Monaco 1891-94 second issue imperforated proof without the figure

of value in the value tablet and printed in black on light buff cardboard

of medium thickness and of a rather silky texture, of obviously very high

quality for that period, ungummed and with good and equal margins all

around, creating a wonderful aspect which is enhanced by the outstanding

quality as well, without any faults or defects whatsoever and truly pristine

in all respects, the sharpness of the impression is absolutely remarkable,

much better than that of the issued stamps and of impressive finesse, from

the aesthetic perspective, this proof is a true work of art in itself, and from

the philatelic point of view it is indeed a very rare item which very rarely

surfaces the market, a great item destined for a knowledgeable philatelist

with an eye for wise investments.
Monegasque philately, although fascinating valuable and most decorative,

is a very straightforward one, with a very limited number of spectacular

varieties or variations from the basic, issued stamps, even during its classic

period. Hence, the undenominated proofs for the second and first issues of

Monaco are most probably amongst the most interesting

(if not “the” most interesting) Monegasque items available, and the vast

majority of the already extremely few existing proofs for the second issue

are printed on normal paper. Those on cardboard, like this one is, are virtually

non-existent and constitute the supreme refinement as far as distinguished

classics of Monaco are cconcerned, and also such proofs are missing from

most collections.
Another such proof for the second issue of Monaco is being currently offered

by the French auctioneers Behr (http://www.behr.fr) in their Net Price Sales

no. 87 for €800 (~ $ 1,040) – lot no. 3075 –

but that is inferior as it is on normal paper.

Monaco 1885 first issue imperforated proof without figures of value in the

value tablets, printed in black on buff cardboard of medium thickness

ungummed and displaying large and well balanced margins all around, the

quality and sharpness of the impression are absolutely outstanding and

to describe this wonderful and immensely rare proof as “perfect” would

probably be an under-statement, not only it has no defects whatsoever

displays vibrant colour and superb freshness as well, a fantastic item,

Monegasque philately, although fascinating valuable and most

decorative, is a very straightforward one, with a very limited number

of spectacular varieties or variations from the basic, issued stamps,

even during its classic period. Hence, the undenominated proofs for

the first and second issues of Monaco are most probably amongst the

most interesting (if not “the” most interesting) Monegasque items

available, and the vast majority of the already extremely few existing

proofs for the first issue are printed on normal paper. Those on cardboard,

like this one is, are virtually non-existent and constitute the supreme

refinement as far as distinguished classics of Monaco are cconcerned, and also

such proofs are missing from most collections.

As reference, the French auctioneers Behr (http://www.behr.fr) are offering

a similar yet inferior proof (as it is on normal paper) in their current Net Price Sale

no. 87 for €4,000 (~ $ 5,200) – lot no. 3047.

Monaco 1885 first issue 1c block of twelve (4 x 3) with complete

gutter margin attached at right and with eight stamps

MNH rarely offered in general and almost never

available this fine, no. 1 in any catalogue, Yvert cat. value as

two blocks of four and four singles,

all hinged, is already €440 (~ $ 575), but this mostly unmounted

block must certainly deserve a huge premium over that value.

GOLD COAST 1904-6 2/6 OPT.

SPECIMEN MINT, SG 57s.

India 25 Rupee Victorian Telegraph Stamp

QV 1879 Perkins Bacon Essay

Ridgway designed 'Perkins, bacon & Co' essay. Imperforate example,

in grey-brown with gum. The 'W' check letter is the initial of the

designer W. Ridgway. Eventual contract was

awarded to de-La-Rue. Scarce item.