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Catalogue 282: Pacific Islands – The ‘BESANÇON’ Collection
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  • Lot# : 8401 Gilbert and Ellice Islands

    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

    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

    1 / 1
    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

    1 / 1
    '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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Lot# : 8468 New Hebrides

    The Australian New Hebrides Company 1897 (March 17): 1 d. magenta-pink & black in a vertical pair and New South Wales ½ d. greenish slate and 2 d. blue (Gi 286b+292b) used on 1897 cover to Sydney (care of the Sydney Cycle Agency) tied by "NEW HEBRIDES / VILA" cds's (Dec 30) in black. Sydney cds (11 Jan 1898) on reverse. Some typical aging and crease at base but very scarce.rnrnNote: For a very similar cover see the Gregory Frantz collection, Corinphila sale 261, January 2021, lot 6389.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 8469 New Hebrides

    1 / 1
    1908 (Oct 29): Condominium 1 d. red, an unused vertical pair, upper stamp variety "Overprint Omitted in Vertical Pair with Normal", fresh and fine, hinged across the join for protection, large part og. A great rarity with just twelve pairs are possible (although the Royal Collection volume states six), one of which is housed in the collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Signed Peter Holcombe. Cert. RPSL (1945), Holcombe (1991) Scott 8a/Gi = £ 10'000.rnrnProvenance: 'Rarities of the World', DF, Zurich, 29 Nov 1991, lot 80037.
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 8470 New Hebrides

    1910 (Dec 15): Condominium set of seven values unused, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, all overprinted SPECIMEN (Type D12) in black (in red on 1 s.), fresh and very fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 275.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 8 July 2003, lot 974.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8471 New Hebrides

    1911 (July 25): Weapons & Idols, the set of nine values, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, the unused set of nine values, all overprinted SPECIMEN (Type D12) in black, fresh and fine, large part og. Gi = £ 250.rnrnProvenance: Harmers, London, 8 July 2003, lot 975.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8472 New Hebrides

    1921 (Sept-Oct): Weapons & Idols, the set of three values, wmk. Multiple Script CA, all overprinted SPECIMEN (Type D12) in black and a second set optd. SPECIMEN, all with variety "Club Foot to M / Comma after M of SPECIMEN", an overprint error which occurred just once per Setting of 60 subjects; both fresh and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 170++.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8473 New Hebrides

    1 / 1
    1924 (May 1): 5 d. on 2½ d. ultramarine, surcharged at Suva in black, an unused block of four from the lower left corner of the sheet with both the sheet requisition "No. 511" in margin and " 5 d. Surcharge Inverted", slightest of surface rubs mentioned for absolute accuracy but of sensational appearance, fresh and fine, mounted in margin only, unmounted og. A wonderful and unique positional block of consummate rarity. Signed Calves, M. Fischer. Cert. Roger Calves (1979) Yvert (2017) 79a = € 10'500+/Gi = £ 14'000+.rnrnProvenance: 'Important Stamps & Covers of the World', Spink, London, 6 June 2007, lot 1081.
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500 CHF

    Lot# : 8474 New Hebrides

    1925 (June): Weapons & Idols, dual currency set of nine values, wmk. Multiple Script CA, all overprinted SPECIMEN (Type D16) in black or in red (½ d. and 1 s.), fresh colours and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 225.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8475 New Hebrides

    1 / 1
    1938 (June 1): New Currency, the set of twelve values unused, wmk. Multiple Script CA, all perforated by hooded SPECIMEN, fresh and fine, large part og., and the Postage Due set of five, all sheet marginal, similarly perforated SPECIMEN, large part og. A scarce complete set of seventeen. Opinion Peter Holcombe (1996) Gi = £ 435.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8476 New Hebrides

    1910/53: The collection on leaves with 1910 part set to 1 s. unused, 1911 set of nine complete unused, 1920-21 Surcharges set with both  2 d. on 40 c. red on yellow unused, 1925 set of nine unused, 1938 New Currency set unused, Postage Due set of five unused and 1953 set of eleven unused; together with 1897 Inter-Island Postage 1 d. and 2 d. unused; condition generally fine Gi = £ 800+.
    Starting bid : 220 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 8477 Niue

    1 / 1
    1902 (Jan 4): New Zealand 1 d. carmine, perf. 11, handstamped NIUE in bluish green, an unused example of fine centering and colour, large part og. Just 1'200 issued, a scarce stamp. Signed E. Diena. Cert. Brandon (1979) Gi = £ 300.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 8478 Niue

    1 / 1
    1902 (Jan 4): New Zealand 1 d. carmine, perf. 11, handstamped NIUE in bluish green, an unused block of four of fine centering and colour, large part og. A very scarce stamp, just 1'200 issued, and exceptionally rare in a multiple. Certs. BPA (1979), RPS of NZ (1990) Gi = £ 1'200+. 
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 8479 Niue

