News Archive

The Marcus Samuel Collection - 3 December 2003

“Absolutely breathtaking" were the words used by a well known Great Britain specialist collector to describe the Marcus Samuel Collection of Great Britain Specimen Stamps. This magnificent collection formed over a period of some 60 years plus provided the basis for the definitive handbook on the subject published in 1980.

The auction on 3rd December will comprise 588 lots covering all Reigns of Great Britain, including Official Issues with every lot bearing Specimen or Cancelled in either manuscript or overprint.
The sale also includes a number of rarely seen Postal Notices, many of those from the Queen Victoria period being of proof status with annotations by Rowland Hill and bearing his signature.
With the main strength in the Queen Victoria issues a wide variety of multiples are offered including complete panes, many from the Colour Standard sheets. The wonderful fresh colours on these lots in particular remind one of how these beautiful issues would have looked at the time.

Edward VII and King George V collectors are well catered for with over 125 lots including a remarkable marginal Tyrian Plum and an outstanding group of Seahorses with many multiples.
The sale concludes with 60 plus lots of Official Stamps amongst which are examples of the Large Overprint Essays on the 1885-1892 High Values and a single of the 1902-04 6d IR Official.

With a sale containing so many rare and desirable items it is difficult to select items for individual mention. The auction represents a “once in a lifetime” opportunity and Great Britain collectors are recommended to acquire the catalogue without delay.