Lot# 1086 - Auction 222-226

1889/1909: The Magnificent Thomas Hitzler Collection devoted to the fascinating "Small Lion" Post-Classic Issue, housed in three albums and mounted on exhibition pages, featuring precise descriptions and comprising most of the significant aspects of this issue. It includes the unissued essays, hand-painted Proofs, imperforate plate proofs, Specimens incl. a probably unique set in pairs, colour proofs, varieties with imperforates, mixed- and infrequent perforations including the very rare Vienna printing 10st. perf. 10½, Paris Printing with various scarce examples, 2 l. & 3 l. perf. 13¼; multiples with very scarce mint 5 st. & 10 st. blocks of four from the Vienna Printing, Paris Printing 15 st. in mint block of four (one of two known); the most unusual 10 st. ochre instead of rose (error of colour); part sheets, etc. The postal history section with covers, Parcel and AR forms; destinations with the great majority of the items being sent abroad and including better examples such as Philippines; the earliest cover recorded in this issue; high frankings with the only non-philatelic cover recorded bearing the two highest denominations, 2 l. & 3 l., and one of just five items known franked by single 3 l.; rare cancellations including non-philatelic cover cancelled by "Exposition/Plovdiv" commemorative cds (one of three recorded), surcharged 1909 "10" on 50st. in mixed franking with "Prince Ferdinand" (only possible during a two-three week period); 1892 "15" on 30st. on one of just three covers known used before the official date of issue; etc. The collection also comprises various pages dedicated to the "01" on 2 st. "Large Lion" value, with varieties including one of three covers known with inverted surcharge, multiples, newspapers, high frankings, complete sheet, etc. A magnificent collection formed after decades of research. Various Hitzler and Karaivanoff certificates are included. Viewing highly recommended.