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Press Release September 2003€6 Million "La Fayette" collection of French
classic stamp errors to be sold by Spink, with Behr as expert - September
2003
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| 15c green + 1fr carmin – A vertical pair of the
tête-bêche, position HH, in combination with vertical
pairs of the 15c and 1fr carmine. Unique and undoubtedly one of the
most important items in the collection, this cover was purchased in
1924 for 62,000 Francs. Estimate € 220,000 – 260,000 |
1fr vif vermilion – The famous four with the
tête-bêche, position BB-NN, brilliant colour with good
margins. A great world rarity, this is the most famous philatelic
item of France Estimate € 600,000- 800,000 |
1fr vermillion “terne etrusque” –
The magnificent strip of three, position BB-FF, showing the tête-bêche
in the middle of the strip, three neat strikes of the grill cancellation,
with large even margins all round. A gem of the highest calibre for
the connoisseur! Estimate € 250,000 – 350,000 |
Combining rarity and quality, the sale of such a group of stamps is without doubt an event of utmost importance to all collectors and philatelists around the world, and to anyone with the slightest interest in auctions. These stamps are expected to smash many existing world records for prices attained, and it is unlikely that such a complete and well-preserved collection will go under the hammer for many years to come. The last time a similar auction went ahead was in 1924 at the legendary Ferrari auction in Paris.
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1fr pale vermillion known as Vervelle, tête-bêche in a block of 4 – A very rare and beautiful exhibition item of the highest quality, this is one of only 5 tête-bêche vermilion known. Before 1931, this was considered the most valuable item in French philately. Estimate € 325,000 – 425,000 |
1fr carmine tête-bêche – A great world rarity
and undoubtedly one of the most important items of French classic
philately, this is the finest example of only three ever recorded,
one of which is in the British Museum Estimate € 300,000- 450,000 |
1fr carmine and 1fr vermilion – An example of the vermilion shade flanked by two examples of the carmine all with large margins. The unique cover bearing both shades paying the double rate of 3fr is a quite remarkable franking and an outstanding exhibition item Estimate € 150,000 – 225,000 |
“The La Fayette Collection is quite simply peerless” comments Pascal Behr, Chairman and owner of the House of Behr. “It boasts some of the rarest French stamps – unique pieces which have passed through the hands of some of the most prestigious collectors such as Ferrari, Champion and Burrus to name but a few. In fact many of these rarities have not been seen since the landmark Ferrari auction in 1924.”
“It is no exaggeration to say that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for collectors. Spink could not have dreamt of a better start for our auctions in France” adds Olivier D. Stocker, Board member of Spink.
SPINK / BEHR PARTNERSHIP FOR THIS PROJECT: A 21ST CENTURY ‘ENTENTE CORDIALE’
“This is a world-class Auctioneer & Expert combination for a world-class sale” further comments Mr Stocker. “As a world leading auction house in Collectables and established in 1666, joining forces with France’s leading expert and dealer in stamps brings together our unparalleled auction expertise with Behr’s unrivalled knowledge of French Classics.
Given the current revival of French philately – coupled with the ever-growing market for unique and rare pieces, this collaboration could not be more timely. It’s the perfect start to the development of our presence in France, and further reinforces our position as the leading auction house for philatelic rarities – as well as the broader collectables market.”
SPINK IN FRANCE
Spink recently obtained permission to hold this auction in France, becoming one of only 3 international auction houses authorized to do so. From their traditional market place of the UK and the Commonwealth, this move into France represents another major step forward for Spink’s strategic international development.
“Spink’s entrance into the French auction market is timely
and apt for a sale of such an important collection of French stamps”
explains John Koh, Board member of Spink. “We hope, subject to us
receiving all required further accreditations, that this will mark the
beginning of a successful and long-term commitment of Spink in France.”
*INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE WITH TIM HIRSCH & OLIVIER STOCKER OF SPINK AND
PASCAL BEHR OF BEHR*
LAFAYETTE COLLECTION PHOTOCALL
• Viewing and curation of Lafayette in London (Exclusive photocall
set-up available)
• Viewing and curation of Lafayette in Paris (Exclusive photocall
set-up available)
LAFAYETTE COLLECTION AUCTION
Viewing
• London
- Spink Stamp Department, 69 Southampton Row
- By appointment only, please ring +44 (0)20 7563 4080
o Friday 7th November – 10.00am – 5.00pm
o Monday 10th November – 10.00am – 5.00pm
o Tuesday 11th November – 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Paris
- Behr Philatelie, 30 Avenue de l’Opera, Paris 75002
- By appointment only on these dates, please ring +33 143 12 37 67
o Thursday 13th November – 2.00pm – 6.00pm
o Friday 14th November – 10.00am – 5.00pm
o Saturday 15th November – 10.00am – 4.00pm
o Monday 17th November – 10.00am – 4.00pm
o Public Viewing: Monday 17th November – 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Sale
• Monday 17th November 2003 – 7.00pm
• Le Grand Hotel - Intercontinental, 2 rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
NOTES TO EDITOR:
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• Spink & Son Ltd has businesses (Coins, Stamps, Banknotes,
Medals and Books auction and dealing operations) both in the UK
and internationally. It was acquired in 2002 from Christie's by
Abaca Capital, an investment firm based in Singapore. Spink has
30 experts and representatives in the five fields above totalling
between them over 700 years of experience.
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• Behr is an independent firm founded in 1920. It has been
managed since then by three generations of Behr’s. Pascal
Behr is an AIEP Expert (International Association of Philatelic
Experts).
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