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The BESANÇON Collection (part II) – British West Africa
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  • Lot# : 5301 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Bonny River Provisional Bisects 1894 (May): 1 d. vermilion diagonal bisect, July 1892 Oil Rivers 2 d. grey-green & carmine, Jan 1894 1 d. pale blue and 2 d. green vertically bisected all used on 1894 registered cover to Luton, tied by "Bonny" squared circle datestamps (Sept 11) in black. 'Registered / Liverpool' transit on obverse (Oct 25) and Luton arrival on reverse. Minor age spt on the 2 d., otherwise a fine correctly rated cover Gi = £ 800+.rnProvenance: Cavendish, Derby, 11-12 March 1994, lot 94.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 5302 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1894 (May): 2½ d. blue, a used example on 1895 cover to Bournemouth tied by italic PAQUEBOT in black with 'Paid / Liverpool / Br. Packet' cds in red at left (May 2). Reverse with Bournemouth arrival cds. Some wear and wrinkles but a scarce commercial usage.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 100 CHF

    Lot# : 5303 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1894: Waterlow 5 d. Essay printed in black, centrally placed on cream surfaced wove paper (97 x 105 mm.), the legend "Niger Coast / Protectorate" and Duty Plate "5 / Five Pence" beautifully hand-painted in Chinese white. Numbered at base '757' reversed. A wonderful example of both the artist's and the printer's art, unique.rnProvenance: Grosvenor, London, 15-16 May 2003, lot 1029.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5304 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Opobo Provisional 1894 (May): '½' in red on left half of 1 d. pale blue, a used example, tied to small piece by "Opobo River" circular datestamp (Aug 22, 1894) in black. Pers. somewhat blunted at base but scarce with just one sheet of 60 = 120 stamps issued Gi = £ 375.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 5305 Niger Coast Protectorate

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    Opobo Provisional 1894 (June): Large 12 mm. surcharge '1' in vermilion on left half of 1892 2 d. grey-green & carmine, variety "Surcharge Double", an unused example from top left corner of the sheet, of fine fresh colour, without gum. An extremely rare stamp. Cert. BPA (1990) Gi = £ 6'500.rnProvenance: Collection Rossi, Warwick & Warwick, Coventry, 8 June 2005, lot 483.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5306 Niger Coast Protectorate

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    Opobo Provisional 1894 (August): '½' in violet on left half of 1894 1 d. orange-vermilion, a used example cancelled by large part "Opobo River" circular datestamp (Oct) in black. Minor imperfections on perfs. but very scarce with less than 80 stamps possible. Cert. RPSL (1950) Gi = £ 700.rnProvenance: Collection Joseph Silkin.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 5307 Niger Coast Protectorate

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    Opobo Provisional 1894 (August): '½' in blue on left half of 1894 1 d. orange-vermilion, a used examplecancelled by large part "Opobo River" circular datestamp in black. Minor imperfections on perfs. but very scarce with circa 80 stamps possible. Cert. BPA (2021) Gi = £ 550.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 5308 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1 / 1
    Opobo Provisional 1894 (August): '½' in blue on right half of 1894 1 d. orange-vermilion, a used example tied to small piece by "Opobo River" circular datestamp (Sept 29, 1894) in black. Very scarce with circa 80 stamps possible. Signed A. Diena. Cert. BPA (2021) Gi = £ 550.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 5309 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1894 (Aug 10): Provisional surcharge ½ d. on 2½ d. blue, an unused example of fine fresh colour, large part og. Scarce, just 960 stamps issued Gi = £ 425.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 240 CHF

