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Gilbert and Ellice Islands

Catalogue 282: Pacific Islands – The ‘BESANÇON’ Collection
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  • Lot# : 8390 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1910: De La Rue part Appendix sheet showing Fiji 1 s. black on green Imperforate Plate Proofs, the first overprinted GILBERT & ELLICE / PROTECTORATE in red, the second overprinted in black leaving the FIJI legend clear; the third Plate Proof overprinted on the suggestion of De La Rue in red over FIJI at top. The piece dated "12 July 1910" in manuscript and the first impression signed and marked "Approved 15/7" in manuscript ink. Central file fold does not detract, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 3289. Outstanding and unique.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 232.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,400 CHF

    Lot# : 8391 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1911 (Jan 1): Overprinted on Fiji, the unused set of seven values in horizontal strips of three, all overprinted SPECIMEN (Type D12) in black or iun red (on the 1 s. value); fresh colour and appearance, without gum, nevertheless rare multiples - the UPU in Berne distributed sets in this manner to each affiliated country but most now have been split into singles Gi = £ 900+. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 8392 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1910: De La Rue photographic Essay for the proposed definitive issue, 1 d. value imperforate in bright red on white glazed card, affixed to thick card (88 x 113 mm.) marked "Dupl." at lower left and dated "June 16th 10" at top right in manuscript ink. The Essay as shown was approved by the Crown Agents on June 10, 1910 to be engraved on copper plates. Illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 3291. Outstanding and unique.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 233.
    Starting bid : 850 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,600 CHF

    Lot# : 8393 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1910: De La Rue composite Essay for the proposed definitive keyplate issue, stamp size Essay with GILBERT & ELLICE ISLANDS overlaid on cut down Colonial Die Proof without Duty Plate in black, the central Crown similarly added and applied to thick card (88 x 113 mm.). Duty Plates for the 5 d., 6 d. and 1 s. without backgrounds shown alongside with the "6 d." marked as accepted in pencil; dated "Nov 2, 11" at top right in manuscript ink, signed and marked "Approved 17.11.11" at base. A similar example illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 3292. Some soiling but an exceedingly rare and important Essay.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 236.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,800 CHF

    Lot# : 8394 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1911: De La Rue Essay for the proposed high values to the 1911 Keyplate issue, an imperforate composite stamp size Essay for the 10 s. value in sunken thick card (85 x 91 mm.) with printed surround in green, "Gilbert & Ellice Islands Protectorate" and Duty Plates printed and overlaid in white on red, the head-plate affixed and touched up in oval hand-painted in Chinese white. Manuscript "Design head brown, lettering and duty green" at base, dated "Oct 23. 11" at top right. Unadopted as 'Protectorate' was to be omitted from the issued set and no 10 s. value was issued but in actuality a proposal not specifically for the Gilbert & Ellice Islands but for new high values designs for all British Colonial Keyplates - however, on Nov 16, 1911 the Crown Agents turned down the new proposal. Illustrated in the "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP., on page 2047. A splendid and beautiful Essay.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 234.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8395 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1911: De La Rue Essay for the proposed high values to the 1911 Keyplate issue, an imperforate composite Essay for the £ 20 value in sunken thick card (89 x 114 mm.) with printed surround in red, "Overseas Dominions" and Duty Plate printed in green and overlaid onto the Colonial design, the spaces between the lettering hand-painted in Chinese white. Manuscript "4 Designs / Border & Head: Vermilion red - Lettering and Duty olive green" with three further colour suggestions below, dated "Oct 23. 11" at top right. A proposal not specifically for the Gilbert & Ellice Islands but for new high values designs for all British Colonial Keyplates - however, on Nov 16, 1911 the Crown Agents turned down the new proposal. Illustrated in the "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP., on page 2047. A stunningly beautiful Essay.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 235.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,800 CHF

