Press Releases

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

ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER STAMPS OF 19^TH CENTURY PHILATELY TO GO UP FOR SALE AT SPINK IN LONDON

LONDON. 18th January, 2013.Spink & Son Ltdare delighted to be able to offer one of the most legendary philatelic rarities in the world:The 1854 Inverted Head Four Annas of India, a postage stamp cherished and highly sought-after by stamp collectors around the globe.

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 the forthcoming sale is completely free of the faults associated with many of these stamps, making it even more significant. It was also one of the world's first multi-coloured stamps and therefore holds its place in the history of philately.

The stamp, which is estimated to fetch £50,000 - 70,000, is just one of the rare stamps to be sold at auction from the important Medina Collections, which will be offered in a series of sales in London during 2013. This particular stamp will be included in the first of these sales on the 23rd January 2013, titled: The Award Winning Medina Collection of India, Part 1.Also taking place on January 23^rd is theMedina Collection of Ceylon Pence Issues. 

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.

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 place, therefore we anticipate huge interest."

To view the catalogue please Click Here.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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"