Canadian Stamp Auctions

This firm is well known for its ability to attract modern varieties to its sales. In July, 2004, a full sheet of the 2¢ fishing spear appeared for the first time in the sale of another auction house with no perforations on the bottom margin. At least that was the first time we’d heard of it. But on checking, we have now determined that the variety has been around for some time as it was listed 7 years ago in the 1998 Unitrade Catalogue.

In the past year, the variety has appeared three times at auction. As will be seen, the block that sold in this sale, realized a respectable $1300:

Lot 691 Scott 918b Catalogue $1500 Realized $1300

If this variety has in fact been around since 1998, it certainly hasn’t appeared very often.

45¢ Pronghorn antelope

Lot 695 Scott 1172h Catalogue $700 Realized $600

This variety, on the other hand, trades regularly. This is one of three copies that have sold at auction this year and this is the best price so far in 2005. Last year, 9 copies were sold. Eastern also had the best price in that year when it sold a copy for $700. Perhaps because copies of this variety are so plentiful, the prices realized at auction have not increased in the past ten years.

48¢ & 65¢ Fruit Tree imperforates

Lot 708 Unitrade 1363i Catalogue $1250 Realized $900

Lot 709 Scott 1367 var Estimate $2000 Realized $1250

Scott doesn’t list any of the imperforate varieties of the fruit trees stamps of which the above 2 are examples. This seems odd as they sell regularly at auction. The above pairs were both very fine, no hinged copies, definitely worthy of a superior collection.

Canada–Thailand Joint issue - gutter pair

There was no image provided for this stamp, but we wanted to bring it to our viewers’ attention as it is so unusual. Here is how Eastern described it:

“Lot 731 - Scott 2000 / 2001 - 48¢ Canada - Thailand joint issue, an unlisted gutter pair, has a wide gutter between the two stamps perforated down the middle, apparently from a miscut sheet, VF NH and, an interesting item.”

The lot sold for $105.

If it is so unusual and rare, then whoever bought it for this price got a real bargain. We’ll keep an eye open for copies in future auctions if and when they present themselves.

For more details concerning the sale, please click on the highlights button below.