Press Releases

RARE TIBETAN COINS AT SPINK

Spink are delighted to announce the auction dates for the remarkable and historic Nicholas Rhodes Collection. The collection features a number of extremely rare items, some of which are expected to reach record prices.

Nicholas Rhodes built a collection of coins, banknotes and stamps concentrated on the core areas of Tibet, Assam and Nepal.  The first part of this extensive collection, the Tibetan coins, will be auctioned by Spink in Hong Kong on 21st August 2013. The collection contains many rare coins previously unknown in private or museum collections. Many different die-types and varieties of great academic value are also being offered at lower prices, with over 700 lots to choose from.

Nicholas Rhodes was a founding member and Secretary General of the Oriental Numismatic Society. His collection was a life-long interest for him and is universally acknowledged as being one of the best in the world. Nicholas's reputation as an author and scholar, his close relationship with British Museum and other respected numismatic associations, gives his collection an unquestionable authenticity.  This unrivalled provenance will add value to any coins purchased.

Above: Sino-Tibetan, Chia Ching (1796-1820), 1-Sho, year 2.
In 1792/3, four denominations of coins were struck with the intention that these would replace the Nepalese Mohars that previously circulated in Tibet. However, the smaller denominations were not popular with Tibetan traders and they were later replaced with the Sho of 3.8g. The Rhodes collection contains several of these rare low-denomination coins, but the 1-Sho of year 2 of Chia Ching is one of the scarcest coins of the series; the finest of three known examples.
Est: US $10,000-$15,000

Above: Tibet, 10-Tam pattern.
Spink is also proud to be offering this noteworthy Tibetan coin issued in the time of the 13th Dalai Lama, undated (c.1910).  Following independence the Tibetan Government started producing a large selection of silver and copper coins. This beautiful and rare coin was issued as a pattern for this series.
Ex. Gabrisch Collection, 2005
Est: US $12,000-$20,000

Above: Tibet, 10-Tam pattern, 12.26g. Undated, but issued c.1928-30. Ex. Halpert Collection, Spink, 2000
From 1912 Tibetan coins usually feature a mythical beast know in Tibet as a Seng-ge. It represents the snowy ranges and glaciers of Tibet. The full name (seng-ge dka-rpo g.yu ral can) translates as "white lion(ess) with a turquoise mane." It symbolises power and strength and served as a unifying symbol for Tibetans during the modern era. In August Spink will be offering this eye-catching Tibetan coin, on which the depiction of the Seng-ge is particularly striking.
Est: US $10,000-$12,000

Above: Tibet, Gold 20 Tam Srang, 15-55 (1918).
This denomination was only issued between 1918-21 and was struck in the Serkhang mint which was located near Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. One of the most desirable coins of the Tibetan series, year 55 is the rarest.
Est: US $10,000-$15,000

Above: Tibet, Sri Mangalam Tangka, 5.36g. Issued in the time of the 8th Dalai Lama, undated (1763/4 or 1785).
Named for its obverse inscription, Sri mangalam, which indicates good luck in Sanskrit. The reverse reads dga'ldan phyo (gs) las rnam par rgyal ba (Gaden (palace) completely victorious in all directions). This refers to the form of Tibetan Government established after 1642 when Gusri Khan, a Mongol prince, led an invasion of Tibet at the head of a band of supporters of the Gelugpa sect, and established the Dalai Lama of the day, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso, as the de facto  ruler of Tibet.
Est: US $4,000-$5,000

Commenting on this unique collection, Spink coin specialist Barbara Mears said: "this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for coin collectors and those interested in Oriental art to buy such good examples of original coins from this enigmatic and special place. Tibet has not issued its own currency for over sixty years.

"Even before this the quantity of coins struck for most issues was very small, so this is an ideal area to buy into. However, one only has to see the coins to appreciate that monetary considerations were secondary to the creators of this currency. Many of the coins are minor works of art in their own right, with iconography and legends in perfect accord, each having a significant meaning to every Tibetan. With beautiful and precious coins to fit every budget, who could resist?"

There will be a special preview afternoon and evening reception where the Nicholas Rhodes Collection may be viewed at Spink's London showroom on Thursday 1st August 2013. Coins of Tibet may be viewed in London (by appointment only) in early August, or on the 19th and 20th of August 2013 in Hong Kong.

For further press information, please contact: Eleanor Ball, Email: eball@spink.com or Telephone: +44 (0)20 7563 4009 . All images copyright Spink.

A WORLD VIEW AT SPINK

OUTSTANDING AUCTION OF WORLD CURRENCY

TO BE HELD IN LONDON 10^TH & 11^TH APRIL 2013

London. February 15, 2013. One of the rarest and most desirable banknotes in the world is set to steal the limelight of Spink's World Banknotes auctionon April 10 & 11^th, 2013. A 1929 Palestine £100 specimen, numbered amongst the greatest rarities in banknote collecting, is estimated to fetch between £80,000-120,000.

In superb condition the note features the White Tower at Ramleh and the signatures of Sir Percy Ezechiel, Sir John Caulcutt and Roland Vanables Members of the Palestine Currency Board. On its reverse it displays the Tower of David and the Citadel of Jerusalem at centre. It bears the serial number A 000000 and is a green and pale orange-brown colour. Fresh and fine, Spink's banknote experts anticipate huge interest.

The Palestine note is just one of the highlights of this diverse sale, which features notes from all over the world, including some of the rarest examples from British Burma. A pair of consecutive Government of India, Burma issue 100 rupee notes from Rangoon, are estimated to fetch £8,000-9,000. They feature consecutive serial numbers: T/16 747336-337 and are very rare, as to have a consecutive pair is almost unprecedented. The notes (illustrated below), are violet and green in colour and feature George V at the top right.

Commenting on the sale Barnaby Faull, Head of Spink's Banknotes department said: "We are delighted to have more than 1,500 lots of fine world currency, making this one of our largest, most diverse auctions of rare notes, from around the globe."

One of only a few known examples of a popular Libyan banknote among collectors is The Kingdom of Libya £10, which dates from 1952 and features King Idris at left.

It bears the serial number: A/1 054200 and is brown on a multicolour underprint. It is in immaculate condition for its type and is therefore estimated at £4,000-5,000.

A fabulously rare Australian specimen in the sale is estimated to fetch £18,000-24,000. The Commonwealth of Australia specimen £10 (pictured below), dates from 1952 and bears a beautifully engraved George VI example. With serial number V/24 000001, it is red brown and pale green in colour and bears the signatures of Coombs-Wilson.

Another important note, worthy of highlighting, is a stunning specimen 20 Florin note (pictured below), from the East African Currency Board, Mombasa, dating from 1^st May, 1920. These notes are exceptionally rare as they were issued for one year only. The note in Spink's sale therefore is one of the only examples believed extant today. It is estimated to fetch £6,000-8,000.

Elsewhere in the sale are two of the first Seychelles notes issued by Elizabeth II and the first to feature her portrait. The notes (pictured right), are therefore the very first in the series, with the serial number 00001.

They have excellent provenance, coming directly from the family of Sir William Addis, the Governor of the Seychelles (1953-57) and have never been seen before until now. They are estimated to fetch £3-5,000 for the 10 rupee note and between £4,000-6,000 for the 50 rupee note).

Spink are delighted to be able to offer an Imperial Bank of Persia 100 tomans note from Tehran, dating from 1924. The 100 toman note (illustrated below), is almost impossible to find in any condition and is therefore amongst the rarest of Iranian and Persian banknotes. The note in a blue green, orange and mauve colour is absent from most collections and is likely to draw much attention in the sale. Shah Muzzaffar-al-Din is pictured at right with two manuscript signatures at the low centre and the reverse is in a blue and purple colour. This outstanding note is estimated to realise between £22,000-25,000.

A unique group of early British Commonwealth designs, trials and specimens from the 1900s in the sale, offer an insight into the design and printing process of banknotes, as well as the banking history of the more obscure areas of the Commonwealth.

Other trials include a Government of Siam colour trial 1000 baht. Dating from April 1925, the note shows a Garuda bird in the top left, with a three headed elephant low right. The reverse is in lilac and brown and a ceremonial procession is featured in an oval frame. The 1925 1000 baht note is extremely scarce and well justified its estimate of £3,000-5,000.

Among other rare notes of very high quality are those from the Raphael Dvir Collection of Palestine currency, which contain many of the rarest types in this much sought after series. The sale also offers exciting groups from Libya, Egypt, Iraq, India and Australia and many other countries. There are also extensive collections from Algeria and Bulgaria from the Alan Cole Collection.

For further press information, please contact: Sandie Maylor, Email: smaylor@spink.com or Telephone: 020 7563 4009. All images copyright of Spink.

ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO FIRST COMMANDER OF THE FUTURE SOUTH AFRICA: JAN VAN RIEBEECK TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT SPINK

LONDON. February 12, 2013. Spink & Son Ltdare pleased to offer a spectacular testament to the vibrant history of South Africa. An envelope addressed to the founder of the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652: Jan Van Riebeeck, First Commander of Council at the Cape from 1652-1662, is to be offered at auction. Estimated to fetch between £4,000-5,000 it will go under the hammer in The Award-Winning Medina Collection of Cape of Good Hope onMarch 20, 2013.

Jan Van Riebeeck was founder of what we now know as Capetown. He served with the Dutch East India Company from 1639 and in 1651 he volunteered to take command of the first Dutch settlement at the Cape, after it was thought vital to have a way-station providing provisions for vessels travelling between the Netherlands and the East Indies. During his time there Van Riebeeck established a fort namedFort de GoedeHoop, built out of mud, wood and clay. He also established agriculture, acquiring livestock and planting fruit, vegetables and cereals, which would have an enduring effect on the economy and society of the region.

The regard and historical and cultural significance to South Africa that Jan Van Riebeeck had, is evident in the stamps and currency used in the region from 1940, right up until 1993. There was also a 'Van Riebeeck day' until 1994, when it was abolished by the ANC government. Statues exist of Van Riebeeck and his wife in Capetown and the coat of arms of the city is based on the Van Riebeeck family coat of arms. There are many streets and villages also named after him in the Capetown area.

Few letters or personal memorabilia of Van Riebeeck exists, making this envelope, addressed to such a significant figure in the history of South Africa, highly rare and extremely sought after. The envelope (known as a cover/entire), reads:"To Joan Van Riebeeck, Commander en Raat op't Fort de Goede Hoopt aan de Cabo de Bone Esperence".

The cover is just one of the many extraordinary rarities to be sold at auction from the important Medina Collections, which are being offered in a series of sales in London during 2013. The Medina Collections were formed by private collector Mohammed Sayeed, FRPSL, over the course of many years and are wide-ranging in content. They include stamps from India and States, Ceylon, Cape of Good Hope, Afghanistan and Great Britain. Highly prestigious, they have won numerous gold and large gold medals at International exhibitions over the years. In 2008, in Bucharest, The Scinde Dawk and Lithograph Issues and their Usages display was awarded the FIP Grand Prix D'Honour, one of the highest awards achievable.

