POST OFFICE IN PARADISE - Auction News Archive

This page last updated: 12 April 2004

::: Auction News Archive :::

Matthew Bennett Inc.'s Sale No. 241 was conducted December 2, 2001, in New York City. One hundred eighteen Hawaii lots were included, starting with lot 2424 and ending with lot 2541. This auction showed the strength of the postal history market, the strength of stamps in superb condition and the weakness of Numeral stamps with faults. All realizations shown here are without the 10% buyer's premium added to the total. Catalogue prices given are Scott's 2001 Catalogue.

Stampless covers started the Hawaii section. These comprised lots 2424 to 2432. Among them were several forwarder covers. All but one of these lots (lot 2431) realized prices within or above the estimates.

Lot 2424: folded letter from Kailua dated Feb. 8, 1840, to New York via Mexico with a partial Vera Cruz cds. This cover realized $700 in the Advertiser Sale (lot 2026). Realization: $2,900.

Lot 2425: folded letter from Father E.ev. de Vilopolis, a Catholic missionary, dated June 20, 1840, to Yvetot, France via Liverpool, Calais (Jan. 1, 1841) and Paris (Jan. 1) w/Yvetot dtd. Jan. 2; LIVERPOOL/SHIP LETTER mark and London 30 Dec 1840 transit mark. Realization: $4,000. [The description is from my own notes, not from the sale catalogue.]

Lot 2426: inward hand carried folded letter from Boston to Lahaina dated at Boston on November 10, 1851. Realization: $400.

Lot 2427: a prepaid cover postmarked at Honolulu on December 3, (1852) with a rare blue San Francisco cds dated January 1. The catalogue states only ten Hawaii covers are known with the blue San Francisco cds but fourteen are in my cover census, dated at San Francisco from December 1, 1852 to January 15, 1853. One other cover (in the Reichspost Museum in Berlin) is probably a blue cds but my only reference is a black and white photograph. The cover in lot 2427 last sold in the Aall collection for $3,000. Realization: $4,500.

Lot 2428: a prepaid cover postmarked at Honolulu April 25, 1860 and at San Francisco May 21. Realization: $1,150.

Lot 2429: forwarded by G. B. Post & Co., with FORWARDED BY/G. B. POST & Co./ SAN FRANCISCO and a San Francisco integral 10 rate mark cds dated February 1. According to my notes, there is a companion cover with a dateline of December 29, 1854. Realization: $1,200.

Lot 2430: forwarded bill of lading with AUXFWDR-GILMAN(fwd by) dated November 29, 1855. In the Advertiser Sale, this cover realized $2,000. Realization: $3,000.

Lot 2431: an 1844 folded letter dated March 12, 1844 at Honolulu and sent via Valparaiso to New Bedford, forwarded from New Bedford to Boston by Hale & Co. This lot realized slightly below an aggressive estimate and with the buyer's premium added, it sold within the estimate. Realization: $14,500.

Lot 2432: forwarder cover with AUXFWDR-STARKJAN datelined January 14, 1850 at Honolulu. This cover last sold in the Champion Sale, but I cannot find my prices realized. Realized: $5,250.

Stamped Covers With US Stamps Only

This category was small with only five lots and four sold within the estimate and one was unsold according to my information:

Lot 2433: a March 18, 1859 cover from San Francisco to Melbourne, missent to Honolulu franked with a 1¢ US #24. This cover sold in the Advertiser Collection for $3,000 and again in the Champion Sale. Realization: $4,000.

Lot 2434: an inward cover from Watertown, NY with a Dec. 17 cds bearing a US 10¢ #32. Realization: $290.

Lot 2435: an outward cover postmarked July 20, 1864 at Honolulu (the postmark is covered by the stamp but I examined the cover and "candled" the front so the postmark could be read) bearing a US 10¢ #68. The cover was promoted as being just before the Kalakaua rate error period - but of course it is a normal rate cover. It last sold in the Advertiser Sale for $650. Realization: $2,500.

