Great Britain and British Commonwealth Kangaroos - First Watermark
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 3
Symbol: *
½d green Plate 2 lower-right corner block of 4 with the lower units Imperforate at the Base ACSC 1Ab, the second unit with Excess Colour at Lower-Right ACSC 1(2)m, a few characteristic irregular perfs, ironed-out diagonal crease in the margins well clear of the stamps, lightly to very lightly mounted, Cat $15,000+. [See also Lot 7 and 8]
Provenance:
A Rasmussen
Jack Cato
Herbert McNess
Arthur Gray, Lot 95, sold for US$7,762.
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 2, sold for $11,435.
Stuart Hardy's block of 6 with three error units sold for $16,300.
This is the block illustrated in the Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue at note 3, where it is stated that four Plate 2 sheets were affected, creating 48 examples of the error. The ACSC identifies 29 of the possible 48 examples, of which four monogram pieces - comprising two singles and two blocks of 12 - are stated to be institutionalised (one of which is Greg Pope's front cover illustration). This block of 4 and Stuart Hardy's block of 6 account for a further 5 units, bringing the recorded total to 34 of the 48 affected stamps.
The ACSC lists the Excess Colour at Lower-Right variety at Pos [2R48] only. On this block the variety is present at Pos [2R54]. Greg Pope at page 73 shows that both positions had a similar colour flaw.
½d green Plate 1 No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the right-hand pane ACSC 1A(1)za in a block of 6 [1R52-54/58-60], one tonespot at the top otherwise very fine and fresh, a couple of minor bends in the margin at lower-right, lightly mounted along the upper row & at the lower-right corner, otherwise the No Monogram strip is unmounted, Cat $1300+ for a mounted strip of 3 & three mounted singles.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 117, as a block of 12 (6x2), sold for US$690.
'Goldfarm', Lot 3007, sold for US$375.
½d green Plate 2 'CA' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 1A(2)z in a block of 12 (6x2), Pos [2L55] with Shading Break above 'U' of 'AUSTRALIA' ACSC 1(2)j, most units are well centred, very fine and fresh, a couple of reinforced perfs at the base of the monogram unit otherwise unmounted, Cat $1670+ for a mounted monogram strip and nine unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 112 (as a block of 24), sold for US$805.
Prestige Philately Auction 144 of 24.4.2009, Lot 138 (as a block of 12), sold for $1980.
'Goldfarm', Lot 3008, sold for US$805
The ACSC states the mongram strip of 3 includes "varieties i and ia", which is presumably an error for "j or ja" (there being no variety "ia" listed, and "ja" being the retouched state of "j").
½d green Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 1A(2)zb in a strip of 6, well centred, lightly mounted in the margins only otherwise unmounted, Cat $1490+ for a mounted monogram strip and three unmounted stamps.
Provenance:
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 11, sold for $488.
½d green Plate 2 Imperforate at Base ACSC 1Ab corner strip of 3 in a 'CA' Monogram block of 6 (3x2), Pos [2L55] with Retouched Shading above 'AU' of 'AUSTRALIA' ACSC 1(2)ja, some very minor toning, upper units mounted & a hinge remainder behind the monogram otherwise the monogram strip - that is, the three Imperforate at Base units - is unmounted, undercatalogued at $42,500 in footnote 3 where it is stated that this and a block of 12 are the only surviving 'CA' monogram blocks. [See also Lot 3]
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 96, sold for US$37,375.
Lord Steinberg, Lot 64, sold for £19,200.
'Goldfarm', Lot 3004, sold for US$40,250.
The ACSC states the mongram strip of 3 includes "varieties i and ia", which is presumably an error for "j or ja" (there being no variety "ia" listed, and "ja" being the retouched state of "j").
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 8
Symbol: **/*
Cat No: Collection
½d green Plate 2 Imperforate at Base ACSC 1Ab corner strip of 6 in a 'JBC' Monogram block of 12 (6x2), Pos [2R54] with Excess Colour Flaw at Lower-Right Corner ACSC 1(2)m, minor hinge remainders on the top row & in the margin at lower-left, the lower strip - that is, all six Imperforate at Base units and including the monogram position - is unmounted, undercatalogued at $60,000 in footnote 3 where it is stated that this is the only surviving 'JBC' monogram block in private hands. [See also Lot 3]
One of the most outstanding error pieces of the entire Kangaroo & Map series.
Provenance:
Jack Kilfoyle, Lot 27 (as an interpanneau block of 24), sold for £190.