    Lot# : 8396 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1912: De La Rue Die Proof for legend and Duty Plate for the ½ d. value, printed in black on glazed white card, handstamped BEFORE / HARDENING in black at right and dated "6 FEB 12" in blue at left. Scarce and fine.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 237.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 8397 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1911: De La Rue Die Proof for legend and Duty Plate for the 6 d. value, printed in black on glazed white card, handstamped BEFORE / HARDENING in black at right and dated "28 DEC 11" in blue at left. Scarce and fine.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 239.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 8398 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1912: De La Rue Die Proof for legend and Duty Plate for the 5 s. value, printed in black on glazed white card, erroneously handstamped AFTER / HARDENING at right in black and altered in manuscript to "Before", dated "7 MAY 12" in blue at left. Scarce and most unusual.rnrnProvenance: Spink, London, 13 Oct 2010, lot 238.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 8399 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1912/24: Keyplate definitive issue, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, the set of thirteen values unused, overprinted SPECIMEN in black or red  (Type D12) to the 1924 £ 1 purple & black on red (Type D16); fresh colours and very fine, large part og. A very scarce set Gi = £ 600.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 8400 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1912/24: £ 1 purple & black on red, Die II, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, an unused example, fresh and very fine, large part og. A scarce stamp Gi = £ 550.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8401 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1912/24: Keyplate definitive set of thirteen values unused, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, fresh and fine, negligible rub on 2½ and the £ 1 value which is marginal showing Plate Number 11 from base of sheet and unmounted og., balance large part og. An attractive set Gi = £ 600. 
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 8402 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1912/24: 5 s. green & red on yellow, £ 1 purple & black on red and 1922/27 10 s. green & red on emerald, all used on small slightly tropicalised piece, cancelled by three complete strikes of "General Post Office / Ocean Island" circular datestamp (Nov 2, 1938) in black. Despite the aging, a remarkable piece Gi = £ 2'040.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 8403 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1924: £ 1 purple & black on red, Die II and 1922/27: ½ d. green, 1½ d. scarlet, 10 s. green & red on emerald, Die II, all locally overprinted SPECIMEN locally in black (12.5 x 1.75 mm.), on large piece and tied by part circular 'POSTES ET TELEGRAPHES / MADAGASCAR / COLLECTION DE BERNE' cachet applied in red upon receipt from the UPU. Unique. Cert. BPA (1997).
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8404 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    'Funafuti' Provisional 1916: Provisional "2/-" surcharged by handstamp twice in black on 1912 1 d. carmine (CW GF1) used with 1911 2 d. slate-grey and 1912 4 d. black & red on yellow, tied by "Gilbert & Ellice Islands / Protectorate" datestamps (July 12, 1916) in black. A rare usage of this issue - the Postmaster on Funafati handstamped two current adhesives (1 d. and 2½ d.) with higher values  (2 s. and 3 s.) in order to mail parcels from the Island without seeking authorisation from the Resident Commissioner, a process which would have taken several weeks. Rare. Cert. BPA (1980).
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 8405 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1918 (June): War Tax 1 d. red, Die I, an unused example, variety Imperforate from the unique Proof sheet of six, large even margins all round, superb large part og., with normal for comparison. Extremely rare - these Proof sheetlets were all handled by the dealer, H.F. 'Johnny' Johnson who cut them up for resale, always after disposing of any damaged examples.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 8406 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1918 (June): War Tax 1 d. red, Die I, an unused vertical strip of three, all overprinted SPECIMEN in black (Type D12), fresh appearance and a scarce multiple, without gum Gi = £ 210+.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 100 CHF

    Lot# : 8407 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1922/27: Keyplates, Die II, wmk. Multiple Script CA, the set of five values to 10 s. unused, all overprinted SPECIMEN in black (½ d. Type D11, balance Type D16), fresh and very fine, large part og. A scarce set Gi = £ 275.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : 140 CHF

