We're now nearing the end of today's (June 28) auction of the spectacular Chartwell collection.
With tomorrow's sale expected to be as impressive as today's, here's a look at one of the evening's last great rarities: the famed 'missing Virgin' variety of Virgin Island stamp.
Lot 142, the 1867 one shilling, black and rose carmine stamp, is supposed to feature the figure of the Virgin Mary facing outwards - yet she is mysteriously missing.
As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder... The stamp has just sold for £144,000 ($229,778) including buyer's premium at Spink's amazing Chartwell sale.
What's more, Paul (who's bringing us updates from the saleroom floor) says this is a World Record price for a British Virgin Islands stamp at auction.
Two fine examples of the stamp, as its design was originally intended, followed Lot 142. One of these is pictured (below) for you to compare the two.
In the top example, however, the Virgin seems to have disappeared - ascended perhaps? - leaving only the blast of white which would indicate her holy aura...
 Departed - the possible 'World Record' £144,000 missing Virgin |
This is the finest known example of the stamp, even better than the one which is in the Royal Philatelic Collection. So the estimate of £60,000-80,000 looked quite reasonable...
With the crimson frames extending into the margins and a flaw on the 'E' of 'ONE SHILLING', the unused single is fresh and boasts exquisite eye appeal.
 As intended (despite the loopy 's') - lot 144 |
Previously a part of Cecil Donne's collection, we've just heard from the floor of the sale that with bidders sparring furiously over the stamp, it has finally hammered at a fantastic £120,000 (with premium then added).
No doubt its new owner will never let the Missing Virgin go missing itself.
Watch this space, or follow us on Twitter, as we bring you regular updates from Spink's amazing Chartwell auction as we bring you highlights from the saleroom floor, today and tomorrow.
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