Harmers of London auction in -.2.1979
The Morgan Collection, Lot 49 (as a block of 12), sold for £60,000.
'Chartwell', Lot 466, sold for £25,200.
The ACSC lists the Excess Colour at Lower-Right variety at Pos [2R48] only. On this block the variety is present at Pos [2R54]. Greg Pope at page 73 shows that both positions had a similar colour flaw.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 9
Symbol: P
Cat No: Collection
1d red Die I imperforate plate proof in red on coarse manilla stock ACSC 2PP(1)A interpanneau block of 8 (4x2) from Plates A & B with 'jubilee' lines in the gutter, large even margins, with none of the characteristic bends or creasing that bedevils most sections of the discovery sheet, 'B&K' (Bridger & Kay) guarantee handstamp on the reverse, Cat $3000++ for eight singles.
Provenance:
'Besancon' Part II, Lot 3587, sold for SFr968.
This block is of far superior quality to the Morgan Collection Die I corner block of 9, with the characteristic creasing and a small tear in the upper margin, that sold for £2400. As an inter-pane piece, this is also a more significant item.
1d red Die I Plate C imperforate plate proof in the issued colour on thin buff card ACSC 2PP(1)A block of 6 (3x2) from the lower-right of the pane with 'JBC' Monogram and Partial Offset of the Lower Portion of the Stamps, the Jubilee Lines and the Monogram on reverse, Pos [R60] before the appearance of the Colour Flaw at Lower-Right Corner ACSC 2(C)o, with none of the creasing characteristic of these proofs. NB: the ACSC does not record or price the monogram pieces.
Provenance:
Rodney Perry auction of 11.9.1974, Lot 52 as a block of 12, estimated at $375 but unsold!
Rodney Perry auction of 28.4.1976, Lot 64 as a block of 6, sold for $200!
Status International auction of 26.10.2017, Lot 938, sold for $15,790.
Private transaction.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states that a complete uncut sheet of 480 was discovered in 1964 and was subsequently divided into numerous blocks of varying sizes. The upper Plates A & B had no monograms. Peter O'Rourke owned a Die II block of 48 (12x4) from Plate D with both monograms. The present item is the unique Die I 'JBC' Monogram piece, from Plate C.
1d red Die I Plate B with the Watermark Sideways (Crown Pointing to Left when viewed from the face) ACSC 2Aab(B) in a No Monogram corner block of 6 (3x2) from the left of the sheet, Pos [L50] with Break in Left Frame by Foot of the First 'A' of 'AUSTRALIA' ACSC 2(B)i, the upper-right unit with a small and insignificant gum blemish otherwise superb unmounted, Cat $45,000 in footnote 2.
Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria Certificate (2013) states "crown pointing to right when viewed from reverse". This explains the incorrect classification as ACSC 2aa on the Certificate. Editor Geoff Kellow has confirmed to us that the ACSC listing refers to the watermark as seen from the front of the stamp(s).
The unique Sideways Watermark No Monogram piece: the Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue identifies only two 'monogram' pieces with Sideways Watermark: this No Monogram block and one 'CA' Monogram block of 6: see Lot 16.
Provenance:
Stuart Hardy, Lot 29, sold for $37,280.
'Chartwell', Lot 469, sold for £18,000.
Stuart Hardy loved to tell the story of how he acquired this gem. Back in the speculator-driven 'stamp boom' of the late-1970s and early-1980s, a dealer used this one-of-a-kind block to entice Stuart to part with his sizeable holding of unmounted Coat of Arms sets, that he had bought from the Post Office as new issues!
1d red Die I Plate C punctured Large 'OS' 'CA' Monogram strip of 3 ACSC 2(C)z in block of 36 [25-30/55-60], Pos [L26] with Notch in Frame off Cape Leeuwin & Pos [L37] with Fishing Line from 'L' of 'AUSTRALIA' but before appearance of Pos [L38] White Flaw in Gulf of Carpentaria & Pos [L42] Break at Left of Value Circle, the upper-right unit with a repaired tear, some minor tonespots mainly on the upper rows & in the central margin otherwise very fresh but the top row is threatening to secede, the damged unit and one other in the top row mounted otherwise unmounted.
The ACSC states that varieties punctured Large 'OS' are worth double the unpunctured stamps: on that basis, Cat $3500 for a mounted monogram strip of 3, $240 for two mounted varieties, and $85 x31 for the other unmounted singles = $6375+.
Provenance:
Grace Foundation, Lot 101, sold for $2515.
