Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30001
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon light reddish brown, plate 1, late printing, three examples unused without gum as issued, all featuring prominent positional varieties, including: position 1, spines retouched; position 16, plate crack and dot missing in denomination's script; position 27, large crack. All well margined. A very fine and unusual ensemble. (JSCA ¥180,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 350.00
Sold...EUR 340.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 340
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30002
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon reddish brown, plate 1, early printing, block of six (2x3) showing positions 23-24 / 31-32 / 39-40, unused without gum as issued, good uniformly balanced margins. Very fine and fresh appearance. (JHES ¥370,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 500.00
Sold...EUR 1,400.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1400
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30003
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon light reddish brown, plate 1, late printing, complete sheet of 40, unused without gum as issued, displaying margins all around and being large on two sides; bright shade and detailed impression, including the four positional pinholes (type R) -mostly respecting the designs- used to simultaneously fix various sheets before being cut.
Very fine and rare. An essential exhibition item in a highly advanced collection. (JSCA ¥2'500'000). (Image)
Opening EUR 6,000.00
Sold...EUR 12,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 12000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30004
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon brown, plate 1, late printing, complete sheet of 40, unused without gum as issued, showing the constant varieties in positions 1, 2, 16, 27 & 35, intense shade and quite fresh impression, slightly touched at top left, with margins ranging from good to very large in other respects, clearly showing part of the positional pinholes in positions 20 and 38 (type R).
Very fine and rare. An essential exhibition item in a highly advanced collection. (JSCA ¥2,500,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 6,000.00
Sold...EUR 12,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 12000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30005
Symbol: H
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon deep reddish brown, plate I, earliest printing, position 28, three large margins to clear at top, in an uncommonly strong shade, cancelled by large "Kensazumi" type with three characters in regular script. Very fine.
Provenance: Dr. Tani Takashi (Image)
Opening EUR 300.00
Sold...EUR 700.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 700
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30006
Symbol: G,J
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon brown, plate 1, block of four, positions 21-22 / 29-30, together with pair from positions 7-8, both with large margins and an infrequent deep shade, tied to piece by complete strike of large "Tokyo-Kensazumi" hs. A magnificent showpiece. (JSCA ¥590'000+). (Image)
Opening EUR 2,000.00
Sold...EUR 3,800.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 3800
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30007
Symbol: F
Cat No: 1I
1871, 48 mon brown, plate 1, position 39, a well margined single displaying an excellent impression and rich colour, ideally tied by framed "Saikyo Ken" to reverse of Saikyo local cover, showing on front clear strikes of framed "(year of ) Water Ape 11th Month 13th Day / Saikyo Post Office" (Gregorian 13 December 1872) and framed "Afternoon Delivery" hs, both in red, and circular "Muro" of Muromachi "Hakoba" (mail deposit place). Cover backed up and opened for display having slight insect damage not affecting the stamp. Certs Philatelic Federation of Japan (2011), Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023).
To our knowledge, twelve single frankings of the 48 mon are recorded, of which eight are in private hands, with this undoubtedly being one of the finest.
Note: A special reduced inner-city mail rate of 48 mon per each 4 momme was introduced at Saikyo/Kyoto and Osaka at Meiji 4.12.5 . Before that date, the 48 mon value was intended to pay the fractions certain postal increment above the single weight, as it did not suffice to pay the single weight letter rate. Saikyo was a temporary renaming of Kyoto during the Meiji era, between Meiji 4 and Meiji 9 (1871-ca1876).
