We hope you’ve all had a healthy and happy year and that the restrictions that Covid-19 has brought into our lives have only touched you lightly. In particular, we hope you’ve had more time for your hobbies and other activities that give you pleasure. And hopefully, you’ll find some items in the following pages of the catalogue.
The sale starts with a larger-than-usual range of coins, banknotes and medals(Lots 1 – 197) and features a fine collection of Australian half-sovereigns(Lots 26 – 51) and sovereigns (Lots 52 -89). There is also a small range of English gold (Lots 136 – 144) before we get to the banknotes, which feature several most attractive “star” examples (Lots 174, 175 and 176).
The Australian Commonwealth stamps and postal history section (Lots 198 – 358) includes many highlights. We particularly like Lot 241 (the Small Multi £2 used on piece!), Lots 283 and 285 (the Stamp Design Competition essays), Lot 292 (the incredible 2/- Jubilee franking cover), and Lot 337 (the spectacular MISSING GOLD variety on the humble 4c Hartog of 1966).
The Australian Colonial section(Lots 448 – 496) leads to a fine range of World Thematics(Lots 497 – 503), World Collections & Accumulations (Lots 504 – 530), before the rest of the world listing by country. The collection of FRANCE (Lot 573) is very extensive and there are several useful GREAT BRITAIN collections and single items (Lots 582 – 599). Some rarities in the MALAYA & STATES offerings (Lots 615 – 626) are sure to be popular, as is the extensive PAPUA section (Lots 662 to 718). And don’t miss the last lot in the sale, Lot 758, a superbly signed and endorsed flown cover, carried by AMELIA EARHART on her January 1935 flight from Hawaii to California.
2021 has been an incredible year for all of us. Here, at Leski Auctions, we have all been able to stay well, as have our families and loved ones. We’ve been busier than ever, and your participation is our auctions (by phone, email and online) has hit record highs! Our vendors have supported us magnificently and we are already hard at work on our first series of auctions for 2022.
We wish you all a happy and healthy new year. We look forward to hearing from you, whether you are thinking of buying, selling or both!
Featured Lots
Lot 52
Coins - Australia: Sovereigns: 1899-1931 PERTH MINT SOVEREIGNS "THE COMPLETE COLLECTION": comprising 33 twenty-two carat sovereigns, being the complete Perth Mint production between 1899-1931, including several highly sought-after dates, plus a 1899-1999 $100 Centenary Sovereign proof, all beautifully displayed in a luxurious Jarrah timber presentation case, numbered #56 of 70, VF to UNC.
AUSTRALIA: Other Pre-Decimals: 1946 STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION: group of stamps-sized 2d photographic essays identified by various names/non-de-plumes comprising (1) "Coral Pool, Great Barrier Reef" by "Gray"; (2) untitled Australian Rules action scene by "James" ; (3) 'Bottle Tree" by "Camera"; (4) "Typical Aboriginal head with weapons each side" by "Ralantando"; (5) "Worker attaching skip for conveying concrete" by "Decameron"; (6) "Carlotta Arch, Blue Mountains" by "Deke"; some with spotting on
AUSTRALIA: Aerophilately & Flight Covers: Aug.1920 (AAMC.47c) "Velvet Soap" advertising postcard dropped over Melbourne by R. Graham Carey in his Maurice Farman Shorthorn biplane, as depicted on the card. The reverse of the card shows Carey in the cockpit and an aerial view of the soapworks of J. Kitchen & Sons, the manufacturers of Velvet Soap and is signed by the pilot. Excellent condition. [Eustis says "Only four cards known".
AUSTRALIA: Aerophilately & Flight Covers: 17 Feb.1934 (NZAMC.81c, AAMC.361a) New Zealand - Australia cover flown by Ulm in "Faith in Australia" with the unique franking of the issued 7d light blue Trans Tasman opt. used in combination with the "TRANS - TASMAN FLIGHT / 'FAITH IN AUSTRALIA" overprint essay on the 7d brown-orange
NEW SOUTH WALES: Revenues: REVENUES: 1865 QV long type 4d to £1 complete set of 18 bicoloured die proofs in unadopted colours - plus of the master die (in black) - reduced to stamp-size & affixed in "windows" framed on card 188x228mm or - for the 10/- to £1 - 160x73mm. A unique and delightful set. Ex Charles & Francis Kiddle. [The issued stamps appeared in only four frame colours: 4d to 8d blue; 1/- to 4/- brown (shades); 5/- to 9/- green; and 10/-, 12/6, 15/- & £1 carmine] (19 proofs)
CHRISTMAS ISLAND: 1963 (SG.11-20) 2c to $1 Pictorials complete set of Die Proofs presented within individual recessed presentation cards (82x100mm), boxed 'RBA/NOTE PRINTING/BRANCH handstamps on reverse, dated between "7.2.64" & "12.2.64" and numbered "3" (5c & 50c) or "7" (all other values), few minor blemishes/stains, fine overall. These are the first examples we can recall being offered to the market. Ex N.H. Cooke, Christmas Island Phosphate Commissioner 1960-66. (10 items)
MAURITIUS: POSTAL HISTORY:1935 Covers (2) and a real-photo postcard posted during the visit of the Dutch Submarine 'K XVIII' whilst on its world tour from Holland to Java (during which it visited Tristan da Cunha, South Africa, Mauritius and Fremantle), one cover carried from the island by the submarine. The group comprises cover to Holland with an illustration of the submarine on the flap and "Built by Wilton-Fijenoord Rotterdam, Hr. Ms. Onderzeeboot K XVIII" posted at Port Louis (May 31)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Aerophilately & Flight Covers: 1935 (Jan. 11) Honolulu - Oakland flown cover, endorsed "Carried by air/..." and signed by the pilot "Amelia Earhart" at upper-left and "No.13 of 49 covers" at lower-left; superb condition. EXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. CARRIED ABOARD THE FIRST NON-STOP SOLO FLIGHT FROM HAWAII TO CALIFORNIA.
AUSTRALIA: Aerophilately & Flight Covers: "THE LAST FLIGHT OF THE 'SOUTHERN CROSS'":: 18 July 1935 (AAMC.514 & 515) comprising covers numbered '23', '33', and consecutively numbered '36' & '37' each cover bearing a perforated special vignette, all are signed by the seven personnel aboard this historic short Mascot-Richmond flight, namely pilots Charles Kingsford Smith and P.G. Taylor, plus Mary Kingsford Smith, John Stannage, Beau Shiel, John Ulm & C.G.Scrimgeour (radio broadcaster)
