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Tonga

Catalogue 282: Pacific Islands – The ‘BESANÇON’ Collection
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  • Lot# : 8591 Tonga

    1893: Stampless cover with manuscript "2½" (pence) in blue crayon at upper right denoting prepayment, struck with barred oval "TONGA" obliterator below in black. Reverse with "Robert Fletcher / Vavau / Friendly Islands" sender's cachet in violet and "NUKUALOFA / TONGA" cds (Aug 5) and Auckland arrival cds (Aug 11) in black. A rare and most unusual usage.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 2 March 1995, lot 403.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 8592 Tonga

    1894: Official imprinted "On His Tongan Majesty's Service" cover and original contents with red engraved Crown Arms at top left, struck with circular TONGA GOVERNMENT / FRANK in black alongside "NUKUALOFA / TONGA" circular datestamp (May 26) in black. Reverse with Auckland arrival cds (June 1) in black. A scarce and most appealing usage.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 2 March 1995, lot 405.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 8593 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proofs (3) for the George I head-plate (vignette) only, all engraved on thick brown cards (approx 75 x 55 mm.), in black, orange-red and in blue, each with uncleared surrounds. A fine and attractive trio.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 8594 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 1 d. value, engraved in black (issued in carmine) on thick white card (55 x 89 mm.), fresh and fine and very scarce.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 8595 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 1 d. value, typographed in blue (issued in carmine) on thick card (53 x 89 mm.), slight dust and fingerprint on surface but fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 8596 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 2 d. value, typographed in brown (issued in violet) on thick card (56 x 89 mm.), slight dust and fingerprint on surface but fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 8597 Tonga

    First Issue 1886 (Aug 27): 2 d. violet, an Imperforate Plate Proof block of four in a pale shade without watermark, good margins all round, of reasonable appearance but with two closed tears, a pinhole and ironed creasing but nevertheless rare.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 8598 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 6 d. value, typographed in black (issued in blue) on thick brown card (55 x 73 mm.), slight surface dust, fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 8599 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 6 d. value, typographed in vermilion (issued in blue) on thick brown card (55 x 72 mm.), fresh, fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 8600 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 1 s. value, typographed in black (issued in pale and deep green) on thick brown card (54 x 73 mm.), slight surface dust, fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 8601 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: Bock & Cousins Die Proof for the 1 s. value, typographed in yellow-green (issued in pale and deep green) on thick brown card (51 x 73 mm.), fresh, fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 8602 Tonga

    First Issue 1887 (July 15): 1 d. carmine, comb perf. 12½ x 11½, an unused complete left pane of 60 (6 x 10) in a rich shade, part of the interpanneau margin missing at right, with "Target" Control under second vertical column at base and showing the irregularity of the perforation pins, some minor creasing and tiny splitting but of great scarcity, large part or unmounted og. Gi = £ 720+. 
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 8603 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: 1 d. carmine, perf. 12½ x 11½, a single applied just over top edge of cover and a fine horizontal strip of three used on 1892 cover to Sondershausen, Germany tied by scarce "NEIAFU / VAVAU" circular datestamps in black (June 17). Reverse with two strikes of APIA / KAISERL. DEUTSCHE / POSTAGENTUR transits in black (June 23) and Sondershausen arrival cds. A fine and rare cover.rnrnProvenance: Collection Milo D. Rowell, Christie's, London, 28 Oct 1992, lot 542.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8604 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: 1 d. carmine horizontal pair and strip of three used with 2 d. pale violet in two horizontal pairs, all perf. 12½ x 11½, on 1889 registered cover to Leipzig tied by TONGA oval of bars obliterator and by "F-I / NUKUALOFA / TONGA" duplex (Dec 6) in black. Oval framed REGISTERED AT / NUKUALOFA, TONGA handstamp in violet at left and reverse with Sydney transit cds (Dec 19) and arrival (Jan 26, 1890) cds. A charming and rare cover.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8605 Tonga

    First Issue 1886 (Aug 27): 2 d. bright violet, comb perf. 12½ x 11½, an unused complete right pane of 60 (6 x 10) in a vibrant shade, with "Target" Control under eleventh vertical column at base and showing the irregularity of the perforation pins, thinned in margin at base, some minor creasing and central splitting but of great scarcity, large part or unmounted og. Gi = £ 3'000+. 
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8606 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: 2 d. pale violet, perf. 12½ x 11½, a single example used on 1893 or 1896 cover addressed to R.B. Leefe (1847-1908), the acting British Vice-Consul in Tongatabu (from 1887) tied by circular TONGA in bars obliterator with "HAAPAI" datestamp (Nov 22) at left. Reverse with "Nukualofa" arrival cds (Dec 1, 1893) in black. Slight envelope imperfection above the adhesive  but a scarce internal usage.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8607 Tonga