Lot 2436: an outward cover to Denmark postmarked at Honolulu on December 15, 1866 bearing a US 30¢ #71 and a US 1¢ #63 with an Aachen mark dated February 14. This cover last sold in Aall Collection for $14,500. Listed Realization is $21,000 but I understand the reserve was higher.

Lot 2437: an outward cover to Connecticut postmarked December 24, 1866 at Honolulu bearing a US 5¢ #76: Realization: $525.

Missionaries

Four Missionary stamps, one on cover, were in the sale:

Lot 2438: Scott No. 2, off cover, used, with considerable restoration on the left side. Realization: $18,000 against catalogue of $25,000.

Lot 2439: Scott No. 2, on cover postmarked at Honolulu on October 4, 1852 with AUXFWDR-GILMAN(via S. Francisco) to Maine. Realization: $180,000 against an estimate of $150,000 to $200,000.

Lot 2440: Scott No. 3, off cover, used, with slight damage and no restoration. Realization: $18,000 against a catalogue of $17,500.

Lot 2441: Scott No. 4, off cover, used, with major oxidation and considerable restoration. Realization: $15,000 against a catalogue of $27,500.

Boston Engraved Stamps and Covers

Nine lots in this category show prices for off cover stamps of less then VF centering and excellent condition fall considerably short of catalogue prices.

Lot 2442: Scott No. 5, off cover, unused, VF-E. Realization: $1,450 against a catalogue price of $1,240.

Lot 2443: Scott No. 5, off cover, used with a red Jupiter cancel; close to touching at bottom. Realization: $300 against a catalogue price of $1,000. The stamp was re-sold on e-Bay, closing at $560.

Lot 2444: Scott No. 6, off cover, unused, OK margins. Realization: $550 against a catalogue price of $600.

Lot 2445: Scott No. 7, off cover, unused, margins cut in at top and bottom. Realization: $1,100 against a catalogue price of $1,100

Lot 2446: Scott No. 7, off cover, used with a SF cds in May (1857), good margins, creased and thin spots. Realization: $3,000 against a catalogue price of $9,000. The stamp was later offered on eBay, but failed to meet the reserve as bidding stopped at $2,375.

Lot 2447: Scott No. 8 (line through Honolulu), [plate position 2], on cover with US 10¢ No. 17, condition of stamps and cover is decent. Realization: $6,250 against an estimate of $5,000 - $7,500.

Lot 2448: Scott No. 9, on cover with a US 10¢ No. 68 and 12¢ No. 36, the US 10¢ stamp was placed over the Hawaiian stamp and has been lifted and placed to the side; condition of the cover and stamps is decent. Realization: $3,250 against an estimate of $3,000 - $4,000.

Lot 2449: Scott No. 11R, off cover (of course) with good margins and no listed faults. Realization: $210 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2450: Scott No. 11R pair, off cover (again, of course) with excellent margins. Realization: $575 against a catalogue price of $500. This pair sold for $350 in the Aall Sale.

Numerals

With thirty-eight lots, this section is the largest in the auction. All of the Numerals offered were off cover. Realizations in this group confirm the Numeral collectors' penchant for condition. Wide margin, flawless, fresh stamps did well to extremely well. Anything less was punished a little or a lot. In the early issues, the quality of the stamps was poor to good and realizations were low accordingly.

Lot 2451: Scott No. 13 (Plate 3-A-VI) unused with good margins but a thin (filled), corner crease and scissor cuts in the margin. Realization: $2,800 against a catalogue price of $6,000.

Lot 2452: Scott No. 13 (Plate 3-A-IX) used with close to touching margin on the L and the pen cross cancel cuts the paper. Realization: $1,000 against a catalogue price of $3,500. The stamp was re-sold on eBay, closing at $1,475.