David Parsons, Spink's specialist in charge of the sale, said "Spink are thrilled to have been chosen to auction the award-winning Medina collections. Many collectors worldwide, have waited many years for these fine collections to come onto the market, therefore we anticipate huge interest. This particular item demonstrates the diversity and importance of the collection"

For further press information, please contact: Sandie Maylor, Email: smaylor@spink.com or Telephone: 020 7563 4009

ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER STAMPS OF 19^TH CENTURY PHILATELY EXCEEDS ITS AUCTION ESTIMATE AT SPINK

LONDON. 23th January, 2013. TodaySpink & Son Ltdsold one of the most legendary philatelic rarities in the world for £69,600 way above its pre-sale low estimate of £50,000.The 1854 Inverted Head Four Annas of Indiais a postage stamp cherished and highly sought-after by stamp collectors around the globe and thee was much competition in the room and on the telephones from bidders in the UK and abroad.

The famous 1854 issues of India were lithographed in Calcutta at the offices of the Surveyor-General. During the first printing of the 4anna value a major error occurred, resulting in the head being printed upside down. The example in today's sale was completely free of the faults associated with many of these stamps and in immaculate condition, making it even more significant. It was also one of the world's first multi-coloured stamps and therefore holds its place firmly in the history of philately.

David Parsons, Spink's specialist in charge of the sale, said "We are delighted with the result achieved for this exceptional stamp. As one of the most important pieces of 19^th century Philately, the price achieved and competitive bidding in the room and on the telephones, was more than justified. I hope that the new owner keeps it in as pristine a condition as it came to us."

The stamp, which was purchased by an overseas private collector, was just one of the rare stamps to be sold at auction from the important Medina Collections, which are being offered in a series of sales in London during 2013. As well as thisAward Winning Medina Collection of India, Part 1,sale,was theMedina Collection of Ceylon Pence Issues,which also attracted much interest.

The Medina Collections were formed by private collector Mohammed Sayeed, FRPSL, over the course of many years and are very diverse in content. They include stamps from India and States, Ceylon, Cape of Good Hope, Afghanistan and Great Britain. Highly prestigious, they have won numerous gold and large gold medals at International exhibitions over the years. In 2008, in Bucharest, The Scinde Dawk and Lithograph Issues and their Usages display was awarded the FIP Grand Prix D'Honour, one of the highest awards achievable.

For further press information, please contact: Sandie Maylor, Email: smaylor@spink.com or Telephone: 020 7563 4009

SPINK CONTINUES TO BUILD ITS PRESENCE IN ASIA

GOOD RESULTS REPORTED FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

MIZUHARA COLLECTION OF KOREAN STAMPS &

 SPINK'S BONDS, BANKNOTES & COIN SALES &

TOP PRICES ACHIEVED FOR OUTSTANDING WINES

An 1897 envelope from the Russian Border Committee achieved HK$1,080,000

London. January  14,  2013. Private collectors, specialists and stamp enthusiasts were offered the opportunity to bid on some exceptional items in Spink's Hong Kong auctions held between the 11^th & 13^th January. Among some of the top prices realised were those achieved for the private collection of the great philatelist Meiso Mizuhara, founder of the Japanese Philatelic Society and predominant collector of Korean postal history.

The collection was initiated in 1947, when little was known about Korea. Due to Mizuhara's dedicated study and collecting prowess, the Mizuhara collection became one of the greatest collections of Korea ever formed. He exhibited widely around the globe and due to his collection being so extensive, he was able to compile highly successful multiple exhibitions over the period twenty five years. The collection is rare in that it combines both the Japanese and Korean postal services.

Among the top lots in theMizuhara salewas a delightful and highly important cover dating from 1879, which was sent on the Vladivostok-Nagasaki route, then to Shanghai and by French ship to Europe. Estimated to fetch HK$200,000-250,000 it achieved HK$540,000. Another outstanding exhibition item was a piece bearing horizontal pairs of 5m. rose-pink and 10m. light blue, each cancelled by a central strike of Inchon single-date stamp folded between each stamp and one 10m.These are the only recorded multiples of this issue, making it a prized piece of Korean philately. Estimated at HK$500,000-600,000 it realised HK$508,000.

An 1897 envelope from the Russian Border Committee in Khasan sent to Seoul and bearing on reverse 5p. and 25p. is a remarkable piece from this remote location. Only four examples with the cancellation it bears, are known to have existed. Estimated at HK$150,000-200,000 it achieved HK$1,080,000.

The Fine Stamps of China & Hong Kong salesaw some good results, the top lot, an exceptionally rare error stamp of $2 Hall of Classics with inverted centre used on the cover, sold for HK$4,800,000 and is the only example of this renowned $2 error stamp used on a cover in the world.

 In 1915, Sinkiangoverprinted the current stamps to avoid any currency speculation. In one position on the $1 stamp the second and third characters of the overprint were placed the wrong way around and a few sheets were released before this mistake was discovered.

The particular block in the sale, from the Burkhardt Collection, has remained unseen for seventy years and realized HK$2,640,000 against a pre-sale estimate of HK$1,000,000-1,500,000.

Another star lot was a very rare $2 Hall of Classics with Inverted Centre from the Colonel Valentine Burkhardt Collection which fetched HK$1,200,000 against a pre-sale estimate of HK$800,000-1,000,000. Only one sheet of 50 examples was released and the lot in Spink's sale was an imprint single of position 42 of this error sheet.

An album of Large Dragon issues of Shanghai formed by Colonel Valentine Burkhard achieved HK$960,000 in the sale against an estimate of HK$400,000-500,000. Originally issued in 1865, these are the first postage stamps issued in China. Through dedication, Colonel Valentine Burkhard created a highly sought after collection of this issue.

There was much enthusiastic bidding in the sale ofBanknotes, Bonds & Share Certificates & Coins of China & Hong Kong, where a China Republic, Li Yuan-Hung Founding the Republic dollar achieved HK$90,000 against an estimate of HK$50,000-60,000.

In the Bonds & Shares section, a very fine and detailed Chinese Central Government 6% 'Austrian Loan' £1000 bond, sold for the competitive price of HK$45,600 against a pre-sale estimate of HK$25,000-30,000.

An Honor Company $100 shares certificate dating from 1932 features a lovely vignette of the company's shops and offices. An ornate border and black and blue Chinese text with English makes this is a very attractive piece and instigated spirited bidding. It finally sold for HK$13,200 against an estimate of HK$4,000-5,000.

In the banknote section there was much interest in an 1898 Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation specimen for $50. The note is perforated withcancelledand details a rare Barclay & Fry engraving. Estimated at HK$60,000-80,000, it realised the staggering price of HK$372,000.

Another note of interest was the Deutsche-Asiatische bank note, part issued $100 Peking, 1^st July 1914. A very attractive note featuring Germania at right and arms at top left, a dragon low left, it drew much attention as a fine and rare piece, achieving HK$162,000 against an estimate of HK$100,000-120,000. The sale featured three excellent collections of Chinese banknotes; those from the Thomas d'Adamo Collection from Argentina, The Michael Phua Collection from Singapore and The Keith Austin Collection from Panang., which all sold very well to an enthusiastic and packed saleroom.

Spink's first wine sale of the year, anEvening of Exceptional Winessaw competitive bidding for outstanding wines from France, Australia and the U.S. Bordeaux First growths were as popular as ever, as well as vintage ports.

Among the highlights of the sale was an extremely rare case of six bottles of the revered 1947 Château Cheval Blanc, which sold for HK$793,000 against a pre-sale low estimate of HK$630,000.

The sale saw enthusiastic bidding in the room and on the telephones for five Imperials from Château Pavie, the recently classified Saint-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé, with prices ranging from HK$18,300 to HK$26,840 against estimates of HK$15,000up to HK$27,000.

Spink Fine Wines is already accepting consignments for its April sale and offers free wine valuations all year round.

For further press information, please contact: Sandie Maylor, Email: smaylor@spink.com or Telephone: 020 7563 4009

SPINK APPOINTS TOP SPECIALIST TO DEVELOP ITS FINE WINE DIVISION

Guillaume Willk-Fabia

LONDON. December 4, 2012. Premier collectables auction houseSpink & Son Ltdare delighted to announce the appointment of Guillaume Willk-Fabia to their Fine Wine division. The move will further strengthen Spink's presence in the Fine Wine arena, which has evolved at a rapid pace, since its' acquisition of the long-standing Fine Wine auction businessOeno Chinaearlier this year.

With such an established reputation in the global auction arena since the founding of the company in 1666, Spink will apply the same principles in the development of its Fine Wine business in Asia, as it does to other aspects of its business, placing impeccable provenance and a superb global client service at the forefront of its activity.

Commenting on the appointment, Olivier Stocker CEO of Spink, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Guillaume into this newly-created position, based in our Singapore office. He will be in a prime position to service Asia, alongside our Hong Kong saleroom, with five wine auctions a year scheduled to accommodate demand in the region. Guillaume's primary focus will be to build on the momentum of the company's existing Fine Wine business, offering the rarest and most prestigious bottles, as well as more affordable, yet high quality wines.

Over the last decade and all over the world, I was fortunate enough to have had many wonderful encounters with our clients around a magnificent bottle of wine, sharing views on Collectables, Business and Life in general! So many great memories…Many have asked me why Spink would not bring its reputation for professionalism and integrity to the world of fine wines.

Finally we've done it and we will be focusing on wine that is ready to drink, to stick to an epicurean approach, which will make our sales very different from the four major auction players. They will be smaller and initially more targeted at our community of clients, to ensure tiptop provenance, of course as we go along we hope to bring in many new clients. If my assumption that at least half of our existing clients enjoy their fine wines is right, even though they don't collect per se, it is many thousands of people who will have fun and enjoy the seamless Spink experience of buying or selling their wines!"

Guillaume joins Spink with a wealth of experience. He was born in Suresnes, France and studied at the prestigious Lausanne Hotel School (Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne) in Switzerland.

After graduating Guillaume took a position within the luxury hotel and wine industry, which spring-boarded him into key positions within the luxury brand industry in Asia.

However Guillaume's passion was to become wine and given his extensive knowledge of the subject and market, he startedGWF Wine Conceptin 2009, to provide advice to wine collectors and connoisseurs on their wine portfolio and wine cellaring solutions. Guillaume's knowledge and contacts within the French wine industry have been vital in assisting his clientele to make wise and profitable decisions. He has also helped developed clients tastes and palettes.

With 15 years experience in the industry in Asia, Spink is delighted to have such a qualified and instinctive specialist on board to take on this pivotal role, in driving Spink's Fine Wine business forward.

On accepting his new post, Guillaume commented: "I am thrilled to be joining Spink at such an exciting time. I am looking forward to building on the existing foundation and progressing Spink's Fine Wine business further. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the company's overall development plan."

Guillaume will work alongside Spink's Hong Kong office, led by Anna Lee, his first project being Spink's eighth exciting Fine Wine sale, to be held in Hong Kong on January 13, 2013.

The sale will offer the opportunity to purchase a selection of very rare and highly sought-after First growths from the private cellar of an important wine collector. All lots were purchased directly in Bordeaux and have been stored in optimum conditions, ensuring the very best quality.

Among the highlights is a superb vintage case of Château d'Yquem 1929 (Sauternes, 1er Cru Classé Supérieur), from a private cellar in Bordeaux. Rated 99/100 points by Robert Parker in 2004, from a tasting dinner at Château Robuchon, Tokyo, Japan, his comments were as follows: "We ended with perfection, an extraordinary 1929 Château d'Yquem. While the colour was a medium amber, the wine was incredibly rich, revealing notes of crème brûlée, orange marmalade, caramel, and honeysuckle. This magnificent bottle concluded the greatest meal along with the greatest wines I have ever had in my life." This case of twelve bottles in the original wooden case from the Château, are in exceptional condition and estimated at HK$ 480,000-570,000 per lot.