    First Issue 1886/88: 2 d. bright violet, perf. 12½ x 11½, a horizontal strip of four used on 1891 mourning envelope to Lee, Kent tied by two bold strikes of the "F-I / NUKUALOFA / TONGA" duplex (Feb 2) in black. Reverse with London (March 23) cds of transit in red. Closed tears to thin paper envelope not detracting from the lovely appearance and of no importance, a fine and rare first issue cover.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 8608 Tonga

    First Issue 1888 (Oct 15): 6 d. blue, comb perf. 12 x 11½, an unused block of 50 (5 x 10) with margins at top and of bottom of pane, missing the first vertical row with "Target" Controls in margin above and at base of the multiple (applied on the second and eleventh rows only). Fresh colour and dramatic appearance, large part or unmounted og. Rare Gi = £ 2'500+.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 8609 Tonga

    First Issue 1888 (Oct 15): 1 s. deep green, comb perf. 12 x 11½, an unused block of 45 (9 x 5) divided by vertical interpanneau margin and with sheet margin at top of panes, missing the first two vertical rows with "Target" Control in margin above the eleventh row. Fresh colour and dramatic appearance, large part or unmounted og. Rare Gi = £ 2'925+.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 8610 Tonga

    Surcharged by Wilson & Horton, Auckland 1891: 1 d. carmine, perf. 12 x 11½, overprinted FOUR PENCE in black, the album page with an unused block of thirty-six from lower left of sheet with "Target" Control under second vertical column, of fresh bright colour and with a few age spots, one or two stamps defective prior to the overprint being applied and lower right stamp with pinhole where the sheet would have hung in the Post Office; large part og. or unmounted og. (this stamp scarce in a large multiple), together with fine unused and used horizontal pairs each showing variety "No Stop after PENCE", scarce and most attractive group Gi = £ 340++.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : 140 CHF

    Lot# : 8611 Tonga

    1891 (Nov 23): 1 d. carmine, perf. 12½, overprinted Stars in black, an unused block of four, third stamp with slight 'kiss print' to upper right Star, fresh and fine, large part og. A scarce and attractive multiple Gi = £ 200+.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 8612 Tonga

    1891 (Nov 23): 1 d. carmine, perf. 12½, overprinted 'Stars', an unused block of twelve (3 x 4) from lower left of sheet with "Target" Control under second column, some marginal creases but the stamps fresh and fine, unmounted og. A scarce stamp in a multiple Gi = £ 600+.
    Starting bid : 220 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8613 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1891 (Nov 23): 1 d. carmine, perf. 12½, overprinted 'Stars', an unused horizontal pair with left hand stamp variety "Three Stars" and right hand stamp variety "Four Stars", of good colour and part og. An extremely rare pair. Cert. RPSL (1966) Gi = £ 950+.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 14 Nov 1992, lot 2515.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8614 Tonga

    1891 (Nov 23): 1 d. carmine, perf. 12½, overprinted 'Stars', four examples used on 1892 4 d. red registered postal stationery envelope (152 x 92 mm.) mailed to Auckland, all tied by "F-I / NUKUALOFA / TONGA" duplex (Sept 23) with "Registered / Auckland" arrival datestamp (Sept 30) alongside. Some aging around perforations but the envelope flap opens well for display, a rare usage.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 2 March 1995, lot 400.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8615 Tonga

    Unfortunately this lot was withdrawn from this auction.

