SPINK USA | January is a very busy month for Spink's philatelic departments around the world, and The Robert Van Buren Emmons collection is providing much to contend with. Two sales will be taking place, one in London focusing on British Empire Classics, and the other in New York and will highlight his excellent collection of United States and Hawaii stamps and covers. Both will take place on the 24^th January 2017. This part of his collection was formed largely in the 1950's. Mr. Emmons was fortunate enough to have participated in many of the noteworthy auction sales of the time, especially Alfred Caspary, and while a U.K. resident Nicholas Waterhouse. He pursued both stamps and covers and had a great eye for quality and visual appeal. The collection was shelved in the early 1960's so the material has been off the market for almost 60 years. 

The sale is full of rarities and choice pieces but the star of the show is without a doubt, lot 169, a 3c Blue re-issue, well centred for this always difficult value, tied along with 2c Brown re-issue (#124), 1c Brown orange re-issue (#133a, natural s.e. at base), plus 5c Yellow brown (#205, natural s.e. at left), 10c Brown (#209) and 2c Red brown (#210) to registered 2c Red entire to Paris by "New York/A" double oval cancels, blue boxed "Registered/Apr 29 1884/Branch A/New York, P.O" handstamp and registry etiquette, New York registry backstamp, red Paris receiver and backstamps. 

Lot 169, estimated: £75,000 - 100,000

This is the only known cover franked by a 3c 1875 re-issue of the 1869 issue, the used off cover stamp itself being a great rarity that bears a Scott catalogue value of $27,500.00 for a stamp with minimal faults, in addition there are only three other covers recorded that are franked by the 2c 1875 re-issue of the 1869 issue, illustrated and discussed in a very attractive and colourful cover of the greatest rarity that would make an ideal end piece for an important medal-winning 1869 issue exhibit.

For more information, please contact George Eveleth 

Tel: +1 212 8400 | Email: [email protected]

SPINK USA | 145 W. 57th Street | New York | NY 10009

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year.  Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.