Description:

LITERATURE: "The Royal Philatelic Collection" by Sir John Wilson (1952), being a complete catalogue of the most important and valuable stamp collection ever formed, compiled by the Keeper of the Royal Collection himself. Without doubt, this is the finest philatelic book of all time, produced on the highest-quality paper, extensively illustrated with 64 black & white plates and 12 exceptional colour plates. This is the deluxe edition bound in red Morocco leather with the Royal coat-of-arms emblazoned in gold on the face.

If this book had been published in any other field of endeavour it would be worth many thousands of dollars. Because it's "only" philately, it has never achieved its potential and is a gift at our estimate. Weighing 7 kilograms, this impressive volume should be the cornerstone of every philatelic library worth the name. [Tim Rybak's very fine copy sold at the Prestige auction of 24/5/2008 for $1840 & the buyer asked for it to be sentt to him in Europe by express airmail! Two never-opened examples - one still in its original wooden packing case! - sold at the Prestige auction of 14/11/2014 for $2530 & $2760 respectively]