Great Britain - Day 4

1840-1934 the magnificent mint collection neatly presented on pages in album, commencing with 4 margin examples of the 1840 1d black and 2d blue, each without gum and of very fine appearance. A fine upper marginal 1841 1d red and 4 margin 2d blue follow, each with RPS cert, then the 1847 embossed issues, the 6d purple a particularly fine 4 margin example with Diena Cert, the 1/-, 3 margin, with Brandon Cert. A group of perforated line engraved includes the scarce and elusive 2d blues SG 23 and 27, also (without gum) SG 20 and 35, with a lovely example of the 1d red plate 225 (RPS Cert).

The quest for top quality is particularly evident with the superb array of surface printed issues which follows, replete with lovely, fresh examples. From the 1855 series, we note 4d SG 66, 6d lilac SG 69 and a pristine 1/- pale green SG 73, corner marginal example with inscription and RPS Cert. The 1862 issue features 3d pale rose SG 77, 4d bright red and pale red SG 79 and 82 6d deep lilac SG 83 and 1/- deep green SG 89 with, from the 1865 series, 3d rose SG 92 (RPS Cert), the scarce 9d straw SG 98 (RPS Cert) and 1/- green pl 4. The 1867 Spray of Rose issues include 3d rose pl 6, 6d dull violet, 9d straw SG 111, 1/- green pl 7 and a lovely, fresh example of the scarce 2/- brown (without gum).

Of particular significance are the numerous high values which greatly enhance this lovely collection. These commence with the 1867 Maltese Cross issues and a fine, fresh example of the 5/- rose pl 2. This is followed by superb example the 10/- greenish grey with BPA cert., a major rarity, missing from most collections and without doubt amongst the finest examples not currently in private hands. With the Anchor watermark, we find a fine example of the 5/- rose pl 4, with RPS Cert, another significant rarity and the 10/- grey-green with RPS Cert which, although toned, is one of the rarest of all the high values (S.G. £110'000). A beautiful £5 orange is followed thereafter by 1872 6d pale buff (Brandon Cert) and 6d grey SG 125 lower marginal with inscription (RPS Cert), followed by a strong showing of the 1873 issues. In particular we note 1/- green pl 13 lower marginal NH, the scarce 1/- orange-brown SG 151, 4d vermilion pl 15, 4d sage-green pl 15 NH, 4d grey-brown pl 17 and the most elusive and seldom offered unissued 8d brown-purple SG 156a (regummed), with a superb ‘lilac and green’ set. High Values with 1883 2/6d lilac on blued paper, marginal, with BPA Cert and another significant rarity, 1884 Crowns £1 brown-lilac with Brandon Cert. Of still greater scarcity is the 1888 Orbs £1, with RPS Cert, which, despite having a light crease, is a most attractive example with few examples recorded. Yet another important rarity! The surface printed finishing with the 1883-84 Lilac & Greens and the 1887-1901 Jubilees incl. 5d die I and 1891 £1 green SG 212.

Finally, Edward VII issues to £1 and George V featuring a fine £1 Seahorse and 1929 PUC £1. This presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a truly stunning collection, without doubt one of the finest mint Great Britain collections it has been our privilege to handle.