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DEFINED IMPRESSION: A dark brown 5-cent stamp with Benjamin Franklin, 1847 issue. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
Postage Stamps were first introduced in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on May 1, 1840, this brought about a change whereby the postage fee would be paid by the sender and not by the recipient of the mail.
EXCEEDINGLY RARE: 5-cent Red Brown (12) of President Jefferson, 1851-1856 issue. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
The inventor of the stamp is a debated subject, with various people claiming to have come up with the concept. Whoever the evidence may point to, the subsequent production of the small rectangular adhesive paper attachable to an envelope is now a lucrative business, although it probably took a hit when email came along. With tens of millions of stamp collectors in the United States alone, it is one of the most popular hobbies in the world.
1847 ISSUE: Founding Father George Washington on a 10-cent in black, estimate $35,000. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
The study of stamps is called “philately”, which is the English version of the French word “philatélie,” composed of the Greek “philo,” which meaning “loving” and “ateleia,” meaning exemption from payment, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
A 15-cent black E. Grill (91) stamp of President Abraham Lincoln, 1868 issue. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries has been holding stamp auctions since 1930, according to their Web site. With about twelve auctions a year, their coverage includes stamps, postal history, autographs and ephemera. Many of their sales have focused specialized collecting areas, such as stamps from Confederate States, Postal History, Foreign and United States stamps.
EAGLE: A 10-cent yellow (116) stamp picturing a national symbol of freedom. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
On Tuesday, Feb.23, Siegel will auction off the Hampshire Collection of United States stamps. Included in the sale are stamps ranging from the last half of the 19th century to the early 20th century. Lots of special note from the auctioneer ensues.
CARMINE & BLACK: Original gum graded XF-superb 95 by P.S.E. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
A 5-cent Dark Brown with Benjamin Franklin has extremely fine appearance, a beautiful four-margin original-gum example of the 5-cent 1847 issue in the dark brown shade, wonderful deep rich color, and sharply defined impression, light diagonal corner crease. The stamp has a 1983 Philatelic Foundation certificate as "Red Brown" shade and is valued at $8,750.
COLUMBIAN ISSUE: Fleet of Colombus. (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
Also in the 1847 issue is a rare 10-cent in black picturing George Washington has original gum across the entire back of stamp described on accompanying certificate as part original gum, full to large margins, intense shade and impression, trivial toned spots on face and at top right (Estimate: $35,000).
COLUMBIAN ISSUE: Colombus welcomed at Barcelona (Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries)
From the 1851-1856 issue is a 5-cent Red Brown (12) of President Thomas Jefferson, encased in a fine weaving pattern. With large margins and original gum the stamp is lightly hinged, bright of color and detailed in impression. Sound, original gum examples of this stamp is exceedingly rare, and probably fewer than six exist with margins around the entire design.
A remarkably rare 15-cent black E. Grill (91) stamp of Abraham Lincoln with full original gum, bright shade, crisp impression, clearly-defined grill and unusually wide margins hails from the 1868 grilled issue. The lot will surely attract serious collector’s eye (Estimate: $13,500).
A 10-cent yellow (116) stamp picturing an eagle rested upon a shield reading “United States Postage” hails from the 1869 pictorial issue. With original gum, vibrant color, the stamp is very fine and well-centered (Estimate: $2,250).
An extremely fine 90-cent stamp with carmine writing and a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln printed in black, is a superb original gum example of the 90-cent 1869 pictorial issue. Graded XF-superb 95 by Professional Stamp Experts (P.S.E), this is the highest grade for an original gum Scott 122 awarded to date (Estimate: $13000).
The Hampshire collection will be available for viewing on Monday, Feb.22, from 10-4, and by appointment at Siegel Auction Galleries at 60 East 56th Street, 4th floor.
For more information about the sale and a catalogue, please visit www.siegelauctions.com.
