Written by Thomas | 27th March 2019
In our Expert’s Choice feature, one of our experts shares their favourite items currently up for auction. This week our Stamp expert, Nicolas Pereira, selects five exceptional items from our stamp and postcard auctions for you to enjoy.
1. Dutch East Indies 1921 - Transportation in Floating Lockbox - NVPH BK1/BK7
This set of Dutch stamps was issued for letters that were transported by so-called floating safes. These floating safes were used at sea, in case a ship was attacked or hit by a sea mine, the letters in the safe remained undamaged. Sometimes a ship would sink, but even then, the letters in the floating safe would float to the surface and stay intact. You can find this interesting set in our Dutch Stamp auction.
2. France 1849 - 1 Franc Intense Bright Vermilion (exceptional shade) on Letter - Yvert 7a
Sometimes you come across a piece in philately that you won’t forget easily. In this week’s French Stamp auction is this letter from 1849 is franked with a 1 Franc that has an extraordinary bright vermillion (Yvert 7a). The stamp is so intensely bright that even the expert who signed the certificate of authenticity mentioned that it is the most beautiful issue known to date.
3. German Field Post 1945 - Submarine Admission Stamp For Hel Peninsula - Michel 13 b with BPP Certificate
In March 1945, during the German occupation of Hel Peninsula (in northern Poland), German troops were cut off from the mainland. The soldiers were provided with supplies by submarines, including their mail. A special stamp was issued for these letters. You can find such a submarine stamp with a BPP certificate in this week’s German Stamp auction.
4. Spain 1938 - Battle of Lepanto - Imperforated - Same Numbering - Edifil 864/865
The naval Battle of Lepanto broke out on 7th October 1571, when a fleet of the Holy League inflicted a major defeat on the fleet of the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras. The Spanish postal service issued a set of two blocks in 1938 to commemorate this important battle. The set was issued in a perforated and imperforated version. The imperforated edition is rather hard to find, but in this week’s Spanish and Portuguese Stamp auction is a set of these imperforated blocks in mint hinged condition.
5. A Collection of 45 Aviation Postcards Including Airplanes, Airships (Balloons, Dirigibles and Zeppelins)- 1900-1960
From the Wright brothers to the newest Boeing, the world of flight has greatly evolved over the last century. If you’re interested in the history of aviation, then you’ll love this collection of postcards that are currently in our International Postcard auction. These cards depict Zeppelins, balloons, and other old aeroplanes from the 1900–1960 period.
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