A Hong Kong auction house will see the sale of a vast range of Asian stamps and postal history items at the end of the month (April 28-May 1, 2012).
 1883 Large Dragon Cover |
The auction will feature an array of 1878 Large Dragon stamps, the first stamp issued when the Imperial Marine Customs Post was opened to the general public in China. The historic stamps were issued in a series of three values, denominated in candarins.
Among the most notable of the Large Dragon lots in the auction are three blocks of four 1883-85 stamps. This lot comprises a block of four from all three values produced, each from the lower left corner of the sheet. The near-perfect condition of this superb set has warranted a pre-sale estimate of HK$500,000-HK$600,000 ($64,300-$77,300).
However, the standout lot from the Large Dragon session will be an 1883 cover from Schonfliess, Germany. One of only two recorded Germany-China Large Dragon combination covers, the envelope bears the expert hand stamp of Rudolph Rohr, an illustrious Berlin stamp dealer.
The item is also considered historically important as it was sent direct to the German Legation in Peking, illustrating the German presence in China. An estimate of HK$1,500,000-HK$2,000,000 has been set.
The auction will also see an exceptionally rare 1897 Red Revenue double surcharge stamp. Only one setting of twenty Red Revenue stamps has the double surcharge. All twenty examples have been documented, pushing the high estimate of this item to HK$1,200,000.
Dozens of lots will provide highlights at the auction, including rare and intriguing items from postal history. A fantastic set of Korean War propaganda leaflets will sell for HK$450,000-HK$550,000. The set consists of Korean language leaflets from the US forces aimed at the North Korean troops, with over 50 large posters, safe conduct passes, streamers and comic strips.
The Chinese stamp market, like the majority of markets in China, is booming. Paul Fraser Collectibles will continue to bring you the latest news on stamp collecting and Chinese stamps, check out our news articles from the world of philately here.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is also very pleased to offer our own collection of rare stamps from across the world, including this unique block of four Hong Kong 96c Olive-Bistre stamps.
