Canadian Stamp Auctions

27 May, 2011 - Longley Auctions

This auction was Bill Longley’s largest ever, both in terms of value and volume. Without question, the highlight was the “River Test” Collection of Canada Registered Letter stamps. It was perhaps the largest such collection ever offered at auction, rivalled only by the Harrison collection. It was largely formed in the years 1930 to 1970 and has been off the market for nearly 40 years.

A special aspect of this sale was the fact that the proceeds from certain lots, identified in the catalogue by a school bus logo, were to be donated to a school in Bill’s area. This was his initiative as chairman of the school’s fundraising committee. To use philately in this manner is wonderful and reminds us of the generous donations made in the US by Bill Gross, the well-known head of the Pimco Bond Fund, following the sale of two of his collections. The proceeds from his first sale went to Doctors Without Borders and the second to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Registered Stamps

Margin Imprints

Lot 318 Scott F1 Estimate $100 Realized $120

Lot 319 Scott F1 Estimate $100 Realized $110

Pairs

Lot 338 Scott F1 (group) Estimate $150 Realized $240

Lot 440 Scott F3 Estimate $1,000 Realized $2,000

Imperforate Bottom Border

We originally recorded this unusual variety as part of the November 1, 1973 auction of the Henry Hussey collection by J. N. Sissons in Toronto. At that time, the estimated auction value was $1 and it sold for $95.

Imperforate Pair

This pair was described as “left margin imperforate pair, speckled and uneven gum but technically NH, VF centering, gum residue on surface at edges.”

Rose Carmine Shade

Jumbo

Other stamps in the collection

Conclusion

All in all, this was a most interesting auction, highlighted by an impressive offering of registered stamps. Bill Longley is to be congratulated for attracting this excellent type of material to his firm.