 collections and larger lots; 66 collections and larger lots in the British Commonwealth section; and more to be found in the Canada Collections and large lots section.”
In addition to large lots and collections of Canada, there’s a selection of Canadian postal history, several hundred black-and-white picture postcards, and a collection of thematic post cards. Individual stamps from the 1851 Pence Issue to more-recent modern issues are also included.
Another highlight is Lot 514, an intact booklet of four panes issued for Laurentide Air Service in 1924 (Scott #CL4b). This mint (never hinged) example is estimated at $3,000.
Sheffield said the upcoming sale will also include the “usual selections of Floor Sale Only lots.”
“We usually have over 100 of these fun lots and this sale is no different with 158 being up for auction.”
Sheffield said no mail or phone bids will be accepted on these “Floor Sale Only” lots.
“Since it is all in the eye of the beholder, customers must be present to bid on these lots.”
For more information, visit johnsheffield.com.