    Lot# : 8616 Tonga

    1891 (Nov 23): 2 d. violet, perf. 12½, overprinted 'Stars', two examples used on 1892 4 d. red registered postal stationery envelope (152 x 92 mm.) mailed to Auckland, tied by barred TONGA obliterator with "Registered / Auckland" arrival datestamp (Oct 29) alongside. Minor aging on perfs. but envelope flap opens well for display, a rare usage.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 2 March 1995, lot 401.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 8617 Tonga

    1892: Plate Proofs (3) by A.E. Cousins for the Tongan Arms 1 d. and 4 d. values, imperforate on medium wove paper, with 1 d. in blue (issued in rose) and 4 d. in chestnut (as issued), and a further unadopted 1 d. Proof struck in blue with considerably more detail in the background shading and scroll-work in the oval frame - an altogether finer production. A rare trio.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 350 CHF

    Lot# : 8618 Tonga

    1892: Plate Proofs by A.E. Cousins for the King George designs for the 2 d., 8 d. and 1 s. values, imperforate on medium wove paper, with 2 d. in black and in red; 8 d, in grey-balck, chestnut and in violet-blue; 1 s. value in grey-black and in chestnut; all as issued, together with a Die of the head-plate and rectangular surround only in black. A scarce and most appealing group (8).
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 8619 Tonga

    1892 (Nov 10): Arms 1 d. pale rose, a horizontal pair and diagonally bisected example used on 1893 cover to Auckland, tied by oval barred "F-I / NUKUALOFA / TONGA" duplex (Sept 11) in black, paying the correct 2½ d. rate. Reverse with Auckland arrival cds (Oct 11) in black. Small age spot on the bisect but a rare cover Gi = £ 850+.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 2 March 1995, lot 404.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 350 CHF

    Lot# : 8620 Tonga

    1892: 1 d. rose, a diagonally bisected example used with 2 d. black on 1893 cover endorsed 'pr. Upalu' to Auckland tied by "NUKUALOFA " TONGA" datestamp (July 5) in black. Revesre with Auckland arrival cds (July 10). Closed cover tear at top but a rare usage Gi = £ 850+.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 14 Nov 1992, lot 2517.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8621 Tonga

    1892 (Nov 10): 1 s. brown, perf. 12½ x 11½, a single example used on 1893 4 d. red registered postal stationery envelope (152 x 92 mm.) mailed to Auckland, tied by "F-I / NUKUALOFA / TONGA" duplex (March 16) with "Registered / Auckland" arrival datestamp (March 23) alongside. Minor aging on perfs. but envelope flap opens well for display, a rare usage.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 2 March 1995, lot 402.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 8622 Tonga

    1893 (Aug): New Colours and Surcharged in carmine, Imperforate Plate Proofs, with ½ d. bright ultramarine in a block of four, 2½ d. on 2 d. green in a horizontal pair, touched at base and 5 d. on 4 d. orange in a block of four, all on medium wove unwatermarked paper, the blocks with large margins all round. A fine and scarce group.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 8623 Tonga

    1893 (Aug): New Colours and Surcharged in black, Imperforate Plate Proofs, with ½ d. bright ultramarine in a block of four with some light aging, 2½ d. on 2 d. green in a horizontal pair and a block of four, this last with faults, all on medium wove unwatermarked paper, a scarce group.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 8624 Tonga

    1893 (Aug 21): New Colours and Surcharged, 7½ d. on 8 d. carmine, an unused sheet marginal block of six (2 x 3) in a rosine shade with large part or unmounted og., and a fine used block of four divided by interpanneau margin, cancelled by "Nukualofa / Tonga" cds's (Dec 27, 1893). Scarce and attractive multiples Gi = £ 530+.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 8625 Tonga

    1893 (Aug 21): New Colours and Surcharged, the set of four values surcharged in carmine in large unused blocks with ½ d. on 1 d. bright ultramarine in a half pane of thirty (6 x 5), 2½ d. on 2 d. green in block of forty-two stamps (6 x 7) with sheet margin at right, 5 d. on 4 d. orange in a complete pane of sixty (6 x10) with sheet margin at left and 7½ d. on 8 d. carmine in a half pane of thirty from lower left of sheet, all fresh and fine, large part or unmounted og. A delightful group Gi = £ 3'150+.  
    Starting bid : 850 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 8626 Tonga

    1893 (Nov): New Colours and Surcharged, the set of two values surcharged in black, with ½ d. on 1 d. ultramarine in an irregular block of nineteen of fine colour and large part og., and 2½ d. on 2 d. green in a complete pane of sixty (6 x 10) with sheet margin at left, fresh and extremely fine, large part or unmounted og. Gi = £ 1'850+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 480 CHF