    1902 (April 4): 2½ d. blue on Pirie paper overprinted in red, used with ½ d. green and 1 d. carmine on 1903 registered cover to Christchurch tied by NIUE / NEW ZEALAND circular datestamps in red (April 30). Reverse with octagonal Christchurch arrival (June). A few envelope imperfections but an attractive usage.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 8480 Niue

    1902 (April 4): New Zealand ½ d. green, perf. 14, on Basted Mills paper, overprinted NIUE / ½ PENI in red, an unused horizontal pair, marginal from base of sheet, variety "Surcharge Inverted", fresh and fine with centre-line blue arrow in margin, large part og. Rare Gi = £ 650+.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 8481 Niue

    1902 (April 4): New Zealand ½ d. green, perf. 14, on Basted Mills paper, overprinted NIUE / ½ PENI in red, two unused marginal blocks of four with watermark inverted and reversed, 1 d. carmine perf. 14 unused, 1 d. carmine perf. 11 x 14, with pair with one stamp "Spaced "U" and E", strip of three with third stamp showing "No Stop after PENI" variety (Row 9, stamp 3) and 1 d. carmine unused with both varieties (Row 8, stamp 3) together; fresh and fine, a scarce group Gi = £ 225+. 
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 8482 Niue

    1902 (May 2) Type-set Surcharges ½ d. green and 1 d. carmine on Cowan paper, perf. 14, the selection including 1 d. carmine in a used block of fifteen marginal from base of sheet showing three stamps "No Stop after PENI" and Spaced U and E and No Stop" cancelled by Niue cds's; 1 d. carmine with two unused blocks with "No Stop" variety (Row 9 and 10, stamp 3); together with a registered cover franked by 1 d. strip of three and block of six showing the same varieties twice. A scarce selection.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 8483 Niue

    1903 (July 2): 3 d. yellow-brown, 6 d. rose-red and 1 s. brown-red (with "Tahae" joined) and 1 s. bright red and 1 s. orange-red, fresh and fine unused examples, typical slight perf. 11 blunted perfs. but the scarce "Tahae" very fine, large part og. A rare set Gi = £ 700+.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 8484 Niue

    1917 (Aug): New Zealand 1 d. carmine overprinted in brown, perf. 14 x 15, an unused block of four with third stamp showing variety "No Stop after PENI" (Row 10, stamp 16), of fresh and fine appearance, some toned perfs. on reverse, large part og. Rare Gi = £ 900+.rnrnProvenance: Collection William Frazer, Spink, London, 4 June 2003, lot 391.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 240 CHF

    Lot# : 8485 Niue

    1918/29: New Zealand Postal Fiscal £ 1 rose-pink on Cowan paper, perf. 14½ x 14, overprinted in blue, an unused block of four, of vibrant fresh colour and superb large part og. wiuth lower pair unmounted og. A scarce and most attractive multiple Gi = £ 640+.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 8486 Niue

    1931/32: Pstal Fiscal complete set of four values to £ 1 rose-pink, 1932 Pictorial set of seven types (the 2½ d. and 4 d. are watermarked), all handstamped SPECIMEN diagonally in violet upon receipt from the UPU by the Bechuanaland Post Office, a few slight imperfections and without gum, but unique from this archive.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 8487 Niue

    1 / 1
    1932 (March 16): 2 d. black & red-brown, an unused corner marginal block of eight (4 x 2) from upper right of sheet, two lines of horizontal perforations at top, one perf. 13 and the other perf. 14 x 13 x 13, fresh and very fine with crackly unmounted og. Some sheets were found to be inadequately perforated 13 and were reperforated 14. A scarce mutliple of this variety. Opinion Holcombe Gi £ 560+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 8488 Niue

    1935 (May 7): Silver Jubilee 2½ d. dull & deep blue, an unused vertical pair from the Proof sheets, sheet marginal at base, variety "Imperforate Horizontally", fresh and fine but for horizontal crease in margin only, unmounted og. Gi = £ 200+.rnrnProvenance: Collection Sir Gawaine Baillie, Sotheby's, London, 17-19 Jan 2007, lot 412.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 100 CHF

    Lot# : 8489 Niue

    1938: Bradbury Wilkinson imperforate Plate Proofs for the 1 s., 2 s. and 3 s. values, Frame Only design engraved in black on medium wove paper, all in matching blocks of four from lower right corner of the sheet; a fresh and fine set.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 8490 Pitcairn

    1 / 1
    1940: Pictorial issue, the complete set of eight values (the 1951 4 d. and 8 d. not supplied thus), all perforated SPECIMEN diagonally SPECIMEN or hooded SPECIMEN (1 d., 3 d. and 2 s. 6 d. values), fresh and very fine, large part og. Very rare. Cert. BPA (2009) Gi = £ 1'400.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    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
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