Auction No 145 - Prestige Philately

Page: 28
Prestige Philately - Auction No 145 Jun 13, 2009
Lot Type Grading Description Est $A
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA - First Day Covers
[The lots in this section are from the exceptional collection formed by RG ("George") Lang from Western Australia. George has, for
many years, been recognised as one of the leading collectors of Australian First Day Covers and other enthusiasts will be delighted to
see these "plums" come onto the market. In fact, this is one of the strongest offerings ever of this material. Rodney Perry conducted two
market- defining First Day Covers auctions way back in 1997 & 1998. It is notable that most items in this section were not represented
in either of those sales. Catalogue listings are not entirely satisfactory and the ACSC prices tend to be well behind our expectations of
the real market levels. Our estimates are based far more on relative rarity than on the catalogue quotes. While they may appear
adventurous, we expect that serious collectors will respond positively to this once-in-a-generation opportunity]
57 C A+
Lot 57
1913-14 Engraved KGV 1d pale red from Plate 1 with Weak Entry at Right Side BW #59Aw
tied to Sheard cover by fine 'RED HILL/8DEC13/QUEENSLAND' cds, typed "First
day/cancellation." at upper-left matches the typed address. Quite exceptional. This is the
earliest recorded cover prepared by noted First Day Cover enthusiast Saville H Sheard.
The ACSC states "Date of Issue: 9 December 1913 officially, but placed on sale at some
post offices on 8 December 1913". However, this is not quite accurate. The Penny Engraved
was issued in Queensland, South Australia & Victoria on 8/12/1913; and in New South
Wales & Tasmania on 9/12/1913 (the date of release in Western Australia is unknown).
Therefore, there were two dates of issue.
The ACSC prices covers of 9/12/1913 at $6000 but those of the earlier date at $3500. Our
vendor contends - and we are inclined to agree with him - that they should be priced the
same. In fact, if the US/GB/NZ practice of seeking the Earliest Recorded Usage was applied,
the 8th December covers would have the greater value.
10,000
The Australian Cover Society, Inc.
The Society was formed in 2002. the informative journal, “The Cover Collector” is published 3
times each year. There is an entrance fee of $10 and annual subscriptions of $25 within
Australia, or $35 for overseas residents. The postal address is PO Box 2066, Bayswater 3153,
AUSTRALIA. Contact treasurer Shane Gray by email to elaine380@dodo.com.au