A Traditional Philatelic Auction House — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Lot 180 Canada 8c Small Queen large die proof in slate grey on India paper, 54x67mm, showing edge of die on all sides, fresh and attractive, with a few insignificant wrinkles described for strict accuracy, very fine. A rare die proof with only a handful known and especially desirable in the colour of issue (Minuse & Pratt 44DP1).
Provenance: Jack Weatherwax (private sale)
Estimate $10,000
Lot 56 Canada 1872 2c trial colour die proof in dark red on India paper, 19x24mm, fresh and very fine. A lovely and rare die proof with only a handful of examples extant, and especially attractive in this vibrant colour. Accompanied by 2013 Greene Foundation certificate. (Minuse & Pratt 36TC4)
Provenance: George Arfken (1990).
Estimate $5,000
Lot 83 Canada 3c die proof in copper red on bond paper, 24x31mm, very fine. A lovely and rare proof with only a few examples known in the colour of issue. (Minuse & Pratt 37DP1)
Estimate $7,500
Lot 193 Canada 1874 10c die proof in dull rose lilac on watermarked thin wove paper, 24x30mm, with two printing guidelines in each corner, also with very clear watermark showing “188” in thick double-lined numerals (likely part of the year of manufacture), extremely fine. Only three 10c die proofs are recorded in this colour, with the watermarked paper example offered here being probably unique. A lovely showpiece which has graced a number of illustrious collections and destined for the best collection or exhibit.
Provenance: Dr. Lewis Reford (1950), Brazer, Morris, Sam Nickle, Bowen “Ten” collection (1995).
Estimate $20,000
Sparks Auctions is proud to present the Daniel Cantor Collection of Canada Small Queens, to be sold at our Auction Room on Tuesday, November 24th, 2015, beginning at 10:00am EST.
The Queen Victoria “Small Queen” definitives of 1870-1897 are one of the most avidly collected issues of Canadian philately. Featuring many different printings, perforation, colours, paper and plate varieties, and offering myriad postal rates and other fascinating postal history to collect, the Small Queens only continue to grow in interest and desirability.