1857 1p Black Heraldic Trial colour plate proof block of four printed in black on white card, large margined, faint horizontal crease on lower pair, otherwise VF; an elusive proof block from the only sheet printed. (Image)

Cat. Value 1600 $

1857 1p Brown Violet on Thick White Wove Paper, Imperforate A remarkably fresh used example with centrally struck Trans-Atlantic Mailboat "A92" grid cancellation, large even margins; couple tiny thin specks of no importance, a rarely encountered steamboat cancelled stamp with VF appearance Provenance: Robert H. Pratt, Harmers of London, October 1986; Lot 50 Dr. Chan Chin Cheung, Christie's (New York), September 1995; Lot 37 (Image)

Estimate 400 $

1865 (May 17) Clean folded circular endorsed "p. mail printed circular only" mailed from Saint John to Halifax bearing a single 1p brown violet on thick white wove paper, clear at one corner to large margins, tied by two grid cancels, clear St. John's Paid MY 17 1865 rimless datestamp in red at left. A most appealing and very rarely seen printed matter rate cover mailed during the Interim period when Pence stamps were still valid for postage while the colony awaited shipment of the new Decimal issues. THIS IS THE FINEST of the five known Interim Period circular rate covers, VF (Unitrade 1) Expertization: 2019 Greene Foundation certificate The One penny Heraldic was used as the 2 cent green (Scott 24a) did not appear until mid-November 1865. It paid the printed matter / circular rate of 2 cents (equal to 1 penny) effective as of April 7, 1865. According to Pratt only two covers were reported postmarked during this Interim Period. The more recent census by Sam Whaley "Newfoundland: 1865-1879" see Supplement: Pence / Stampless Paying Cents Rates, pages 246-248, lists and illustrates four covers, surprisingly all postmarked on July 25, 1865. This circular rate cover offered here is unrecorded in both census. THE EARLIEST AND IN OUR OPINION FINEST KNOWN CIRCULAR RATE COVER MAILED DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD FRANKED WITH A ONE PENNY STAMP. (Image)

Estimate 5000 $

1857 2p Scarlet Vermilion on Thick White Wove Paper, Imperforate A premium example of this in-demand classic stamp, uncharacteristically choice and exceptionally fresh with true rich colour, a well-etched impression on pristine fresh paper and a nice light grid cancellation; pencil signed by expert Alberto Diena and with light owner's backstamp. A superb stamp that met the lofty criteria of a legendary collector of the past - well known for building what was regarded as the collection of classics in the highest quality attainable, XF Expertization: 1974 BPA certificate Provenance: Alfred H. Caspary, H.R. Harmer (New York), October 1956; Lot 312 A HIGHLY SELECT USED EXAMPLE OF THE VERY CHALLENGING TWO PENCE SCARLET VERMILION. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS OF NEWFOUNDLAND TO FIND IN SUCH REMARKABLE QUALITY. (Image)

Cat. Value 12000 $

1857 3p Black Heraldic An attractive trial colour plate proof block of four printed in black on white card, showing portion of sheet margin on two sides, with lovely colour and sharp impression. Only one sheet of 80 was printed, VF and appealing (Image)

Cat. Value 2000 $

1857 6½p Scarlet Vermilion on Thick White Wove Paper, Imperforate Superb mint example with radiant colour on immaculate fresh white wove paper, surrounded by unusually large margins for this particular stamp. Exceptionally choice and possessing a large portion of its dull white original gum; pencil signed by expert Alberto Diena on reverse. A wonderful stamp in all respects, ideal for the collector who is seeking classic stamps in the best possible quality, XF OG GEM Expertization: 1970 Alberto Diena and 1970 BPA certificates A SUPERB MINT SIX AND ONE HALF PENNY SCARLET VERMILION WITH SUPERIOR PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES. (Image)

Cat. Value 12000 $

1857 6½p Scarlet Vermilion on Thick White Wove Paper, Imperforate A superlative used example of this challenging stamp boasting superior, large even margins all around, displaying brilliant colour and razor-sharp impression on immaculate fresh paper, attractively cancelled with a light oval grid and further postmarked with what is most likely a Boston transit British Packet datestamp. This particular stamp is well known among seasoned collector to be more readily available in unused condition. When seen in used condition, it is often found with some degree of faults and / or small margins. A great stamp which can easily be labeled as a "condition rarity" when offered with such superior traits, XF GEM; 2019 Greene Foundation certificate Provenance: Alfred H. Caspary, H.R. Harmer, October 1956; Lot 335 Maresch, First Private Treaty, 1977; Item 309 AN ABSOLUTE GEM SIX AND ONE HALF PENNY SCARLET VERMILION - OUTSTANDING IN ALL RESPECTS. (Image)

Cat. Value 5500 $

1857 8p Scarlet Vermilion on Thick White Wove Paper, Imperforate A bright, fresh mint sheet of twenty stamps, folded horizontally at centre, partially split and strengthened by hinges well clear of the stamps; large part original gum disturbed on five stamps, otherwise mint OG with lower left pair NH. Only a few sheets are known, VF (Unitrade cat. $12,000) Provenance: Edward Tresoldi Granger, H.R. Harmer Ltd., October 1958; Lot 307 (Image)

