Chartwell collection watermark error stamp brings $59,000 at Spink

Another facet of Humphrey Cripps's Chartwell collection was polished off last night as the surface printed issues were sold. As we expected, one of the top results was a wonderful example of the Ten Pence 1867 stamp mistakenly printed on paper with watermark emblems.

The red-brown Plate 1, HL position is well-centred and has a fine and neat strike of the Constantinople "C" barred oval.

It is an extremely fresh and fine example of this great rarity which shows exceptional colour and must be one of the finest recorded examples.

In fact, there are only fourteen recorded examples of which nine are used in Constantinople. Three are in institutional collections: The Royal Collection, the British Library and National Postal Museum.

1867 ten pence watermark error stamp
The attractive 1867 ten pence watermark error stamp

 

Several examples have faults but this lot, once a part of the 'Maximus' collection, is in great condition and was listed at £20,000-25,000 ($39,100).

In the event, collectors proved even keener on it than that would suggest, as it sold for £37,530 ($59,000) following a short but lively bidding competition.

The next section of the Chartwell Collection: Great Britain King Edward VII Essays, Proofs & Issued Stamps is to follow in early December.

In the mean time, collectors might like to browse our top five examples of stamps from the Chartwell collection, or view this 'abnormal' one shilling stamp from the same era as the 1867 Ten Pence which we currently have available for sale.

 

See our blog for a look at the differing attractions of errors and accuracy in stamp collecting.

 



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