1d red Die I Plate C 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 2(C)zb in a block of 12 (6x2) with Pos [R60] Colour Flaw at Lower-Right Corner ACSC 2(C)o, very well centred, two mounted units on the upper row otherwise unmounted, Cat $2150++ for a mounted monogram strip and two mounted & seven unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Kevin Nelson, Lot 2024, sold for $1565.
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 27, sold for $640.
1d red Die I Plate C punctured Large 'OS' 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 2ba(C)zb in a block of 12 (6x2) with Pos [R51] Islands to West of Tasmania but before the appearance of Pos [R60] Colour Flaw at Lower-Right Corner ACSC 2(C)o, a few very minor bends that are of no consequence, very lightly mounted in the margins only, the stamps are all unmounted, Cat $1750++ for a normal mounted monogram strip (plus a significant premium for the official perfins) plus $765 for nine unmounted singles.
Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2018) states "genuine in all respects".
Provenance:
'Fordwater': Lot 60, sold for £625.
'Besancon' Part III: Lot 3854, sold for SFr1150.
1d red Die II Plate E No Monogram strip of 3 ACSC 3(E)zb in a complete R/H pane of 60 (6x10) from an early printing before development of the listed flaws on Pos [6] & [49], minor varieties on units [42], [44], [48] & [56], folded for single-page display still very fine unmounted, Cat $6775+ for a mounted No Monogram strip of 3 and 57 unmounted singles. A rare & extremely desirable complete pane.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, on his exhibit page, from a mixed lot.
Grace Foundation, Lot 109, sold for $5270.
1d red Die II Plate F with the Watermark Sideways (Top of Crown at Right as seen from the Face) ACSC 3a 'CA' Monogram strip of 3 in a block of 6 missing the L/H margin, characteristic irregular perforations, the lower units are unmounted (although there is very minor gum disturbance on the right-hand perforations of the monogram unit), Cat $45,000 (as Die I: see below).
Provenance:
Colonel Harrie Evans, Lot 20, sold for $29,970.
Arthur Gray, Lot 123, sold for US$32,200.
Lord Steinberg, Lot 65, sold after the auction.
Lord Vestey, Lot 16, sold for £13,200.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue does not list any monogram pieces for the 1d Die II with Watermark Sideways. It is stated in footnote 2 below ACSC 2 (Die I) that "One CA Monogram block of 6 exists", which we believe is a reference to this Die II block. The only other Sideways Watermark 'monogram' piece listed is the Die I No Monogram block of 6: see Lot 11.
1d red Die IIA Plate H 'CA' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 4A(H)z in a block of 6 (3x2) with early state of Pos [R56] Islands North-West of Western Australia ACSC 4A(H)g plus Pos [R55] with Island South of the Last 'A' of 'AUSTRALIA' and Nick in Outer Frame opposite Coffs Harbour as identified by Adams Bell & Pope, extremely fresh, a couple of very minor and insignificant bends, unmounted, Cat $3450+ for a mounted monogram strip and three unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 41, sold for $825.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue does not mention that variety 'g' is present in the 'CA' Monogram strips; presumably these should be priced the same as the 'JBC' Monogram strips ($3250), which also include a variety priced the same as 'g'; see the next lot.
1d red Die IIA Plate H 'JBC' Monogram strip of 3 with Pos [58] White Scratches through 'ONE PENNY' ACSC 4(H)zb in lower-right block of 24 (6x4), very fresh unmounted, Cat $6400+ for a mounted monogram strip and 21 unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Stuart Hardy, Lot 58, sold for $1398.
Grace Foundation, Lot 120, sold for $4550.
2d grey Plate 1 No Monogram strip of 3 from the L/H pane ACSC 5A(1)z with Pos [1L55] Retouched Left-Hand Frame & Retouch North-West of Western Australia, mounted in the margin at lower-left only otherwise superb unmounted, Cat $5000+ for mounted.
Provenance:
Rodney Perry auction of 8.12.1976, Lot 71 as a block of 6, Estimate $90, unsold.
Status International auction of 26.10.2017, Lot 944, sold for $5465.
Far superior to Peter O'Rourke's similar strip - toning & one unit mounted - that sold for $3800.
