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Auction: 23009 - World Banknotes
Lot: 195

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, specimen note presentation album comprising of $10, $50, $100, $500, $1000, all issued on 31st March 1980, with serial number 000011,
(Pick 182is, 184fs, 187cs, 189as, 190bs, TBB B663xs, B666is, B668ds, B670bs, B671cs), in the presentation album, which remains sealed and as made, rare (5 notes).
An exceptional and iconic gold-gilded presentation album featuring the HSBC lion prominently adoring its cover and housed within a brown presentation box. Beyond the lot's remarkable contents, it holds a narrative from its original owner and seller of this outstanding rarity. Here is the personal story, which revolves around the close-knit bonds shared by two families-the Welsh Family and the Chappell Family:
The genesis of our families' connection can be traced back to the early 1960s, when Tom and my father, Anthony Chappell, met as HSBC bachelors in Singapore. In those days, these dedicated 'International Officers' as they were termed, were obliged to maintain their bachelor status throughout their initial three-year 'tour of duty', residing in specialised bachelor apartment compounds. Such unique circumstances of their lives formed lasting and cherished friendships.
My father was Tom's best man during his marriage to his wife Brenda, and subsequently Tom was best man during my father's marriage to his wife Vivien. Brenda and Vivien then became lifelong friends, and never was the bond between the two families more evident than when Brenda appointed Vivien as godmother to her daughter Becky, and my father appointed Tom as godfather to me. HSBC International Officers were frequently relocated to various global offices, necessitating changes in residence and location every two to three years. During this period, my sister, brother, and I were all born in Singapore from 1966 to 1969. We were then posted to Tawau in Borneo for three years, followed by stints in Hong Kong, California for two years, another return to Hong Kong, a brief sojourn in London for two years, and a final return to Hong Kong, until my father's retirement in 1985. During this extensive journey, we were delighted to find the Welsh family were living close by us in Hong Kong from 1981 to 1985, and we were able to spend quality time together once more.
Tom Welsh was General Manager of HSBC, where he served as one of the two signatories on the new Hong King banknotes currently available for sale. After receiving a few specimen note albums, he generously gifted me the notes numbers 000011- on my 11th birthday, along with a signed compliment slip and best wishes.
N.B. Kindly note that the additional photographs included are for illustrative purposed only and are note part of the lot containing the banknotes


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Sold for
£8,500

Starting price
£4200