    Lot# : 5310 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1894 (Aug 10): Provisional surcharge ½ d. on 2½ d. blue, variety "Surcharge Double", a used example on 1894 cover front to Old Calabar tied by "Old Calabar River" circular datestamp (Sept 15) in black, with information strike alongside. Minor bends at left well away from the adhesive but of great scarcity Gi = £ 2'000+.rnProvenance: Collections Bates and Pilkington (1954); Spink, London, 6-7 Dec 2006, lot 1351.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 5311 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1894 (Aug 10): Provisional surcharge ½ d. on 2½ d. blue, a used example, variety "OIE for ONE", position 8 in the Setting, tied to small piece by "Obopo River" circular datestamp (Christmas Day, 1896) in a rusty black shade. A very fine and scarce stamp Gi = £ 1'200.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 5312 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1894 (Aug 10): Provisional surcharge ½ d. on 2½ d. blue, a used example, variety "OIE for ONE", on 1894 registered cover to London in combination with 1894 2 d. lake pair and single 2½ d. blue all tied by "Old Calabar" squared circle datestamps in black (Nov 19). Large 'R' below and oval framed 'Registered / Old Calabar' datestamp at base. Reverse with Liverpool transit and London arrival (Dec 25). A fine and rare cover Gi = £ 1'200+.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5313 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1897/98: 5 d. reddish-violet, eight examples used on registered cover to Dresden, Germany all lightly cancelled by "Old Calabar" circular datestamps (Nov 24) with oval 'Registered / Old Calabar" datestamp alongside. Registered Liverpool and London transits also on front and reverse with Dresden arrival (Jan 3, 1899). A charming and rare franking.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 5314 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1897/98: Watermarked Crown CA, 1 s. black in a complete unused sheet of thirty (6 x 5) with sheet requisition number 268 in red at upper right, 2 s 6 d. olive-bistre in an unused block of twelve (3 x 4) from upper left of sheet and 10 s. violet in an unused block of four from upper left corner of the sheet, all generally fresh and fine, large part or unmounted og. An attractive group Gi = £ 1'200+.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 5315 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1897/98: Waterlow Die Proof for the 10 s. value, Imperforate, printed in black on medium cream wove paper (30 x 37 mm.) with file number '2549' in manuscript ink at top. Superb and very rare.rnProvenance: Grosvenor, London, 15-16 May 2003, lot 1034.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5316 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1897/98: 10 s. deep violet, wmk. Crown CA, perf. 14, an unused block of four of fine fresh colour, large part og. Gi = £ 720+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 5317 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1897/98: 10 s. bright violet, wmk. Crown CA, perf. 14, an unused corner marginal horizontal pair from top right corner of the sheet with sheet requisition number 229 in red, variety "Watermark Reversed", of fine fresh colour, typical minor wrinkles on large part og. Scarce and most attractive Gi = £ 1'200.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5318 Niger Coast Protectorate

    1897/98: Watermarked Crown CA, the cancellation study on leaves with large range of used incl. 10 s. value (9) and a provisional 1894 ½ d. on 2½ d. blue (cert. RPSL), much duplication and some fine multiples, with cancellations of Benin River, Bonny River, Brass River, "Brass / Southern Nigeria" on 10 s. pair, Focados River, Old Calabar River, Opobo River, Qua Iboe River, Sapele, Sombreiro River, Warri, Asaba, Akassa, Burutu etc. A charming lot in generally fine quality (153 items) Gi = £ 4'000+.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 5319 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Niger Company Territories / Akassa 1899: Great Britain 1887 Jubilee 6 d. deep purple on red, a vertical pair used on 1889 cover addressed to Sir James Marshall (the former Chief Judge of the Gold Coast) in London, tied by oval framed "+ THE ROYAL NIGER COMPANY CHARTERED LIMITED + / AKASSA" in violet (Sacher Type 1) and manuscript dated '2/6/89'. Circular 'Paid / Liverpool / Br. Packet' cds (July 12) in red and the adhesives ffurther cancelled on arrival in Liverpool with '466' obliterators in black. The sole recorded usage of this marking with manuscript date cancelling adhesives on letter. An exceptional and famous cover.rnProvenance: Collection Colonel J.R. Danson, RL, London, 10 March 1971, lot 1557; Collection John Sacher, Spink, London, 12 Nov 2009, lot 353.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 5320 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Niger Company Territories / Akassa 1896: Great Britain 1881 1 d. lilac in a horizontal pair and single 1887 Jubilee ½ d. vermilion used on 1896 cover to Edinburgh, tied by superb strike of double framed "THE ROYAL NIGER COMPANY / CHARTERED & LIMITED / POST OFFICE / AKASSA" despatch (Sacher Type 6, SG Type 4) in violet (June 18) with further information strike at lower left. "PAID / LIVERPOOL / BR. PACKET" datestamp (July 30) in red at left. Reverse with 'Edinb.-Carlisle / Sorting Tender' cds (July 31) in black and manuscript notation "For Johnnie, African stamps from the Niger". Central file fold well away from the adhesives, a fine and very scarce cover.rnProvenance: Collection R.B. Sanderson (1980); Collection John Sacher, Spink, London, 12 Nov 2009, lot 379.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 5321 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Niger Company Territories / Burutu 1897: Great Britain 1887 Jubilee 2½ d. purple on blue (3) and 10 d. dull purple & carmine used on 1897 linen cover to the Royal Niger Company in London endorsed "pr. S.S. Biafra", tied by double framed "THE ROYAL NIGER COMPANY / CHARTERED & LIMITED / POST OFFICE / BURUTU" despatch (SG Type 6) in violet (Sept 15); with "Paid / Liverpool / Br. Packet" cds in red (Oct 17) at left and London arrival on reverse. A fine and scarce cover.rnProvenance: Christies, London, 19 Nov 1996, lot 214.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 5322 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Niger Company Territories / Burutu 1899: Great Britain 1887 Jubilee 2½ d. purple on blue used on 1899 double rate cover to Birmingham, tied by double framed "THE ROYAL NIGER COMPANY / CHARTERED & LIMITED / POST OFFICE / BURUTU" despatch (SG Type 4, seriffed) in violet (Dec 8); and by "Paid / Liverpool / Br. Packet" cds in red (Dec 31). Reverse with Birmingham arrival cds. A fine and attractive cover.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 5323 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Niger Company Territories / Lokoja 1900: Great Britain 1881 1 d. lilac, a single exampe used on 1900 cover to London, tied by superb oval "LOKOJA / POST OFFICE" despatch (Sacher Type 13, SG Type 8) in violet (April 3); with "Forcados River" transit cds (April 16) and London arrival (May 11) on reverse. A rare late usage of British stamps in the Niger Company Territories with the latest date recorded being April 2, 1900; this cover being dated one day later. Attractive and scarce.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 5324 Niger Coast Protectorate

