Spink Shreves Galleries Sale

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The William H. Gross Scandinavia Collection continued...

FINLAND 1856-58 IMPERFORATE COAT OF ARMS continued...

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

1021

#3, 1858 5k Blue, large pearls, an extraordinary quality used horizontal pair, with large to very large margins all around, plus its impressions are strong and detailed, wonderfully tied to a small piece by a single central strike of "Helsingfors/22.3/1859" c.d.s., and each stamp with a small unobtrusive manuscript "X" cancellation as was the usual practice, extremely fine; a rare and eye-appealing pair; 1997 Gummesson certificate; ex-Mertens, Fabergé and Mellgren (Facit #1II; 100,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $7,500-10,000

SOLD for $5,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1022

#3, 1858 5k Blue, large pearls, handsome single with three huge margins, fourth at top close but clear, tied to cover to Helsingfors by low boxed "Karis/14, Oct.1859" postmark, with an additional strike at the top enter of the cover, stamp also with typical manuscript "X" cancel, the cover itself is especially neat and has been gently cleaned, with two mild vertical file folds not affecting stamp, very fine; quite scarce on cover and in such choice condition; signed A. Diena and Bühler, and accompanied by the latter's 1994 certificate (Facit #1II; 65,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

SOLD for $2,400.00
Will close during Public Auction

1023

#3, 1858 5k Blue, large pearls, horizontal pair, featuring three large margins, fourth at top just barely touching ovals, beautifully tied to a neat folded entire to Åbo by a perfect central strike of large "Helsingfors/3.11/1858" c.d.s., stamps additionally cancelled as usual by two neat manuscript "X", boxed "ANK" receiver cancel at top right, very fine; horizontal pairs of the 5k to pay the 10k rate are very rare; 1996 BPA certificate; ex-Nygren (Facit #1II; 175,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $7,500-10,000

SOLD for $14,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1024

#2, 1856 10k Rose, very rare unused example, full well balanced margins all around, strong color and impression, without gum as almost always found, small thin spot not mentioned on accompanying certificate, otherwise very fine; clear 1953 Alberto Diena certificate (Facit #2; 75,000SEK). (Image)

$7,750.00

SOLD for $2,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1025

#2, 1856 10k Rose, four full to mostly large margins, deep rich color, neat manuscript "X" precancel, used on immaculate folded letter to Björneborg, with high boxed "Åbo/1.6/1858" postmark at top right, extremely fine; an exceptional quality 10k First Issue cover; ex-Nygren (Facit #2; 8,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $575.00
Will close during Public Auction

1026

#2, 1856 10k Dark carmine, two choice singles, each with four very large margins and with particularly deep color, beautifully tied to an 1856 folded letter to Wiborg by individual strikes of high boxed "Åbo/11.6/1856" postmarks, an additional third strike at top left of entire, extremely fine; a marvelously handsome and rare 10 kopek cover, being an exceptionally early 1856 usage, two individual stamps having been used instead of a pair, as the stamps were typically pre-cut before delivery to the post office in the early period of their usage; 1997 Gummesson certificate; ex-Mellgren (Facit #2; 110,000SEK for a pair used on cover). (Image)

Est. $10,000-15,000

SOLD for $11,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1027

#2, 1856 10k Rose, the spectacular horizontal strip of four, with large to huge margins all around, tiny scuff on the right stamp, tied to a large cover (edges slightly refolded) to Björneborg by neat manuscript cross cancel, with high boxed "Åbo/16.4/1858" postmark just above strip, the cover itself is quite clean and incredibly attractive, while the strip of four is in extraordinary condition, extremely fine; the strip of four of the 10 kopek was used to pay the fourth weight class domestic rate for a distance of over 125 miles, this being the largest known usage on a domestic cover; a unique Finnish rarity of the utmost importance; 2003 Schwenson certificate; ex-von Möller, Rosenlew and "Irina" (Facit #2). (Image)

Est. $50,000-75,000

SOLD for $72,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1028

#2a, 1856 10k Rose, tête-bêche block of four, the famous mint block of four containing two tête-bêche pairs, brilliantly fresh and pristine, with large and wonderfully well balanced margins all around, full original gum (minute inclusion where gum has flaked off), barely perceptible crease in one corner, extremely fine and stunning.This amazing block is widely considered by many as the most important item in Finnish philately, as well as being one of the most recognized classic rarities of the entire world. Only three such mint tête-bêche blocks exist of the 10 kopek and this is, without question, the finest of the three. It is listed as number 1 in the Linder census of the seventeen recorded tête-bêche pairs and blocks.This block of four was originally a block of six and was separated into the current block of four sometime between 1967 and 1969. Many of the most famous and respected philatelists in history have at one time owned this breathtaking multiple, including Mertens, Fabergé, Lichtenstein and Amundsen. Accompanied by a 1997 Rolf Gummesson certificate (Facit #2v5; 1,200,000+SEK as two pairs without gum). (Image)