    Lot# : 8627 Tonga

    1 / 1
    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1894 (June-Nov): ½ d. on 1 s. brown, an unused horizontal pair, variety "Surcharge Double", right hand stamp with "Surcharge Double with SURCHARCE" error, somewhat patchy part og. A rare multiple of superb appearance. Cert. BPA (1983) Gi = £ 1'175+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 8628 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1894 (June-Nov): 2½ d. on 1 s. deep (dull) green, perf. 12½ x 12½, an unused block of ten (5 x 2), marginal from top of sheet, with "Target" Control marking in margin above the eleventh row, of fine colour, rice paper adherence to gum as often found, part og. An attractive and scarce multiple Gi = £ 650+.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 14 Nov 1992, lot 2520.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 8629 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 1 d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12, an unused block of twenty-four (6 x 4) with rice paper original backing adhered to gum, showing variety "Deformed "E" in PENI" (Row 2, stamp 2), with requisition sheet number '1846' in margin at right, of fresh colour and superb appearance. A splendid and rare multiple Gi = £ 1'280+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 480 CHF

    Lot# : 8630 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 1 d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12, a used irregular block of fourteen, of fine colour for this issue, all cancelled by "Nukualofa / Tonga" circular datestamps in black (Aug 7, 1895). One or two light tone spots but a charming multiple Gi = £ 630+.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 14 Nov 1992, lot 2785.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 240 CHF

    Lot# : 8631 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 1½ d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12 x 11, an unused block of twenty-four (6 x 4) with rice paper original backing adhered to gum, showing variety "Deformed "E" in PENI" (Row 2, stamp 2), with requisition sheet number '2059' in margin at right, of fresh colour and superb appearance. A splendid and rare multiple Gi = £ 1'280+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 8632 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 2½ d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12, an unused pane of twenty-four (6 x 4) with rice paper original backing adhered to gum, showing variety "Deformed "E" in PENI" (Row 2, stamp 2) and error "SUROHARGE for SURCHARGE" (Row 4, stamp 3), of fresh colour and superb appearance. A splendid and rare multiple Gi = £ 1'075+.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 8633 Tonga

    1 / 1
    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 2½ d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12, an unused example with variety "No Stop after SURCHARGE" (Row 1, stamp 3 on right hand pane), fresh and fine, large part og. Cert. RPSL (1972) Gi = £ 225.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 14 Nov 1992, lot 2522.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 8634 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 2½ d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12, a used irregular block of eight of good colour, cancelled by "HAAPAI" duplexes on the earliest reecoded date of use (May 22, 1895). Rare and very fine Gi = £ 400+.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 8635 Tonga

    Surcharged at the 'Star' Office, Auckland 1895 (May 22): 7½ d. in carmine on lithographed 2 d. pale blue, perf. 12 x11, an unused block of twenty (5 x 4) without the usual rice paper original backing, showing variety "Deformed "E" in PENI" (Row 2, stamp 2), fresh colour and superb large part or unmounted og. Gi = £ 1'400+.
    Starting bid : 450 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8636 Tonga

    1895 (June 20): George II, Essay for proposed 10 d. value by the "Star" Office in Auckland, imperforate on white card, engraved in black with Arms in place of the figure of value and two Duty Plates at corners. Exceptional and rare, a most attractive Proof with issued (lithograph) 1 d. olive.green for comparison.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 8637 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): The set of three values ½ d., 1 d. and 7½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, all in unused blocks of four of good colour, the ½ d. with flaw on first stamp, the 1 d. marginal from base of sheet, each still adhered to original rice backing paper. Scarce and attractive set Gi = £ 840+.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 8638 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): ½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused vertical strip of four, marginal from the left of the left pane, position 1 showing "BU of BULEAGA joined" (Row 1, stamp 1), second stamp showing variety "7 for "1" in ½" (Row 2, stamp 1), with the original rice paper backing, fresh and fine Gi = £ 300+.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 8639 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): ½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused block of four of fresh colour, corner marginal from upper left corner of the sheet, first stamp showing variety "BU of BULEAGA joined" (Row 1, stamp 1), and third stamp variety "7 for "1" in ½" (Row 2, stamp 1), large part og. or unmounted og. A scarce and most attractive multiple Gi = £ 300+.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 8640 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): ½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, a used block of four of fine colour, cfirst stamp showing variety "BU of BULEAGA joined" (Row 1, stamp 1), and third stamp variety "7 for "1" in ½" (Row 2, stamp 1), cancelled by "Nukualofa / Tonga" cds (July 1, 1895) in black. Slight corner bend not detracting from appearance of a scarce and attractive multiple Gi = £ 200+.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 100 CHF