    Niger Company Territories / Lokoja 1899: Great Britain 1883/84 2 s. 6 d. deep lilac on white paper, tied to small piece by complete strike of oval "LOKOJA / POST OFFICE" datestamp (Sacher Type 13, SG Type 8) in violet (Oct 8, 1899). A gem Gi = £ 1'200.rnProvenance: Collection H.G. Porter (1956).
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 5325 Northern Nigeria

    1899: De La Rue Appendix Sheet 'A', dated at top "Sept 15th 1899" in manuscript, with Northern Nigeria ½ d. dull mauve & green Essay with "NORTHERN NIGERIA" hand-painted in green and Duty Plate "½ d." hand-painted in Chinese white over the background to the Duty Plate painted in green; with eight IMPERIUM 6 d. values in doubly-fugitive inks in various colours with indications of values in manuscript, four in issued colours and the higher values, 6 d. to 10 s., in unissued combinations of colours. Illustrated in "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP., on page 5167 and illustrated in "The Postal Services of the British Nigeria Region" by Jack Ince and John Sacher on Plate XIV. A couple of minor age stains at top but magnificent and unique.rnrnrn 
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5326 Northern Nigeria

    1900 (April): ½ d. dull mauve & green, a horizontal pair used on cover to Halifax, Nova Scotia endorsed 'via England' cancelled by "Bida 17/7/01" in ink manuscript, reverse with oval framed "LOKOJA / POST OFFICE" transit datestamp (SG Type 8) struck in violet (July 22) and 'Halifax N.S. / Canada' arrival cds in black (Aug 24). Central file fold but a very rare cover.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 5327 Northern Nigeria

    1900 (April): 2 s. 6 d. green & ultramarine, a used block of four, the first stamp with slightest of fading and the fourth with one short perf. at base, neatly cancelled by 'Northern Nigeria' cds's in black (Oct 3, 1902). An exceptionally scarce stamp in a multiple Gi = £ 3'400.
    Starting bid : 850 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 5328 Northern Nigeria

    1 / 1
    1900 (April): 10 s. green & brown, a fine used example neatly cancelled by 'Northern Nigeria' cds (March 22, 1902) in black. An extremely scarce stamp in used condition. Cert RPSL (1973) Gi = £ 950.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 5329 Northern Nigeria

    1902 (July 1): 1 s. green & black, wmk. Crown CA, an unused Imprimatur / Colour Trial Imperforate horizontal pair, touched into frame at right and with slight grease spots, large part og. Despite imperfections, a scarce pair.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 5330 Northern Nigeria

    1903: De La Rue Die Proof for £ 25 value, with 'Northern Nigeria' and Duty Plate printed in black on glazed white card, on card from the printer's Day Book, with manuscript "Oct 26. 60 leads" at top; crossed through and dated "Jan 18 04" in red ink. Superb and very rare.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,900 CHF

    Lot# : 5331 Northern Nigeria

    1903: De La Rue Die Proof for £ 25 value, with 'Northern Nigeria' and Duty Plate printed in black on glazed white card, handstamped BEFORE / HARDENING in black and dated '16 OCT. 03' in blue. Scarce and fine.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5332 Northern Nigeria

    1904 (April): De La Rue Imperforate Colour Trial for the famous £ 25 value, on watermarked Multiple Crown CA paper, printed in green & chestnut, fresh and fine, large part og.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,400 CHF

    Lot# : 5333 Northern Nigeria

    1910/11: Definitive set of eleven complete, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, all overprinted SPECIMEN in black, the 2½ d. with slight rub and the 2 s. 6 d. with one toned perf., otherwise fresh and fine, large part og. Gi = £ 350.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 5334 Northern Nigeria

    1900/1912: Collection on leaves with first issue set of nine unused, 1900 10 s. green & brown in an unused block of four, 1890 2 d. used on cover tied by oval "Lokoja / Post Office" in violet, 1902 definitive set unused, 1905/07 definitive set unused and additional 2 s. 6 d. in an unused block of four, 1910/11 definitive set of eleven unused and additional 5 s. in a block of four, 1912 set of thirteen unused etc. A generally fine lot (58 items) Gi = £ 2'800+.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,400 CHF

