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The La Fayette Collection: Foreword from the experts

I had the rare privilege to admire, several times, the stamps and the covers constituting this collection, either before they formed part of this remarkable collection, or during various exhibitions. Most of these pieces were known to me, through facsimiles in my archives, but it is very different to have these rarities in front of your very eyes from knowing them. However it is during my expertisation of all these wonderful pieces on their original album pages, that this collection took on its significance. Exhibition frames, with their protective glass, constitute an invisible barrier, which in a way keep keen admirers at a distance, where sometimes respect becomes even greater. On album pages, the La Fayette collection, delivers its full, rich impact. Nuances, often subtle, are better perceived.

The author of this collection, and we are really talking of an author here, rather than a simple collector, has ambitioned to gather all the printing errors of French classic stamps from their origin to 1876. He has gone beyond what was imaginable. For the first time the two tête-bêche bright vermilion and pale vermilion - also known as “Vervelle” – have been brought together. Also for the first time the “touched up 4’s” of various issues have been put together. Similarly, the various nuances of the successive issues of the 1 franc of 1849 have been systematically hunted and researched. This search led to all the nuances presented here for the greatest pleasure of our eyes.

The sale of such a group, is without a doubt, an event of the utmost importance for all philatelists. This is for many, a unique opportunity to admire a collection of amazing coherence. Such a prestigious group is a testimony to the passion, patience, philatelic knowledge and financial means required to build it. It will be a unique occasion for some to add on and improve their existing collections by purchasing their dream stamps or covers. The catalogue of this auction will obviously become a precious reference work in the history of philately. A collection is, a bit, like a man’s life. When the collection is truly outstanding, the collector behind it is equally outstanding.

Jean-Francois Brun AIEP Expert

It is not an easy task to write an introduction for an auction catalogue featuring a collection as amazing as the La Fayette collection.

What can we add to the errors, vermilions, and others tête-bêche offered in this catalogue, which will undoubtedly become one of the greatest reference works in the history of classic French stamps? The La Fayette collection not only contains the major rarities of French philately, but they are also presented in the best possible state of conservation and freshness.

Combining rarity, quality and attempting to be as exhaustive as possible was the clear objective of the collection.

Flipping through the pages of the catalogue, and seeing the impressive list of vermilions passing our eyes, these fascinating tête-bêche, be it mint, cancelled or on covers, one can only assure the collector who was able to build this outstanding collection ... yes, the many years of researching and efforts have been fully rewarded… yes, the objective has been fulfilled brilliantly…

This is probably why we witness today its disposal. This collection which has reached the ultimate pinnacle, and cannot be completed further, is a complete collection. We salute the courage of its owner who has drawn the logical conclusion.

I wish to all admirers of great rarities of classic France as much pleasure as I had reading this catalogue, and who knows, they might be the lucky buyers of the lots offered for sale.

Raymond Goebel
AIEP Expert