News from Spink

£2 million in King George V stamps for sale at spink in london

Spink are pleased to announce the upcoming auction of The “Monarch” Collection, an assemblage of philatelic rarities valued at over £2 million. This auction, taking place on the 8th of May 2008, will offer the most comprehensive collection of King George V issues ever accumulated and break the current record for the most valuable single owner collection ever auctioned in the United Kingdom. 

Few today remember what an adamant collector of stamps King George V actually was. He is, in fact, responsible for building the foundation of the Royal Philatelic Collection, the world’s most comprehensive collection of Great Britain and Commonwealth philatelic history. It is fitting that The “Monarch” Collection, featuring King George V, was formed by a man with a similar passion for collecting stamps.

The story of the “Monarch” Collection begins over twenty years ago with one man, a passionate collector and competent philatelist, who turned his attention to the study of the Issues of King George V. Items in the collection were searched out and obtained from all available sources – auctions, dealers, private treaty and discreet transactions with other private collectors – in an effort to personally own an example of nearly every item of King George V.  The collection grew at a rapid pace and continued unabated with Artist’s work, essays, proofs, colour trials and imprimaturs being keenly sought after over time.

Tim Hirsch, Global Director of Spink Auctions stated, “The “Monarch” Collection of George V is one of the most exciting auctions Spink have had in many years and is without doubt the finest of Great Britain George V ever to have been offered at auction. We are excited to bring such a fantastic collection to the market and look forward to hosting such a landmark philatelic sale.”

There are 940 lots in the auction with prices for items ranging from £200 to £100,000. Highlights of the sale include:

• The unissued six pence purple block of six featuring the profile of King George V. A hugely important block which is unique in private hands. Estimated to fetch £80,000 to £100,000.
  
  
• A 1935 Memorial Essay sheet of six featuring a three quarter profile of King George V in grey black print. This is the only known complete sheet in private hands. Estimated to fetch £20,000 to £25,000.
  
  
• £1 black, specially prepared imperforate block of four stamps. Believed to be only one of two in private hands. The previously recorded third example now resides in the National Postal Museum. Estimated to fetch £50,000 to £60,000.

• An original printed example of W. & D. Downey’s official photographic portrait of the King in Admiral’s uniform, signed by the King “George R.I., Berlin 1913” in ink at lower-right. This fine and rare portrait of King George V is estimated to fetch £2,000-£2,500.

About Spink

Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes with offices in London, Singapore, New York and Dallas.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offer an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.

For further information please contact Emily Johnston in the Spink Press Office on +44 7979 5373 85