    Lot# : 5335 Southern Nigeria

    1900: Cover mailed prior to issue of Southern Nigeria adhesives, prepaid in cash with "Paid 1d. C.F" in red manuscript, struck with "BONNY RIVER" code A cds (April 6) in black. Reverse with Manchester arrival cds (April 26). Creased, some wear at edges but rare.rnProvenance: Collection W.C. Hinde; Collection Col. J.R. Danson, RL, London, 10 March 1971, ex lot 1830.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 5336 Southern Nigeria

    1902: Aro Field Force, a stampless envelope to Dunnville, Canada endorsed "On Active Service, with Aro Field Force, Southern Nigeria, W. Africa" and "No Stamps available, Lt. A. Rastrick", struck with "OPOBO RIVER" cds (Feb 28) in black. Reverse with Dunnville duplex of arrival (April 9). A fine and scarce cover to an unusual destination - the Aro Campaign lasted from 15 November 1901 until 23 March 1902.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 5337 Southern Nigeria

    1902: Stampless Campaign cover to Rosscarbery, Co. Cork, Ireland endorsed "O.H.M.S" and "On Active Service, No Stamps available", and endorsed "J.C. Whitley / D.M.O" (District Medical Officer) struck with "OPOBO RIVER" code A cds (July 21) in black. Reverse with Rosscarbery cds of arrival (Aug 18). Probably from a member of the Field Hospital remaining after the Aro Campaign. Closed tears at top and on flap but scarce.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 5338 Southern Nigeria

    1915: Stampless cover to Calabar headed "On Active Service, No Stamps Available" and correctly counter-signed at lower left by a Captain J. Wyndham, struck with "IKOM / SOUTHERN NIGERIA" cds (April 13) in black. Reverse with "Calabar / Southern Nigeria" arrival cds (April 19). Scarce.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 5339 Southern Nigeria

    1900: De La Rue Die Proof for the vignette / head-plate with uncleared surround and horizontal notch marks at sides, printed in black on surface glazed white card, dated "21 JUL 00" in blue and struck with "BEFORE / HARDENING" in black. Superb and very rare.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 5340 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (Oct 8): De La Rue Master Die Proof for the vignette only, printed in black on glazed white card, dated "11 OCT. 00" in blue and "AFTER STRIKING" in black, signed "H.G." below the design. Minor dust but rare and very fine.rnProvenance: Collection Whitfield.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 5341 Southern Nigeria

    1900: De La Rue Die Proof for the vignette / head-plate with uncleared surround, printed on thick surface glazed white gummed paper (53 x 58 mm.), struck in deep green with notch mark at left of frame and partially so at right, with Printer's vertical flaw behind the Queen's head. A rare and most attractive Proof.rnProvenance: Collection W.C. Hinde.rn                    
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 5342 Southern Nigeria

    1900: De La Rue Die Proof for the vignette / head-plate with uncleared surround, printed on thick surface glazed white gummed paper (53 x 58 mm.), struck in black with notch mark at left of frame and partially so at right. A rare and most attractive Proof.rnProvenance: Collection Col. J.R. Danson, RL, London, 10 March 1971, ex lot 1836.rn 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 5343 Southern Nigeria

    1900: De La Rue Die Proof for the vignette / head-plate with uncleared surround, printed on thick surface glazed white paper with gum (54 x 63 mm.), struck in mauve. Extremely rare: believed unique in this colour.rnProvenance: Collection W.C. Hinde; Collection Col. J.R. Danson, RL, London, 10 March 1971, ex lot 1836.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 5344 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (Oct 8): De La Rue Die Proofs for the frame only - the complete set of nine - all printed in black on glazed white card, dated "12 OCT. 00" in blue (½ d. and 1 d.), "20 OCT 00" (2 d. and 4 d.), "30 OCT 00" (6 d. and 1 s.), 13 NOV 00" (2 s. 6 d, 5 s and 10 s.) and all struck with "BEFORE / HARDENING" in black at right. A rare and remarkable set.rnrn 
    Starting bid : 1,750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5345 Southern Nigeria

    1901 (March): The first definitive set of nine values, wmk. Crown CA, all overprinted SPECIMEN in black, 1 s. without gum, otherwise fresh and fine, large part og. Gi = £ 250.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 100 CHF