Estimate 3500 $

1860 (June 20) An unusually clean folded cover mailed from St. John's to Baltimore bearing a choice vertical bisect of the 8p scarlet vermilion on thick white wove paper, with large margins used for the 4 penny letter rate to the US, neatly tied by oval grid cancellation, St. John's Newfoundland Paid JU 20 1860 rimless dispatch in red and clear large circular Boston Br. Pkt "5" JUN 28 transit marking struck at left with neat MISSENT SOUTH instructional marking in blue; couple inconsequential light file folds. A superb bisect cover that once graced one of the most important BNA collections of the past, choice XF (Unitrade 8a; cat. $7,500) Expertization: 2019 Greene Foundation certificate Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 5, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1969; Lot 26 - realized $1,700 against a then catalogue value of $900. Census: Listed in Pratt "The Pence Issues of Newfoundland" handbook as Cover No. 12. (Image)

Estimate 4000 $

1857 1sh Heraldic Engraved Large Die Proof printed in black on india paper, measuring 32 x 40mm, light mount mark and faint corner creases well away from design; the finished design displaying the adopted floral ornaments in all four corners. A very rare die proof, ideal for exhibition, VF Provenance: Dr. Chan Chin Cheung, Christie's (New York), September 1995; Lot 18 "St. Aylott" Collection of Newfoundland, Eastern Auctions, August 2010; Lot 22 (Image)

Estimate 5000 $

1860 3p Green on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A very rare example of the Perkins, Bacon "CANCELLED" handstamp overprint in black, four margined and fresh, one of only three examples documented in the census by Peter Jaffé handbook, VF (SG 11 £11,000) Expertization: 1979 RPS of London certificate Provenance: British North America, Stanley Gibbons Auctions, October 1981; Lot 264 Peter Jaffé Collection, Spink, July 2006 Historical Context (to show before 11A, 12, 19) It has been well documented that Ormond & Pearson Hill, sons of Sir Rowland - the inventor of the postage stamp, sent a request to J.B. Bacon in 1861 for specimens of stamps printed by the firm for friends who were collectors. The printer provided up to 6 examples (in a block when available) of all recent issues. However, the situation did not sit well with Penrose Julyan, the Agent General for the Crown Colonies, who took offence for not being advised. Since these postage stamps were supplied to respected gentlemen and were cancelled to avoid any possibility of defrauding the government, Perkins, Bacon saw no misconduct in supplying them. In October 1861 however, the printer was instructed to return to the Crown Agents all dies, rollers and plates in their possession. By late the following year Perkins, Bacon had lost most of their Colonial stamp printing contracts to their rivals, De La Rue & Co. (Image)

Estimate 6000 $

1860 4p Orange on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate An outstanding pair reunited by famous collector Alfred Lichtenstein - displaying a superb and complete impression of the "CANCELLED" handstamp overprint in black. Both stamps with exceptionally fresh colour and unusually bold impression, very large margins surrounding both examples; left stamp unused, right stamp remarkably and unusually with a large portion of its original gum. The most recognizable and extraordinary "CANCELLED" item in Newfoundland philately. A glorious and unique showpiece of the highest caliber, XF (SG 12 £28,000) Provenance: Prior to the famous Dale-Lichtenstein sales in 1968-1970, the two stamps reposed in different collections before being finally rejoined. Left Stamp: Charles Lathrop Pack, Part One, Harmer, Rooke & Co, December 1944; Lot 238 Right Stamp: Philipp La Renotière von Ferrary, Sale I, June 1921; Lot 151 - with his signature purple "trefoil" backstamp. As a pair: Dale-Lichtenstein, H.R. Harmer, Inc., Sale 5, May 1969; Lot 47 Robert H. Pratt, Harmers of London, October 1986; Lot 232 THE ONLY TWO KNOWN EXAMPLES of the four pence orange as reported in the exhaustive census compiled by Peter Jaffé in his book "Cancelled by Perkins Bacon". (Image)

Estimate 15000 $

1861 5p Reddish Brown on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A fabulous example - by far the finest of only three known examples - displaying a portion of the distinctive Perkins, Bacon "CANCELLED" handstamp overprint in black. A choice single of this highly prized "unauthorized" item from the famous printer Perkins, Bacon, VF (SG 13 £13,000) Expertization: 1974 BPA certificate Provenance: Robert H. Pratt, Harmers of London, October 1986; Lot 234 Peter Jaffé, Spink, July 2006; Lot 1112 Census: Three examples have been reported. The other two, one of which is in the Royal Collection, have very small margins and are noticeably inferior to the example offered here. A VERY FINE AND EXCEEDINGLY RARE FIVE PENCE HERALDIC "CANCELLED" HANDSTAMP - THE FINEST OF THE THREE KNOWN EXAMPLES. (Image)

Estimate 6000 $

1860 2p Orange on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A fabulous mint pair originating from the top right corner of the sheet, superb colour and strong impression unlike most we have seen, large part original gum; small W.H.C. (Warren H. Colson) guarantee backstamps. A superb and highly attractive mint pair, XF OG (Image)