Lot 2453: Scott No. 13 (Plate 3-A-IX) used with large margins, thinned and stained. Realization: $475 against a catalogue price of $3,500. This stamp was later offered on eBay but failed to reach the reserve, with bidding stopped at $530.

Lot 2454: Scott No. 13a [dark blue variety] (Plate 3-B-VIII) used with toning, thins and corner crease. Realization: $950 against a catalogue price of $3,750.

Lot 2455: Scott No. 13a (Plate 3-B-VIII) used with margin touching at left and top, pinhole and stains. Realization: $2,100 against a catalogue price of $3,750.

Lot 2456: Scott No. 13b [comma after cents variety] (Plate 1-A-X), poor condition with repairs, rebacked, stains, creases and thins but one of only three reported examples. Realization: $1,900 against a catalogue price of $6,000. The other two examples are in much better condition.

Lot 2457: Scott No. 14 (Plate 3-Gx-IV) unused with good to OK margins, light toning and a "small defect at right." Realization: $2,100 against a catalogue price of $6,500.

Lot 2458: Scott No. 14 (Plate 3-Gx-III) used with manuscript pen strokes, margins OK to touching, small thins. Realization: $1,600 against a catalogue price of $4,250. This stamp sold for $1,100 in the Aall Sale.

Lot 2459: Scott No. 14 (Plate 3-Gx-IV) used with pen smear cancel, repaired. Realization: $900 against a catalogue price of $4,250. The lot was later offered on eBay without describing the repair, but the high bid of $1,136.11 did not meet the reserve price.

Lot 2460: Scott No. 15 (Plate 4-B-VII) unused with original gum and nice margins. Realization: $325 against a catalogue price of $450. [This stamp would appear to be a bargain at this price.]

Lot 2461: Scott No. 15 (Plate 4-A-VII) unused, good margins but a "small repair and faults." Realization: $150 against a catalogue price of $450.

Lot 2462: Scott No. 15 (Plate 4-B-V) unused touching at bottom and very close at top and piece missing at the top. Realization: $150 against a catalogue price of $450.

Lot 2463: Scott No. 16 (Plate 3-F-V) unused with close margins, thin and staining. Realization: $475 against a catalogue price of $900.

Lot 2464: Scott No. 16 (Plate 3-D-VI) used with Honolulu cds, gem quality. Realization: $1,400 against a catalogue price of $675. This stamp sold for $1,150 in the Aall Sale.

Lot 2465: Scott No. 16 (Plate 3-E-III) used with manuscript pen strokes, close margins, thins and creases. Realization: $100 against a catalogue price of $675.

Lot 2466: Scott No. 16a [2 at top of rectangle variety] (Plate 3-C-IX) unused, repaired, close to touching margins. Realization: $675 against a catalogue price of $3,500.

Lot 2467: Scott No. 16a [2 at top of rectangle variety] (Plate 3-C-IX) used with Hilo Collectors Office oval, very large margins, small margin tears. Realization: $1,400 against a catalogue price of $3,500.

Lot 2468: Scott No. 17, broken toe variety, (Plate 5-B-IV), unused, close margins with some touching, light stain, only eight examples said to be recorded. Realization: $2,300 against a catalogue price of $7,500 (the variety is unlisted by Scott so the price is for a normal stamp).

Lot 2469: Scott No. 17 (Plate 5-B-VII), used, close margins, repairs. Realization: $1,000 against a catalogue price of $6,500.

Lot 2470: Scott No. 19 (Plate 6-A-IX), unused, large margins, gem. Realization: $800 against a catalogue price of $450.

Lot 2471: Scott No. 19 (Plate 6-A-VIII), raised "I" variety, unused with stitch watermark, gem. Realization: $950 against a catalogue price of $450.

Lot 2472: Scott No. 19 (Plate 6-A-VIII), raised "I" variety, unused, good margins. Realization: $475 against a catalogue price of $450.