Provenance: Frederick H. Gloeckner (Kanai Stamp Co. June 25th 1967 lot 1)
Census of the twelve 48 mon single frankings on cover we have documented:
-The example presented here
-17.9.1871: Yokohama to Tokyo, in the Tejima collection
-14.10.1871: Yokohama to Tokyo, in the Kanai collection (The Philatelic Culture Museum)
-14.11.1871: Tokyo to Yokohama, ex Fukuhara collection
-1.12.1871: Yokohama to Tokyo, in the Tejima collection
-2.12.1871: Yokohama to Tokyo, in the Suzuki collection
-27.5.1872 Saikyo City drop letter, in the Nathaniel collection
-15.7.1872: Saikyo City drop letter, in the Tejima collection
-24.12.1872: Saikyo City drop letter, in the Tejima collection
-20.1.1873: Saikyo City to Osaka area, ex Peplow and in the Suzuki collection
-30.1.1873: Saikyo City drop letter, in the Kanai collection (The Philatelic Culture Museum)
-16.2 (year unavailable): From Tokyo to Yokohama, in the Kanai collection (The Philatelic Culture Museum) (Image)
Opening EUR 15,000.00
Sold...EUR 18,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 18000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30008
Symbol: F
Cat No: 1I
THE ONLY RECORDED COMBINATION COVER WITH A PRIVATE COURIER BEARING THE "NUMBER ONE"
1871, 48 mon brown, plate 1, vertical strip of four, positions 8 / 16 / 32 / 40, mainly good margins, tied by large "Nagoya Kensazumi" hs to reverse of cover (opened for display) from Nagoya (Owari) to Yamada (Ise), dated lunar 1st month 11th day (Gregorian 27 February, 1872), showing below superb strike of framed three-line Ise Yamada handstamp of the local Suzukiya Takeuemon courier company. Insect hole damage, affecting the stamp at base and parts of the cover (backed), still though perfectly preserving the superb strike of the courier company. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023).
Fourteen State Post - private courier combination covers are documented exhibiting the "Dragon" (10) or "Cherry Blossom" (4) stamps. See "Hiyaku to Yubin" (private couriers and state mails) by Mr. Yamazaki Yoshiyuki, Narumi publishers 2016, pp. 135/148 and 306/318. This is the only known cover with the first stamp of Japan, which was carried through the state postal service and then a local private courier mail handler. Illustrated in the Dr. Ichida's handbook on "Dragon" issues, second edition of 1971, page 13.
Note: The state postal connection between Nagoya and Yamada (Ise) existed only up to Yokkaichi (Ise). Consequently it required the service of a "hikyaku" (literally "flying feet", private courier company) to deliver the mail. The company Suzukiya Takeuemon, which was used in the carriage of this letter, was already established since 1776 (Ansei 5). The 200 mon rate covered the Nagoya-Yokkaichi route and was paid with the stamps, according to the single rate for 4 nomme within a distance of 50 ri. The combination service of State Post and "hikyaku" west of Osaka was possible during 18 months only, between Meiji 4.8. and Meiji 6.3.31.
Provenance: Watanabe Yoshio (Image)
Opening EUR 10,000.00
Sold...EUR 13,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 13000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30009
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 1II
1871, 48 mon brown, plate 2, vertical block of six, positions 23-24 / 31-32 / 39-40 including the "Blind Dragon" prominent variety in position 24, positional pinhole (type R disposition) at top left of the upper second stamp, barely touched at top, otherwise margins varying from good to very large, unused without gum as issued. A remarkable multiple. (JHES ¥380,000+). (Image)
Opening EUR 1,000.00
Sold...EUR 2,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30010
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 1II
THE "CASPARY" - "NUMBER ONE" COMPLETE SHEET
1871, 48 mon dark brown, plate 2, complete of sheet of 40, unused without gum as issued, including constant varieties in a deep shade uniformly distributed and crisp impression, positional pinholes type R, excellent margins all around being nicely balanced as well, positions 11, 18, 20, 26 & 27, unused without gum as issued. (JSCA ¥2,600,000).
An exquisite quality example of this rare "Number One" plate 2 sheet.
Provenance: Alfred H. Caspary (H.R. Harmer New York, 28.10.1958, lot 54) (Image)
Opening EUR 8,000.00
Sold...EUR 20,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 20000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30011
Symbol: H
Cat No: 1II
1871, 48 mon yellowish brown, plate 2, vertical pair from positions 8 / 16, good margins all around except in upper right corner as a result of the positional pinhole at top right, showing very fine strike of seal-style (tensho) "Sakurai Kensazumi" framed postmark of Sakurai (Yamato Province). A decidedly appealing and rare showpiece. (JHES ¥380,000).
Note: The printing period of plate 2 was short and almost no variable shades but dark brown are known. The yellowish shade is rare and the few existing pieces emanate from Sakurai. (Image)
Opening EUR 800.00
Sold...EUR 700.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 700
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30012
Symbol: C,J
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon indigo, plate 1, early printing, block of four, positions 17-18 / 25-26, ample even margins, unused without gum as issued, position 25 with tiny surface scuff in upper left corner. A scarce block in a very appealing bright indigo shade. (JSCA ¥240,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 500.00
Sold...EUR 1,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30013
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon intermediate printing, plate 1, complete sheet of 40, including constant varieties in positions 3, 7 and 8 in the ornate surrounding the dragons, unused without gum as issued, positions 8 and 16 touched at right due to an irregular cut by the printers, otherwise clear to large margins. Faint horizontal fold between the second and third horizontal rows and vertical in centre, not affecting the designs and not detracting.