    Lot# : 8641 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): ½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused example with variety "SURCHARCE for SURCHARGE" and an unused horizontal pair, left hand stamp variety "Missing Eyebrow" and right hand stamp "Sop after POSTAGE" (Row 2, stamps 4-5), large part og. The pair signed Stanley Gibbons Gi = £ 290.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 140 CHF

    Lot# : 8642 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): ½ d. on 2½ d. vermilion and 1 d. on 2½ vermilion (2) used on 1895 cover to Auckland individually tied by "Nukualofa / Tonga" circular datestamps (June 20) in black. Reverse with Auckland arrival cds (June 25). A fresh and fine cover, the earliest recorded date of use of the issue.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 8643 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): ½ d. on 2½ d. vermilion, horizontal pair (one with "BU" of BULEAGA joined and one with variety "Stop after POSTAGE"), 1 d. on 2½ d. vermilion, two examples (one with variety "Stop after POSTAGE") and single 7½ d. on 2½ d. vermilion, all used on 1895 registered cover to Auckland tied by "Nukualofa / Tonga" datestamps (Aug 7) in black. Oval framed "REGISTERED AT / TONGA, F.I." in violet at left and reverse with Auckland arrival (Aug 26). A fine and most attractive cover. rnProvenance: Collection Marcel Stanley (1988); Collection Milo D. Rowell, Christie's, Melbourne, 18 Oct 1993, lot 904.rn 
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 8644 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): 1 d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused horizontal strip of six, marginal from the lower left corner of the left pane, slight tone spot on one and with the original rice paper backing, fresh and fine Gi = £ 600+.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 8645 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): 1 d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused block of four of fresh colour, corner marginal from upper right of the left pane, third stamp showing variety "Stop after POSTAGE" (Row 2, stamp 5), and the adjoining stamp (Row 2, stamp 6) showing "BU of BULEAGA joined" - this not being the listed variety but almost identical and PROBABLY worth listing by Gibbons, large part og. A scarce and most attractive multiple Gi = £ 470+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 8646 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): 1 d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, a used left pane of twenty-four (6 x 4) of lovely colour, first stamp showing variety "BU of BULEAGA joined" (Row 1, stamp 1), seventh stamp variety "7 for "1" in ½" (Row 2, stamp 1), "Missing Eyebrow" (Row 2, stamp 4), and "Stop after POSTAGE" (Row 2, stamp 5), and "BU" of BULEAGA joined" (Row 2, stamp 6), cancelled by "Nukualofa / Tonga" datestamps Aug 28, 1895) in black. A charming and rare pane on original rice backing paper Gi = £1'440+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 8647 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): 7½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused block of four of good colour, first stamp showing variety "BU of BULEAGA joined" (Row 1, stamp 1), still adhered to original rice backing paper. Scarce and attractive multiple Gi = £ 290+.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : 140 CHF

    Lot# : 8648 Tonga

    Lithographed & Surcharged by the "Star" Office in Auckland 1895 (June 20): 7½ d. on George II 2½ d. vermilion, perf. 12, an unused left pane of twenty-four (6 x 4) of lovely colour, first stamp showing variety "BU of BULEAGA joined" (Row 1, stamp 1), seventh stamp variety "7 for "1" in ½" (Row 2, stamp 1), "Missing Eyebrow" (Row 2, stamp 4), and "Stop after POSTAGE" (Row 2, stamp 5), and "BU" of BULEAGA joined" (Row 2, stamp 6), on original rice backing paper. A rare and attractive multiple Gi = £1'640+.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 8649 Tonga

    Lithographed at the "Star" Office, Auckland 1895 (July-Sept): King George II, the set of four values, perf. 12, in unused in blocks of four (6), with 1 d. olive-green, 2½ d. rose with one stamp showing "Stop after POSTAGE" variety (Row 4, stamp 5); 5 d. blue (2) with one block perf. 12 x 11, and 7½ d. blocks (2), one in orange and the other in yellow; all of fine colour, one or two age spots and most with partial or large part rice backing paper adherence. A splendid and scarce group Gi = £ 880+.
    Starting bid : 220 CHF
    Hammer price : 220 CHF

    Lot# : 8650 Tonga

    Lithographed at the "Star" Office, Auckland 1895 (July-Sept): King George II, 1 d. olive-green, two examples used on 1895 local cover to Adolph Otto Sanft (1851-1917) in Vavau and tied by scarce "HAAPIA / TONGA" circular datestamps (Dec 21, 10am.) with spelling error for Haapai struck in black. Reverse with "Vavau / Tonga" arrival cds of the same day (9pm.) in black. A fine and rare commercial cover.rnrnNote: Adolph Otto Sanft was born in Pyritz, Prussia. He arrived in Tonga in 1875 and later married Akosita Afeafe in 1898. They were the parents of at least 10 sons and 2 daughters. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 8651 Tonga

