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Auction: SW1019 - The Collectors' Series incl. Colombia, Italian P.O.'s in China, Bulgaria, Rumania, Fiscals & Aeronautical Memorabilia
Lot: 59

Bulgaria"Small Lion" Issue1889-1909. The Magnificent Thomas Hitzler Collection devoted to the fascinating "Small Lion" Post-Classic Issue, housed in three albums and mounted on exhibition pages (25x29cm), featuring precise descriptions and comprising most of the significant aspects of this issue. It includes the unissued essays, hand-painted proofs, imperforate plate proofs, specimens incl. a probably unique set in pairs, colour proofs, this section constituting an astonishing assembly made up by several unique items; varieties with imperforates, mixed- and infrequent perforations including very rare Vienna printing 10st. perf. 10½, Paris Printing with various exceptional and most scarce examples, 2l. & 3l. perf. 13¾; multiples with very scarce mint 5 st. & 10st. blocks of four from the Vienna Printing, Paris Printing 15st. in mint block of four (one of two known); the most unusual 10st. ochre instead of rose (error of colour); part sheets, etc. The postal-history section is graced, apart from covers, by parcel- and acknowledgement of receipt forms; destinations with the great majority of the items being sent abroad and including better examples such as Philippines; the earliest cover recorded in this issue; high frankings with the only non-philatelic cover recorded bearing the two highest denominations, 2l. & 3l., and one of just about five items known franked by single 3l.; rare cancellations including non-philatelic cover cancelled by "Exposition/Plovdiv" commemorative c.d.s. (one of three recorded), surcharged 1909 "10" on 50st. in mixed franking with "Prince Ferdinand" (only possible during two-three weeks); 1892 "15" on 30st. on one of just three covers known used before the official date of issue; etc. The collection also comprises various pages dedicated to the "01" on 2st. "Large Lion" value, with varieties including one of three covers known exhibiting an inverted surcharge, multiples, newspaper, high frankings, complete sheet, etc. A magnificent collection formed after decades of search. Various Hitzler and Karaivanoff certificates are included. Viewing highly recommended. Photo

Estimate
€25,000