Cat. Value 2400 $

1861-1862 3p Green on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A stunning mint sheet of eighty stamps of this popular classic triangle; several creases but displaying fresh colour and showing full sheet margins, more importantly it also shows the complete papermaker's watermark "STACEY WISE / 1858" running through eleven stamps, full original gum - all stamps appear to be never hinged. An excellent opportunity to acquire one the rarest sheets of Newfoundland, Very Fine appearance (Unitrade cat. over $30,000 as NH singles) An exceedingly rare complete sheet, in fact we are aware of only two others in private hands. One we sold in the St. Aylott sale in 2010 - it is unwatermarked, has overall foxing and lacks sheet margins. A report of a third sheet in Europe has not been verified. The sheet offered here is in all probability unique and is perhaps the only sheet of any denomination to display the complete watermark. (Image)

Estimate 7500 $

1860 3p Green on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate An unusually choice and very scarce used pair with large margins, cancelled by two clear strikes of oval barred cancels, VF; 1971 Robson Lowe cert. ex. Dale-Lichtenstein (Sale 2, November 1968; Lot 637), Grant G. Simmons (March 1971; Lot 261) (Image)

Cat. Value 300 $

1860 4p Orange on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A selected unused single with brilliant fresh colour and characteristic impression associated with the 1860 issue, full even margins all around and showing nearly full papermaker's watermark letters "IS" of "STACEY WISE / 1858". A very scarce stamp to find in such nice condition, VF; 2019 Greene Foundation certificate (Image)

Cat. Value 5000 $

1860 5p Violet Brown on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A remarkable mint sheet of forty stamps, folded vertically between fifth and sixth columns touching frame of two stamps, in an otherwise excellent state of preservation for this rare sheet and showing a large portion of papermaker's "STACEY (WISE) 185(8)" two-line watermark (reading down) clearly visible on two stamps and in lower margin. A lovely sheet with bright fresh colour and full original gum; thirty-five stamps are NEVER HINGED. Very few intact sheets survive, VF (Unitrade cat. $9,320 as singles) One plate variety is known on the Five pence Heraldic (all printings). It is found on Position 34; located on second stamp in last row, with doubling marks in surrounding florals. (Image)

Estimate 3500 $

1860 1sh Orange on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A rare example of this classic stamp in unused condition, surrounded with mostly large margins; trivial lightened stain at foot, owner's backstamps. VF appearance and a very challenging stamp to find, as only a handful exist unused. Expertization: clear 2005 Greene Foundation certificate Provenance: Specialized Newfoundland Collection, H.A. Harmers Auction (Switzerland), Auction No. 8, November 2005; Lot 1228 - described as sound unused. (Image)

Cat. Value 40000 $

1860 1sh Orange on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A noteworthy used example of this difficult classic stamp, unusually large margins all around, deep colour showing just a hint of oxidation, tiny corner crease at top left not visible from the front, nevertheless in well-above average condition for this seldom seen stamp; pencil signed by expert Alberto Diena on reverse, VF Expertization: both clear Alberto Diena & 1952 RPS of London certificates (Image)

Cat. Value 15000 $

1861-1862 2p Rose on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A spectacular mint corner margin block of six, post office fresh colour and full original gum, mild to light hinging. An exceedingly rare multiple especially desirable in such an excellent state of preservation. Without question among the largest existing multiples of the Two pence rose, XF OG Provenance: Charles Lathrop Pack, Harmer, Rooke & Co., December 1944; Lot 248 Amos Eno, Siegel, March 1959; Lot 176 BNA Sale, Robson Lowe Ltd., January 1964; Lot 1356 Sidney Harris, Part One, SG Auctions, October 1968; Lot 142 Claude Cartier, SG Auctions, April 1977; Lot 74 (Image)

Estimate 2500 $

1861-1862 6p Rose on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A choice mint sheet of twenty stamps with bright fresh colour and full original gum; superior to most sheets we have seen, XF NH (Unitrade cat. $1,200 as singles) (Image)

Estimate 500 $

1861-1862 6p Rose on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate Complete mint sheet of twenty folded between first and second rows, showing "STA" of STACEY WISE / 1858 watermark, rich colour, corner position stamps and one other are very lightly hinged leaving fifteen NH, VF (Unitrade cat. $1,110) (Image)

Estimate 400 $

1861-1862 6½p Rose on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate Complete mint sheet of twenty, fold in top margin away from stamps; shows "STA" of STACEY WISE / 1858 watermark; fresh colour, hinged in margins and one stamp, all others are NH; a scarce intact sheet, VF. (Unitrade cat. $4,840 for single stamps) ex. "St. Aylott" Collection (August 2010; Lot 47) (Image)

Estimate 2000 $

1861-1862 1sh Rose on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate Mint sheet of twenty stamps with lovely fresh colour, light wrinkles and folds entirely in margins away from stamps, VF NH (Unitrade cat. $2,400 for single stamps) (Image)

Estimate 600 $