The significant reduction of postal charges following the introduction of Penny Postage resulted in more — not less — revenue for the British Post Office, as written communications exploded in volume. This was one of the factors, along with the Industrial Revolution etc., which propelled Great Britain to its place of dominance among world powers in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Decades later, Prime Minister Gladstone described the 1840 Penny Black as “the stamp that changed the world.”
We offer a lovely unused example of the world’s first stamp as Lot 801. This is one item from a very strong collection of Great Britain stamps.
We are pleased to introduce our eighth public auction, to take place over three days, June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2011.
Consignors have rewarded us with an overwhelming number of lovely stamps, collections, and carton lots. One result is that we can offer higher quality in our single lots and, as a consequence, more intact collections are offered than in previous auctions.
Lot 7 — Canada #2 used with target cancel
One consignor who entrusted us with his superb collection — Lot 7 is one example — did so as he believes Sparks Auctions is the best suited to ensure that future owners will enjoy and appreciate his treasures as much as he did.
The Canada and BNA sections are not only very close to complete by major Scott numbers but also from Victoria through George VI are reasonably complete for the varieties listed in the Unitrade Catalogue. The quality of these offerings is often outstanding. Many lots are rarities. In January 2009 we offered the discovery block of what is now listed as #270ii, this auction we offer the only known used single. Others offer intriguing quantities such as 172 of the possible 200 examples of #1359ii in 3 lots which together have the astounding catalogue value of $344,000. Browsing through our Canada and BNA section is more fun than reading a Neiman-Marcus catalogue.
Our British Commonwealth is strong and anchored by a wonderful Great Britain collection (and more parts of this collection can be found with the lots and collections section).
The worldwide section has strong USA, France, Germany and Offices/Colonies, and extensive North Vietnam. Individual rarities from Lombardy-Venetia, France, Spain, and Thailand will fill gaps in advanced collections. All the sections of this auction offering single stamps are stronger in quality and rarity than was found in our previous auctions.
The offerings of postal history as single covers, smaller lots, and the many cartons of covers range from the year 1459 (with Venetian Guild Mark) to modern day. Among the valuable single covers are Canada #10, 1918 flown registered envelope, two bisects of Nova Scotia, a Nova Scotia shilling and three one penny stamps to Australia and scarce Newfoundland including a Columbia flight cover. A broad range of Canada and worldwide are found in the cartons. Forty-nine lots of literature offer many out of print reference works.
Our lots and collections section is the most extensive by number of lots, variety, and especially bulk. Many valuable collections are found in the boxes of large envelopes and in seven bookcases filled with albums. From the point of view of bulk it is the 361 cartons (mostly bankers boxes) which physically dominate the auction.
Some 2700 scans are found in the image gallery on our website (sparks auctions.com) which is about three times the number in the catalogue. We will have extended viewing hours to accommodate viewers in this auction.
We hope you enjoy viewing this sale as much as we have enjoyed assembling and describing it.
We are happy to announce that we have chosen the dates for our eighth public auction: June 21-23rd, 2011.
The catalogue is at the printer, due back at our offices late next week for mailing. PDF files will be available here on our site on May 16th, and the gallery of additional images will be uploaded later in the week. The lots have been posted to Stamp Auction Network, and we are accepting bids.
Also on May 16th we will post the complete introduction to this, our largest sale yet. Periodically until the auction commences, we will feature stamps that we feel deserve extra attention.
We continue working aggressively on the large volume of material for Auction #8, so another story about a consignment is worth telling.
It was less than half an hour until the auction time at our November 2010 sale and I was starting to make my way downstairs to the auction gallery to begin calling the sale. As I reached the stairway, I was called over to the retail counter where there was a gentleman with a stamp album of material he was hoping to consign. He did not have an appointment so I was concerned how long it would take to politely pass him off to another staff member.
Lovely three penny beaver with full margins
Despite the interruption, I took the album from him and to my delight, there was a lovely mint three penny beaver with four large margins.
The balance of the album was similar quality and was highlighted throughout with many lovely stamps. Without seeming to rush I was able to have a contract laid out and signed and the owner quite satisfied and still make it downstairs to start calling the auction on time.
This collection is just one of many we will be featuring.
Our first updates have focused on the enormous quantity of stamps and collections we have received for our next auction.
It’s time to tantalize with quality.
We have many, many lovely stamps coming up for sale.
One long-term customer — a real gentleman in all respects — has had to pass on his albums because of ill-health.
When we first discussed this with him he expressed the concern that it was most important that his stamps go to collectors who would appreciate them as he has. This was mentioned as more important than mere money. This concern of his evokes a word more often heard in museum circles; this collector has decided to “de-acquisition” his lifetime hobby.
I could tantalize you with dozens of extremely fine single lots but will use this one which is likely not the most valuable stamp from his collection that we will be auctioning.
Six pence on laid paper with orange-red postmark
We will offer a fresh, extremely fine six penny on laid paper which is immaculate in all respects and is graced by a lovely orange-red postmark. This colour is distinct from the usual shade of red postmark which is itself quite scarce. Different collectors have different criteria (some want Jumbo margins, for example) but in my opinion this is likely the most visually appealing used Canada number two in existence.
Stay tuned.
Prices Realized for our Stamps and Postal History of the World sale (March 4-6, 2026) can be seen at this link.
For news about our future sales and events, see our Upcoming Page or join our mailing list for announcements.