Among other highlights in the sale is a case (six bottles) of Château Cheval Blanc vintage 1947 (Saint-Emilion, 1er Grand Cru Classé) (A), which was awarded a full 100 points by Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate 10/94).

His comments are as follows: "What can I say about this mammoth wine that is more like port, than dry red table wine? The 1947 Cheval Blanc exhibits such a thick texture it could double as motor oil. The huge nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather, coffee and Asian spices is mind-boggling." It is estimated to fetch HK$ 630,000-750,000 per lot.

From a private collection in England, comes a superb Château Lafite Rothschild vintage 1996 (Pauillac, 1er Cru Classé). Awarded 100 by Robert Parker, he described it thus:" Tasted three times since bottling, the 1996 Lafite-Rothschild is unquestionably this renowned estate's greatest wine.

As I indicated last year, only 38% of the crop was deemed grand enough to be put into the final blend, which is atypically high in Cabernet Sauvignon (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot). This massive wine may be the biggest, largest-scaled Lafite I have ever tasted. It will require many years to come around, so I suspect all of us past the age of fifty might want to give serious consideration as to whether we should be laying away multiple cases of this wine.

It is also the first Lafite-Rothschild to be put into a new engraved bottle (designed to prevent fraudulent imitations). The wine exhibits a thick-looking, ruby/purple colour, and a knock-out nose of lead pencil, minerals, flowers, and black currant scents. Extremely powerful and full-bodied, with remarkable complexity for such a young wine, this huge Lafite is oozing with extract and richness, yet has managed to preserve its quintessentially elegant personality. This wine is even richer than it was prior to bottling. It should unquestionably last for 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. The wine of the vintage?"

100/100 points Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate # 122, April 1999. The estimate per lot is HK$ 47,100-55,100.

A Jeroboam of Château Mouton Rothschild 1982 (Pauillac, 1er Cru Classé), from a private cellar in France is also on offer. In exceptional condition, it was given 100/100 points by Robert Parker and his tasting notes are as follows: ""This wine remains one of the legends of Bordeaux. It has thrown off the backward, youthful style that existed during its first 25 years of life, and over the last 4-5 years has developed such secondary nuances as cedar and spice box. The crème de cassis, underlying floral note, full-bodied power, extraordinary purity, multi-layered texture, and finish of over a minute are a showcase for what this Château accomplished in 1982.

The wine is still amazingly youthful, vibrant and pure. It appears capable of remaining fruity and vibrant in 2082! Thank God it is beginning to budge, as I would like to drink most of my supply before I kick the bucket. This is a great, still youthful wine, and, on occasion, one does understand the hierarchy of Bordeaux châteaux when you see the complexity and brilliance of this first-growth. Anticipated maturity 2015-2050+." 100/100 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #183, June 2009. The estimate per lot is HK$120,000-140,000.

PRIVATE COLLECTION OF NEW SOUTH WALES STAMPS

FORMED BY THE EXTRAORDINARY GUYBON JOHN HUTSON

TO BE OFFERED AT SPINK

An 1885 perf 12 £1 with 'postage' in black, unused with large part original gum, estimated to fetch £2,000-2500

London. January 10, 2013. Private collectors, specialists and stamp enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to attain some of the most highly sought after stamps of New South Wales from the revered Guybon John Hutson collection, that until now have remained as treasures within his family. The collection will go under the hammer at Spink in London on February 19, 2013 and is one of the last research/study collections compiled between the 1930s and 1960s to exist intact.

The collection, which won one of the few gold medals awarded at the London International Stamp Exhibition in 1960, was formed by Guybon John Hutson (1891-1963), who began his career as a banking executive, before joining the Gordon Highlanders in 1915 and then the newly formed Machine Gun Corps.

After only six weeks in action at the Battle of the Somme he was shot through the head, which cost him one of his eyes and the partial sight of the other.

His handicap however did not hold him back, he found a way to use the eyes of others and between the wars formed specialised collections of the pictorial issues of New Zealand, Papua and Tasmania. However Hutson's main philatelic interest was in the stamps of New South Wales, which appealed because of their infinite variation and uninvestigated problems, many of which he solved himself. Hutson's expertise and passion grew so much so that in 1960 the Royal Philatelic Society, of which he had been a fellow for many years, published his book, considered an authority on the subject of Philately. On Hutson's death in 1963 the collection passed to his son, who maintained it until his own death earlier this year.

Nick Startup, Spink's specialist in charge of the sale said of the collection: "We are delighted to have been chosen to sell the Hutson collection at auction, it is a fantastic and very important collection which is one of the best collections of New South Wales ever formed, and one which the market has been eagerly awaiting to surface for many years"

Among the highlights in the collection is an 1854 entire from Orange via Bathurst to London and redirected to Devonport (pictured above), which is (a unique Great Britain and New South Wales combination used on cover). It is estimated to fetch £1500-2000.

An unusually large pair of the 1853 Laureated 8d (pictured top) is estimated at £600-800.

The collection also features an 1850 Sydney View 2d. Plate 1 block with original gum (pictured below). This example is the largest known Sidney View multiple in existence and is a major exhibition item of great importance. It carries an estimate of £15,000-20,000.

Among some of the other top lots is the largest recorded multiple 1856 registered 6d. unused block of six estimated at £5,000-7,000 and a delightful hand-painted essay for the 1897 Jubilee issue (pictured below), which is estimated to fetch £1,000-1,500.

The collection is estimated to fetch between £500,000 and £600,000 with estimates ranging from £80 to £20,000.

For further press information, please contact: Sandie Maylor, Email: smaylor@spink.com or Telephone: 020 7563 4009

SPINK APPOINTS SENIOR CONSULTANT IN LONDON

Ian Shapiro

LONDON. January 10,  2013. Premier collectables auction houseSpink & Son Ltdare pleased to announce the appointment of top Philatelic specialist Ian Shapiro to their London headquarters in Bloomsbury. The appointment has been made to meet the demand of Spink's expansive international collectibles division.

Mr. Shapiro,  who is a respected authority on Royal and historical memorabilia, stamps and postal history, will take up the post with immediate effect, to focus on Spink's continued development of its auction and private treaty business, using his longstanding connections in the UK, South Africa and throughout the world.

With such an established reputation in the world of Philately, Mr. Shapiro, a well-known face at the 'London Olympia Fine Art & Antique Fair' and other distinguished stamp exhibitions around the globe, is the current Chairman of the Cape and Natal Study Circle and sits on the board of directors of the BPA expert committee. He writes and lectures regularly on Royal subjects and gives Philatelic Society displays across the UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Olivier Stocker CEO of Spink, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ian to Spink, where we believe he will be a true asset to our collectibles business as a Senior Consultant. His knowledge on the subject of Philately and valuable experience in key subjects that are core to our business, such as autographs and manuscripts, will mean that Spink can offer even more expertise in the field of collectibles to its clients around the globe."

Mr. Shapiro was born in South Africa and graduated from the University of Cape Town with a B.Com degree. After completing accountancy articles in 1988, he relocated to the UK to pursue interests in the philatelic world. He joined Argyll Etkin Limited, where he served as joint Managing Director for many years. A keen stamp collector since childhood, areas of interest include Southern Africa, Abyssinia, Royal postal history, historical documents, manuscripts, autographs and photographs.

On accepting his new post, Mr. Shapiro said: "It is a great privilege to join a company of such international repute. I look forward to working with a dynamic team and in the process continue to advise and encourage our clients in all aspects of the collecting world".

RICHARD III COIN FOUND NEAR BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD

SELLS FOR £36,000AT SPINK

London. December 5th, 2012. A gold coin discovered near the site of the famous Battle of Bosworth in Leicestershire, bearing Richard III's personal emblem of the boar, has sold for £36,000 to a private collector, against a pre-sale estimate of £12-15,000 at Spink in London. It went under the hammer in Spink's Ancient, English & Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals two day sale in London, on December 4^th & 5^th, 2012.

While badges, sword mounts and cannonballs, as well as other coins have been found near the site of the battle before, the discovery of a contemporary gold coin is most unusual. As well as bearing the personal boar's head emblem of Richard III (1483-85), this very rare coin is in pristine condition, with few signs of wear and tear, suggesting it was recently made when lost. The coin, an Angel, dates from circa 1484 and features St. Michael spearing the dragon on reverse and a ship on the waves with a crucifix above a shield on the obverse.

Commenting on the sale, Spink coin specialist William MacKay, said: "There was fierce competition in the saleroom for this exceptional example of an historically important coin from an interesting find location. This is a fantastic result, which shows the demand continues to be strong for top quality, rare English gold coins."

~ENDS~

SPINK STRENGTHENS CORPORATE TEAM IN LONDON

NEW HEADS OF NUMISMATIC & PHILATELIC DEPARTMENTS

LONDON. November 21, 2012. The leading collectables auction house Spink & Son Ltd are pleased to announce the appointments of two new divisional heads. In the last decade Spink has rapidly expanded from its original London base. In light of these exciting developments it feels the need to underpin its core functions in London, so that it can carry on its success further afield.

The senior appointments are part of the firm's overall drive to strengthen its corporate team at its London headquarters, with its senior team sitting in the UK, but it will consolidate its position, both in the British auction arena and around the globe. After its recent acquisitions of Investphila in Switzerland and Phila China in Hong Kong, Spink will be moving its Dallas operations to its New York auction galleries on 57^th street and will focus its presence in the USA in New York, the heart of the collectibles trade.  Spink will soon unveil their ambitious plans for the New York office.

Commenting on the move, Spink's CEO,Olivier Stockersaid: "Spink trades on its expertise and its unequivocal knowledge of specialised collecting areas, as well as the market, which is central to the company's success. It is therefore crucial to bolster and build on the very best and then emulate this in other Spink locations around the globe. It is imperative that a Spink client is offered the same service, whether in Asia, the US or Switzerland. This is an exciting time for Spink with its highest auction turnover ever around the globe, which makes these appointments very timely, as while the company gains momentum across its international locations, it hopes to be able to offer more to its clients than ever before and with 70 auctions a year, there is always something for everyone, wherever they may be."

SpecialistMike Veissid(pictured left) will become Head of Spink's Numismatic division in London, with overall responsibility for the Coins, Medals, Banknotes, Bonds & Shares and Books departments. Mr. Veissid began his numismatic career at Sotheby's in the early 1970's as a cataloguer and specialist in coins and banknotes at their London headquarters. He departed in 1977 to pursue the business on his own account in Central London.Collectors Gallerywas created on his relocation to Shrewsbury in the early 1980's and remained until acquired by Spink in 2007.

Mr. Veissid's speciality is the Bond and Share Certificate market, which is what brought him to Spink in 2007 and with it, a great opportunity to combine years of experience with the leading collectables auction house. On his appointment Mr. Veissid said: "I am happy to accept such a pivotal position, which will enable me to contribute to the continuing success of Spink. It is an exciting time to take on more responsibility in the company, as it has evolved into a truly international organization."

Guy Croton(pictured left) will take up the post of Head of the Philatelic department with immediate effect, having been a specialist and later also the Business Manager within the department since 2003. Mr. Croton will lead the department and head up a team of specialists in London, while working closely on a senior level with Spink's international offices. He will continue to build the private treaty business of the firm, which has been expanding at a very fast pace.

