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ANNUAL SINGAPORE SALE OF STAMPS AND BANKNOTES 2ND/3RD JULY

Features Dr Chua Eu Tiong Straits Settlements Collection of Postage Stamps and Covers

The Oriental Hotel Singapore will be the location of the Spink annual Singapore sale of South-East Asian stamps and banknotes. The first session on Saturday at 2.30pm will feature the Dr. Chua collection of Strait Settlements. Comprising of some 447 lots, it includes many items of great interest and a few are discussed here.

Lot 1 is an entire letter from Malacca to Portugal and is dated 1624. In remarkable condition, it is a very early date indeed and is estimated at $5,000/$6,000 (Singapore funds). Lot 133 is a first issue cover dated September 1867. Bearing a pair of the 6c on 2a yellow (S.G.5), it is one of only three recorded and is addressed to Bombay, India. The estimate is $15,000/$20,000.

Lot 149 is the highlight of the collection. An entire letter from Penang to Boston, it features the 12c on 4a green stamp in a block of 4 (S.G.7) and is believed to be unique. Previously in the Dr. Wood, Charles Taylor and Milo Rowell collections and estimated at $60,000/$80,000, this will surely enhance the next owner’s exhibit! Lot 152 is a Die Proof of New South Wales from the 1862 issue of the 1d in orange red on glazed card. Unusual in a Straits Settlements collection, it is endorsed above "32 cents Postage Red, Straits Settlements". This lot is estimated at $2,000/$3,000.

Lot 430 is an 1878 envelope from Deli, Sumatra to Paris and bears the Straits 2c (3) and 6c, S.G. ll and 13 cancelled "B/172". From the Netherlands East Indies and originally in the Dr. Wood and Tay Peng Hian collections, this is a most interesting piece. Finally from the first session, we have a combination cover, lot 443 of North Borneo with the 1883 2c and the 1882 10c of the Straits. Cancelled on the obverse at Sandakan and dated 12th January 1886, this cover is from the Locke correspondence. It has a Royal Philatelic Society certificate and was originally in the Colonel Danson collection. Estimated at $20,000/$30,000, it is a great rarity.

The second session commences on Sunday at 11.00am. and encompasses lots 448-877. Lot 487 has a strip of 3 of the Straits Settlements 1921/33 $500 purple and orange-brown (positions 10-12) with the last showing "break in scroll" flaw. Each overprinted "Specimen" and affixed to a piece with the cancellation in red "Postes et Telegraphes/collection de Berne/Madagascar" S.G. 215 and only 6 can exist. This is estimated at $20,000/$25,000 and is a striking item! Also from the Straits, Lot 516 is a mint block of 4 of the 1938 King George Vl Revenue issue $100 black and carmine on blue. The gum as usual is slightly browned but this is the largest recorded multiple so far. The estimate is $15,000/$18,000. Lot 808 is North Borneo 1918 2c black and green, surcharged "RED CROSS TWO CENTS", a fine corner pair with variety imperforate between. One of ten possible pairs with part original gum, it is the first pair we can trace ever to have appeared in auction. One other example is in the Royal collection. Initialled in pencil by "T. Allan" this is S.G.215a and is estimated at $15,000/$20,000: however, the realisation may surprise us all!

The third session at 2.00pm (878-1083) commences with Sarawak and contains over 100 lots of stamps and covers. However our next lot for discussion is 1039 the British Post Office in Bangkok 1882/5 32c on 2a yellow, the surcharge on Straits Settlements stamp and catalogued as Stanley Gibbons 1 at £35,000. The stamp has part original gum with a small stain at foot. It is accompanied by a British Philatelic Association certificate and is one of the few fine examples that exist. The next wonderful item is lot 1047, again from Bangkok. A vertical strip of 4 of the "TWO CENTS" on 32c pale red used on piece with the surcharge in triplicate comprising three with wide "S" and one with wide "E". It is cancelled with Bangkok firm’s chop and light "Singapore/PO" double-ring handstamp. The only recorded multiple of this stamp, with P.F certificate and catalogued S.G.12/13 at £10,500. This is one of the most important pieces of Thai philately. A fine way to complete this section of the auction.

The final session is comprised of Banknotes which will commence at 3.30pm. and will comprise 249 lots. Lot 1295 Penang is the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation $5 dated Penang 1 July 1892, serial number 40430, green and white "Penang" in red brown at centre. Although not perfect this rare note is estimated at $13,000/$16,000. Lot 1321 is Sarawak Government issue $50 of the 1 July 1929, Serial number E/1 03842, green and multicoloured with Charles Vyner Brooke and arms at centre (Tan K 24), almost very fine, this difficult note is estimated at $22,000/$26,000 (Singapore currency). Lot 1343 is from the Straits Settlements Government $10 8 June 1909, red serial number A/15 76315 blue and tan (Tan S.4c). This is a rare early date for this series and is estimated at $12,000/16,000. One of the most valuable lots is 1348, again from the Straits. Government issue $50 1 February 1901 green, serial number A/2 00615 green and tan, this rarity is estimated at $55,000/$60,000 and is considered one of the finest examples extant.

The above is but a brief extract from a fascinating sale and Spink are proud to present this offering to our South-East Asia clients in particular. Catalogues are available at our offices in London and Singapore as usual. London viewing is on the 13th and 14th June and Singapore viewing 1st and 2nd July. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the auction.