Lot 2473: Scott No. 22 (Plate 12-A-II), unused, nice. Realization: $475 against a catalogue price of $500.

Lot 2474: Scott No. 22 (Plate 12-A-?), unused, close at bottom. Realization: $325 against a catalogue price of $500.

Lot 2475: Scott No. 22 (Plate 12-A-II), good margins, but thinned and creased. Realization: $270 against a catalogue price of $500.

Lot 2476: Scott No. 22 (Plate 12-A-V) used with three ring target cancel, corner crease. Realization: $350 against a catalogue price of $850.

Lot 2477: Scott No. 22 (Plate 12-A-VII) used with a square grid cancel, touching margins. Realization: $375 against a catalogue price of $850.

Lot 2478: Scott No. 23 (Plate 8-A-II) unused, gem. Realization: $325 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2479: Scott No. 23 (Plate 8-A-I) unused, toned. Realization: $230 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2480: Scott No. 23 (Plate 8-A-III) unused, toned with a major crease. Realization: $110 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2481: Scott No. 24 (Plate 7-A-IV) unused, gem. Realization: $350 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2482: Scott No. 24 (Plate 7-A-I) unused, gem. Realization: $290 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2483: Scott No. 24 block of four (Plate 7-A-III, IV, V and VI) unused, crease on gutter. Realization: $1,200 against a catalogue price of $1,000.

Lot 2484: Scott No. 24b [missing "s" of "Postage" variety] (Plate 7-A-IX), unused, thins, the "s" is partially visible. Realization: $1,400 against a catalogue price of $1,000.

Lot 2485: Scott No. 25 (Plate 11-A-VI) unused, nice. Realization: $250 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2486: Scott No. 25 (Plate 11-A-X) unused, margin close at bottom. Realization: $210 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2487: Scott No. 26 (Plate 10-A-VI) unused, nice. Realization: $230 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2488: Scott No. 27 (Plate 10-A-II [broken toe uncatalogued variety] unused, thinned, stained. Realization: $125 against a catalogue price of $250.

Bank Note Issue

Twelve lots, mostly covers, are in this section. Realizations generally show there is great strength in the postal history market. The first nine Bank Note Issue lots are shown first, the remaining three follow the lots comprising Boston Lithograph Official Reproductions.

Lot 2489: Scott No. 32 on cover with US 10¢ No. 96 to Bangor, Maine. The auctioneer speculated the cover was carried by a non-contract ship but in fact it was carried on the contract steamer Idaho in December, 1869. This cover realized $1,350 in the Advertiser Sale. Realization: $3,000.

Lot 2490: Scott No. 32 on 1883 cover to New York City. Realization: $230 against a catalogue price of $175.

Lot 2491: Scott No. 33 on on 1881 cover to Rhode Island with AUXFWDR-IRWIN. There are no Hawaii postal markings as the cover was forwarded privately to San Francisco. Realization: $1,400 against an estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

Lot 2492: Scott No. 33 on 1877 cover to Massachusetts postmarked with MH# 221.02 dated Nov. 6, 1877, and a blue oval Castle & Cooke merchant mark on the back, not illustrated. Realization: $625 against an estimate of $500-750.

Lot 2493: Scott No. 33 on 1875 to Oregon postmarked with MH# 233.24 dated 10-10-75. Realization: $225 against a catalogue price of $225.

Lot 2494: Scott No. 35 on cover to Lahaina postmarked Honolulu Nov. 25 (no year). Realization: $160 against an estimate of $200 - $300. [Catalogue price is $30.]

Lot 2495: Scott Nos. 39 (x2) and 43 on cover to Apia, Samoa postmarked at Honolulu on July 31, 1891 with the oval PAID ALL common to covers sent to Australasia by contract steamer in the 1880's and 1890's. Realization: $2,900 against an estimate of $2,000 to $3,000.

Lot 2496: Scott No. 39 (x3) with service marking LATE LETTER./MAIL., MH #759 and Honolulu postmark 234.62 dated May 31 (1884) to Boston. Realization: $850 against an estimate of $750-$1,000.

