Stanley Gibbons to Auction Arnhold Collection

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Stanley Gibbons will be holding two auctions of the Edouard Arnhold British Empire collection during 2012. The first auction, featuring British Africa, will be held on Thursday 17th May, with the second half following in September.

The Arnhold collection comprises lots from modest to medium price in addition to rarities; many of which have not been on the market for more than 40 years.

Auctioneer, Ryan Epps, said, “It is always sad to break up what is without doubt a collector’s lifetime work but it has been a real pleasure to work on this fascinating collection. Mr Arnhold could probably be described as ‘old-school’ in that he put errors, varieties and other great rarities alongside the most basic issues and each page was a pleasure to turn, wondering what would be found next.”

According to Stanley Gibbons Magazine and Catalogue Editor, Hugh Jefferies, who previewed the collection, highlights include a particularly impressive Rhodesia section with numerous ‘Double Heads’, with ‘gashed ears’ and specialist shades in abundance. It is also strong in the earlier ‘Arms’ and later ‘Admirals’ with high values and errors such as a vertical pair of 1909 £1 grey-purple (SG113) one without overprint.

Southern Rhodesia includes a rare example of the 6d. Admiral imperf. between in a marginal pair (SG7a) estimated at £20,000 and the Niger coast features several of the scarce provisionals, with a 5s on 2d GB Jubilee estimated at £5000.

The Cape of Good Hope section offers some fine mint examples of the 4d ‘Woodblock’ error of colour and the Mauritius sections includes some fine ‘Post Paids’.

Bechuanaland offers some elusive overprint errors and varieties while St Helena includes many of the popular plate flaws on the ‘Badge’ issue; among them a 15s with ‘Torn Flag’. There are also a number of varieties on offer from Zanzibar and British East Africa among the overprints of India.

“Here is a collection which has clearly been put together by someone who loved his stamps and knew what he was buying” said Hugh.

Epps continued, “I am confident that many collectors will be able to enhance their own collections from this sale and I am already looking forward to starting work on Part 2”.

Serious collectors not currently in receipt of Stanley Gibbons auction catalogues are invited to request a complimentary copy by applying to Richard Watkins on 020 7836 8444 or rwatkins@stanleygibbons.com. Alternatively the catalogue is available to view or download from www.stanleygibbons.com.

Public viewing for the auction will be available at 399 Strand from 14th to 16th May. Private viewing is available prior to public viewing by appointment only.

Live online bidding will also be available through the-saleroom.com; Europe’s leading portal for art and antiques auctions. You can register for free at www.the-saleroom.com. Please note bids received in this way will be subject to an additional 3% buyer’s premium.