A very fine example of this rare first-issue sheet, of great visual impact with this radiant and appealing shade. (JSCA ¥2,400,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 8,000.00
Sold...EUR 13,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 13000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30014
Symbol: H
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, very fresh possessing very good and even margins all around, showing a very fine strike of the upper part of large "Kensazumi" handstamp with three characters in seal script (Tensho), also known as "Eguchi type".
A superb example with this very rare cancellation.
Note: The "Eguchi" type cancellation, named after the philatelist and author Eguchi, is a local variety of the three-character "Kensazumi" handstamp in Reisho script, up to now confirmed to be used in Saikyo and Osaka only. It is assumed that, due to the increasing number of mail in the first week of issue, the "ekiteiryo" (G.P.O.) of Osaka branch office manufactured two extra postmark devices Reisho script in the first week of Meiji 4.3, which clearly differed in character style from the standard type distributed in Meiji 4.2. The three recorded covers confirm the usage of these additional postmarks during the period of Meiji between 4.3.7 and 4.4.7; Eguchi mentioned them for the first time in his classic "Early Meiji period postmarks of Japan", although back in the 1950s nobody believed these to be genuine. (See the recent work by Yamazaki Yoshiyuki: "Dragon Stamps Plating Book", Tokyo (Narumi) 2017, pages. 101-103).
Provenance: Eguchi H. (Image)
Opening EUR 1,000.00
Sold...EUR 800.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 800
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30015
Symbol: H
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, a magnificent and fresh example displaying large balanced margins on all sides, cleanly cancelled by large "Kensazumi" three-characters postmark. Most desirable in this outstanding condition. (JHES ¥150,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 400.00
Sold...EUR 400.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 400
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30016
Symbol: H
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, position 11, strong colour, full to very large margins, neatly cancelled by large "Kensazumi" three-characters postmark. A desirable example exhibiting the typical sharp impression of the earliest printings and enabling a well detailed design to be admired. (JHES ¥150,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 300.00
Sold...EUR 380.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 380
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30017
Symbol: G
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, a large margined example boasting a very unusual intense shade, tied to piece by the "head portion" of large "Kensazumi" postmark featuring three characters in Reisho script hs to piece.
An extremely fine and unusual earliest-printing example, further enhanced by the rare "Eguchi" type cancellation (only three covers recorded). (Image)
Opening EUR 750.00
Sold...EUR 900.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 900
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30018
Symbol: G
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon blue, wove paper, plate 1, position 35, mainly very large margins, glowing colour, tied to piece by a clear strike of framed seal-style (tensho) postmark from Iwamuro P.O. in the province of Kawachi, rare partial "Iwamuro..." framed hs adjacent. Cert. Philatelic Museum Foundation (2008). (Image)
Opening EUR 500.00
Sold...EUR 550.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 550
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30019
Symbol: H,J
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon blue, plate1, block of four from positions 5-6 / 13-14, excellent and balanced margins all around, deep shade and clear impression, showing the "head portion" of large "Tokyo-Kensazumi" hs. Very fine and rare. (JSCA ¥300'000). (Image)
Opening EUR 600.00
Sold...EUR 1,900.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1900
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30020
Symbol: F
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, position 6, very good impression, wide margins all around, used on reverse of Meiji 4.3.9 (29 April 1871) folded envelope from Maisaka (Totomi Province) to Futagawa (Mikawa Province), tied by large "Kensazumi" handstamp with three characters in regular script (Kaisho), which was used in the post offices and agencies east of Atsuta and Nagoya ("East Zone"). Includes original letter dated 3rd month 9th day, sent by the Maisaka postmaster to the Futagawa postmaster. This cover was dispatched eight days after establishment of postal services in Japan. Envelope with some insect damage not affecting the franking. Cert. Philatelic Museum Foundation (2014).
It is also included a letter written by the Maisaka postal agent and addressed to another postal agent in Futagawa. This document ads an additional degree of rarity, as this is a rare feature encountered in this period.