This is a technically important piece, being a precursor to a later substitution. In early Third Watermark printings a more advanced state of the flaw on Pos [L55] included a 'comet trail' impinging on the Western Austalian coast: ACSC 7(1)ka, not recorded in a monogram strip of 3. This unit was subsequently replaced with the the Die IIA Substituted Cliché ACSC 7(1)kb, Cat $37,500 in a monogram strip of 3. [NB: the current catalogue price of $3750 is a typographical error: the variety alone is priced at $12,500]
2d grey Plate 1 punctured Small 'OS' No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the left-hand pane ACSC 5Abc(1)z in a block of 6 (3x2) including Pos [1L55] Pre-Substituted Cliché (Early State of the Retouched Shading North-West of Western Australia) ACSC 5(1)k, very fresh but for a few mostly insignificant tonespots that don't affect the variety unit, lightly mounted in the lower margin otherwise unmounted, Cat $8775++ for a mounted No Monogram strip punctured Small 'OS', and three unmounted Small 'OS' singles.
Only one other No Monogram block punctured Small 'OS' has been recorded.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 326 as a block of 12 (6x2), sold for US$2875.
Julian Sterling, Lot 52 as a block of 6, sold after the auction for $2110.
Stuart Hardy's similar punctured Large 'OS' No Monogram block of 8 (4x2) sold for $3960.
2d grey Plate 1 No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the right-hand pane ACSC 5A(1)za in a block of 12 (6x2) including Pos [1R49] 'TWO BENCE' for 'TWO PENCE' ACSC 5(1)p, well centred (especially the upper row), characteristic fluffy perfs, unused with no gum, Cat $5700+ for a mounted No Monogram strip, the major variety and the eight normal units.
Provenance:
Julian Sterling: Lot 46, sold for $915.
Stuart Hardy's unmounted No Monogram block of 6 (3x2), without the major variety, sold for $2330.
2d grey Plate 2 punctured Large 'OS' 'CA' Monogram corner strip of 3 as ACSC 5A(2)z but with the strip Officially Substituted from another sheet and held in place by the characteristic repair tabs, some hinge remainders, Cat $3500. A rare and most unusual item for the specialist.
Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2018) states "genuine in all respects".
Provenance:
Gary Watson auction of 20.7.1999, Lot 209, sold for $330.
'Fordwater': Lot 62, sold for £1140 (described as having "some split and re-inforced perforations" rather than as being officially repaired).
'Besancon' Part III: Lot 3856, sold for SFr786.
2d grey Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram single in a block of 4 with Double Perforations at the Base and Vertically in the Margin ACSC 5Ab(2)zc, the lower units are unmounted, Cat $5000 in footnote 2 where it is stated that this is the only known 'JBC' Monogram item with double perforations.
Provenance:
Sotheby's (London) auction of June 1985.
Lord Vestey: Lot 22, sold for £1440.
2d grey Plate 2 with the Watermark Inverted, 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 5Ab(2)zb including Pos [2R60] Shading Break below 'W' of 'TWO' , minor aging of the gum and a couple of miniscule tonespots mentioned for the sake of total accuracy, unmounted, Cat $6000+ in footnote 1 where the ACSC states that "at least four JBC Monogram pieces exist with watermark inverted" but does not provide separate prices for strips of 3, blocks of 4 or singles.
Provenance:
'Besancon' Part III, Lot 3741, sold for SFr2420.
One of the other JBC Monogram pieces referred to by the ACSC is Julian Sterling's block of 4 which is badly aged and toned (Lot 49; unsold).
2½d indigo Plate 1 No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the base of the left-hand pane ACSC 9A(1)z in a block of 12 (6x2), generally well centred, a couple of minor bends mostly in the margins & a few split/reinforced perforations at the base otherwise superb, Cat $12,375+ for a mounted No Monogram strip and nine unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Sir Gawaine Baillie, Lot 48, as a block of 30, sold for $6900.
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 55, as a block of 12, sold for $4650 after the auction.
Arthur Gray's block of 10 (described as a block of 12), with only the lower units unmounted, sold for US$6035.
2½d indigo punctured Small 'OS' Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 9Abb(2)za in a block of 8 (4x2), both left-hand units Pos [2L49] & [2L55] with Heavy Coastline to Western Australia ACSC 9(2)da, well centred, small hinge remainder on the two upper-left units and lightly mounted in the margin at the base otherwise unmounted, Cat $19,950++ for a punctured Small 'OS' mounted monogram strip including variety, the second variety, a mounted single and three unmounted singles. [The ACSC states that "varieties with large or small OS puncture are x3 for mint"]
Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2018) states "genuine in all respects...extremely rare multiple".
Provenance:
'Besancon' Part III, Lot 3859, sold for SFr4100.