Est. $100,000-150,000

SOLD for $170,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1029

#2a, 1856 10k Rose, tête-bêche pair, the incomparable used example, possessing large to enormous margins all around, with complete central strike of a low boxed "Fredrikshamn/9. Dec. 1856" postmark, tiny thin spot in the bottom right corner of the extra wide margin of absolutely no consequence to this magnificent extremely fine gem.This is one of only two recorded tête-bêche pairs postmarked solely with a town cancellation - as most of the small number of known examples typically have pen cancellations. In addition, this example is unique in that it is the only one with a cancellation dated 1856, which is the year of issuance. Number 6 in the Linder listing of the 10 kopek tête-bêche pairs and blocks.A phenomenal pair of the utmost beauty and rarity for the finest collection of classic rarities of the world. Accompanied by a 1997 Rolf Gummesson certificate; ex-Mellgren (Facit #2v5; 600,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $50,000-75,000

SOLD for $80,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1030

2, 3

#2, 3, 1856/58 5k Blue, large pearls, and 10k Rose, each with four large to extra-large margins, the 10k showing just a bit of the adjoining stamp at left, deep rich colors as well, together tied to the reverse of an 1859 folded registered letter to Cristinestad by a superb single strike of "Helsingfors/7.1/1859" c.d.s., stamps additionally cancelled by usual manuscript "X", the folded letter and stamps themselves are incredibly bright and fresh, one corner of the 5k was slightly cut in opening (well clear of the design), a superb and stunning cover.Only two such covers exist bearing the combination of both the 5 kopek and 10 kopek First Issues of Finland. This being, by far, the most beautiful of the two. A spectacular rarity essential to the collector and/or exhibitor who desires to own one of the most important Finnish philatelic items in existence. This cover must also be considered among the most desirable classic covers of the world.This cover is illustrated in the L. Linder handbook on page 53. Accompanied by a 1997 Rolf Gummesson and 2003 Cyril Schwenson certificates; ex-"Irina" (Facit #1IIb, 2). (Image)

Est. $100,000-150,000

SOLD for $140,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

FINLAND 1860-74 ROULETTES

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

1031

#4, 1860 5k Blue, roulette I, unusually well centered and with nearly intact teeth, tied to an immaculate 1863 folded letter from Borgå to Tavastehus by boxed "ANK" postmark, very fine and quite choice; according to Mikko Ossa in his book on the serpentine stamps states that the "ANK" cancel is common enough on the penni stamps, but rare on the kopek stamps, and that "he had never seen a copy on cover"; ex-Nygren (Facit #3C1Kd; 12,000+SEK). (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $700.00
Will close during Public Auction

1032

#5, 1860 10k Rose on pale rose, roulette I, most unusual used block of four, on piece, showing wide horizontal spacing and narrow vertical spacing between the stamps, exceptionally well centered, strong rich color, top and bottom pairs each with a nice strike of a low boxed "Jyväskylä/5 Decem. 1864" postmark, bottom right stamp with one missing tooth, very fine; an important and rare used multiple, believed to be unique; 1997 Gummesson certificate; ex-Mellgren (Facit #4C1LKa; unpriced as a used block). (Image)

Est. $7,500-10,000

SOLD for $8,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1033

#7, 1867 8p Green on black, roulette III, an incredibly handsome and choice used horizontal strip of four, being not only marvelously well centered but with all teeth intact as well, both traits which are seldom encountered on this difficult issue, strong rich color, very light strikes of blue c.d.s. cancels, couple of teeth with minor creases and the two right stamps have some separation but are still partially attached and neatly reinforced, extremely fine and quite scarce; ex-Nygren (Facit #6v1C3; 8,000+SEK as two pairs). (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $550.00
Will close during Public Auction

1034

#8, 1870 10p Black on yellow, roulette III, two singles, one with intact teeth, the other nearly so, paying the single rate and tied to attractive blue colored cover to Nikolaistad by neat strike of small blue "Alvo/6.9/1871" c.d.s., choice strike of boxed "ANK 8/9" arrival postmark at right center, back flap with some opening tears, overall very fine; the 10p value is quite scarce on cover; ex-Nygren (Facit #7v3C3; 25,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $425.00
Will close during Public Auction