    Lithographed at the "Star" Office, Auckland 1895 (July-Sept): King George II, 1 d. olive-green, a horizontal pair and a diagonally bisected example paying the 2½ d. rate, on 12895 cover to Auckland tied by "Nukualofa / Tonga" datestamps (Oct 6) in black. Reverse with Auckland arrival cds (Dec 2). The cover with closed tear not greatly affecting the fine appearance, scarce and most attractive Gi = £ 850+. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 8652 Tonga

    Lithographed at the "Star" Office, Auckland 1895 (July-Sept): King George II, 2½ d. rose, no wmk., perf. 12, a complete sheet of 72 subjects in two panes of thirty-six (6 x 6), showing variety "Stop after POSTAGE" (Row 4, stamp 5) on both panes, with sheet reqquisition number "129" in black at top right. Note the lack of the last vertical row of perforations leaving the sixth stamp in each row of the right hand pane "Imperforate between Stamp and Margin", a few insignificant age spots, large part, mostly unmounted  og. A delightful and rare multiple Gi = £ 2'200+.
    Starting bid : 450 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8653 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 1½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused corner block of four from lower left of right pane, of excellent colour, fresh and fine, large part (rice paper dried) og. A very rare and attractive multiple. Cert. RPSL (1973) Gi = £ 1'800+.rnrnProvenance: Collection H.A. Pattiz, DF, 28 April 2009, lot 30929.
    Starting bid : 650 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8654 Tonga

    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 1½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12, an unused vertical pair, marginal from top of pane, upper stamp with variety "Half- / Pen?y-" and lower stamp normal; on the original rice paper backing. A fine and rare multiple Gi = £ 6'000+. rnrnProvenance: Collection William Frazer, Spink, London, 4 June 2003, lot 482.
    Starting bid : 1,750 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,800 CHF

    Lot# : 8655 Tonga

    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 1½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused example, position 18 on the right pane, with very minor brown spot from the original rice paper backing, well centred for the issue. A scarce stamp Gi = £ 450.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 8656 Tonga

    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 7½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused example, position 13 on the right pane, with partial original rice paper backing, normal centering for the issue, and a further example showing "Half- / -Penny-" variety with hyphen before "Penny", some toning on part og. Scarce stamp Gi = £ 190+.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8657 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 7½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused corner marginal horizontal pair from upper left of sheet, each stamp with variety "Hafl" and "Penny Omitted", rice paper backing on fine part og. Small thin at base of right hand stamp of no significance on a wonderfully fresh positional multiple. A rarity of the issue. Cert. BPA (2021) Gi = £ 11'000+.
    Starting bid : 3,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 7,500 CHF

    Lot# : 8658 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 1½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused example, showing variety "Half. / Penny." with Stops instead of Hyphens, of fine colour and well centred, part og. A very rare stamp. Cert. RPSL (1968) Gi = £ 1'100.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 14 Nov 1992, lot 2527.rn 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 8659 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 7½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading down in black, perf. 12, an unused example, variety "Half- / Penny-" type-written"Surcharge Inverted", small part og. Fresh and fine for this issue, a very rare stamp. Cert. BPA (1982) Gi = £ 3'250.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 8660 Tonga

    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 1½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading up in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused block of ten (5 x 2), from top left hand corner of the left pane, seventh stamp with "Deformed "E" in PENI" (Row 2, stamp 2), second stamp showing "H" of "Half-" over "P" of "Penny-", of fresh colour and fine appearance, with original rice paper backing. Arricator on margin, a rare and attractive multiple Gi = £ 850+.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 8661 Tonga