Nine covers and three cover fronts are documented bearing the large "Kensazumi" in Kaisho script; this is the earliest recorded date for a cover with Kaisho script postmark, together with a cover front from Toyohashi. A very early postal history example on the ninth day of the establishment of Japanese postal services (1871). Illustrated on page 86 of the 2017 "Dragon Stamps Plating Book" by Yamazaki Yoshiyuki (JHES ¥6,000,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 25,000.00
Sold...EUR 25,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 25000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30021
Symbol: F
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, position 26, well margined except for being touched in a very small place at right, rich colour, tied by large "Kensazumi" handstamp featuring three characters in clerical script (Reisho) and used in the West Zone, on cover from Otsu to Minakuchi, both in Omi Province. Manuscript date unclear, although presumably during the week after the establishment of postal services in Japan. Cover opened for display, backed up with two small portions of paper missing. Illustrated on page 96 in the "Dragon Stamps Plating Book" by Yamazaki published in 2017. Cert. Philatelic Federation of Japan. Cert. Philatelic Federation of Japan (2000).
Sixteen covers are documented to exist with this desirable cancellation in Reisho, half of them exhibiting a neat strike. (See the recent work by Yamazaki Yoshiyuki: "Dragon Stamps Plating Book", Tokyo (Narumi) 2017, pages. 101-103).
Provenance: Takahashi private treaty 2001, used for the title page illustration (estimated at ¥4,800,000 = €35'000) (Image)
Opening EUR 20,000.00
Sold...EUR 20,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 20000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30022
Symbol: F
Cat No: 2I
1871, 100 mon blue, plate 1, position 6, applied on reverse of small Western-style envelope to Yokohama, tied by head portion of large "Tokyo (Kensazumi)" hs, showing framed red "(year of) Water Monkey ... Moon 15th Day/Tokyo P. O." (Gregorian spring 1872) datestamp alongside. Harmless filing fold through centre well clear of the franking.
Mon Dragon covers used between foreign residents are rare.
Note on the date: The practice of using the head of the cancellation only went into force when the G.P.O. ordered the cutting-off of the bottom three characters of the large place name-kensazumis handstamps; according to Mr. Tejima, the head-portion usage periods for Tokyo are: Meiji 5.2.1-5.4.2 (the first period of usage) and Meiji 5.7.14-7.28 (the second period of usage, being shorter); the framed datestamp in red was only used from Meiji 5.4 to 5.4. Consequently, this allow us to date the cover within the earlier period.
Note on the addresses: The cover was addressed to "R. B. Baker Esqr. No 78" in Yokohama, and sent by "Tsukiji / Loureiro". The sender, Eduardo Loureiro, was the Portuguese consul for Kanagawa and Yedo residing in the Tokyo-Tsukiji foreign concession, while the addressee Mr. Baker was the manager of the Chartered Mercantile Bank. (Image)
Opening EUR 1,500.00
Sold...EUR 2,800.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2800
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30023
Symbol: F
Cat No: 2I, 3I
1871, 100 mon dark steel-blue, plate 1, earliest printing, vertical pair from positions 5 & 13 and single from position 24, together with with 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, position 31 featuring retouched "Missing Arm", all well margined, used on reverse of cover from Shizuoka (Suruga Province) to Yokohama, tied by large "Shizuoka Kensazumi" framed handstamp. Manuscript date 5th moon 8th day ( Gregorian 25 June 1871). The 500 mon rate corresponded to the first postal period, Meiji 4.3.1-4.12.4. A very appealing and scarce first-issue combination cover.
Provenance:
Maurice Burrus (Kanai Stamp Co., 12.10.1963, lot 89)
Dr. Tani Takashi (Image)
Opening EUR 3,000.00
Sold...EUR 6,500.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 6500
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30024
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 2II
1871, 100 mon blue, plate 2, position 18 featuring the prominent "Right Dragon Arm Missing" variety, close but clear margins at left, good to large in other respects, unused without gum as issued. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023). (JSCA 2v-2-18, ¥2,000,000).
As a result of the detailed impression and rich shade, a very fine example of this very rare and desirable variety.