    Lot# : 5346 Southern Nigeria

    Printed by De La Rue 1901/02: First Issue, the set of nine values from ½ d. to 10 s. black & purple on yellow, incl. a 1902 ½ d. sepia & green block, all in unused blocks of four, fresh colours and fine, large part og. or mostly unmounted og. Robson Lowe's Encyclpaedia rates blocks at 5-6 times normal, a scarce and charming set Gi = £ 1'000+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 5347 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (April 3): De La Rue photographic Essay for proposed 10 shilling value, using the von Angeli Victoria head-plate, imperforate on card (89 x 114 mm.) marked "C" at upper left, dated in manuscript "April 3rd, 1900" with "Dupl." at base; the design without "Postage" or "Revenue". Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6067, this example showing hand-painted additions in black. The sole recorded example although two should exist, the other would have been sent to the Crown Agents. De La Rue replied to the Crown Agents on July 10, 1900 that, in order to save the Colony expense, they would introduce an impression from a head-plate Die which they would be happy to use free of charge.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5348 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (April 3): De La Rue photographic Essay for proposed 10 shilling value, using the von Angeli Victoria head-plate, imperforate on card (89 x 114 mm.) marked "A" at upper left, dated in manuscript "April 3rd, 1900" with "Dupl." at base; the design without "Postage" or "Revenue". Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6067. The sole recorded example although two should exist, the other would have been sent to the Crown Agents.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 5349 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (July 30): De La Rue composite Essay for the 10 s. value, with green head-plate inserted within blue & pale blue imperforate frame showing country legend, Duty Plate and "Postage" and "Revenue", with tracing paper swatch showing proposed designs for the 2 s. 6 d. Duty Plate with three different versions hand-painted in Chinese white on brown background. Dated at top right "July 10th 1900" with "Dupl. copies submitted: Head: Green (and) Black, Border: Red Brown (and) Blue marked C and D" respectively. Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" on page 6068. Magnificent and unique.rnrnNote: Sir Ralph Denham R. Moor (1860-1909) was the first High Commissioner for Southern Nigeria and was in England when this Essay was first proposed. De La Rue wrote on July 30, "He (Moor) has agreed to adopt stamps of the ordinary postage size and has asked to see designs with either the borders or the cenmtres following as nearly as possible the colours of the present Niger Coast Protectorate stamps. It would be well to enable him to judge of the ewffect, to prrint some Specimens on red or blue paper...and to make them bolder than designs C and D of the 10th instant".
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5350 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (Aug 11): De La Rue composite Essay for the 10 s. value, with green head-plate inserted within emerald & pale green imperforate frame showing country legend, Duty Plate and "Postage" and "Revenue", the Essay marked "E" at top left and dated at top right "Aug 11th 1900" with "Dupl." at base. Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" on page 6069 - the Crown Agent's letter to DLR stated "it will be necessary to have in all cases the centre, or the border, in doubly fugitive ink...". Slight surface scuff at lower right but rare and most attractive.rn 
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5351 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (Aug 11): De La Rue composite Essay for the 10 s. value, with grey head-plate inserted within vermilion imperforate frame showing country legend, Duty Plate and "Postage" and "Revenue", the Essay marked "F" at top left and dated at top right "Aug 11th 1900" with "Dupl." at base. Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" on page 6069 - the Crown Agent's letter to DLR stated "it will be necessary to have in all cases the centre, or the border, in doubly fugitive ink...". Slight surface scuff at lower left but rare and most attractive.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 5352 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (Aug 11): De La Rue composite Essay for the 10 s. value, with greenish-black head-plate inserted within deep blue & blue imperforate frame showing country legend, Duty Plates now in both lower corners and "Postage" and "Revenue" moved to base, the Essay marked "G" at top left and dated at top right "Aug 11th 1900" with "Dupl." at base. Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" on page 6069. This was the last 'new' issue to be specifically designed for Queen Victoria. Rare and most attractive.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 5353 Southern Nigeria

    1900 (Aug 11): De La Rue composite Essays (3) for the 10 s. value in three different combinations of colours (as per the previously offered Essays FA, G and H), the black & red and greenish-black and blue examples illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" on page 6069, the mauve & purple example appeared in an auction in 1968 prior to the major dispersal of the De La Rue archives. A rare and most attractive group.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 5354 Southern Nigeria

    1901/02: De La Rue Colour Trials for the 10 s. value (3), all imperforate on gummed watermarked paper, with first in grey & violet, another in dull green & bright violet and the third example in grey & pale blue-green; none of the combinations of colours were utilised in the issue, fresh and very fine, large part og. A rare group.rnNote: For similar imperforate Colour Trials see "The De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP., page 6074.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 5355 Southern Nigeria

    1901/02: 10 s. black & purple on yellow, a single example used on 1902 registered cover to Germany tied by oval framed "Registered / Old Calabar" datestamp (July 10) with repeated information strike at left, London transit in red (Aug 3) on front and Buchholz arrival (Aug 5) on reverse; file fold well away from the fine and scarce adhesive Gi = £ 300 off cover.
    Starting bid : 175 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 5356 Southern Nigeria

    1901/02: The unused first issue collection on leaves with the set of nine in blocks of four, additional ½ d., 1 d., 6 d. and 5 s. blocks in differing shades; and a further single set; well written up on leaves, a fresh and fine group Gi = £ 1'500+.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 5357 Southern Nigeria

    1902: De La Rue Die Proof for the Edward VII vignette only, printed in black on glazed white card, dated "10 JUN. 02" in blue and struck with "BEFORE / HARDENING" in black. Fresh and very fine.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 5358 Southern Nigeria

    1903 (March): Definitive set of eleven values, wml. Crown CA, all overprinted SPECIMEN in black, 2½ d. with gum bend and 5 s. slight stain on gum, otherwise fine and of fresh colour, large part og. Scarce set Gi = £ 350.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 5359 Southern Nigeria

