General Public Auction #182

This sale commences with a range of mixed lots, followed by the Cycling collection formed by stamp designer Graham Wade. Then we have a fascinating group of documents and ephemera including photographs and masonic paraphernalia. Next up are more than 3000 picture postcards, mostly from the extensive Australian holdings of the late Kevin Crotty from England.

Commonwealth of Australia includes more collections and numerous fine singles, notably from the ‘OS’ collection formed by Roy Cunliffe from England. Max Bulley from Melbourne has consigned his collection of commemorative datestamps on cover, and his Northern Territory collection (Lots 382-392). Other highlights are the 2/6d Aborigine with Watermark Sideways (Inverted), a very fine 1911 2/- booklet containing Victorian stamps, and a standard-size commercial cover with 6d Engraved Kookaburra.

We launch into the Rest of the World with one of the best offerings of Antarctic material seen in recent years. Paul Wales from New Zealand is well known as the owner of Classic Stamps in Christchurch, and as a dealer in Antarctic material. He chose to place his Large Gold Medal winning collection of the 1901-04 National Antarctic Expedition with us because he knew we would present his superb exhibit to its best advantage. Because of my personal interest in historical subjects, I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. The array of Robert Falcon Scott covers and memorabilia within these pages really is a treat.

As is often the case, our Pacific Islands offerings are diverse and compelling. From the Cook Islands we have an array of 1960s to 1990s artwork and proofs. Nauru is represented by an excellent range of “real” postal history, not the boring philatelic covers normally seen. The strongest section is an exceptional collection of the postal history of the Australian Occupation of New Guinea. New Zealand includes superb unmounted stamps and Auckland Exhibition postal cards.

Foreign countries are also represented. There is a fine collection of modern China and a well-developed collections from Liechtenstein and Portugal. Two lovely Papal States covers to Australia are featured. And there is a fascinating study of Japanese Military Postal Cards offered intact.

** We are pleased to give you the opportunity to do your philatelic shopping before the Exhibition commences, on 10th May. Then, like me, you will be able to focus on catching up with your friends, attending the numerous society meetings, and enjoying the culinary delights of the city regularly nominated as one of the most “liveable” in the world.