Note: This striking omission in the dragon design was never retouched, as evidenced by the reappearance of this error in the 1 sen dragon plate 2. The high catalogue value of this error in the JSCA catalogue clearly reflects the rarity of this variety and the very low number issued of the 100 mon plate 2 in comparison with the 1872 1 sen blue with the same error, as the former is priced over eighteen times higher. (Image)
Opening EUR 5,000.00
Sold...EUR 5,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 5000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30025
Symbol: H
Cat No: 2II
1871, 100 mon blue, plate 2, position 26, with the right dragon's hair retouched variety, full margins all around, lightly cancelled. Paper adherence's on reverse and thinned. (JSCA 2v-2-26, ¥400,000).
According to Lois M. Evans-de Violini, only nine examples of this variety are recorded, of which five are in used condition. (Image)
Opening EUR 500.00
Sold...EUR 1,500.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1500
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30026
Symbol: H,J,D
Cat No: 2II
1871, 100 mon blue, plate 2, complete sheet reconstruction of 40, made up of 17 positions unused, including two remarkable blocks of four and five, and 23 used single stamps, with the highlights being the prominent varieties "missing arm" in position 18, "missing chin" in position 25, "retouched hair" in position 26 and "missing raimon" at left in position 36, as well as an uncommon red handstamp cancel in position 14. Generally well margined choice examples.
Considering the scarcity of the second plate of the 100 mon, this is an extraordinary reconstruction that would be extremely difficult to duplicate. No full sheets exist in private hands (the only example recorded is in the Kanai collection in The Philatelic Culture Museum, ex Woodward and Levy. (JSCA ca. ¥5,000,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 10,000.00
Sold...EUR 14,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 14000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30027
Symbol: F
Cat No: 2II
1871, 100 mon dark blue, plate 2, position 29, strong colour and impression, barely touching at right, otherwise well margined, tied by the "head portion" of large "Fushimi (Kensazumi)" hs to reverse of cover (opened for display) from Fushimi to Osaka, with handwritten date 6th moon 7th day, showing above arrival "(year of) Water Monkey 6th Moon ... Day" (Gregorian early July of 1872) ds in red. An appealing and scarce second-plate single franking. (JSCA ¥600,000).
Note: According to the official order of Meiji 4.12, the large Kensazumi postmarks were instructed to be applied with the name of the place only.
Provenance: Kobayashi auction (Philanippon 2001, lot 13, sold for ¥500,000 = €3,500) (Image)
Opening EUR 2,000.00
Sold...EUR 2,600.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2600
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30028
Symbol: J,DFE
Cat No: 2II
1871, 100 mon dark blue, plate 2, vertical block of ten, positions 6-7 / 14-15 / 22-23 / 30-31 / 38-39, and horizontal pair from positions 4 & 5, both showing an outstandingly precise impression and being well margined, with only one position touched at right in the block, tied to large piece of cover by eleven strikes of framed "Ken" of Tokyo, with ms. date 10.19 adjacent, and framed arrival "Osaka Post Office (year of) Water Monkey 10th Moon 23rd Day" (Gregorian Nov. 19 resp. 23, 1872), both struck in black. Very fine and visually impressive. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023).
The used blocks of the second plate of this value are extremely scarce, and this unique bllock is the second largest recorded, the largest being a block of twelve (also unique) on cover (in the Yigal Nathaniel collection). ( JSCA ¥1'000'000 for a used block of four).
Provenance:
Robert Levy (Robson Lowe, 18.11.1964, lot 97, "probably unique")
Lois M. Evans-de Violini (Dynasty auctions, 6.8.2011, lot 1517) (Image)
Opening EUR 10,000.00
Sold...EUR 20,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 20000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30029
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, early printing, position 18, clear margins and rare very sharp impression, unused without gum as issued. Extremely fine. (JSCA ¥100,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 200.00
Sold...EUR 460.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 460
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30030
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, position 22, three examples showing the three states of plate condition: pre-damaged (clearly revealing an early printing), damaged and retouched, all well margined and unused without gum. (JHES ¥420,000).