    1902: De La Rue photographic Essay for Edward VII ½ d. value, as per the previous lot (with head-plate in brownish-black and frame taken from a Die Proof in black on glazed card with 'perforations' drawn in pencil), imperforate on display card marked "A" at top left and dated "March 21-1902" at top right, "DUPLICATE" at lower left. This Essay was retained for De La Rue's records and is illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6073; some minor aging in lower half does not detract.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5360 Southern Nigeria

    1903/04: Printed by De La Rue, wmk. Crown CA, the unused set of eleven values from ½ d. to £ 1 green & violet, fresh and very fine colours, some minor unobtrusive age spots on gum but the two high values very fine, large part og. or unmounted og. A very scarce set Gi = £ 650.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 5361 Southern Nigeria

    1903/04: Fine page with ½ d., 1 d., 2 d., 2½ d., 4 d., 6 d. and 2 s. 6 d. values in unused blocks of four; single 2 s. 6 d. with Plate Number '1' in margin, 10 s. unused (2) and £ 1 green & violet unused, all with fresh colours, generally fine, large part og. Gi = £ 950+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 5362 Southern Nigeria

    1902: De La Rue Die Proof for the 2½ d. value, frame only, printed in black on glazed white card, dated "23 NOV. 03" in blue and struck with "AFTER / HARDENING" in black. Fresh and fine, only the newly added values, the 2½ d. and £ 1, needed to have frame only Proofs struck for this issue.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 5363 Southern Nigeria

    1903 (Dec 14): De La Rue Colour Trial for the 2½ d. value, Imperforate on wmk. Crown CA paper, printed in deep green & ultramarine, fresh and fine, large part og. Rare, probably emanated from the duplicate Appendix sheet.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 5364 Southern Nigeria

    1903/04: 10 s. grey-black & purple on yellow, wmk. Crown CA, an unused example, marginal from base of sheet showing Plate Number '1' in margin, with large Printer's Flaw to left of King's head, large part og. Most unusual.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 240 CHF

    Lot# : 5365 Southern Nigeria

    1902: De La Rue Die Proof for the £ 1 value, frame only, printed in black on glazed white card, fresh and fine, only the newly added values, the 2½ d. and £ 1 needed to have frame only Proofs struck for this issue.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 5366 Southern Nigeria

    1902 (April 9): De La Rue Colour Trials for the Edward VII 1903 issue but utilising Queen Victoria 10 s. designs, prepared for the proposed £1 value, two examples, imperforate on thick card: printed in green & purple-brown and in grey & green; fresh and fine.rnNote: The Queen Victoria 1901 set did not contain a £1 value thus the need for the above Trials, the Colour Trials executed for the Victorian issue utilised the ½d. value.rnProvenance: First ex collections Porter and Whitfield; Second ex collection Col. J.R. Danson, RL, London, 10 March 1971, lot 1843.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 5367 Southern Nigeria

    1902 (April 9): De La Rue Appendix sheet for the Edward VII 1903 issue but utilising Queen Victoria designs, dated at top "9th April 1902" in manuscript; showing imperforate Colour Trials of the 10 s. value (6), with top example in green & violet chosen for the "£1" value indicated in manuscript and signed as "Approved" by Sir William Mercer; with further examples at base all in colours not used for the issue. Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6074. Historic, delightful and rare.rnrnNote: The Queen Victoria 1901 set did not contain a £1 value thus the need for the above Trials, the Colour Trials executed for the Victorian issue utilised the ½d. value.rnProvenance: Two ex collection Col. J.R. Danson, RL, London, 10 March 1971, lots 1840 and 1842.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,600 CHF

    Lot# : 5368 Southern Nigeria

    Printed by De La Rue 1903/04: Second Issue, £ 1 green & violet, a horizontal strip of four, all overprinted SPECIMEN in black horizontally at base, fresh colour and slightly aged large part og. with two unmounted og. A rare multiple.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 5369 Southern Nigeria

    1903/04: £ 1 green & violet, wmk. Crown CA, an unused block of four, centred to right, of fine fresh colour, large part og., lower pair unmounted og. A very rare multiple, just 1'080 stamps issued Gi = £ 1'900+.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 5370 Southern Nigeria

    1903/04: £ 1 green & violet, wmk. Crown CA, a superb used example on 1904 registered cover to the Bullion Office in London, tied by oval "Registered / Forcados" datestamp (Oct 29) in black. Reverse with Plymouth transit and London (Nov 16) arrival datestamps. An extremely rare stamp in used condition (Gi = £ 1'000) and an outstanding and rare cover.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 5371 Southern Nigeria

    1907 (April 3): De La Rue Appendix sheet dated "3rd April 1907" at top with imperforate ½ d. Colour Trials (3) for the choice of colours for the proposed new 3 d. value, with ½ d. brownish-violet & brown, ½ d. orange-brown & bright purple with manuscript "Approved for 3 d. 6.4.07" and signed by Sir William Mercer and the third examples in dull green & brown. Illustrated in the "De La Rue Collection" edited by Frank Walton RDP on page 6075. Rare and most attractive sheet.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,200 CHF