    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 1½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading up in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused example, well centred and part og., and Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 7½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, an unused example with slight aging and part og. Fine reference examples of scarce stamps Gi = £ 535.rnrnProvenance: Collection "Dr. Gyp", Adriano Landini, Milan, 13 March 1993, lot 2788.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 8662 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 7½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading up in black, perf. 12 x 11, a complete unused left pane of twenty-four (6 x 4), with sheet margins all round and of fine colour on the original rice paper backing, position 21 (Row 4, stamp 3) with variety "Halyf- for Half-" , position 23 (Row 4, stamp 5) showing variety "Comma and Hyphen after Penny-", fresh and fine. A rare survivor for the connoisseur of the issue. Cert. RPSL (1957) Gi = £ 2'700+.rnrnProvenance: Collection F.B. Howard-White, Harmers, London, 15 Oct 1985.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8663 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1896 (May): Type-written "Half- / Penny-" in violet on 7½ d. on 2 d. pale blue, additionally surcharged in Tongan reading up in black, perf. 12 x 11, an unused marginal example with variety "Penny Surcharged Twice, with "Half" on top of upper Penny", slight soiling at top and horizontal bend, pinhole not mentioned on certificate, rice paper dried part og. Despite the imperfections an extremely fine example of a very rare stamp. Cert. BPA (2021) Gi = £ 4'750.rnrn 
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8664 Tonga

    1897: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the Arms ½ d. indigo, an unused block of eight (4 x 2), marginal from lower right of sheet on ungummed watermarked Turtles paper, handstamped "23 Jan 1902" at lower right. Some wrinkles and edge wear but very rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6328.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 8665 Tonga

    1897: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the Ovava Tree 1 d. black & scarlet, an unused block of eight (2 x 4), marginal from lower right of sheet on ungummed watermark inverted Turtles paper, handstamped "11 Jan 1902" in blue in margin. Some wrinkles and inked fingerprints but rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6329.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 8666 Tonga

    1897: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the King George II 2 d. grey & bistre, Type II with no sword hilt, an unused block of eight (4 x 2), corner marginal from lower right of sheet on ungummed watermarked Turtles paper, dated "19 Dec 1901" at lower right in manuscript. Some wrinkles and edge wear but very rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6330. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8667 Tonga

    1897: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the King George II 2½ d. black & blue, an unused block of eight (4 x 2), marginal from base of sheet on ungummed watermarked paper, dated "1.1.1901" in pencil manuscript in margin, the central vignette displaced to lowerr right which is unusual in a file copy Proof sheet. Rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6331. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8668 Tonga

    1897 (June 1): King George II 2 d. sepia & bistre, a used eexample on 1898 cover to Auckland with diagonally bisected 1892 1 d. pale rose tied by "Nukualofa / To nga" datestamps (Dec 3) in black. Reverse with Auckland arrival cds (Dec 8). File fold away from the adhesives, philatelic but an unusual cover.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 8669 Tonga

    1897 (June 1): King George II, 7½ d. black & green, an unused horizontal pair, variety "Centre Inverted", fresh and fine, large part og. An immensely rare stamp with just one sheet of 60 subjects discovered in 1902, especially rare in a multiple Gi = £ 18'000+.
    Starting bid : 7,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 9,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8670 Tonga

    1897 (June 1): King George II 10 d. black & lake, an unused example with variety "Small Second "O" in HOGOFULU", fine, large part og., and a fine used example with variety "Both "O's" Small in HOGOFULU" lightlky cancelled at Nukualofa leaving the variety clear. Scarce Gi = £ 450.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 8671 Tonga

    1 / 1
    1897 (June 1): 1 s. black & red-brown, and unused horizontal pair, right hand stamp showing variety "No Hyphen before TAHA", fresh and fine with large part og. (Cert. RPSL, 1973), together with a fine used example with same variety Gi = £ 300+.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 8672 Tonga

    1897 (June 1): De La Rue Pictorial issue, the unused set of fourteen values, fresh and fine appearance, slight typical aging on large part og. One of the most delightful of all Commonwealth issues Gi = £ 225.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8673 Tonga

    1897 (June 1): De La Rue Pictorial issue, the unused set of fourteen values, all in blocks of four, fresh and fine appearance, large part og. One of the most delightful of all Commonwealth issues Gi = £ 900.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 8674 Tonga

    Royal Wedding 1899: "T-L" on 1 d. black & scarlet, an unused horizontal pair of fresh colour, left hand stamp "1889 for 1899" error, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 290+.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 8675 Tonga

    Royal Wedding 1899: "T-L" on 1 d. black & scarlet, an unused block of four of fresh colour, second stamp "1889 for 1899" error, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 370+.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 8676 Tonga

    Royal Wedding 1899: "T-L" on 1 d. black & scarlet, a used block of four of fresh colour, fourth stamp "1889 for 1899" error, neatly cancelled by "Nukualofa / Tonga" datestamp leaving the variety clear. Rare used Gi = £ 600+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 8677 Tonga

