Largest known mint multiple of 1857 stamp looks almost new
By Mike Walsh
Widely regarded as the “crown jewel of Canadian philately,” the glorious 10-pence blue block is not only one of the most extraordinary showpieces in Canadian stamp collecting but also a premier lot in the fourth – and final – offering from the legendary Ron Brigham collection.
According to New Brunswick’s Eastern Auctions, this stunning mint block, the largest known multiple in mint condition, remains in an exceptional state of preservation, as vibrant as the day it was printed more than 160 years ago in 1857. It is being offered as Lot 11 in the concluding instalment of Brigham’s Grand Prix Collection of the Province of Canada.
“It is highly regarded as one of the most outstanding Canadian pieces in existence,” says Yohann Tanguay, Eastern Auctions’ chief describer. “It is one of my personal favourites from the Brigham collection – it simply dazzles when examined up close!”
As the lot description notes, the block (Scott #7a) boasts ample to large margins, including a sheet margin at the foot, and showcases remarkably fresh colour with a sharp impression on the distinctive thicker wove paper. Despite a minute scuff on the lower right stamp’s numeral, this unique block has been a centrepiece of the Brigham collection since its acquisition at the Weill brothers sale in 1989. Remarkably, the block retains its full original gum – an “impressive” achievement – with the lower pair showing only a slight moisture spot but essentially never hinged. This superb multiple, hailed by experts past and present as one of the most significant items in Canadian philately, is a highlight of the entire Brigham collection. Graded very fine to extremely fine, it carries an estimate of more than $100,000.
As was the case with the previous three sales, the lots available in the Oct. 4 auction promise not to disappoint collectors and historians alike.
“The fourth instalment of the Brigham Province of Canada collection emphasizes the 10-pence and 17-cents Jacques Cartier stamps,” explains Tanguay. “Anything significant related to these two stamps, issued between 1855 and 1867, will be showcased – from a unique progressive die proof of the 10 pence to the largest mint and used multiples of both stamps. Collectors will also have the opportunity to see, in private hands, the only known essay in black of the three-pence Beaver. Printed by Ellis of Toronto, this essay was presented to postmaster general James Morris and is appearing at auction for the first time since the famous Fred Jarrett collection was dispersed in 1959. To top it off, there is also a 12-penny cover mailed to England, the only known 12 pence on cover to cross the Atlantic.”
Meticulously assembled by the late Ron Brigham, who died Aug. 4, 2022 at age 78, his extraordinary collection garnered numerous gold medals on the international stage in the late 1990s, culminating in two Grand Prix awards. Brigham remains the only Canadian to earn these highest honours in competitive philately.
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