    Lot# : 5372 Southern Nigeria

    1904/09: 1 d. grey-black & carmine, 1905 printing on chalk surfaced paper, a complete unused pane of sixty (6 x 10) showing four circular Plate 1 numerals at top and at base, handstamped requisition number '1168' at upper right, generally fresh and fine, large part og. or mostly unmounted og. A rare multiple Gi = £ 720+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 650 CHF

    Lot# : 5373 Southern Nigeria

    1904/08: The part set of ten values, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, from 2 d. - £ 1 green & violet, together with 1907/11 ½ d. and 1 d., all handstamped "SPECIMEN" diagonally in violet, probably for presentation purposes. Fresh and fine, large part og. Rare.rnProvenance: Collecctions Porter and W.C. Hinde.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 480 CHF

    Lot# : 5374 Southern Nigeria

    1904/08: 2½ d. grey-black & bright blue, two vertical pairs used on 1910 cover to Obuasi, Ashanti, Gold Coast tied by neat strikes of "BURUTU / SOUTHERN-NIGERIA" cds's (April 17) in black. Reverse with Forcados cds, Sekondi (April 21) transit cds's and "Obuasi / Gold Coast" arrival (April 22). A most attractive and unusual cover.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 5375 Southern Nigeria

    1904/09: £ 1 green & violet, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, on ordinary peper, an unused block of four, marginal from top of sheet showing Plate Number '1' in margin, stamps unmounted og. A rare multiple, just 1'200 stamps printed on ordinary paper Gi = £ 1'400+.rnProvenance: Collection Porter.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 5376 Southern Nigeria

    1904/08: The unused collection of the issue with all ordinary and chalky papers noted, all Dies A and B indicated, complete including some additional blocks of four 1 d. (Die A), 1 s. on chalky (Die B), 5 s. (Die A) and 10 s. (Die B); the single stamps including two 10 s. and four £ 1 green & violet including a requisition number (54) corner example. A delightful reference collection in excellent quality (38 items) Gi = £ 3'000+.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 5377 Southern Nigeria

    1909: De La Rue Die Proof for the 1 d. value, completed design with Head Die A, printed in black on glazed white card dated "30 AUG. 09" in blue and struck with "BEFORE / HARDENING" in black. Fresh and very fine.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 5378 Southern Nigeria

    1907/11: Definitive set of twelve values, Die B, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, ½ d. green to £ 1 purple & black on red, incl. Die A ½ d. and 1 d. values, Die II 1 d. and both shades of the 6 d. (16 stamps), all fresh and fine and of good colour, large part og. Gi = £ 450+.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 5379 Southern Nigeria

    1907/11: Colours Changed, the set of twelve values to £ 1 including duplication with differing Dies and shades (35 items), with twenty-five stamps from ½ d. to £ 1 complet all showing matching top marginal examples exhibiting Plate Number '1' in margin, incl. six blocks of four incl. 2 s. 6 d., fresh and very fine, large part or unmounted og. A charming group Gi = £ 650+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 5380 Southern Nigeria

    1907/11: Head Die B, £ 1 purple & black on red chalky paper, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, an unused example with Plate Number 1 in margin above, large part og. Gi = £ 250.rnProvenance: Renato Mondolfo.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 5381 Southern Nigeria

    1912: Definitive set of twelve values, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, ½ d. green to £ 1 purple & black on red, all overprinted SPECIMEN horizontally in black (or red on 4 d., 1 s. and 2 s. 6 d. values). Fresh colours, very fine, large part og. or unmounted og. A scarce set Gi = £ 275.
    Starting bid : 140 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 5382 Southern Nigeria

    1912: George V set of twelve unused, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, incl. shades of nearly all values, block of four 5 s., and the set of twelve overprinted SPECIMEN, large part og. Gi = £ 550+.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 5383 Southern Nigeria

    1912: Definitive set of twelve values, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, ½ d. green to £ 1 purple & black on red, fresh colours and fine, large part og. A choice set Gi = £ 250.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 5384 Southern Nigeria

    1912: De La Rue Die Proof for the 1 d. value, frame only, printed in black on glazed white card, dated "1 MAY. 12" in blue and struck with "BEFORE / HARDENING" in black. A fine and scarce Proof.rnProvenance: Collection W.C. Hinde.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 5385 Southern Nigeria