Mr. Croton began his career at Harmers of London in 1995, where he focused on stamp boxes and GB stamps. He joined Spink as an accomplished specialist in 2003, where he has already contributed to the company's specialist profile and established reputation in the marketplace. On his appointment Mr. Croton said: "I am delighted to accept this role, at a time when Spink is expanding and developing in different directions. This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that while we continue to offer the very best expertise in our field, we are progressive and continuously moving forward."

Tim Hirschwill continue in his role of Managing Director of Global Auctions and will now concentrate his efforts on worldwide business getting across the Spink Group and client liaison.

We are delighted to announce that Paul Dawson will be returning to Spink this month.  All his colleagues wish him well in his new function of client liaison manager for the Numismatics Department.

GREATEST COLLECTION OF AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH STAMPS SELLS FOR OVER £2.2 MILLION AT SPINK, UK

One of Australia's great philatelic rarities that sold today

 It realised £84,000 against an estimate of £35,000-45,000

London. November 14, 2012. The culmination of a two day sale of some of the world's finest Australian Commonwealth stamps proved to be a huge success at Spink today. Stamp collectors from around the globe were bidding furiously in the room, on the internet and on the telephones, for the amazing selection of very rare and fine stamps from an outstanding Australian private collection that spanned two generations.

This incomparable collection was created by William Morgan and his son Hugh Morgan, who, through diligent and passionate collecting via trusted advisors, such as the curator Tom Carter, assembled one of the world's largest and most stunning collections of Australian Commonwealth stamps to have ever been seen on the market.

Commenting on the sale, Spink stamp specialist Nick Startup said: "We are delighted to have had the opportunity to offer such a unique and exceptional collection. To have been able to offer collectors the opportunity to obtain such rarities has been a pleasure and a testament to Hugh Morgan and his trusted aide Tom Carter. My hope is that the buyers treasure these rare examples with the same enthusiasm and passion as Hugh Morgan and his father, who began the collection, did. This truly was a historic sale and one that I will remember for a long time to come."

The top lot of the sale was a superb essay (pictured left) of the highest quality and importance; a ten shilling brown-buff in vertical format , with a kangaroo on a map of Australia, no Tasmania, with two value circles at the top , saw-tooth roulette 141/2 on thin white card.  Estimated at £70,000-90,000 it sold for a staggering £108,000.

 Another exceptional result was for a magnificent exhibition showpiece, of which only eight mint examples have ever been recorded. The marginal block of four 3d. olive Die 1stamps, with 'JBC' monogram is a major rarity of the kangaroo issues. It sold for £84,000 against an estimate of £30,000-40,000 (pictured right).

One of the greatest rarities of Australian philately was one of only two recorded inverted overprints (pictured below). The 2d. golden scarlet Die III, overprinted 'OS' is neatly tied by Ardlethan c.d.s. on 1933 (2 Feb) to Sydney. With only one other recorded example of such an item, (held in the Australia Post Archival Collection), it is not surprising that there was a high demand for it. It achieved £55,000 against a pre-sale estimate of £20,000-30,000.

C of A Watermark 2d. with inverted "OS" used on front from Ardelethan, realised £55,000 against an estimate of £20,000-30,000

The collectors

This outstanding collection was formed over two generations; by William Morgan and his son Hugh Morgan, who together have formed a collection not only of local, but international importance. William Matheson Morgan (1906-1972) was born in Adelaide, Australia, where he studied civil engineering. He worked for various mining companies in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria up until 1940 and then for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria until World War II. Between 1942 and 1944 he served in the Royal Australian Air Force in Northern Australia, Papua and New Guinea, before being demobilised and returning to the State Electricity Commission, to direct coal power projects in the Latrobe Valley.

William Morgan began collecting as a serious pursuit in the early 1960s, joining the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria in 1970. Pages in his collection indicate that he sought advice from a J.R.W. Purves, who guided him on the development of the collection. His major interest was in the Kangaroo and King George V issues, both very specialised. Following William Morgan's death on the 2nd February 1972, the collection passed to his son, Hugh Morgan, in view of his long-standing interest in philately.

Hugh Matheson Morgan (born 1940) followed his father into the Western Mining Corporation and was CEO of the company between 1990 and 2003. He also served as President of the Business Council of Australia from 2003 to 2005, and was appointed to the board of the Reserve bank of Australia in 1996.

Hugh Morgan's interest in stamp collecting began in early childhood, but with the inheritance of his father's collection, Australian Commonwealth became the focus of his interest. He chose initially to concentrate on the decimal issues so as to complement the existing collection, but determined 1972 as a cut-off date, this being the date of his father's death and also a protest against what he saw as an unnecessary proliferation of new issues. Hugh joined the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria in January 1972.

Due to business commitments, little was added to the collection until the mid-1980s, but from 1989, with the assistance of a curator, Tom Carter, selective acquisitions were made. This coincided with a decision to exhibit the collection, which involved the remounting of a large portion of the collection under Tom Carter's guidance.

RICHARD III COIN FOUND NEAR BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD 

London. Monday November 12, 2012. A historical gold coin bearing Richard III's personal emblem of the boar, has been discovered near the site of the famous Battle of Bosworth in Leicestershire and is set to cause much excitement when it goes under the hammer in Spink's Ancient, English & Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals sale in London, on December 4^th & 5^th, 2012.

While badges, sword mounts and cannonballs, as well as other coins have been found near the site before, this particular gold coin is very rare.  As well as it bearing the personal emblem of Richard III (1483-85), it is also in pristine condition, with few signs of wear and tear, which suggests that it was brand new (recently struck) and had not yet been in mass circulation. The coin dates from circa 1484 and has survived untouched by weather or humans over many centuries.

Spink coin specialist William MacKay, said: "It is incredible that just as we are having all the publicity about the discovery of Richard III's tomb in Leicester, this coin, which was found so close to where he met his death, should be brought into our offices. It's a remarkable find and shows little sign of wear and tear, making this very likely a coin lost at the time of the Battle of Bosworth and Richard III's death."

It is conceivable that the owner of this coin was involved in the events of August 1485 and the battle of Bosworth. Other details on the coin feature St. Michael spearing a dragon and on the reverse, a ship on the waves, with a shield and crucifix above it. It is estimated to fetch £12,000-15,000.

FIRST VICTORIA CROSS AWARDED TO A NON COMMISIONED OFFICER OF THE INDIAN ARMY TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT SPINK

London. October 23, 2012. Spink announced today that it will offer for sale the Indian Mutiny V.C. awarded to Sergeant Major (later Lieutenant) Peter Gill of the Loodiana Regiment. The Victoria Cross, which is the highest military decoration bestowed for bravery and gallantry in the face of the enemy, was presented to him for saving the life of an officer and his family at Benares and seeing off 27 mutinous Sepoys with only his Sergeant's sword, on the 4^th June, 1857.

It is the first ever V.C. to be awarded to a non-commissioned officer in the Indian Army, and also the first ever V.C. to a Sikh Regiment. The medal will be offered for sale in Spink's upcoming auction of Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria, on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at Spink in London.

On 23.8.1858 The London Gazette printed the following: 'This non-commissioned officer conducted himself with gallantry at Benares, on the night of the 4^th June 1857. He volunteered, with Sergeant Major Rosamond, of the 37^th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, to bring in Captain Brown, Pension Paymaster and his family, from a detached bungalow into the barracks and saved the life of the Quartermaster-Sergeant of the 25^th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, in the early part of the evening, by cutting off the head of the Sepoy who had just bayonetted him. Sergeant-Major Gill states, that on the same night he faced a guard of 27 men with only a Sergeant's sword; and it is also represented that he twice saved the life of Major Barrett, 37^th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, when attacked by Sepoys of his own regiment.'

Commenting on the importance and rarity of this V.C., Spink medal specialist Oliver Pepys said:

"This V.C. is hugely important for, not only does it give us great historical insight into the period and the outstanding acts of courage and single-handed gallantry displayed during the Mutiny, it is the first awarded to a Sikh Regiment, whose loyalty and bravery were subsequently unsurpassed, and whose men served this country with such distinction for almost a century, from the depths of the Mutiny to victory on the Road to Mandalay. It is certainly a well-earned Cross"

Although it is hard to look at such a historic piece in monetary terms, the pre-sale estimate has been put at £80,000-£100,000. However, with other Victoria Crosses recently sold by Spink achieving high prices, Spink specialists think this V.C. may well realise more than the estimate.

~ENDS~

Notes to Editors

Spink holds the record for the highest price achieved at auction for a V.C. Group to a British recipient: The Victoria Cross group to Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid, Royal Air Force, which realised £348,000 in November 2009.

Spink also holds the world record for a single Victoria Cross sold at auction. The V.C. which was awarded to Rear-Admiral John Bythesea sold for £155,250 in 2007.

About Sergeant Major Peter Gill, V.C.

He was born Dublin in 1816 and after leaving school trained as a tailor. Moving to London he enlisted for service with the Honourable East India Company in the Bengal Artillery, February 1842, and sailed for India aboard the H.E.I.C. SteamshipHenry. Upon his arrival in India he was posted to 5th Company, 3rd Battalion, Bengal Artillery as a Gunner, and served with the Artillery in both the First and Second Sikh Wars, and was awarded both the Sutlej and Punjab Medals, before transferring to the Loodiana Regiment of Sikhs as Sergeant Major in April 1850.

Mutiny at Benares

The Great Sepoy Mutiny started at Meerut on the 10th May 1857, and before the month was out unrest had spread across large parts of northern India. Reports of the mutinies had made the large 'ruffian population' of Benares, many of whom openly carried arms, even more volatile than usual, and fearing a civil uprising the Commissioner, Henry Tucker, and the temporary Station Commander, Colonel Patrick Gordon, Loodiana Regiment, proposed evacuating the garrison, comprising of the Loodiana Regiment, the 37th Native Infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Spottiswoode, a wing of the 13th Irregular Cavalry, and a half battery of European Foot Artillery, to the nearby stronghold at Chunar. However, owing to the importance of securing the road, river, and telegraph links between Calcutta and upper India, it was decided to stay put in the town, and re-enforcements were called for.

News of the Azimgarh mutiny reached Benares during the afternoon of the 4th June- by this time European Garrison had been reinforced by 150 men of the 10th Foot, and 60 men of the 1st Madras Fusiliers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel James Neill. Immediately upon arriving in Benares Neill was determined to disarm the 37th N.I., the most suspect regiment in the town. Despite the reservations of the Officers of the 37th, including their

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Spottiswood, and Major Barrett, who was convinced that the Regiment would remain loyal, Neill got his way and At 5:00pm the disarmament parade began. However, the preparations had been so hurried that that none of the supporting European troops was in position by the time the command was given, and one company after another came up to lodge their muskets in the bells-of-arms. As No. 6 Company were lodging their arms the advance guard of the 10th Foot, accompanied by a number of guns, appeared on the parade ground. A cry went up from the 37th N.I.: 'Our officers are deceiving us, they want us to give up our arms, that the Europeans who are coming up may shoot us down!' (The Indian Mutiny, Saul David refers). Pandemonium broke out.