3d Die I imperforate plate proof in black on ungummed unwatermarked coarse wove blue paper ACSC 12PP(1)A, marginal block of 4 from the left of the pane with vertical jubilee line at left, margins large to huge, all but the upper-right unit with areas of the design poorly printed which is a characteristic of this proof, with none of the creasing and other faults that are usually seen, Cat $2500+ for two pairs.
Provenance:
'Besancon' Part III, Lot 3742, sold for SFr850.
Arthur Gray's block of 4 - Die I/Die II but cut close at right - sold for US$2875. The Morgan pair sold for £1320. A single sold at our auction of 14.4.2005 for $1745.
This item was described in 'Besancon' Part III as "on blued granite thick safety paper, worn and with surface rubbing". We do not agree with this assessment: the block is actually in very fine condition; what may look to be "surface rubbing" is merely where the design did not print properly. The uneven impressions strongly suggest that this was in the nature of a 'makeready proof', a trial sheet made by the printer, JB Cooke, to check where elements of the plate required technical attention.
The paper does not appear to be "blued" or "thick" but is a consistent blue colour front & back, and of ordinary thickness. While there are obvious fibres in the paper, it is not what the Swiss would call "granite paper". We are unsure what was meant by "safety paper", but there do not appear to be any special security features: the paper used was likely the cheapest available for the purpose.
3d olive Die I with Prominent Kiss Print ACSC 12Acb, well centred, lightly mounted, undercatalogued at $1750.
Provenance:
Phoenix auction of 15.12.2012, Lot 979, sold for $3730. It was stated there that a very fine used example had been sold in 2010 for $5590.
The doubling of the design is most evident 1) down the right-hand frame-lines, where there is a significant distortion towards the base; 2) in the Gulf of Carpentaria and down the eastern coast; 3) along the back of the kangaroo; and 4) on the letters 'NCE' of 'THREE PENCE'.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states "known both mint and used. Approximately ten examples are recorded" but does not indicate how many are mint and how many are used.
3d olive-green Die II punctured Small 'OS' ACSC 12Dbd (SG O20e) block of 4, very well centred, some short perforations mostly on the lower-left unit, light ironed-out horizontal crease across the upper units that does not detract from the very fine facial appearance, lightly mounted, Cat $6000+ (£3200+) for four singles. A rare multiple.
Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2018) states "genuine in all respects" but does not mention the crease.
Provenance:
'Besancon' Part III: Lot 3860 (the crease not mentioned), sold for SFr2900.
There were fifteen Die II units, all confined to the lower four rows of the left-hand pane of Plate 1. The rather random layout strongly suggests that these were all substitutions for defective Die I units. Blocks of 4 Die II units are possible from only five positions [37-38/43-44], [43-44/49-50], [49-50/55-56], [44-45/50-51] and [50-51/57-58]. The absence of the Island over 'T' of 'THREE' on Pos [55] indicates that this block is from one of the other configurations.
3d olive Plate 2 block of 4 from the base of the sheet comprising two vertical pairs with the upper units Imperforate at Base and the lower units Imperforate on Three Sides (Horizontally at the Top and Vertically) ACSC 12Abe (SG 5a) and with the 'JBC' Monogram, the right-hand pair with an ironed-out vertical crease & a couple of trimmed perfs, hinge remainders at top and in the margin, the lower units are unmounted, Cat $120,000 in footnote 4 (£90,000 for two mint vertical pairs without monogram) but Cat $190,000+ as two vertical pairs without the monogram.
The unique Monogram piece of this iconic error. BPA Expertising Certificate (2012).
Provenance:
The Morgan Collection: Lot 76, sold for £84,000.
'Chartwell': Lot 478, sold for £34,800.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states that one sheet - or only 12 vertical pairs - was affected. Only eight of these have survived, as three blocks of 4 including this item, and two pairs (one of which is damaged and institutionalised).
3d olive Plate 2 block of 4 from the lower-right corner of the sheet comprising two vertical pairs with the upper pair Imperforate at Base and the lower pair Imperforate on Three Sides (Horizontally at the Top and Vertically) ACSC 12Abe (SG 5a), minor aging in the right-hand margin only, lightly mounted at top and in the margin at base, the lower units are very fine unmounted, Cat $190,000+ (£90,000) for two vertical pairs): see ACSC footnote 4.
Provenance:
David Feldman auction of 12.6.2018, Lot 20163, sold for £48,400.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states that one sheet - or only 12 vertical pairs - was affected. Only eight of these have survived, as three blocks of 4 including this item, and two pairs (one of which is damaged and institutionalised). This is the block illustrated in the ACSC.
