Press Release March 2005

SPINK TO AUCTION PART IV OF THE EDWARD M GILBERT COLLECTION IN JUNE 2005

The Edward M Gilbert Collection
Part IV: Important British Empire Stamps
Tuesday 14-17 June 2005

London – Spink in association with H.R. Harmer of New York, a subsidiary of Greg Manning Auctions, Inc., is delighted to announce the auction of Part IV of the Edward M. Gilbert Collection of Important British Empire Stamps. The sale will take place in London on 14-17 June.

One of the most significant collections of British Empire Stamps to come on the market for a number of years, the sale will comprise over 2,000 lots and is expected to fetch in the region of £2 million.

The American collector, Edward M. Gilbert, painstakingly amassed his impressive collection, which features many of the British Empire’s greatest rarities, over more than 15 years.

Tim Hirsch, Chairman of Collectables at Spink in London comments: “Mr Gilbert obtained a number of world-class British Empire rarities in his collection from Spink. When offered the opportunity to collaborate with H.R. Harmer on the Gilbert collection, the satisfaction of again bringing to the market so many wonderful stamps made the decision an easy one. Spink is pleased to be part of this landmark auction, containing many of the Empire’s greatest rarities.”

Greg Manning added, “Due to the importance of the British Empire portion of the Gilbert collection, we felt that a London venue would be most suitable in an effort to reach the strongest market. Spink was pleased to collaborate with H.R. Harmer of New York on the Gilbert collection, and supply the London infrastructure necessary to conduct the sale of one of the finest collections ever formed of dozens of countries of the British Empire.”

Highlights include:
Australia 1924, 3 pence Horizontal pair imperf on 3 sides, 79a Cat £6,000
Bermuda Perot 02, 1849 1 pence black Cat £120,000
Bermuda Perot 05, 1856 1 pence red Cat £170,000
Bermuda Perot 06, on cover, a great rarity Est £50,000-75,000
Ceylon 1925 1,000 rupee, #323 Cat £16,000
Cyprus 1934 1 pi Horizontal imperf Pair, #136b Cat £10,000
Jamaica 1920 1 shilling frame inverted, 85a Cat £20,000

Kenya-Uganda- 1912 500 rupee, 63 Cat £16,000
Tanzania 1922 £25, Green and red, 102 Cat £19,000

Mauritius 1859 pair of the rare variety 39a/39/ac on cover Est £75,000-£100,000
Natal 1902, £20 Red and Green, 145b Cat £14,000
Rhodesia 1910 Red and Black, Perf 15, vertical pair, 179 Cat £30,000
Rhodesia 1901 £20 Yellow Bistre, 93a Cat £14,000
Saint Helena 1868 1 sh, Blk of 4, top pair of double surcharge, 18/18a Cat £27,000
Straits S’ments 1910 $500 Purple and Orange, 169 Cat £80,000
Trinidad Lady MacLeod, on Cover 1 Est £8,000-10,000
Turks Islands 1879 1 pence Horizontal Imperf between pair, 5a Cat £17,000
Virgin Islands 1867 1 sh, incredible “Missing Virgin” Cat £75,000

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Auction: Thursday 5 May 2005 at 10.30am
Public Viewing: Wednesday 8th - Friday 10th June: 10am - 5pm, Monday 13th June: 10am - 5pm
Public Enquiries: 020 7563 4000 or www.spink.com
Press Contacts: Emily Johnston 020 7563 4009
Images & Further Information: Spink Press Office on 020 7563 4009