The latest instalment of the Chartwell Collection auctions saw a fascinating set of 1940 Jersey stamps bearing a Nazi swastika overprint sell yesterday (September 12) in London.
 Jersey was not included in the D-Day assault due to its strong fortifications |
The stamps originate from the Nazi occupation of Jersey, which occured from 1940 to 1945, but were thankfully never issued on the island.
Bearing the swastika stamped over the head of King George VI, the decision was eventually made not to issue the amended set, as it was feared that this would offend Jersey's inhabitants too much and make it even more difficult for the German forces to prevail over them.
Ranging in value from 1/2d to 3d, the prepared for use set of 18 were sold in fine condition for £16,000 ($25,781).
The auction's top lot came from a stunning set of King George VI imprimaturs, which originated from the National Postal Museum Archives. The magnificent collection of fifteen values ranged from 1/2d to one shilling in imperforate blocks of four, each printed on watermarked paper and boasting full original gum.
Handstamped with "NP/Imprimatur" at the reverse and displaying evenly balanced, wide margins, they sold for £45,000 ($72,522). Only a small ink mark on the selvedge of the 1/2d marred the exhibition quality of this remarkable set.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a fantastic collection of Great Britain stamps available. Among the various highlights is a superb example of the 2d Tyrian Plum, one of the most celebrated rarities in British postal history.