Lot 2497: Scott No. 49 off cover, used with partial Honokaa type 255.01; VF, no faults noted. Realization: $230 against a catalogue price of $175.

Boston Lithograph Official Reproductions

Two lots offer the 1885 Official Reproduction. Both lots offered quality and scarce material, but demand is weak. Thus, prices were lower than expected.

Lot 2498: Scott No. 50, pair "used" with the typical canceled-to-order target, large margins, no faults noted. Realization: $125 against a catalogue price of $300, calculated by doubling the price for a single.

Lot 2499: Scott No. 50S sheet with creases between the stamps from the sheet having been folded. Said to be one of only three sheets recorded. Realization: $1,900 against a catalogue price of $3,100 calculated from prices for blocks and singles.

Bank Notes Re-Visited

Here are the remaining three lots of Bank Note Issues.

Lot 2500: Scott No. 52 "bisect" on cover postmarked Spreckelsville type 259.04 dated September 1, 1893 and featured with a color photo in the auction catalogue. This usage is philatelic, proving once more there is a strong market for philatelic covers from Hawaii. Realization: $900 against an estimate of $500-$750.

Lot 2501: Scott No. 52C off cover unused gem quality, lightly hinged. Realization: $110 against a catalogue price of $105.

Lot 2502: Scott No. 52C off cover used gem quality. Realization: $120 against a catalogue price of $135.

Provisional Government Overprints

Eighteen lots of Provisional Government overprints were offered, including several covers and varieties. The varieties give a good opportunity to test how well Scott has them priced for the current market. Overall, considering the generally good quality and the somewhat weak prices, this auction suggests current interest in the overprint issue does not justify the prices posted by Scott.

Lot 2503: Scott No. 53 fake sheet of the London electrotypes with all but the top rows showing no period, a rather remarkable example of the common forgery of No. 53. Realization: $1,300 against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500.

Lot 2504: Scott No. 55d, unused, fine. Realization: $425 against a catalogue of $625.

Lot 2505: Scott No. 55f sheet with a weak double on 45 of the 50 stamps. Realization: $2,100 against and estimate of $2,000-$3,000.

Lot 2506: Scott No. 56b (the no period variety), very fine plus, unused, ex-Wilcox. Realization: $190 against a catalogue price of $300.

Lot 2507: Scott Nos. 58, 59 and 60 on a philatelic registered cover to England with boxed REGISTERED and London registry mark; postmarked at Honolulu on September 3, 1893 with 231.72. Realization: $700 against an estimate of $500-$750.

Lot 2508: Scott No. 59g (inverted overprint variety), very fine. Realization: $1,100 against a catalogue price of $1,500.

Lot 2509: Scott No. 61B (the brown 10¢ red overprint color error), fine. Realization: $9,500 against a catalogue price of $14,000. This stamp realized $5,750 in the Aall Sale.

Lot 2510: Scott No. 62d (double overprint, both heavy, variety), very fine. Realization: $850 against a catalogue price of $2,000.

Lot 2511: Scott No. 63, block of four, with a right imprint, very fine centering, some perf separations and tropicalized original gum. Realization: $550 against a catalogue price of $900.

Lot 2512: Scott No. 65 block, VF, light hinge on three stamps, original gum. Realization: $260 against a catalogue price of $325.

Lot 2513: Scott No. 65 block, with PMG Oat's certificate attached, very fine, original gum, some perf reinforcement. Realization: $400 against an estimate of $200-$300.

Lot 2514: Scott No. 69 block, from the left margin, with partial inscription, fine. Realization: $525 against a catalogue price of $1,250.

Lot 2515: Scott No. 69, used single, gem centering, PF Cert. Realization: $600 against a catalogue price of $500.