1035

#8, 1870 10p Black on yellow, roulette III, two singles, one with intact teeth but with faint discoloration, the other with complete teeth except for one, paying the single rate and tied to 1871 folded entire to Helsingfors, by two of three strikes of ultramarine "Tavastehus/17.7/1871" c.d.s., blue boxed "ANK" receiver handstamp of the same date at bottom, fine and attractive; all covers bearing the 10p value of this series are very scarce; ex-Nygren (Facit #7v3C3; 25,000SEK) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction

1036

12e

#12e, 1866 5p Red brown on lilac, roulette III, tête-bêche pair, positions 22-21, completely intact teeth except for one at top left and of little importance, together with a horizontal pair of the 5p Red brown on lilac, roulette III (positions 23-24, virtually intact teeth) and a single of the 20p Blue on blue, roulette III, all tied to a marvelous 1869 intact folded domestic letter to Kristinestad by five lovely strikes of petite "Helsingfors/26.7/1869" c.d.s., boxed "ANK 29.7" arrival postmark at top right, the stamps total 40p which is the correct rate for a long distance domestic letter, although the moderation manuscript "1 1/2" was not followed, extremely fine overall.Tête-bêche pairs of the 1866 5p with roulette III are of the utmost rarity and rank as one of the premier items in Finnish philately. In fact, of the mere seven recorded pairs, this is the only tête-bêche pair found on cover. The rarity of pairs - let alone one on cover - and their infrequent appearances on the auction market account for the fact that neither the Facit or Scott catalogs attempt to price them.This is only the second appearance at auction ever of this extraordinary cover. Prior to Mr. Gross acquiring it in the April 2003 Corinphila sale (ex-"Sibelius" sale) for 140,000SF, plus the 17% buyer's premium, this cover resided for decades unheralded in an old family archive in Vassa. Without question one of the premier highlights of the 1866-74 Rouletted issues and an absolute must for the most advanced exhibition collection. An exciting opportunity to acquire one of the great philatelic rarities of the world. Accompanied by a 2003 Jussi Tuori certificate (Facit #5v4; unpriced). (Image)

Est. $75,000-100,000

SOLD for $260,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1037

#13, 1866 10p Black on buff, roulette III, two singles, largely intact teeth (both with one rounded corner), tied by one of two strikes of "Helsingfors/15.4/1869" c.d.s., addressed to Tavastehus, boxed "ANK15.4" postmark at top right, light central file fold not affecting stamps or markings, very fine; scarce stamps when found on cover; ex-Nygren (Facit #7v1C3; 25,000SEK). (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction

1038

#13, 1866 10p Black on buff, roulette III, four singles, all with virtually intact teeth except for one or two, tied to handsome double rate 1870 folded letter to Tavastehus by petite "Wiborg/25.6/1870" c.d.s., two stamps also tied by "Helsingfors/27.6/1870" transit c.d.s., boxed "ANK/27.6" arrival postmark, neat blue double oval sender's handstamp cachet at top right, a very fine and rare double rate usage bearing four copies the 10p value; ex-Nygren (Facit #7v1C3; 25,000+SEK). (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $1,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1039

13c

#13c, 1868 10p Red brown on lilac, roulette III, error of color, a magnificent quality mint example of this rare color error, possessing an outstanding overall freshness, with deep luxuriant color and a strong impression on crisp paper, full original gum, completely intact teeth, very fine and choice; of the small number of known examples, unused or used, of this rarity, there is little question that the example offered here is one of the finest, if not the finest, mint copies available; in the second setting of clichés for the 5 penni plate, a 10 penni cliché (position 10 in the first setting of the 10 penni plate) was placed in error in position 31, on January 11, 1868 1,000 sheets of the 5 penni stamps containing the 10 penni error were delivered to the Postal Administration, all subsequently being sent to post offices, a second printing of 1,000 sheets containing the error was delivered in the second quarter of 1868, the error stamps in this printing were removed and burnt in 1870; signed lightly in pencil by Carl Pelander and with tiny red Fabergé owner's handstamp, as well as being accompanied by a 2006 Gummesson certificate; ex-Fabergé, Rothschild (Facit #5v5; 70,000SEK). (Image)

$7,250.00

SOLD for $5,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1040

13c

#13c, 1868 10p Red brown on lilac, roulette III, error of color, another choice mint example of this rare and popular error, exceptionally bright and fresh, deep rich color, intact teeth all around, o.g., small central paper h.r., very fine; signed A. Diena and accompanied by a 1997 Gummesson certificate; ex-Mellgren (Facit #5v5; 70,000SEK). (Image)

$7,250.00

SOLD for $4,250.00
Will close during Public Auction