Canadian Stamp Auctions

Recent Auction Highlights

21 October, 2011 - Eastern Auctions Limited

The Hugh Westgate
1898 Map Stamp Collection

Lot 238

How can one summarize a collection as unique as this in a few pages? We felt very humble as we made the attempt. It was a collection of great depth, one that has won numerous awards and that beautifully illustrated so much that is known about the 1898 map stamp.

Eastern comments that the collection was “formed over many years and included the entire production file from the American Bank Note Company Archives....The postal history section is substantial to say the least. Early dates including first day and Christmas Day, multiple rates and unusual destinations abound. Students of this issue will be interested to know that the two covers in existence that were previously thought to be dated December 2 have since been proven to be fake. The earliest known date for a cover is now the official first day, which was December 7.”

And now, some of the highlights:

Preliminary Models and Essays

Lot 201
Estimate $10,000
Realized $7,250

Hand Painted, Hand Drawn and Engraved Progressive Die Proof

Lot 208
Estimate $5,000
Realized $8,500

Imperforate Block

Lot 232
Scott 86a
Catalogue $1,100
Realized $1,050

Plates

Lot 236
Estimate $400
Realized $250

Dates

Dec. 2, 1898	Dec. 6, 1898 (Muddy Water)
Lot 247 Estimate $1,000 Realized $500	Lot 248 Catalogue $400 Realized $450

December 8, 1898

Lot 250
Estimate $150
Realized $90

Perfin

Lot 277
Estimate $150
Realized $170

Largest Precanceled Multiple

Lot 283
Estimate $3,500
Realized $2,100

First Day Covers

Lot 287
Estimate $3,500
Realized $2,500

(the only cover bearing a special delivery stamp)

Lot 288
Estimate $2,000
Realized $2,600

(largest known franking first day cover)

Stamps signed by Sir William Mulock
Postmaster General

Lot 345
Estimate $300
Realized $750

Sir William Mulock

Conclusion

The map stamp has been a favourite of collectors for many years. It is nice to see its many attributes so carefully and skilfully displayed. For your added pleasure, here are a few other items shown in the auction catalogue:

Lot		Estimate	Realized
202	Original watercolour essay	5,000	4,000
205	4 Letters relating to the design	750	2,400
221	Progressive plate proof - full sheet	15,000	29,000
234	Imperforate block of 25 stamps	15,000	750
235	Complete sheet of plates 1,2,3 & 5	-	8,500
241	Half sheet canceled on the first day	2,000	2,600
326	Cover with largest known franking	750	3,250
346	Lithographed forgery	150	210

We have shown the prices realized in $US as the US and Canadian currencies were pretty much on a par on the day of the sale.