2019-07-18 Thu

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries of Petaluma, Calif. will be offering several interesting postage stamps at APS’s annual Stampshow that will be held this year from 1st to 4th August at CHI Health Convention Center, Omaha. One of the highlights is a se-tenant of three commemorative postage stamps, issued in 1933 to celebrate the flight of a 24-seaplane squadron led by Gen. Italo Balbo from Rome to Chicago. This operation was carried out during the Century of Progress Exposition. The stamps were overprinted but were never issued for the return flight. Experts believe that only 500 examples of the unissued set were overprinted. The set of three stamps has a listed market value of $54,000 in never-hinged condition. The offered example comes with a 2019 Philatelic Foundation certificate and has an opening bid of $14,500.

A cover used in 1862 featuring a signature of “A. Lincoln” when he was the 16th president of the USA is also being offered. The cover also has a double-ring Washington, D.C., handstamp. The cover’s back-flap has been repaired and has a small piece at the right is missing. It will be offered at an opening bid of $3,000, and an estimated value of $4,000 to $4,500.

An unused arrow block of 48 1¢ buff Benjamin Franklin stamps issued in 1869 is another interesting offering to look out for. The block is the largest known multiple of the stamp that were originally issued in panes of 150. Almost 21 stamps in the block are hinged. The upper right stamp has a sealed tear. The item has a listed market value of $66,000 and is offered at an opening bid of $10,000, against an estimated value of $15,000 to $20,000.

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Image Courtesy: Harmer-Schau Auction