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The Baron Stig Leuhusen Collection of Bermuda - 29 October 2003

Bermuda collectors have been waiting for some considerable time for this collection to appear on the market and Wednesday 29th October marks the day. The London auction room at Spink will no doubt be crowded for the 2.30 pm start of the auction to sell the 334 lots on offer.

This well known collection covers all aspects of Bermuda philately with the first 43 lots comprising early letters and postal history with the majority of the early handstamps represented. Of particular note is the superb “ PAID AT IRELAND ISLAND BERMUDA” crowned circle on a neat envelope complete with contents. This item once graced the collection of Claude Cartier and is estimated at £3500-£4000.

Lot 31

The Postmaster Provisionals are represented by two examples. These charismatic stamps are amongst the most famous in the world and seldom appear on the market. The first to be offered is Perot’s first issue, the 1d in black on bluish laid paper. This stamp was acquired by the Baron in 1978, used on a small piece the estimate is £40000-£50000. The second example is also the first 1d issue but printed in red on bluish wove paper. Unique with the 1856 date this stamp has a wonderful provenance, Hind, King Carol and Sir Henry Tucker. The estimate is £50000-£60000.

Lot 44

The first Government issue of 1865 is well covered by die proofs, plate proofs and issued stamps both mint and used. The surcharge issues include mint and used stamps and rare covers. Of particular note in this section is the largest recorded mint block of the 1d on 1/- of 1875. This wonderful block of nine has an estimate of £3000-£3500. The magnificent “Moncrieff” envelope completes this section. This stunning item is the only known envelope bearing all three values of the 1875 1d surcharges. Once in the collection of Sir Henry Tucker the envelope has an estimate of £35000-£40000.

Lot 82

Later Queen Victoria issues include proofs, specimens, a De la Rue Colour scheme and collections both mint and used. The Dock and Ship types again include essays, proofs, colour trials and specimen stamps together with plating study collections.

King George V commences with the high values, die proofs and specimen stamps and a strong range of mint offered by value with many multiples. The Tercentenary issues include proofs and a beautiful set of the 1920 issue in plate proof pairs.

The King George VI period comprises a strong range of the high values amongst which are two blocks of the “lemon” shade. These blocks, one of eight and one of four are rare multiples. The latter being a lower right corner plate block, one of six such pieces believed to exist. The estimate here is £2700-£3000.

Lot 247

The issues of Queen Elizabeth are not ignored in this collection and there is a range of interesting varieties on offer. These include missing colours, perforation varieties and missing surcharges.

The auction continues with unusual proofs from the postal stationery and revenue issues and then moves on to the final section, Covers and Cancellations.
This last group of some 40+ lots includes very attractive items from the Queen Victoria period. With local and overseas usages there is much here for the specialist collector. The Boer War specialist will be pleased to see a good range which includes the rarer censor markings.

This auction includes something for every Bermuda collector and those that do not subscribe to Spink catalogues should certainly order a catalogue without delay.