The Sepoys rushed forward to reclaim their muskets from the bells-of-arms, and opened fire on the nearby European troops, who replied with rifle and accurate artillery and grape fire. Meanwhile the Officers of the 37th were seeking safety with the guns, with the exception of Major Barrett who, believing that his troops had been most unfairly treated, cast in his lot with them and was carried away by Sepoys of his own Regiment. Several Europeans were hit in the ensuring fight, and command soon devolved to Colonel Neill, who ordered the European and Sikh troops to charge the lines of the Sepoys. In the confusion, sowars of the still-loyal 13th Irregular Cavalry shot in the direction of the Sikhs, who faced about and returned fire. Assuming that the Sikhs had mutinied, the European gunners opened fire on them, causing the whole Regiment to scatter.

Fighting continued into the evening; those mutineers who had sought shelter in the Lines were driven out and destroyed, whilst a few who succeeded in hiding themselves were burnt to death in their huts. During the operations Gill volunteered along with Sergeant-Major Rosamond, 37th N.I., to collect to safety the Pension Paymaster and his family, who were cut off in an isolated detached bungalow, which the mutineers had set on fire. He also claimed to have twice saved the life of Major Barrett, who having entrusted his life to the men of his Regiment soon found himself under attack by mutinous sepoys. For these acts of Gallantry Gill was awarded the Victoria Cross, the first V.C. to be awarded to a Non-Commissioned Officer of the Bengal Army, and the first to a Sikh Regiment.

Commissioned Ensign in the Moradabad Infantry Levy on the 16th April 1858, Gill served with his new Regiment for the rest of the Mutiny until frontier operations in Oudh came to an end in April 1859, and he was presented with his Victoria Cross later that year in India. Promoted Lieutenant, Indian Establishment, in May 1863, he served as Lieutenant on Duty at Lucknow for the next four years, before being appointed Barrack Master (1st Class) at Morar, Gwalior, on the 21st October 1867. Lieutenant Peter Gill died at Morar a year later on the 24th October 1868, aged 52, and is buried in the Artillery Lines Cemetery, Gwalior, India.

THE GODFATHER

OF THE PENNY BLACK

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME COLLECTION TO GO

UNDER THE HAMMER AT SPINK AUCTIONEERS

SIR ROWLAND HILL

A highly important Letter from Sir Rowland Hill (1795 -1879) to William Wyon

Estimated at £6,000-8,000

 A unique and historic letter, dated 3 June 1840, from a visionary innovator, who revolutionised the British postal service, to William Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint (1795-1851), whose immortal design of Queen Victoria's head was incorporated on all British stamps, until her death in 1901. This letter marks a significant point in philatelic history, as Hill discusses in detail Wyon's replacement - an embossed envelope - for the ill-fated and ridiculed Mulready pre-paid envelope, which was introduced on 6 May 1840, along with the famous 1d Black and 2d Blue, the first postage stamps in the world.

 'THE GAVIN LITTAUR COLLECTION OF BRITISH POSTAL HISTORY'

WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT SPINK AUCTIONEERS IN LONDON ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2012

Since the age of 8 years old, Gavin developed an obsessive interest in philately, attended auctions as a teenager, and soon specialised in British stamps and postal history. The 39 exceptional rarities in this auction, some of which have never been available on the open market, and many of which are unique, now provide a one-off opportunity for the most discerning collectors and investors. Numerous pieces in this concentrated sale have been exhibited at International Exhibitions, in displays which have been awarded three Large Gold Medals, and three Special Prizes. Mentored by some of philately's giants of the time, Gavin has always searched for the very best of the best, with quality his watchword. His postal history collection is generally considered to be the best in the United Kingdom and, the finest ever formed of British postal history in the world. Below are 3 more pieces from the selection of 39 rarities.

"IT'S NOT THE MEN IN MY LIFE THAT COUNT - IT'S THE LIFE IN MY MEN"

The 'Mae West' Too Late handstamp on a 1d Black cover to Edinburgh

  Estimated at £2,500 - £3,000

When letters were handed in after the official Post Office closing time, they were marked 'Too Late', in a variety of forms. The spectacularly bulbous example above (Lot 1023), is known as the 'Mae West', due to its similarity to her significant and famous assets. It is particularly rare on a cover, bearing a 1d Black. The stamp is here cancelled by a perfectly crisp and upright example of the Maltese Cross postmark, which was cancelled in Lockerby on 3 December 1840.

THE LEGENDARY 'DEAL SHIP LETTER' COVER FROM MADEIRA  

 'DEAL / SHIP LETTER' on a 2d Blue cover from Madeira

 Estimated at £80,000 - £100,000

The world's first stamps, the 1840 1d Black and 2d Blue, were cancelled by a decorative postmark, called the 'Maltese Cross', in red or black, although other colours are occasionally found. A unique cancellation usage is found on a 2d Blue, on a letter from Funchal, Madeira, dated 1 October 1840, with the adhesive cancelled solely by the 'DEAL / SHIP  LETTER' handstamp (Lot 1026). This legendary cover, which is illustrated in 'A History of the Ship Letters of the British Isles' by Alan Robertson, is the pièce de résistance of all cancellations on line-engraved covers of the 1840s.

THE 'SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH ENVELOPE'

The 'TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCH, / BY SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH.' envelope, with cross-Channel message, dated 23 February 1852

Estimated at £50,000 - £60,000

The submarine telegraph line involved running a cable under the sea, and it was the first successful service of its kind in the world, enabling rapid communication between Britain and the Continent. John Walker Brett (1805-1863) and his younger brother, Jacob, pioneered this successful operation, establishing the Submarine Telegraph Company in 1850. Messages via their Patent Printing Telegraph were communicated by means of copper wire, insulated with two layers of gutta-percha.

This sensational envelope, is of major importance in the field of transport and communication, and was sent just 3 months after the line was opened to the public for the transmission of messages, under commissions from the French and Belgian Governments. In his telegraphic message, Captain Baldock writes to a Mrs Taylor, wishing her and her husband a pleasant journey to India, and a happy re-union with her friends in England. This envelope is a demonstration of the huge advances being made in the field of inter-Continental communications in the Victorian era. Unfortunately, John Brett died in a Staffordshire lunatic asylum, but his ground-breaking achievement lives on.

MEDALS AWARDED TO AVIATION LEGEND JOHN 'CAT'S EYES' CUNNINGHAM TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT SPINK

London. 22nd August 2012. The outstanding collection of medals and memorabilia relating to Group Captain John 'Cat's Eyes' Cunningham, the highest-scoring night fighter ace of the Second World War and pioneering chief test pilot for de Havilland during the jet age, will be offered for sale at Spink on the 6^th September 2012 as part of the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust Appeal Charity Auction.

Cunningham's Honours and Awards include the C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire); the D.S.O. (Distinguished Service Order) with 2 Bars; the D.F.C. (Distinguished Flying Cross) with Bar; the 1939-1945 Star, with Battle of Britain Bar; the Air Crew Europe Star; the War Medal, with Mentioned in Despatches oak leaf; the Air Efficiency Award; the American Silver Star; and the Soviet Order of the Patriotic War First Class, and are offered with a large related archive including the recipient's Flying Log Books and various trophies, uniforms, and aviation memorabilia. The lot is estimated at £140,000-180,000, and is one of many important flying groups included in the auction.

Cunningham first came to prominence in the night skies over London during the 1940 Blitz, where he quickly achieved a number of victories and gained national recognition with the British public. Paraded as a hero by the Royal Air Force, he was given the nick-name 'Cat's Eyes'- for the benefit of propaganda his uncannily clear eyesight at night was attributed to the carrots that he ate, when in reality it was due to the top-secret A.I. Radar system.

The vendor's proceeds from the sale of this lot will be put towards flying scholarships for young people, an entirely appropriate move that ensures the legacy of such men is passed onto the next generation and the entire sales commission from this auction will be donated by Spink to the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust appeal.

Bentley Priory served as the Headquarters of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. It was from here that Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding controlled and directed the Battle between 10th July 1939 & 31st October 1940. It is a battle in which Cunningham excelled and in which the courage of all those who participated was pivotal, as its success averted a German invasion and led the way for European liberation.

As the house was declared surplus by the Ministry of Defence, an opportunity arose to tell its unique and important story for future generations. The role of preserving this architecturally significant building that played such a significant role in national social and international military history was taken on by The Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust.  The Trust was created by the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, whose members are made up of the survivors of 'The Few' aircrew that fought in the Battle of Britain. 'The Few' consider Bentley Priory their spiritual home.

After seven years of hard work and negotiation the Trust has secured £11.6 million out of the total project costs of £13.4 million required to secure the long term future of the Priory and to create a sustainable museum and learning centre that will benefit a broad audience. The final hurdle is to raise £1.2 million to fit out the museum.  A bid for a Heritage Grant of £650 000 has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund who have already generously awarded £45K towards the development work for the museum. 

The museum and learning centre will offer a state of the art programme about the significance of the Battle of Britain and provide information on citizenship and above all, history. The lots in this special charity auction, donated by the families of those that have fallen, or were honoured for outstanding bravery in action, and have since died, will make a significant contribution to this worthy cause. The Trust is very grateful to Spink for their generous support.

Greatest Collection Of Australian Commonwealth Stamps Sees Daylight After Two Generations

Third Watermark £2 with Harrison imprint

London. July 24, 2012. An outstanding selection of the world's finest Australian Commonwealth stamps will go on sale to the public, after two generations of private collecting. Stamp collectors and enthusiasts will be offered the rare treat of being able to pick from some extremely rare examples, which will go on sale in a special auction at Spink in London on the 13 & 14 November, 2012.

This outstanding collection was created by William Morgan and his son Hugh Morgan, who, through diligent and passionate collecting via trusted advisors have culminated in one of the world's largest and most stunning collections of Australian Commonwealth stamps to have ever come on to the market.

Nick Startup, Stamp specialist at Spink UK, said: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to offer such a unique and exceptional collection. The calibre of this collection of Australian Commonwealth stamps has not been seen since the Kilfoyle Collection in the early 1960s. We can only express our excitement that stamp collectors have been afforded the opportunity to obtain such rarities that have not been seen for many years."

Among the highlights in the collection is the design for a 1911 Stamp Design Competition. On 21 January 1911 a Commonwealth Stamp Design Competition was announced to find a design for the new stamps. The rules stipulated that designs were to "contain features characteristic of Australia and had to include the words "AUSTRALIA" and "POSTAGE". All entries were to be made under a nom-de-plume. The Morgan collection contains five different pen and ink essays by "Haereo", the nom-de-plume of E.T. Luke, who worked at The Age newspaper in Melbourne. He was able to take advantage of his position to prepare lithographic-printed essays of his designs, which were affixed below his enlarged drawings.

 E.T. Luke competition entry

With the development of the Kangaroo and Map design, a series of essays were produced. One such is a horizontal design showing the kangaroo on a map of Australia, flanked by draped flags. Only eight known examples are recorded, of which five are in the National Philatelic collection of Australia Post. The Morgan collection has the 2½d. printed in blue.

Other essays in the collection include a vertical design showing the map of Australia without Tasmania, and two value circles in the upper part of the design. These are the rarest of all the Kangaroo essays, with only five examples, all of different denominations, being recorded. The Morgan collection contains two of the three in private hands.

Type 1 essay

Another essay features the final approved design. These essays were printed in sheetlets of four. One had ½d., 1d., 2d. and 3d. denominations, and the other had 5/-, 10/- and 20/- denominations plus a lone kangaroo. The Morgan collection contains one of the largest groups of these essays ever assembled, including one of only seven recorded high value sheetlets.

