1860 1sh Orange on Vertical Laid Paper, Imperforate An impressive mint example of this very rare stamp, displaying prominently visible laid lines, a bright shade of this notoriously delicate colour, unusually large margins all around, faint traces of gum stain inconsequential for such a great rarity, possessing part original gum. One of the rarest stamps of Newfoundland, missing from even the most advanced collections, VF

Expertization: 1972 PF certificate, submitted by Robert Pratt

Provenance: Charles Lathrop Pack, Part One, December 1944; Lot 234
Robert H. Pratt, October 1986; Lot 158
Edward Gilbert, October 2004; Lot 13
"Malibu", May 2006; Lot 226

While searching for other known examples, some sources indicated that perhaps as many as six or as few as three examples are thought to exist on vertically laid paper. A single on horizontally laid paper is believed to be unique. (Image)

Cat. Value 32500 $

1860 2p Orange on Thin Hard Wove Paper, Imperforate A spectacular mint block of four from the top left of the sheet, exceptional vivid colour and bright impression on fresh wove paper, remarkably retaining full original gum with just a trace of hinging on the upper left stamp, the other three stamps with pristine original gum, NEVER HINGED. Inconsequential marginal crease at foot well away from stamps. The only existing positional block of four, exceptional in all respects, XF GEM

The lower right stamp shows the constant line through bottom "2s" plate variety (Unitrade 11ii).

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 5, H.R. Harmer Inc., May 1969; Lot 36 - the original part-sheet of 16 from which this block originates.
Robert H. Pratt, Harmers of London, October 1986; Lot 114 - offered as a block of eight - this being the left-hand block of four.
"Malibu", Matthew Bennett, May 2006; Lot 228

No premium for NH status is currently listed in Unitrade. Considering the high premiums for other difficult issues such as the 2p rose and 1865-1879 Cents issue, we feel that a premium of 300 to 400% would only be logical.

A PHENOMENAL MINT CORNER BLOCK OF THE 1860 TWO PENCE ORANGE IN IMMACULATE CONDITION WITH FULL ORIGINAL GUM. VERY RARE THUS AND HIGHLY DESIRABLE. (Image)

Estimate 7500 $

1910 (December 2) Cover with engraved "Water Street / St. John's, N.F." in red on backflap, mailed to Paris, France and franked with a 5c ultramarine perf 12 tied by clear St. John's dispatch CDS, second strike at left; small portion of Paris receiver on back. Unusual destination for a Guy Issue franked cover, VF (Unitrade 91) (Image)

Estimate 150 $