Lot 2516: Scott No. 70e (the double overprint, one medium, variety), VF, 1999 PF Cert. Realization: $1,600 against a catalogue price of $2,000.

Lot 2517: Scott No. 71 and 71b (the no period variety), pair, the left stamp with the variety, fine centering. Realization: $260 against a catalogue price of $325.

Lot 2518: Scott No. 71d (the double overprint, both heavy, variety), right sheet margin with selvage, VF. Realization: $575 against a catalogue price of $450.

Lot 2519: Scott No. 72f (double overprint, one weak), off center, 1981 HPS cert. Realization: $350 against a catalogue price of $1,000.

Lot 2520: Scott No. 73b (the no period variety), VG, original gum, light hinge. Realization: $325 against a catalogue price of $450.

Republic Issue

Four lots, all covers, make up this section. All of them matched or beat the estimates. The one brazenly philatelic cover fetched a whopping $1,600, a showing consistent with last year's strong interest in philatelic covers.

Lot 2521: Scott Nos. 74-82 (plus a 2¢ Kalakaua - No. 35 or 43, undoubtedly) on a philatelic last day cover dated June 13, 1900. Realization: $1,600 against and estimate of $1,500-$2,000.

Lot 2522: Scott Nos. 76 and 77 on a registered cover to Italy dated April 10, 1896. This cover looked distinctly commercial. Realization: $375 against an estimate of $200-$300.

Lot 2523: Scott Nos. 77, 78, 80 and 81 on a registered cover to Madeira dated January 27, 1899, another commercial cover. Realization: $550 against and estimate of $500-$750.

Lot 2524: Scott No. 81 on a fumigated cover dated February 16, 1900, to Molokai with the Hawaiian Gazette corner card. Realization: $300 against an estimate of $300-$400.

Official Issue

Three lots of Official Issue covers, all Spanish-American War soldier covers, made up the Official Issue section. Great market interest was shown in this section as the realizations blew away the estimates.

Lot 2525: Scott No. O2 on cover dated July 8, 1898 to North Dakota with the US flag and Remember the Maine photo patriotic c/c. Realization: $650 against and estimate of $400.

Lot 2526: Scott No. O2 on cover dated July 30, 1898 to California with the YMCA c/c; contents included. Realization: $750 against and estimate of $400.

Lot 2527: Scott No. O4 on cover dated July 8, 1898 to San Francisco; no patriotic or writing room c/c's. Realization: $650 against an estimate of $450.

Postal Stationery

Nine lots of postal envelopes or postal cards made up this section. All of the postal envelopes were unused except a favor canceled special despatch essay envelope. The only card in the group was used.

Lot 2528: Scott Nos. U6-U9 corner cards blue inside cut squares, unused. Realization: $550 against a catalogue price of $700.

Lot 2529: Scott No. U6 blue inside entire, unused, slight soiling. Realization: $160 against a catalogue price of $400.

Lot 2530: Scott Nos. U7-U9 blue inside cut squares, unused. Realization: $260 against a catalogue price of $550.

Lot 2531: Scott No. U8 variety (UPSS 14a) Wells Fargo blue inside, unused. Realization: $1,050 against a catalogue price of $750.

Lot 2532: Scott No. U9 blue inside entire, nick at bottom edge, unused. Realization: $325 against a catalogue price of $400.

Lot 2533: Scott No. U11a double overprint entire, unused, some aging and erosion. Realization: $270 against a catalogue price of $900.

Lot 2534: Scott No. U12a double overprint entire, unused, thins. Realization: $250 against a catalogue price of $600.

Lot 2535: Scott No. UX2a the lithograph card, used to Germany dated June 20, 1893. Realization: $350 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 2536: Scott No. UE1, the special despatch essay used philatelically dated August 21, 1898. Realization: $600 against an estimate of $500-$750.

Revenue Issue

One lot is all that was included.

Lot 2537: Scott No. R71, inverted overprint. Realization: $525 against a catalogue price of $800.