The issued stamps of the Kangaroo issue include a multitude of the "JBC" and "CA" monograms plus the various imprints. Of particular note are the First watermark ½d. "JBC" corner monogram block of twelve imperforate at base and a used example with sideways watermark, and 3d. "JBC" monogram block of four imperforate on three sides. The highlights of the Third watermark include the 2½d. missing "1" of fraction perforated OS,  a 2/- with "CA" monogram  a 2/- pair imperforate on three sides and a £2 block of four with Harrison imprint.

 The King George V Heads include Perkins, Bacon die proofs in First, Second and Fourth States. Another die proof in the collection is the 1/4d. in issued colour. Again monograms and imprints are to be found throughout the various printings and denominations. Of particular note is the C of A watermark 2d. red with inverted "OS" overprint on 1933 front from Ardelethan. Three examples of this error are recorded, but this is the only example known on entire.

1/4d. die proof in issued colour

The King George VI issues include a range of multiples showing plate numbers. These plate numbers were intended to be trimmed prior to issue, therefore they survive only as a result of mis-guillotining, or because of paper folds during printing, and represent major rarities of the reign.

C of A Watermark 2d. with inverted "OS" used on front from Ardelethan

In 1942-44 six new designs were issued to meet increased postal rates. Virtually the only surviving die proofs of the earlier series are in the Royal Philatelic Collection, but of the 1942-44 series a single additional set of presentation die proofs was made to the Director-General of the Post Office, Mr. L.B. Fanning. The Morgan collection contains a die proof of the 5½d. Emu definitive from this source.

1942 5½d. Emu die proof in issued colour

The Morgan collection of Queen Elizabeth issues includes some the rarest and most important errors of this period. The first missing colour to occur on an Australian stamp, is the 1955 Y.M.C.A. commemorative with the red triangle omitted. The triangle was added as a second operation by typography. Two examples were discovered soon after issue, one mint and the other used on cover cancelled at Caufield South. The cover did not appear on the philatelic market until 1970, when it was purchased for the Morgan collection.

Another major rarity is the 1963 5d. green commemorative for the 50th Anniversary of Canberra vertical corner pair imperforate at right. Other than this pair, only a single used example has been found.

In the Decimal period, numerous missing colours are to be found in the collection, particularly among the 1966 definitives and comprise the 5c. brown omitted, 13c. red omitted, 15c. grey omitted, 15c. pink omitted and 30c. red omitted, all in strips in combination with normal stamps.

The collection is estimated to sell for in excess of £3 million.

The collectors

William Morgan began collecting as a serious pursuit in the early 1960s, joining the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria in 1970. Pages in his collection indicate that he sought advice from a J.R.W. Purves, who guided him on the development of the collection. His major interest was in the Kangaroo and King George V issues, both very specialised. Following William Morgan's death on the 2nd February 1972, the collection passed to his son, Hugh Morgan, in view of his long-standing interest in philately.

Hugh Matheson Morgan (born 1940) followed his father into the Western Mining Corporation and was CEO of the company between 1990 and 2003. He also served as President of the Business Council of Australia from 2003 to 2005, and was appointed to the board of the Reserve bank of Australia in 1996.

Hugh Morgan's interest in stamp collecting began in early childhood, but with the inheritance of his father's collection, Australian Commonwealth became the focus of his interest. He chose initially to concentrate on the decimal issues so as to complement the existing collection, but determined 1972 as a cut-off date, this being the date of his father's death and also a protest against what he saw as an unnecessary proliferation of new issues. Hugh joined the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria in January 1972.

Due to business commitments, little was added to the collection until the mid-1980s, but from 1989, with the assistance of a curator, Tom Carter, selective acquisitions were made. This coincided with a decision to exhibit the collection, which involved the remounting of a large portion of the collection under Tom Carter's guidance. 

For further press information, or pictures, please contact: Sandie Maylor,

Email:

smaylor@spink.com

or Telephone:

020 7563 4009

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs   books, wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 70 auctions a year around the globe.  All catalogues are available on our website and through our Spink App for iPhone and iPad, and all auctions are broadcast live on our SpinkLive system.

Largest Collection Of Provincial Banknotes To Come On To The Market

London. July 12, 2012. Spink, the world's premier auction house for collectables is to offer the most extensive collection of provincial banknotes to have ever come on to the market. This fabulous collection was amassed by one private collector, David Kirch and all proceeds will go to The David Kirch Charitable Trust. It will be offered in a series of auctions at Spink, London, the first of which will take place in early October, 2012.

The David Kirch Collection of English Provincial Banknotes offers something for everyone, as a diverse range of counties are represented from all across England. The banknotes offer a fascinating insight into the history of banking and how currency has developed throughout the UK.

Barnaby Faull, Head of Spink's Banknotes department, said: "This is without doubt the most extensive selection of iconic and historical notes of this series ever assembled, with over 3,500 notes from towns throughout England. From Penzance in the West, to Berwick in the North - it is a landmark collection, with the opportunity to purchase a real part of your local history wherever you may be situated in the UK."

Indeed, the notes, which date from the second half of the 18th century, right up to the 1920s, sport local bank information and unique designs and vignettes that capture the essence of the times in which they were produced. Some are even art works in their own right, with creative pictorials of the countryside, or buildings of significance in the town or region in which they were produced.

The collection is so extensive that it will be offered in a series of four auctions, county by county. The first will concentrate on the South and South West of England and will feature many extremely rare examples, some of which have not been seen since they were used as currency many years ago. Individual Banknotes range from between £100 - 3,000.

For further press information, or pictures, please contact: Sandie Maylor,

Email:

smaylor@spink.com

or Telephone:

020 7563 4009

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs   books, wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 70 auctions a year around the globe.  All catalogues are available on our website and through our Spink App for iPhone and iPad, and all auctions are broadcast live on our SpinkLive system.

London. 19^th July, 2012. Today Spink UK offered for sale the first V.C. ever awarded to a private soldier in the Great War (1914-18). The medal group sold to a private collector for £276,000, far exceeding its' pre-sale estimate of £140-180,000.

The Victoria Cross group of six was awarded to Private S.F. Godley, Royal Fusiliers, for his defence of the Nimy Bridge at Mons on the 23rd August 1914, during the first infantry attack of the Great War.

The Victoria Cross (V.C.) is the highest military decoration given for bravery and gallantry in the face of the enemy. The award is given to the armed forces in various Commonwealth countries, as well as all of the former British Empire territories. Private Godley was a worthy recipient, as although severely wounded by shrapnel and with a bullet lodged in his skull, he took over a machine-gun from his mortally wounded commanding officer and continued to hold his position, single-handedly for two hours, against a sustained heavy German assault. When the order came to withdraw, he maintained a covering fire until the entire battalion was evacuated. After much resistance he was eventually overtaken by the enemy and taken as a prisoner of war.

The announcement of his award was published in the London Gazetteon the 25^th November, 1914 and read:'For coolness and gallantry in fighting his machine gun under a hot fire for two hours after he had been wounded at Mons on 23rd August.'

The original Recommendation, by Lieutenant F.W.A. Steele, Royal Fusiliers, states: 'In the defence of a railway bridge near Nimy, 23rd August 1914, Private Godley of 'B' Company showed particular heroism in his management of the machine guns. His Commanding Officer having been severely wounded and each machine gunner in turn shot, Private Godley was called to the firing line on the bridge and under heavy fire he had to remove three dead bodies and proceed to an advanced machine gun position under a sustained enemy fire. He carried on defending the position for two hours after he had received a severe head wound.'

Commenting on the sale, Oliver Pepys, said: "The Godley V.C. is one of the most distinguished medal groups of the Great War, so it was not surprising that it attracted much interest. I am delighted that the sale drew attention to such a valiant man, who through his actions at Mons set a standard that the British Tommy would aspire to for the rest of the War. He brought honour to his regiment and that legacy will live on, as a sign of what he endured for his country."

For further press information, or pictures, please contact: Sandie Maylor,

Email:

smaylor@spink.com

or Telephone:

020 7563 4009

Note to Editors

Spink holds the record for the highest price achieved at auction for a V.C. Group to a British recipient: The Victoria Cross group to Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid, Royal Air Force, which realised £348,000 in November 2009.

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs   books, wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 70 auctions a year around the globe.  All catalogues are available on our website and through our Spink App for iPhone and iPad, and all auctions are broadcast live on our SpinkLive system.

London. June 28, 2012. Today Spink, the world's premier auction house for collectables, sold the first known coin ever issued in Scotland for the staggering price of £8,400. The penny, discovered near Harrogate in North Yorkshire in 1998, is one of less than only ten known examples ever found and existing today, making it exceptionally rare. The coin was purchased by a private collector in the room, for more than three times its pre-sale low estimate of £2,500 at Spink's UK headquarters in London.

Speaking after the sale, William MacKay, British Coin Specialist at Spink, said: "This is a truly historic coin, as it is the first ever issued for Scotland, which explains the considerable interest in it. The buyer has acquired a very special piece of Scottish history and I am delighted that its significance has been acknowledged in this way, by achieving a well-deserved price."

Notes to editors:

This rare first coin of Scotland was produced in Carlisle, Cumberland. Henry I of England (d.1135) had established a mint there, which is thought to have made silver pennies, using the silver from mines in the North Pennines. In 1136 David I of Scotland (1124-53) took over Cumberland and with it, the Carlisle Mint. He continued to strike silver pennies there, but from that moment on, they were produced in his own name as King of Scotland. In so doing the first Scottish coinage was created. Previous to this, no coins had been issued by the Scots.

This coin was produced byErebald, the same person as those of Carlisle, for Henry I during his rule and are similar in type as those issued for Henry I, with one difference, that they were produced in the name of David I, King of Scotland.

David I, of Scotland who had lands in England, played a leading part in the early troubled years of the reign of King Stephen of England (1135-54) and invaded the north of England. In the absence of Stephen, who was engaged in the south, the northern barons led by Thurstan, Archbishop of York, gathered an army and defeated David I at the Battle of the Standard near Northallerton in North Yorkshire in August 1138. The loss of this coin, found near Harrogate is believed to be associated with his invasion of the north and subsequent defeat. 

For further press information, or pictures, please contact: Sandie Maylor,

Email:

smaylor@spink.com

or Telephone:

020 7563 4009

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs   books, wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 70 auctions a year around the globe.  All catalogues are available on our website and through our Spink App for iPhone and iPad, and all auctions are broadcast live on our SpinkLive system.

Spink held its inaugural fine wine auction in Hong Kong on March 8th 2012 with a selection of 380 lots on offer to the public. The sale room was buzzing as the first lot, a magnum of Bollinger, was sold. The highlight of the sale was a rare cognac, the Remy Martin Louis XIII Rare Cask, which sold for HK$183,000 - a new world record price.

For further press information, or pictures, please contact: Sandie Maylor,

Email:

smaylor@spink.com

or Telephone:

020 7563 4009

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs   books, wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 70 auctions a year around the globe.  All catalogues are available on our website and through our Spink App for iPhone and iPad, and all auctions are broadcast live on our SpinkLive system.

Spink is pleased to announce it has acquired Phila China, a leading philatelic auction house based in Hong Kong and founded by Anna Lee. This is the second acquisition for Spink over the past two months coming just on the heels of their recent acquisition of Investphila in Switzerland. Spink will at the same time acquire Oeno China, the fine wine auction business also founded by Anna Lee.