This and the previous lot were originally a block of 8. They were probably separated because the monogram pair, being creased, detracted from the otherwise very fine quality of the block. This is the first time since the separation that buyers have had the opportunity to reunite the two pieces.
3d olive Plate 2 'CA' Monogram single ACSC 12A(2)za in a block of 4, a couple of nibbled perfs at lower-left, lightly mounted, Cat $2975+ for the monogram single and three normal singles.
Provenance:
'Fordwater', Lot 26, sold for £850.
'Besancon' Part III, Lot 3592, sold for SFr1090.
Stuart Hardy's similarly configured block of 4, with the lower units unmounted, sold for $2715.
4d orange Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram single ACSC 15A(2)za in a block of 4, a few miniscule tone specks, several split/reinforced perfs at lower-right, very fresh, with three units lightly mounted and with the monogram unit being unmounted, Cat $4825+ for a mounted monogram single and three mounted singles.
Provenance:
'Besancon' Part II, Lot 3595, sold for SFr1935.
Stuart Hardy's mounted 'CA' Monogram single (with several short/pulled perforations) sold for $1048.
5d chestnut Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 16A(2)z in a block of 6, well centred, a couple of perforation separations at the base otherwise superb, lightly mounted in the lower-left corner margin only and otherwise unmounted, Cat $11,025+ for a mounted monogram strip and three unmounted singles. Remarkable quality for a monogram block.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 190, sold for US$5460.
Lord Steinberg, Lot 82, sold for £3360.
'Goldfarm', Lot 3044, sold for US$6900.
5d chestnut Plate 2 'CA' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 16A(2)zb in a block of 6, well centred, a few miniscule and utterly inconsequential tone specks, unmounted, Cat $11,025+ for a mounted monogram strip and three unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 191, sold for US$4600.
'Chartwell', Lot 485, sold for £3480.
This block is better-centred than Julian Sterling's unmounted strip of 3 - lightly mounted in the margins - that sold for $9150.
5d chestnut Plate 1 No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the left-hand pane ACSC 16A(1)z in a block of 6, well centred, lightly mounted on the upper units & with a few split/reinforced perforations in the lower margin and a few weak perfs between the central stamps, the lower stamps are unmounted, Cat $11,750+ for a mounted no monogram strip and three mounted singles.
Provenance:
Kevin Nelson, Lot 2059, sold for $6510.
Julian Sterling, Lot 79, sold after the auction for $5710.
Stuart Hardy's unmounted strip of 3 sold for $5825.
6d ultramarine Plate 1 lower-right corner single Pos [1R60] with Retouched Second 'E' of 'PENCE' ACSC 17A(1)j (SG 9a), well centred, two nibbled perforations at lower-left otherwise superb, very lightly mounted, Cat $4000 (£2500). A beautiful example of the Pre-Substituted Cliché.
Royal Philatelic Society, London Certificate (1970).
Provenance:
Professor G Perazzo.
Private collection in Australia.
Prestige auction of 7.12.2012, Lot 188, sold for $1980.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 38
Symbol: */**
Cat No: Collection
6d ultramarine Plate 1 No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the right-hand pane ACSC 17A(1)zb with the right-hand unit Pos [1R60] being the Die IIA Substituted Cliché ACSC 17A(1)ja, well centred, a few very minor short perforations, lightly mounted in the side margin and the left-hand unit with a hinge remainder, the other two - including the Die IIA unit - are unmounted, Cat $35,000+. [The Substituted Cliché is SG 9b, Cat £6500+ for a mounted single]
Provenance:
Rodney Perry auction of 5.3.1975, Lot 65, sold for $1000.
The Morgan Collection, Lot 104, sold for £19,200.
'Besancon' Part II, Lot 3598, sold for SFr11,500.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states that only this strip and a block of 8 (4x2) have been recorded showing the Die IIA Substituted Cliché in combination with the No Monogram position.
It is also noted in the ACSC that the first printing - with the Retouched 'E' - comprised 18,000 sheets, while the second printing - with the Die IIA Substituted Cliché - ran to 46,000 sheets. Despite this, the substituted stamp is stated to be six times scarcer than the retouch, on the basis that the Die IIA substitution was not recognised by collectors until 1940.
6d ultramarine Plate 2 'CA' Monogram single ACSC 17A(2)za in a block of 6 (3x2), exceptional centring, lightly mounted on the upper units and in the margin only, the lower units are all unmounted, Cat $7225+ for a mounted monogram single, three mounted and two unmounted singles. Superb.