Note: In the later stage of the printing of the 200 mon values, some positions of dragon plate were damaged. The damages in positions 22, 26 and 30 were serious, therefore these positions were repaired by retouching. (Image)
Opening EUR 800.00
Sold...EUR 1,400.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1400
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30031
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, early to intermediate printing, position 31 displaying the striking "left dragon's arm missing" variety, clear impression and uniformly large balanced margins all around, unused without gum as issued, very fine. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023)
A choice example of this important variety, of which only six are recorded in unused condition. (JSCA 3-v-1-31, cat. ¥2,000,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 7,000.00
Sold...EUR 16,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 16000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30032
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermillion, plate 1, block of four, positions 10-11 / 18-19, showing the constant varieties "Missing Fingers" (pos. 11) and "Bald Dragon" (pos. 19), clear to predominantly very large margins, intense colour, unused without gum as issued. Natural paper creasing not detracting. (JSCA ¥250,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 800.00
Sold...EUR 1,400.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1400
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30033
Symbol: J,DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate I, intermediate printing, vertical block of eight, positions 3-4 / 11-12 / 19-20 / 27-28, including position 11 displaying "dragon nails missing" variety and position 19 with "dragon hair missing" variety, possessing good to large margins, unused without gum as issued. A very fine multiple of great visual appeal as a result of its radiant vivid colour and scarcity. (Image)
Opening EUR 2,000.00
Sold...EUR 8,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 8000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30034
Symbol: H,DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, position 26, exhibiting the three states of plate condition: pre-damaged (used example with minute surface rubbing), damaged and retouched, the latter two with unused examples without gum as issued, full to large margins. (JHES ¥460,000).
Note: The progressive deterioration of the surface of the dragon copper plates was especially remarkable in positions 22, 26 and 30, which required these positions to be retouched. (Image)
Opening EUR 1,000.00
Sold...EUR 1,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30035
Symbol: H,DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, position 30, exhibiting the three states of plate condition: pre-damaged (used example), and two unused without gum examples representing the damaged state and the retouched state, just the first state with one margin touched, otherwise margins ranging from clear to large. The damaged state strikingly exhibits most of the design of the dragon at left missing. (JHES ¥420,000).
Note: The copper plate was progressively deteriorated with the use of corrosive vermilion ink. These damages were especially remarkable in positions 22, 26 and 30, which required the plates to be retouched and repaired.
Provenance (Damaged state):
Frederick H. Gloeckner (Kanai Stamp Co., 29.4.1967, lot 51)
Metzelaar collection (R. Wolffers-Tokyo, 5.4.1981, lot 129) (Image)
Opening EUR 900.00
Sold...EUR 1,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30036
Symbol: H
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, earliest printing, vertical pair from positions 26 & 34, complete margins on all sides, exhibiting the "head" portion of early non-standard "Kensazumi" postmark of Echigawa (Omi Province, opened in Meiji 5.2).
A magnificent strike of this very rare post mark, of which only about half a dozen are recorded, including two covers.
Note: While other post offices used "large place kensazumi" postmarks, the Echigawa post office curiously utilised an almost identical type in size and style ("reisho") to the first postmark of Japan ("three character kensazumi"), ostensibly disregarding the orders of the general post office indicating that postmarks then had to show a place name. (Image)
Opening EUR 1,500.00
Sold...EUR 2,800.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2800
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30037
Symbol: G
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermillion, plate 1, vertical pair, positions 6 & 14, full to large margins, tied to piece by large "Kuwana Kensazumi" postmark. A magnificent strike being very rarely found so clear. A striking piece for exhibition. (Image)
Opening EUR 1,000.00
Sold...EUR 1,300.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1300
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30038
Symbol: H,J
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermillion, plate 1, vertical block of eight, positions 12-13 / 20-21 / 28-29 / 36-37, including the constant variety in position 36, in an appealing refulgent colour, just touched at bottom left , cancelled by two strikes of large "Tokyo Kensazumi" hs, of which one displayed complete.
In superb condition for this very rare block of stunning appearance.
Provenance:
Heinrich Salomon 75th Auction (lot 1894, applied on piece at that time)
Takahashi Private Treaty 1995 (¥1'200'000 = €8'400) (Image)
Opening EUR 3,500.00
Sold...EUR 4,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 4000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30039
Symbol: H,DCE
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, complete sheet reconstruction of 40, comprising 17 unused, including position 38 displaying an earliest to early printing, as well as 23 used, including three pairs, with an outstanding vertical pair from positions 19 & 31, featuring the remarkable "right dragon's hair missing" in position 19 and "left dragon's arm missing" in position 31, with large "Yokohama Kensazumi" hs. The used display also includes prominent varieties from positions 2, 32, 36 & 40. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023) for the pair pos. 31-39 with variety. A challenging and very rare reconstruction. (JSCA ¥4,225,000+). (Image)
Opening EUR 7,500.00
Sold...EUR 9,500.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 9500
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30040
Symbol: F
Cat No: 3I
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 1, vertical pair from positions 28 & 36, large margins all around, tied by large "Osaka Kensazumi" postmark to cover for Nagasaki, displaying black circular hakoba-in "wata" ("Watanabebashi") handstamp of Osaka at base, with on reverse framed "(Naga)saki / (year of) Water Monkey 6th Moon 11th Day)" datestamp in red. Some tone spots, barely detracting from this rare and attractive cover. Cert. I.S.J.P. (2014, F. Eichhorn), signed Tyler. (JSCA ¥350,000).
