Public Auction #173 -General Sale

Our auction on 11th May is one of the best general sales we have ever produced, with a vast array of interesting material. The auction kicks off with a range of collections, followed by the “Scouting in Australia” collection of ardent lifetime scout, Ernie Stermole, of Melbourne. Commonwealth of Australia features a range of high quality Kangaroos, attractive KGV including a new discovery, Decimal “Missing Colours” and Income Tax sets to £5 from five of the six States. A 1919 robbery cover is a highlight of the postal history, and Russell Stern from Sydney has consigned further extensive studies of World War II covers. The postal stationery includes several scenic Letter Card rarities. Almost half the sale is devoted to the Aussie Colonies. Two significant consignments of imperforate Classics have been sent by overseas vendors, and the best collection we have offered of registered mail - with strength in New South Wales and Victoria - is included. New South Wales is especially strong, with a lovely selection of Sydney Views plus Peter Granfield’s Barred Numerals on Sydney Views, and a good range of forgeries. South Australia features a small but worthwhile group of Departmentals & there are some beautiful Tasmanian Chalons. From Victoria, we have a range of mostly unused Half-Lengths, a select group of amazing Beer Duty stamps, and extensive postal history. Western Australia features a very fine array of the 1854-55 issues, plus a group of TPO covers Ex Roy Holland. A highlight of the rest of the world is a consignment from Europe of British Empire, mostly Ex Sir Gawaine Baillie, with many lovely items of note. The balance of John Little’s World War II censor mail is offered, with amalgamations the order of the day, & the estimates reduced by 50% to offer irresistible enticement to collectors and dealers. There is an extensive collection of Antarctic postal history, plus Falklands and Tristan, out of Sydney. Great Britain includes several items Ex “Chartwell”. A fine collection of Iraq will be found under “Middle East”, and an unmounted collection of South West Africa is offered as one lot. We conclude with a range of worthwhile philatelic literature