Provenance:
'Chartwell', Lot 488, sold for £1920.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 40
Symbol: *
Cat No: Collection
6d ultramarine Plate 2 'CA' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 17A(2)z, the gum a little aged, lightly mounted, Cat $10,000.
Provenance:
The Morgan Collection, Lot 103, sold for £8400.
'Besancon' Part III, Lot 3746, sold for SFr5080.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 41
Symbol: **
Cat No: Collection
9d violet Plate 1 ACSC 24 marginal block of 4 from the base of the upper pane, unusually well centred for this denomination, a few nibbled perfs at upper-left otherwise superb unmounted, Cat $4000+ for mounted singles. A rare multiple, especially of this quality.
Provenance:
Private collection, held since the 1960s.
Abacus Auctions sale of 25.3.2021, Lot 147, sold for $2875.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 42
Symbol: **
Cat No: Collection
9d violet Plate 1 No Monogram corner strip of 3 from the left-hand pane ACSC 24A(1)z, one pulled perf at right, the gum a bit aged, hinge remainders in the margins at upper-left and lower-right, the stamps are unmounted, Cat $40,000+ for a mounted strip. Extremely rare.
Provenance:
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 96, sold after the auction for $28,560 (described as "lightly mounted in the margins" with no reference to the condition of the gum).
The only other left pane No Monogram strip known to us was Lot 108 in the Morgan Collection - described as having a "light corner crease and a few reinforced perforations in the margin at foot" - that sold for £15,600.
9d deep violet Plate 2 'CA' Monogram single ACSC 24C(2)za in a block of 4 Pos [2L51-52/57-58] with prominent but transient over-inking down the left-hand side of all units, the upper-right stamp has a few short perfs & there is a minor hinge remainder at the top, the lower units - with the monogram - are superb and unmounted, Cat $10,000+ for a mounted monogram single and one unmounted and two mounted singles in the scarcer deep shade.
Provenance:
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 99, sold for $3660.
Peter O'Rourke's lightly mounted 'CA' Monogram single sold for $3100.
9d violet Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram single ACSC 24A(2)zc in a block of 6 [2R51-53/57-59] very lightly mounted on the central units and the other four stamps are unmounted, Cat $11,700+ for the mounted monogram single plus one mounted and four unmounted singles.
Provenance:
Rodney Perry auction of 22.7.1999, Lot 106, sold for $1210.
'Besancon' Part II, Lot 3599, sold for SFr2420.
1/- bright green Plate 2 'CA' Monogram single ACSC 30A(2)za in a block of 4, the upper units with gum disturbance and the second unit with thin spots, a few small tonespots, the lower units are unmounted, Cat $6900+ for a mounted monogram single plus one unmounted and two mounted singles.
Provenance:
'Goldmine', Lot 115, sold for $4055.
1/- bright green Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram single ACSC 30A(2)zc in a block of 4 with the monogram a little trimmed, some slightly short perfs & very minor tonespots, three units lightly mounted, the lower-left unit is unmounted, Cat $6900+ for the monogram single plus one unmounted and two mounted singles.
Provenance:
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 106, sold for $3420 (described as the monogram unit being unmounted).
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 47
Symbol: */**
Cat No: Collection
2/- brown Plate 2 'JBC' Monogram single ACSC 35A(2)zc in a block of 4, light ironed-out horizontal crease across the lower units, some short or pulled perforations, the gum a little aged and with a few very minor tonespots, the lower units are unmounted, Cat $29,000+ for a mounted monogram single plus one unmounted & two mounted singles.
Provenance:
RB Carpenter (-.9.1984).
'Chartwell' Lot 493, sold for £3120.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue records only two 'JBC' Monogram strips of 3 (one in a CTO block of 12, Ex Kevin Nelson) and only one other block of 4 with monogram. That block, from Peter O'Rourke's collection, is very fine with the lower units unmounted, and sold for $10,730.
5/- grey & yellow lower-left corner pair with Doubly Printed Frame Plate ACSC 42Bc, very well centred, a couple of tiny black printing-ink marks on the right-hand unit, minor hinge remainder, Cat $20,000 for the pair: see footnote 2. The only recorded examples.
Provenance:
Christies/Robson Lowe (Melbourne) auction of 17.10.1990, Lot 336, Estimate $500, result unknown.
Arthur Gray, Lot 243, sold for US$20,700.
Millennium auction of 22.2.2012, Lot 362. Estimate $22,500, unsold.
Private transaction, sold for $17,475
'Kangaroo Issues' Spink, Lot 41. Estimate £8000-£10,000, unsold.