Provenance: Mike Ruggiero (Dynasty Auctions, 13.4.2014, lot 2646). (Image)
Opening EUR 1,500.00
Sold...EUR 2,400.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2400
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30041
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 3II
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, position 36, featuring "dot in sen-character missing" variety, margins ranging from good to enormous. Faint thin spot on reverse, still though attractive and rare. (JSCA ¥350,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 400.00
Sold...EUR 850.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 850
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30042
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 3II
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, position 9, in a delicate bright shade, graced by large even margins all around, unused without gum as issued. Extremely fine and rare. (JSCA ¥350,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 700.00
Sold...EUR 850.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 850
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30043
Symbol: H
Cat No: 3II
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, position 8, private perforation 11; showing the "head portion" of non-standard "Kanazawa Kensazumi" cancellation.
Private perforations are extremely rare on "Dragon" stamps, any usage other than in Nagasaki is a major rarity. As a curiosity, Dr. Ichida states in his "The Dragon Stamps of Japan 1871-1872" handbook of 1959 to have only seen three examples of the perforated 200 mon, including one from plate 2. (Image)
Opening EUR 1,200.00
Sold...EUR 2,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 2000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30044
Symbol: H
Cat No: 3II
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, brittle laid paper of 50 microns, position 10, a clear to very large margins example with vivid colour, showing part of large place-name "kensazumi" cancellation postmark, neatly struck. Very fine. (JSCA ¥300,000+). (Image)
Opening EUR 500.00
Sold...EUR 1,100.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 1100
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30046
Symbol: H,DCE
Cat No: 3II
THE SHEET RECONSTRUCTION OF 200 MON PLATE 2
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, the phenomenal sheet reconstruction of 40, comprising three unused, including one pair in positions 5-6, as well as 37 positions used, displaying six pairs and some choice cancellations. The position 36 exhibits the "missing dot" in 'Sen' character" variety.
A striking reconstruction of the rare plate 2 of which no unused sheets are recorded. The replication of this reconstruction would be a truly daunting challenge. An unused block of 24, in the Ota Katsumi collection, is the largest known multiple. (JSCA ¥12,150,000+ ; Michel 3IIy €100,000). (Image)
Opening EUR 30,000.00
Sold...EUR 60,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 60000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30048
Symbol: F
Cat No: 3II, 2II
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, position 27, together with 100 mon, plate 2, position 15, both displaying an uncommonly detailed impression and ample margins all around, tied by large "Nagoya Kensazumi" framed postmark to reverse of cover sent to Yokohama, dated 5th moon 15th day (Gregorian June 20, 1872). At top showing Nagoya merchant's seal (diamond in square), small-size bilingual "Batchelor" double circle on front.
An exceptional combination franking featuring the very elusive 200 mon plate 2 on cover, with a franking of great beauty and freshness.
Note: The 300 mon franking paid the basic weight letter rate up to 4 momme within 100 ri distance, during the 2nd inland rate period (Meiji 4.12.5-6.3.31). (Image)
Opening EUR 2,500.00
Sold...EUR 6,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 6000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30049
Symbol: F
Cat No: 3II, 2I
THE LARGEST MULTIPLE OF THE RARE 200 MON PLATE 2 ON COVER
1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate 2, vertical strip of five, positions 6 / 14 / 22 / 30 / 38, with positional pinhole at bottom left of position 38, with just two stamps touched at right, otherwise well margined showing a strong impression, in combination with 100 mon, plate 1, vertical pair, positions 26 / 34, wide margins, applied on reverse of large cover from Tokyo (Musashi Province) to Kakegawa (Totomi Province), tied by two complete strikes of large "Tokyo Kensazumi" postmark, showing clear framed dispatch "(year of ) Water Monkey 2nd Moon 11th Day/Tokyo Post Office" (Gregorian19 March 1872) datestamp in red alongside. The 1,200 mon franking was twice the 600 mon rate to Kakegawa. Some imperfections including small tear at top left in the pair and tiny tear in position 22 in the strip, the folded envelope with slight insect damage not affecting the franking, these not detracting from the great significance of this unique impressive showpiece.