Phila China was established over a decade ago and since its first sale in 2001 the house has seen great success with over 40 auctions specializing in philately. It is, in fact, the longest standing independent rare stamp auction house focusing on China philately in Hong Kong. Its offices and galleries in the Malaysian Consulate Building on 50 Gloucester Road in the center of Hong Kong are ideally located for local and overseas collectors visiting Hong Kong. Over the past ten years the offices have seen some of the most prestigious collectors and collections pass through their doors. Phila China have broken countless records for stamps sold in Hong Kong and last year they sold the highest priced Chinese philatelic item for HK$10,120,000, a set of 1888 Imperial Chinese stamps issued for use in Taiwan.

More recently, Anna Lee and Phila China have welcomed fine wine collectors to the mix and after six auctions, under the name Oeno China, have built up a reputation among connoisseurs in Hong Kong as fine wine continues to grow more and more popular with collectors in the region. Spink and Oeno China will plan to hold four fine wine auctions a year moving forward. Each sale will consist of the world's rarest and most prestigious bottles alongside more affordable quality wines. As the market for fine wines is so strong at the moment we look forward to offering our vast global combined client base a resource for buying and selling in what has quickly developed as the most prominent center
in the world for wine trading.

Anna Lee, the owner of Phila China, was born in Shanghai, raised in Hong Kong and educated in the UK and the USA. Her early career path led her through retail banking, advertising and broadcasting. Involved in philately at a very young age under the influence of her father, Anna today is a renowned collector of China philately of whom she has single-handedly built up one of the greatest China collections over the past three decades. A keen philatelist in her own right, Anna has over the years contributed immensely to the promotion of philately in the region, as Vice President of The Hong Kong Philatelic Society (the oldest philatelic society in Asia, founded in 1921) and organizer of the first East Asian Philatelic held in August 2011, a huge success and dubbed the best ever philatelic exhibitionheld in recent years for China philately, gathering over 20 Gold and Large Gold exhibits under one roof for the first time ever. Anna will remain with Spink as Vice Chairman in Hong Kong.

Olivier Stocker, Chairman and CEO at Spink, commented on the new acquisition: "We feel very strongly that this acquisition in Hong Kong is a natural step forward in global expansion for the company. We have, after all, been conducting auctions in Hong Kong for nearly two decades now. However, we've been looking for some time to find the right partner to open an office in this area and feel we have finally found the perfect fit with Anna Lee and Phila China. This acquisition will truly allow us to hit the ground running. We already have our inaugural sale planned for the second week in January and are looking forward to working closely with the team in Hong Kong to make this first sale together one for the record books. Phila China will also provide us with the perfect platform to offer all our collectables lines in the region, not only stamps but also coins, banknotes, bonds and shares, autographs and medals. We shall also be able now to run at least four auctions a year in Hong Kong, which is a long awaited development
by many of our loyal customers"

Anna Lee, founder of Phila China, commented: "Although I have met Olivier Stocker, Spink's chairman and CEO, only recently and share his long term vision for the Collectables business, I have known and worked closely with Tim Hirsch since 1980 and I am very pleased to renew this relationship some thirty years later. Having founded Phila China some ten years ago I have always kept a look out for ways to expand and improve the business. When I was approached by Spink I was pleased to be given the opportunity to join forces with a company that has such a wonderful reputation in the business and a similar ethos as Phila China. I was also very excited to hear that Olivier and Tim were keen to expand our fine wine business which I am sure many of our joint clients will appreciate in the future!"

Every once in a good while, an autograph appears on the market that is so rare and unique that its presence in an auction becomes an event. Such was the case in Spink's Collectors Series sale held on November 16 in New York City, when we were able to offer the extremely rare autograph of Louis XVII of France and Navarre, known generally as Louis-Charles, the "Lost Dauphin." I have said that the item is rare and unique; I remember the first time I heard that phrase and wondered aloud whether it wasn't redundant to say that something unique is rare. In the world of collecting, that is not quite the case. Young Louis is the Holy Grail of French Revolution autographs because his writing is rare. The only examples known to be in private hands are a few leaves from a copy-book on which he has practiced writing his name in bold calligraphic letters. It was one of these rare leaves, covered with the Dauphin's name, "Louis Charles," that appeared in Spink's November sale. What made the autograph unique was the presence at the bottom of the page of three additional signatures as "Louis," each as part of a string of characters in the prince's natural handwriting undoubtedly scribbled in order to finish the ink in his pen, as each begins boldly and then fades as the ink runs out. Thus, the item was both rare and unique, making it especially desirable as the only one of its kind among a type that is already very scarce. Accordingly, the autograph brought a strong $30,000 (£19,200) at auction, a solid price even for such a rare item.

Little Louis-Charles was not raised to become king. That distinction belonged to his older brother, Louis-Joseph. As the second son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, he was born the Duke of Normandy, and could expect a life of wealth, relative leisure, and perhaps prominence at court or as a patron of the arts and sciences. But Louis-Joseph died at age seven in 1789 after a brief illness, plunging his royal parents into deep mourning and making four-year-old Louis-Charles the future King of France and Navarre.

We have no way of knowing how the little prince felt when destiny placed him a heartbeat from the throne. At such a young age, he was unable to express himself, and in any event, tragedy had only begun to leave its fatal mark on his family. Just a month after Louis-Joseph's death in June 1789, the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille in Paris. In October, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Prince Louis-Charles, and his older sister Princess Marie Therese were moved from Versailles to the Tuileries Palace in Paris, where they were kept under house arrest.

For the next two years, they lived a secluded but peaceful life, undoubtedly clinging to the hope that the revolution would blow over, or that there would be a peaceful resolution that preserved the monarchy in some form. During this time, the Dauphin Louis-Charles underwent schooling appropriate for a future king. We know that he learned to write in a compact but fairly legible hand, for a catechism exists that is thought to be his work, with corrections added by his father. This writing matches that at the bottom of our unique copy-book page. And yet none of these much resembles the Dauphin's most famous signature, the story of which is profoundly sad and rather sordid.

In 1791, the royal family tried to escape its confinement, but failed and were returned to the Tuileries. Meanwhile, the flames of revolution, far from burning themselves out, became ever more intense as different radical factions vied for dominance and moderate elements were pushed aside. A deadly mob attacked the Tuileries in August 1792, and Louis-Charles and his family were moved to the Great Tower, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. They were given the family name of Capet, for the Revolution no longer countenanced the monarchy, and soon Louis XVI was separated from his wife and children and put on trial for treason. He was duly convicted and executed on the guillotine January 21, 1793.

To royalists, the execution of Louis XVI made Louis-Charles the rightful King of France and Navarre as Louis XVII, a position reinforced when the Bourbons were briefly restored under his uncle, who was known as Louis XVIII. However, the boy would never take the throne. In July, he was taken from his mother and placed under the care of a cobbler and his wife. Accounts of his treatment differ greatly. It seems that he was neither starved nor neglected, but stories began to circulate that he was living a rough life full of the vices of the street. He was visited in October by agents of the revolutionary government, who induced him - reportedly by plying him with strong drink - to sign an affidavit accusing his mother, Marie Antoinette, of a wealth of heinous crimes, the most shocking of which was sexual abuse of the Dauphin himself. Louis' signature (as Louis Charles Capet) on the document is a shaky scrawl that differs from confirmed examples of his hand including our copy-book page, suggesting that he was, in fact, drunk when he signed it, and had ceased to be given regular lessons to keep up his penmanship.

This ugly incident was wholly unnecessary, for the worst accusations against the queen were disregarded at her trial. Nevertheless, the verdict of treason was never in doubt, and she shared her husband's fate in October 1793. The boy king was taken from the cobbler and placed in a cell, where he suffered neglect and became seriously ill. While he lived, he was a danger to the new French Republic. Princess Marie Therese, in contrast, was kept in seclusion but not denied ordinary human comforts, for under salic law, she could never succeed to the throne. On June 8, 1795, after a year of illness, King Louis XVII died in prison of scrofula (lymphatic tuberculosis), but his strange and sad history was not finished.

Because of the bizarre accusations against his mother, subscribed in such a strange hand; and because only his family's enemies saw him during the last several months of his life, the announcement of Louis-Charles' death was answered immediately with stories that he had escaped and was still alive, and that the boy who died in captivity was an impostor. Oddly, the revolutionary authorities did not simply have Marie Therese identify her little brother's body, and the tales came to have a life of their own. Throughout much of the 19th century, men would claim to be the "Lost Dauphin" of France, and therefore true heir to the French throne. Conspiracy theories were finally put to rest only in 2000, when DNA testing showed that the preserved heart of the little prisoner was indeed that of Louis-Charles, King Louis XVII of France.

Exceedingly Rare Louis XVII
Autograph of the "Lost Dauphin"

Price Realised:
$30,000/£19,200

Great moments in history, and the people who made them, are the stuff of autograph collectors' dreams. The French Revolution would dominate European history for a century, by giving birth to the Napoleonic era, by heralding the beginning of the end for absolute monarchies, and by providing a terrifying example of the form revolution could take, leading some nations to reform and others to reaction. To own an autograph from one of the personalities at the center of the revolutionary storm is to own a piece of our indelible history. The autographs of Louis XVI and of Napoleon have naturally been popular, and are necessary elements of any French Revolution collection, but their very prominence means that they are not at all rare. Less common is the writing of Marie Antoinette, or of revolutionary leader Maximilien Robespierre, though either can be found for the right price with a little work. Rarer still are revolutionary Georges Danton, who was himself executed during the Reign of Terror, and Joseph-Ignace Guillotine, who championed the humane device (compared to the scaffold) that came to bear his name, linking it forever with the Terror's thirst for blood. But the rarest and most desirable is the autograph of the Lost Dauphin, who lived half of his brief life under the shadow of revolution, and became a victim of the heedless march of history.

Spink is pleased to announce it has acquired Investphila of Switzerland. Investphila was founded 30 years ago by its Chairman Guido Craveri, who was formerly a partner in Harmers Switzerland. Mr Craveri and his team have firmly established Investphila as the world leader for stamp auctions of South and Central America material as well as Russia. After completing over 50 auctions, Investphila have broken many records and brought to the market landmark collections such as The "Dr. Paolo Bianchi" collection and The "Lipschutz" Collection of Russia, The "Shaida" Collection of Great Britain and The "Concordia" Collection of Uruguay. Thanks to their ideal location in Lugano they also have a dominant share of the Italian and Swiss philatelic market.

In 1997, the Board of the Smithsonian Institution of Washington nominated Guido Craveri Chairman of the Council of Philatelists of the National Postal Museum (the largest and most visited postal museum in the world), and he remained in that office up to the expiry of his second and final mandate. By way of acknowledgement and thanks to the work carried out, he was nominated Emeritus Chairman in 2004.

Spink and Investphila have both shared tremendous successes over the past 12 months. Spink continue to break world records at auction with each category of collectables they represent. In the past three months alone Spink broke new ground in philately with The Chartwell Collection. In just 48 hours over £5 million worth of stamps were sold including a new UK record for a stamp sold at auction - over £1 million for the 2d. blue Post Office Mauritius. Investphila, since establishing its amazing record at CHF3.4million for the Great Britain 2 May cover, a huge price today but even more so twenty years ago, has had an unparalleled string of records for South America. It was only a matter of time before these two prestigious firms, sharing values of customer service and results, joined forces. And in keeping with their usual style they will be hitting the ground running as the "Spink Investphila" maiden sale is scheduled to take place in Lugano in early 2012 and will feature some amazing Latin American Collections and rarities, already with both houses.

