A £1 brown lilac stamp holds the highest estimate in the Fordwater Collection of Great Britain, which is to appear at auction on November 27 in London.
The Fordwater Collection spans the course of British postal history, from the famed Penny Black of 1840 to modern Elizabeth II issues. The £1 brown lilac, which originates from the 1867-1883 high values issue, is to lead bids at £25,000-30,000 ($40,000-47,500).
 The £1 brown lilac is currently selling well as a popular stamp among collectors |
The appearance of the £1 brown lilac in the present auction comes just two days after a used example sold for $3,500 as top lot in the Great Britain section of a US auction.
The example at auction is unused, and originates from the first plate of the series, with the position letters D-E. Displaying the Maltese Cross watermark, it is well-centred with a large part of its original gum. Only a corner crease to the lower right and a few small gum bends mar its otherwise fine condition.
 Almost perfect centring make this an attractive option |
From the same issue comes the second highest valuation of the sale, which is held by a 10 shilling grey-green at £15,000-20,000 ($24,000-32,000). An almost perfectly centred example, the stamp boasts a large part of its original gum and superb colour, with only an almost undetectable crease mentioned by the accompanying BPA certificate.
Paul Fraser Collectibles specialises in sourcing the finest Great Britain stamps, including a brilliant example of the elusive 2d Tyrian Plum. For more of the latest from across the philatelic community and exclusive investment advice, sign up to our free weekly newsletter.