A unique franking including the 200 mon plate 2 with the largest used multiple on or off cover we have recorded. This multiple being of great significance as the plate 2 is by far scarcer than plate 1. This strip is a complete vertical column (6th) in the sheet.
Note: The JSCA mentions a block of 10 as the largest known used multiple, but the book of the Ota Katsumi collection mentions a used strip of five as the largest known. (Image)
Opening EUR 15,000.00
Sold...EUR 32,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 32000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30050
Symbol: F
Cat No: 3II, 4I, 6I
A UNIQUE MIXED-ISSUES FRANKING WITH THE RARE 200 MON PLATE 2
1871, 200 mon vermillion, plate 2, vertical strip of three with magnificent margins, positions 8 / 16 / 2, positional pin hole at top right, together with 500 mon bluish green, plate 1, vertical pair, positions 1/9 (featuring "extra dot in second value character" variety in position 9), barely touching on two sides and varying to huge margins, in conjunction with 1872, Dragon 1 sen, plate 2, position 28, each cancelled by boxed "Ken" (for examined) chops of Tokyo with framed blue "(year of) Water Monkey 4th Moon 28th Day / Tokyo P.O." datestamp ("Tokyo Yubin Yakusho", Tokyo Post Office) alongside, to reverse of cover to Kobe. Addressee's side displaying framed arrival datestamp: "(year of) Water Monkey 5th Moon 2nd Day / Sesshu Kobe P. O." (Sesshu = Settsu province).
Covers bearing the 200 mon plate 2 are exceedingly scarce, particularly in mixed franking with the 500 mon. An exceptional and splendid imperforate-perforated combination franking.
Provenance:
Robert Levy (Robson Lowe, 18.11.1964, lot 111)
Lois M. Evans-de Violini (Dynasty Auctions, 6.8.2011, lot 1533) (Image)
Opening EUR 10,000.00
Sold...EUR 92,500.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 92500
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30051
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 4I
THE 500 MON "MISSING STROKE" PLATE VARIETY
1871, 500 mon greyish yellow green, plate 1, earliest printing, position 2, featuring the "Missing Stroke" variety in the "Sen" character, very fine with clear to very large margins and good impression, unused without gum as issued. In addition, two examples of plate 1, position 2, showing the retouch which corrected the error are included for comparison; these represent the early printing in bright green (Dr. Ichida: "pure green") used, and the intermediate printing with an unused example. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023).
One of only about five examples recorded of this major plate flaw variety, which together with the "Missing Stroke and Missing Dot" variety are the most valuable and significant plate flaws in any value of the classic period. One of the early gems of Japanese philately and a key item in the most advanced collection. (JSCA 4v-1-2 cat. ¥10,000,000).
Note: As it was not the case with other plate varieties, this error was found very soon and was retouched, so that even the earliest printing examples in dull yellow-green already possess the "sen" character amended. As a result of this, this error is of great scarcity. The stamp offered here is illustrated in Dr. Ichida's "The Dragon Stamps of Japan 1871-1872" handbook (1959), on page 139.
Provenance: Yamamoto Kunichi
Our -probably partial- census:
-The example offered here
-Single unused, illustrated in "Gallery of Japanese Stamps" vol.2 (1990) fig.19
-Single unused, in the Ota Katsumi collection
-Single franking on cover in the Tejima collection. (Image)
Opening EUR 40,000.00
Sold...EUR 40,000.00
Closed..Jun-02-2023, 23:59:00 EST
Sold For 40000
Sale No: 23JE
Lot No: 30052
Symbol: DCE
Cat No: 4I
1871, 500 mon, dull yellow green, plate 1, earliest printing, position 6, full to mainly ample margins, unused without gum as issued. Thin spots at left, probably as a result of fallen-off wooden enclosures. Very scarce. (JSCA ¥350,000). (Image)