Commenting on the acquisition, Spink Chairman and CEO, Olivier Stocker, said:

"Our aim at Spink is to continue on our path as the world's most global and reputable firm in the Collectables business. Establishing a presence in Switzerland will enable us to further improve our service to customers around the world. We were pioneers with our auctions in Hong Kong and Singapore 20 years ago, but we also believe in the formidable potential of the Russian and South American collectables market. Additionally, Investphila will further strengthen our market position in the more mature markets of continental Europe, where they have the dominant position in Italy and very strong in Switzerland. We shall also progressively introduce there our Collectables expertise in other fields.

This acquisition makes a lot of sense for us. Its foundation is built on the close personal relationship that Tim Hirsch and I have with Guido. Guido has been one of the world's most passionate collectors for the last 30 years and has accomplished so much including the formation of one of the best collections of US postal history ever. This makes Guido a perfect leader for our philatelic business in the USA, where he already spends a great deal of time as well as time in South America. We are all looking forward to working with him and sharing his contagious love for the hobby."

Investphila Chairman, Guido Craveri said:

"After many years of dedication to creating a respected auction house in the world of rare stamps I cannot think of a better company to look towards the future with. It will provide a formidable opportunity for me and all the staff at Investphila. I intend to spend a lot of my time in the Americas to continue to bring great collections to the market. Our team also intends to bring our Private Treaty capability, as I know it has been an increasing and promising part of Spink's business. It is an option many clients also appreciate from their preferred auction house"

Spink is honoured to announce a very special series of sales to look forward to. Over the next 18 months, through a series of 9 auctions, Spink will sell the most valuable collection of stamps ever to come up for auction in modern times. The Chartwell Collection, formed by the custodian of the collection Sir Cyril Humphrey Cripps, consists of some of the finest material for Great Britain and the British Empire ever seen before and it is all material that is fresh to the marketplace. Currently held in just over 80 stamp albums, The Chartwell Collection is estimated to fetch well in excess of £20,000,000 before the last lot is sold in December 2012. This is a collection that will undoubtedly rewrite the book for auction records and bring in collectors from around the globe. The auction catalogues alone will become essential reference materials for every true collector. It is with great pleasure that we share the story of the man behind the collection and the collection itself.

Behind Each Extraordinary Collection Lies An Extraordinary Collector

Sir Cyril Humphrey Cripps

 The Chartwell Collection was formed by one man with a great passion for collecting, Sir Cyril Humphrey Cripps. Sir Humphrey, the custodian of the collection, was both a great English businessman and philanthropist, but also an enthusiastic philatelist.

Educated at Northampton Town and County Grammar School, it was during this period that Sir Humphrey first displayed a passion for collecting. After his death, his children found a shoebox in the back of his wardrobe. Upon opening the lid they discovered thousands of train tickets bundled and carefully placed in the box. Sir Humphrey had kept every train ticket from his time at school and kept them hidden away in perfect chronological order. These were memories of his past and a clear indicator of the true collector he would become.

After graduating, Sir Humphrey continued his education at St John's College, Cambridge, where he read Natural Sciences. After completing his education, he joined the family firm, Pianoforte Supplies Limited. However, as we have learned from his family, Sir Humphrey's education was never complete. "Dad had an incredible mind," says Robert Cripps, son of Sir Humphrey. "He had a photographic memory and was constantly absorbing information. He was also a workaholic." His fantastic memory and personal drive would see Sir Humphrey rise to Managing Director of his family's company in 1960 and Chairman in 1979.

Along the way, Sir Humphrey also picked up several other passions. First and foremost, he was a charitable man and at every turn in his business progression he would channel funds regularly into the family charitable foundation. The Cripps Foundation was established in 1956 by the Cripps family and has made huge gifts to universities, colleges, schools, churches, hospitals and museums. Many Cambridge Colleges have benefited from this generosity, as well as the Fitzwilliam Museum. Residential Courts at St John's College, Magdalene College, Selwyn College, Queen's College and the University of Nottingham are named after the Cripps family. His former school also benefitted. The construction of many facilities were made possible through its generous donations. Sir Humphrey was knighted in 1989, having been High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1987 and then Deputy Lieutenant of the County. Sir Humphrey began this stamp collection in the 1950s and it was actually his son, Robert, that can be credited for flaming his father's collecting habits. At a very young age, Robert inherited a stamp album from an uncle. The album contained a number of stamps from the 1920s and 1930s and several pieces from George V that peaked Robert's interest. Sir Humphrey indulged his son's new interest and

brought him to London where he hoped the interest could become a hobby. Robert shared with us, "I remember Dad and I going to London to visit Stanley Gibbons on the Strand where he bought me a standard catalogue, tweezers, stamp hinges, the works. I came home after that trip and fiddled with the stamps for about a week.

I left them at home in my wardrobe when I returned to school. When I came home around eight months later the album, which I had pretty much forgotten about anyway, was gone. Dad had become a stamp collector."

From that point on Sir Humphrey was insatiable with his collecting. He worked tirelessly to learn all that one could about philately and the marketplace that existed, focusing firstly on Great Britain and The British Empire. Having a photographic memory definitely came in handy at this point. Robert told us that Sir Humphrey "wasn't just driven by monetary value, but was also motivated by the desire to put something together that was a perfect collection." It was his incredible knowledge that would lead Sir Humphrey to enviable purchases such as the moment in 1972 when he bought the finest "Post Office" Mauritius 2d. blue (pictured on previous page) in private hands for £29,000. Apparently, just days after this item was purchased, an offer of £39,000 was made for this item. It was rejected!

Sir Humphrey took great pleasure in this collection over the course of his life and would often come home from work and go straight to his study where he would become absorbed in the collection until he was called to dinner with his family. Such passion for the collection is what made it one of a kind. Sir Humphrey travelled frequently on business and his interest in stamps went with him. For example, Sir Humphrey travelled often to Bermuda and began collecting Perots as a result. He was also fascinated by proofs and seemed to be, often at times, more interested in the proofs than the stamps themselves.

"The collection, made up of both fine rare stamps and proofs so extensive, covering entire reigns at times, it ishard to believe it was all put together by just one dedicated collector."

The collection, made up of both fine rare stamps and proofs so extensive, covering entire reigns at times, it is hard to believe it wasall put together by just one dedicated collector. It is with great pleasure that we would like to now share with you details of what is to come... 

 
The Collection and Auctions to Come

This truly is an amazing opportunity for collectors, whether novice or advanced, to acquire elusive items missing from some of the greatest collections in the world today. Many pieces are unique in private hands and comprehensive enough for any new collector thinking of building a Great Britain Collection to create a potential Grand Prix winning exhibit at an international level.

Olivier Stocker, Chairman and CEO of Spink, comments: "In my eight years with Spink, I must say I have never seen my team of seasoned experts, who have seen so many of the best collections in the world, coming back to 69 Southampton Row with such sparklesin their eyes. I find it's not dissimilar to school boy collectors finding a rare Edward VII tyrian plum or George V prussian blue stamp in an old family album. I knew from the outset that this collection was very special. Our expert team was discovering page after page of blocks and covers you couldn't even imagine in your wildest dreams (and we, collectors, are often subject to such dreams). I am sure the market will be amazed by pieces that are about to come to light. What a treat for the GB market. It will make many of our advanced collectors toy with the idea of starting a new collection.

As a father myself, I am also deeply touched that it is not a father taking his son to collecting, but a son inspiring his father. The storyof this collection is absolutely amazing and so unusual in so many ways. We are all so proud and excited to have been appointed forthis landmark assignment. We can't wait to share this excitement with our friends and collectors from all over the world!"

British Empire

The British Empire Collection is made up of great rarities of Bermuda, Mauritius, Virgin Islands and to a lesser extent Canada, New Zealand and Turks Island.

The Bermuda portion contains three Perots, two on covers Ex Sir Henry Tucker and the off cover example Ex Claude Cartier. Also from the Tucker Collection is the extraordinary 1874 3d on 1d rosered mint block of four.

The Mauritius comprises of a large range of imperforate stamps with important multiples, including one of the crown jewels of the British Empire, a superb used example of the 2d blue Post Office Mauritius acquired for the Collection in 1972.

The Virgin Islands Collection contains a fine example of the famous "Missing Virgin" Ex Donne Collection acquired in the early 1970s.

The Great Britain Collection

The Great Britain Collection is housed in some 83 volumes and is without doubt the most important collection in private hands. Itcovers all aspects of Great Britain philately from Queen Victoria to Early Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen Victoria section commences with essays and proofs concerning the origins of the adhesive postage stamps and the essays, dies proofs, colour trials and reprints of the Line-Engraved stamps is very comprehensive with many items purchased from Stanley Gibbons in the mid 1970s following SG's purchase of the Charles Nissen Company. There are also several 1d black imprimaturs includingplate number examples. The issued stamps are represented by important unused and used multiples and covers including earlyMay dates.

Also present are the original 12 Nissen reconstructions of the 1d black plates as used to produce the Nissen plating book of 1922, one of the most amazing philatelic masterpieces ever produced. The Surface Printed issues are represented by die proofs and issuedstamps with numerous multiples. Included in this section are virtually all of the high values mint and used with blocks, die proofs andimprimaturs of the same, also most of the abnormal plates are represented mint and used, the overall quality being superb, the emphasison this section is unique and rare pieces.

The King Edward VII volumes contain some fine essays, proofs and issued stamps including a corner marginal example of the TyrianPlum.

The King George V collection contains exceptional Seahorses with many from the Shaida sales including essays, die proofs and issuedstamps, the strength of this section is in the proofs and essays with many unique in private hands.

The balance of the collection is replete with numerous essays, proofs and many of the rarer issued stamps, equally well representedby the more common issues which truly demonstrates that there is certainly something for everybody across the board.

The Great Britain Collection will be sold in a series of nine auctions from June 2011 until December 2012.

The auction schedule for 2011 is shown on right. Auctions for 2012 include: Great Britain Line-Engraved proofs, essays, stamps and covers Part II (16 February); Great Britain King George V including Seahorses (3 May); Great Britain Line-Engraved proofs, essays, stampsand covers Part III (5 July); Great Britain King George VI, Edward VIII and Queen Elizabeth II proofs, essays and stamps (19 September); Great Britain Line-Engraved proofs, essays, stamps and covers Part IV (12 December).

Spink will offer a limited run of hard bound full colour auction catalogues for this prestigious series of auctions. Every collector onour extensive mailing list will receive a soft bound copy of the catalogue free of charge, however there will be a numbered limitededition hard bound edition of each sale available for purchase.

For further information on these amazing sales, please contact our Stamp Department.



Today Spink auctioned the remarkable and unique Medal Group of Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry. After an intense bidding battle the group was sold to Michael Naxton, an agent, for £155,350.

The sheer scale of his medal group, a total of 18, was truly remarkable. They represent innumerable acts of heroism and are a symbol of daring deeds performed by Embry over the course of his spectacular military career. Described as "both charming and rude, prejudiced and broad-minded, pliable and obstinate, dedicated and human. Above all things he was a gallant leader of men."