    Lot# : 8408 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1922/27: 10 s. green & red on emerald, Die II, wmk. Multiple Script CA, an unused horizontal pair, corner marginal from upper left of sheet with Plate Number 11 in margin, fresh and very fine, mounted in margin only, stamps unmounted og. Scarce and most attractive Gi = £ 320+.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 8409 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1922/27: Keyplates, Die II, wmk. Multiple Script CA, the set of five values to 10 s. unused, with additional example of the scarce 10 s. green & red on emerald, all fresh and very fine, large part og. Gi = £ 340+.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8410 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1922/27: ½ d. green, Die II, a horizontal strip of three overprinted SPECIMEN in black (Type D12), and 1 d. violet, Die II. in a horizontal strip of three overprinted SPECIMEN in black (Type D16), each on large piece and tied by part circular 'POSTES ET TELEGRAPHES / MADAGASCAR / COLLECTION DE BERNE' cachet applied in red upon receipt from the UPU. Unique.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8411 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee, the Bradbury Wilkinson Imperforate Proof set of four on watermarked paper, all perforated hooded SPECIMEN, unused without gum. Extremely rare.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 8412 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee, the set of four values unused, all perforated hooded SPECIMEN, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 200.
    Starting bid : 90 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8413 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee 1 d. ultramarine & grey-black, a used example showing variety "Flagstaff on Right-Hand Turret" (Plate 5, Row 7, stamp 1), lightly cancelled leaving the variety clear. Scarce Gi = £ 450.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 8414 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee 1½ d. deep blue & scarlet, an unused example showing variety "Flagstaff on Right-Hand Turret" (Plate 5, Row 7, stamp 1), fresh and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 250.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8415 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee 3 d. brown & deep blue, an unused example showing variety "Flagstaff on Right-Hand Turret" (Plate 5, Row 7, stamp 1), fresh and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 375.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8416 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee 1 s. slate & purple, an unused example showing variety ""Flagstaff on Right-Hand Turret" (Plate 5, Row 7, stamp 1), fresh and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 600.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8417 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1935 (May 6): Silver Jubilee 1 s. slate & purple, an unused example showing variety "Double Flagstaff" (Plate 6, Row 5, stamp 2), fresh and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 600.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8418 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1937 (May 12): Coronation, the De La Rue set of three values, Imperforate Proof set on watermarked paper, all in matching marginal blocks of four from left of sheet with hooded perforated SPECIMEN, the 1 d. violet with slight thin mostly in margin, otherwise superbly fresh and fine, unmounted og. A truly exceptional and rare set - just 6 sets produced.
    Starting bid : 6,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8419 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1938: Essays (3) by E.W. Crafer of Harrisons for the pictorial issue, all three imperforate with the King's head inserted in black and the value tablets hand-painted, the ½ d. value in deep grey-green & black featuring the 'Pandanus Pine', the 1½ d. in deep rose & black featuring the Great Frigate bird and the 3 d. in bright blue & black showing two Islanders in a canoe; all mounted on brown presentation card (55 x 92 mm.). See the article by Robson Lowe in the 'Philatelist' (December 1984) a copy of which is enclosed with the lot. Unique.rnrnNote: E.W. Crafer was a free-lance artist for Harrisons. The Robson Lowe find contained 15 Essays from seven Commonwealth countries.rnrnProvenance: RL, London, 7 May 1985, lot 957.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8420 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1939: Pictorial definitives, the set of twelve values unused, all in vertical strips of three, perforated SPECIMEN diagonally (1 d., 5 d., 6 d., 2 s. and 5 s.) or perforated with hooded SPECIMEN, fresh appearance, gum somewhat browned upon receipt from the UPU, large part or unmounted og. Rare multiples, a spectacular set Gi = £ 1'800+.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 8421 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1911/49: Collection on leaves with first issue overprinted set of seven unused, June 1911 set of four unused and optd. SPECIMEN, 1935 Silver Jubilee set in unused blocks of four, 1939 set of twelve unused, 1947 Victory set perf. SPECIMEN, 1948 RSW £ 1 unused etc. Gi = £ 650+.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 8422 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1940: Postage Due set of eight values unused, all perforated hooded SPECIMEN, fresh and very fine, large part og. Gi = £ 250.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8423 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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    1940: Postage Due set of eight values unused, all in matching horizontal pairs from the upper right corner of the sheet, fresh and very fine, unmounted og. Scarce set Gi = £ 360.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF
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