    1902/12: The Cancellations and Used Collection (158 stamps or pieces and 14 coversa/cards), showing Paquebot usages, 1901/02 set of nine used, 1903 piece with ½ d. pair tied by superb "NIGER TRAVELLING POST OFFICE" cds's, 1903 £ 1 green & violet used, 1904/08 6 d. on OHMS registered cover to Hull, 1907 2½ d. rate cover from Calabar to Manila, Philippines; 1 d. single frankings on covers from Sapele and Bende and on 1908 card from Onitsha; 1904/08 £ 1 green & violet used (2), scarce towns noted throughout incl. Abeokuta, Asaba, Egwannga, Onitsha, Sapele, Uyo, Warri, 1907 cover with rare usage of Lagos 1 d. cancelled by "Bonny" cds, page with Lagos issues used in Southern Nigeria (11 items), combination usages on pieces from Abeokuta, Akassa, Benin, Degema, Ibadan, Idah, Ifon, Jebu Ode, Opobo,  and Warri;  1907/11 with 10 s. and £ 1 used, 1910 1 d. on cover tied Olokemeji Lagos, 1912 10 s. used (4) and £ 1 used etc.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 5386 Southern Nigeria

    1912: Booklet sold at 2 s. with black on red covers, bearing three panes of six of the ½ d. green and two panes of six 1 d. red, complete, reverse with printed rates for the cost of Postal Orders, central crease in cover but of immense rarity Gi = £ 2'000.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 5387 Southern Nigeria

    1902: De La Rue Proof for the proposed 1 d. postal stationery envelope, embossed in vermilion oval with "♚ / ONE PENNY / SOUTHERN NIGERIA POSTAGE" printed on cream thick horizontally laid paper (54 x 61 mm.). Two pinholes well away from design at upper left, unadopted and rare.rnProvenance: Collection Col. J.R. Danson.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 5388 Southern Nigeria

    1902: De La Rue Proof for the proposed 1 d. postal stationery card attached to lower half of DLR Appendix sheet with file date "24 March 1902" (three days after the adhesive stamps were approved) in manuscript at left, with legend "SOUTHERN NIGERIA (NIGERIE DU SUD) / POST CARD CARTE POSTALE" with coloured pink wash where the 1 d. indicia would be situated and marked '2' in manuscript ink. Unadopted, slight vertical crease but exceptional and unique.
    Starting bid : 850 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 5389 Southern Nigeria

    1901/12: The postal stationery collection with 1901 2 d. registered envelope optd. SPECIMEN (H&G C1), 1903 1 d. red stationery cards used from "Sapele" and superb example from "Burutu" to Germany (H&G 2), 1902 2 d. registered stationery envelopes (H&G C2) each up-rated used from Lagos, 1908 ½ d. on 1 d. red cards unused and used ex Warri (H&G 4), 1912 ½ d. green card optd. SPECIMEN (H&G 5), and 1912 large 2 d. registration envelope optd. SPECIMEN (H& G C3a).
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 5390 Nigeria

    1914/29: Definitive set of twelve, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, all in unused blocks of four, including scarce 3 d. and 4 d. values with yellow back on thick paper (Gi. 5b and 6b), 10s. with blue-green back (Gi. 11a) and fine £ 1 deep purple and black on red; fresh and fine, large part or unmounted og. Gi = £ 1'100++.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF

    Lot# : 5391 Nigeria

    1 / 1
    1917: 10 s. green & red on blue-green with pale olive back, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, an unused block of four, corner marginal from upper right corner of the sheet, showing Plate number '5' in margin and sheet requisition number '088' in black. Choice and superb multiple, unmounted og. Rare. Cert. BPA (1968) Gi = £ 4'400+.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,400 CHF

    Lot# : 5392 Nigeria

    1917: Die I, £ 1 deep purple and black on red, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, an unused example, corner marginal from upper right of sheet with sheet requisition number '067' in top margin, fresh and very fine, stamp unmounted og. Signed Ferchenbauer Gi = £ 190+.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 160 CHF

    Lot# : 5393 Nigeria

    1917: Die II, £ 1 deep purple and black on red, wmk. Multiple Crown CA, unused examples (2), each marginal from base of sheet, with Plate number '16' and '17' respectively in margin, fresh and fine, large part og. Scarce Gi = £ 525+.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 5394 Nigeria

    1931: Die II, 1½ d. orange and 3 d. bright blue, De La Rue Imperforate Colour Trials in issued colours, fresh and fine, unmounted og. Scarce.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 5395 Nigeria

    1932: Die I, 10 s. green & red on green, wmk. Multiple Script CA, an unused horizontal pair marginal from top of sheet, first stamp with Plate number '23' and second with sheet requisition number '236' in black, trace of aging but of fresh and fine appearance, one stamp unmounted og. Scarce Gi = £ 260+.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 5396 Nigeria

    1936: Pictorial 3 d. blue, perf. 12½ x 13½, an unused block of four from upper right corner of the sheet showing sheet requisition number '0397' in margin, fresh and very fine, unmounted og. Scarce and most attractive Gi = £ 600+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 5397 Nigeria

    1938/51: Definitive set of fifteen values complete, an unused set all perforated by hooded SPECIMEN, fresh and fine, large part og. The 2½ d. orange was never sent to the UPU due to Wartime conditions. A scarce and attractive set Gi = £ 450.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF
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