The doubling is evident on the first unit where the coast of Western Australia is duplicated 5mm upwards & the L/H frameline is doubled & extends above the stamp; and on the second unit where the left-hand frameline is doubled & extends below the stamp & through the sheet margin.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 49
Symbol: CTO
Cat No: Collection
5/- grey & yellow 'CA' Monogram single ACSC 42Bza in a block of 4 CTO with two very fine full strikes of the 'MELBOURNE/DE3/13' cds, the gum a little aged with a few miniscule tone specks but the lower units are unmounted, Cat $30,900+ for a 'used' monogram single plus three CTO singles.
Provenance:
'An American collector' Robson Lowe/Christie's (Geneva) 29.4.1976, Lot 70, sold for SFr850.
'Goldmine', Lot 130, sold for $16,695.
Arthur Gray's similar block of 4 - grey & chrome-yellow and better-centred - sold for US$21,850 (described at the time as the only 'CA' monogram block recorded).
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states in footnote 4 that the following five 'CA' monogram pieces have been recorded: "two CTO strips of 3 (one in the Royal Collection), a CTO block of four and single, and a mint single (total - 4)" [sic]. We know of three further 'CA' monogram pieces: another mint single (as Arthur Gray - creased - and The Morgan Collection each had an example), a punctured Large 'OS' mint single in Stuart Hardy's collection, and the block being offered here.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 50
Symbol: *
Cat No: Collection
5/- grey & chrome-yellow 'JBC' Monogram single ACSC 42Azc, very attractive with full perfs and reasonable centring, lightly mounted but the gum is a little aged with some tonespots, Cat $35,000.
Provenance:
Lord Cornwallis, Lot 61, sold for £14,450.
'Besancon' Part III, Lot 3750, sold for SFr10,890.
The Morgan Collection example sold for £15,600 and was re-offered at 'Chartwell', where it was sold for £6600.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states in footnote 4 that the following eleven 'JBC' monogram pieces have been recorded: "three mint strips of 3 (one in the Royal Collection) and five mint singles, one punctured 'OS' ..., a CTO block of 4 and two CTO singles (total - 10)" [sic]. One of the mint singles is in the Australian National Philatelic Collection.
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 51
Symbol: */**
Cat No: 42Azb
5/- grey & chrome-yellow 'JBC' Monogram corner strip of 3 ACSC 42Azb, Pos [59-60] with Break in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Short Thick Spencer Gulf, the corner unit is unmounted, the others are very lightly mounted, Cat $75,000. A superb gem.
Provenance:
Arthur Gray, Lot 246, sold for US$46,000.
Julian Sterling Part 1, Lot 111, sold for $45,750.
'Kangaroo Issues' Spink, Lot 40. Estimate £20,000-£25,000, unsold.
'Goldmine', Lot 131, sold for $38,160.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue states in footnote 4 that the following eleven 'JBC' monogram pieces have been recorded: "three mint strips of 3 (one in the Royal Collection) and five mint singles, one punctured 'OS' ..., a CTO block of 4 and two CTO singles (total - 10)" [sic].
Sale No: 246
Lot No: 52
Symbol: P
Cat No: Collection
10/- monochrome die proof in reddish purple on thin wove paper ACSC 47DP(1)C with minor doubling of the top frame at right and the presence of outer framelines at left and base presumably from the 'collar' into which the die had been inserted, the paper (82x105mm) folded twice with an albino impression of the die on each quadrant, minor splits along the folds have been repaired with small pieces of archival tape, Cat $40,000. A rare and delightful proof.
Provenance:
Estate of Samuel Reading
Sold by private treaty by Melbourne dealer Eric Norden in 1952.
Robson Lowe (London) auction of 19.12.1978, Lot 2124, Estimate £350, result unknown.
'Chartwell', Lot 498, sold for £10,800.
Arthur Gray's similar 10/- proof in black sold for US$37,375.
The Australian Commonwealth Specialists' Catalogue records six pulls from the die, in black, in grey on greenish paper x2, and in purple x3 (one of which is in the Australian National Philatelic Collection). 'Chartwell' also had a 10/- proof in grey on white paper, which is probably one of the two grey proofs recorded by the ACSC. It sold for £12,000.
Samuel Reading was the engraver of the Kangaroo & Map stamps. Based in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, he worked on contract for the Victorian Post Office and, later, for the Commonwealth Stamp Printer. The Kangaroo & Map design is his principal philatelic legacy, but he also engraved Victoria's Boer War Charity stamps and King Edward VII £1 and £2 among others.
