Stamp Collector

24 MAY 2020 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk MARKET INSIGHT STAMP DETECTIVE There have been long periods of time when British armed forces were stationed in Egypt. From 1932 until 1936, special seals were issued and sold which allowed British soldiers and their families to send letters home at a reduced rate. These seals were affixed to the back of the envelopes. In 1936 the system with franking seals was abolished and replaced by Army Post stamps issued by the Egyptian Postal Administration. The stamps have denominations of 3 and 10 millièmes and they show a portrait of King Farouk. Franking their letters with these Army Post stamps, British military personnel benefited from lower rates for their mail to the British Isles. In 1938 there was a new issue featuring a portrait of King Farouk. The denominations were the same as before. In recent years demand appears to have been strong for the 1938 pair which has resulted in ever increasing catalogue values. Major British stamp dealers currently ask as much as £12 for the two stamps in unmounted mint condition. In used condition the 10m value is very common while the 3m value is scarcer used than mint. Modern Egypt is not the most popular of philatelic areas and sets of these Army Post stamps may be discovered in dealer’s stocks at an asking price which does not reflect their true market value. The stamps were withdrawn in 1941 but the concessionary rates remained in force until 1951 without the need of any special stamps. British Army Post Meanwhile, in the USA, Robert A Siegel offered the ‘Dubois’ Collection of Important Prestamp Covers and Postal Markings of British North America, 1694-1861. Highlights of the section on mail from Britain to Canada included a superb historical letter from a British captain detailing the battle of Trois-Rivieres against the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The lot description explained: ‘The Battle of Trois-Rivieres occurred on June 8, 1776, and was the last battle fought on Quebec soil. After their defeat, the Continental Army retreated to Fort St. Jean, burning the fort and any capable boats on June 17. They eventually retreated back to Fort Ticonderoga.’ In the letter Captain John Wight of the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot writes: ‘I was witness two days ago to St. Johns, as well as all the other forts in this country being in flames which was performed by the Rebels before they evacuated them. I am obliged to write this in a hurry on the top of a casket in the midst of noise and confusion.’ SOLD FOR £4,300 The recent Philatelic Friends auction went ahead as planned, with the auctioneers stating: ‘With the current Corona Virus crisis plaguing the world at this time, it was not unexpected that most people are focussing on far more important matters and that the auction, despite being among the best we have assembled over the past eight years, would be impacted. Bargains were to be had and those that participated grasped the benefit of the occasion.’ Amongst the lots was a proof of the South Afria 1998 Human Rights issue. The Final Printer’s Proof sheet of ten was imperforate and mounted in a House of Questa presentation cover sent for approval and signature. SOLD FOR £138 AUCTION UPDATE The recent Warwick and Warwick sale allowed for email and telephone bids only, and news on future auctions will be published on the website (www. warwickandwarwick.com) . A statement read: ‘The current emergency is affecting all our lives and all business activity. We are committed to complying with all Government guidance as it evolves in response to scientific and medical advice. It is our aim at all times to protect our staff and all of our customers.’ The Spink website states: ‘Spink is dedicated to continue bringing you respite in these challenging times as some form of life must go on. The auction program continues with the support of our online platform SpinkLive.’ Visit: spink.com Grosvenor’s auction of Specialised Great Britain originally planned for April 16 is now due to take place on June 17. The auction of British Empire & Foreign Countries previously scheduled on May 20 has been postponed to June 18. Read more at: www.grosvenorauctions.com Keep up to date with stamp auction news with free newsletter, now sent out once a week to help you keep collecting. Just sign up at: www.allaboutstamps.co.uk/account/register Our philatelic private-eye spies another notable stamp that looks set to go up in value