    Royal Wedding 1899: "T-L" on 1 d. black & scarlet, wmk. Upright, a used example with "1889 for 1899" error, lightly cancelled by part "Nukualofa" cds in black leaving the variety clear. A scarce stamp Gi = £ 700.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8678 Tonga

    Royal Wedding 1899: "T-L" on 1 d. black & scarlet with 3 mm. hyphen, used with 1897 2½ d. black & blue on 4 d. red registered postal stationery envelope (152 x 94 mm.) tied by "Nukualofa / Tonga" circular datestamps (Dec 2, 1901) in black. Flap opens well for Exhibit display with Auckland transit (Dec 17) and Dresden arrival (Jan 22, 1902) cds's on reverse. Scarce and attractive.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 8679 Tonga

    1919: De La Rue Master Die Proof of the Queen Salote head-plate, engraved in black on thin glazed white card (45 x 47 mm.), manuscript dated "14.8.1919" in ink at top. Some fingerprint soiling but a rare and impressive working Proof, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6343. Unique.rnrnProvenance: Grosvenor, London, 15-16 May 2003, lot 1335.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 8680 Tonga

    1933/34: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for ½ d. value in issued colour of yellow-green, on part of page from De La Rue records, with manuscript alongside "App'd for Colour" and signed off with date "28/3/33". Superb and rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6343. 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 8681 Tonga

    1933/34: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for ½ d. value in issued colour of yellow-green, on part of page from De La Rue records, with signed off with date "28/3" (1933) and pencil "No. 2 on Sheets". Superb and rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6348. 
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 8682 Tonga

    1933/34: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for ½ d. value in issued colour of yellow-green, on part of page from De La Rue records, with signed off with date "28/3" (1933) and pencil "No. 3 on Sheets". Superb and rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6348. 
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 8683 Tonga

    1920/35: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the Queen Salote 5 d. black & orange-vermilion, a block of six (3 x 2), engraved on ungummed watermarked Turtles paper, with handstamped date "28 Dec 1920" in blue on sheet margin at right. Some wrinkles but extremely rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6344. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 8684 Tonga

    1920/35: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the Queen Salote 7½ d. black & green, a block of four, engraved on ungummed watermarked Turtles paper, with handstamped date "30 Dec 1920" in blue on sheet margin at right. Some wrinkles but extremely rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6344. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 8685 Tonga

    1920/35: De La Rue Imperforate Plate Proof for the Queen Salote 10 d. black & lake, a block of six (3 x 2), engraved on ungummed watermarked Turtles paper, with handstamped date "28 Dec 1920" in blue on sheet margin at right. Some wrinkles but extremely rare, illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6344. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF

    Lot# : 8686 Tonga

    1920/35: Queen Salote set of nine unused, hooded perforated or overprinted SPECIMEN in black, fresh and very fine, large part og. A scarce set Gi = £ 275.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 8687 Tonga

    1920/35: Queen Salote 2 d. black & blackish lilac (2) and single 2½ d. black & blue used on registered cover to Kansas, USA tied by "Nukualofa / Tonga" datestamps (Nov 13) in black. Oval "REGISTERED AT / 389 / NUKUALOFA, TONGA" in black on obverse. Seattle transit (Dec 12), Kansas City cds (Dec 15 and 17) on reverse and "Forwarded" in red. A scarce usage.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 8688 Tonga

    1923/23: Surcharged 2 d. in blue on 1 s. black & red-brown, an unused horizontal pair, left hand stamp variety "No Hyphen before TAHA", of fresh and fine appearance, backing paper adherence on small part og. Scarce Gi = £ 375.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : 140 CHF

    Lot# : 8689 Tonga

    1942/49: The complete set of nine values unused, wmk. Multiple Script CA, perforated by hooded SPECIMEN, fresh and very fine, large part og. A scarce and attractive set Gi = £ 250.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8690 Tonga

    1943/44: Queen Salote Silver Jubilee, De La Rue Essay for the 1 d. value, engraved in black on medium wove paper (48 x 68 mm.), Frame Only with manuscript notations for corrections in the top label - the Proof showing TOTONGI (for TOTOGI) and NG'TOHI (for G'TOHI) in error, manuscript "Approved subject to correction of words in top line" and dated "23/7" twice in ink. A most appealing Proof, unique.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 350 CHF
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