Collections

Four collection lots finished the sale. Big lots often hold surprises for those lucky enough to examine them. I did not examine these lots so cannot offer a comment other than to say realizations suggested at least three of the lots contained something of interest because the lot fetched the top or above the estimate.

Lot 2538: 115 singles and 35 blocks of four to ten stamps between #6/82, O1-O6 and said to include additional reprints and counterfeits. Realization: $4,750 against an estimate of $4,000-$5,000 and a reported catalogue price of more than $12,000. This lot was purchased for re-sale and many items have since appeared on eBay.

Lot 2539: 250 mint and used stamps including some blocks between #30/82, O1-O6 and said to be F-VF. Realization: $900 against an estimate of $1,000-$1500.

Lot 2540: 475 killer cancels or town postmarks and said to include some unlisted varieties (unspecified as to whether unlisted marks are town postmarks or cancels). Realization: $3,750 against an estimate of $2,000-$3,000.

Lot 2541: town postmark collection with nearly 200 items mostly on Republic Issue stamps. Realization: $1,900 against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500.

Schuyler Rumsey Sale #12 Hawaii lots were offered December 1, 2001. Thirty-one lots were up to be hammered, but ten failed to sell. In all, the result was disappointing because most of the quality lots did not sell. In all, the small number of lots and high reserves made this sale less representative of current prices than the Bennett sale.

Stampless covers comprised the first two lots and both sold.

Lot 1548: An 1847 whaling letter sent around Cape Horn with a Warren, Mass. cds dated March 2, a straightline PAID and a manuscript "7" rate mark. Realization: $725 against an estimate of $750-$1,000.

Lot 1549: An 1849 missionary letter sent around Cape Horn with a New Bedford cds dated April 5, a straightline PAID and a manuscript "7" rate mark. Realization: $2,000 against an estimate of $2,000-$3,000.

Inward Covers

At nine lots, this category was the largest in the sale - seven lots sold. These prices show Hawaii collectors attach less value to inward covers. It is unfortunate the house had to fill out its auction with this low end postal history.

Lot 1550: US 10¢ No. 15, type III from Watertown, Mass. circa 1855, reported as ex-Jessup and Haas. Realization: $325 against an estimate of $200-$300.

Lot 1551: Stampless letter for New Haven to Honolulu via San Francisco. Realization: did not sell - estimate was $250-$300.

Lot 1552: US 3¢ No. 65 from Concord, Mass., to Honolulu - a small ladies cover (not illustrated). Realization: $40 against an estimate of $50-$75.

Lot 1553: A US 5¢ Bank Note 1887 cover from Washington, D. C. to Honolulu (not illustrated). Realization: $48 against an estimate of $75-$100.

Lot 1554: A US 5¢ Bank Note 1890 cover from New York, cover stains and a worm hole (not illustrated). Realization: $32 against an estimate of $50-$75.

Lot 1555: A Great Britain 4p from London, 1891, with toning spots (not illustrated). Realization: did not sell - estimate was $50-$75.

Lot 1556: A Great Britain 2½p from Buxton, England, 1896, to Honolulu (not illustrated). Realization: $32 against an estimate of $50-$75.

Lot 1557: A cover from Foochow, China, 1898, to Laupahoehoe, with a 10¢ Imperial Post stamp and Japan 10s with a Shanghai I.J.P.O., Yokohama and Honolulu postmarks. Realization: $475 against an estimate of $300-$400.

Lot 1558: A patriotic cover with five 1¢ small Bureau Issue stamps, from Montana to Honolulu, 1899, with Seattle R.P.O and SF postmarks. Realization: 85 against and estimate of $100-$150.

Boston Engraved Stamps

Three lots were in this section and all three sold. The Scott No. 8b (5¢ blue double impression) ratifies the Scott price on this item. It was the only higher valued item that sold in the auction.

Lot 1559: Scott No. 6 unused, no gum, some soiling, margins clear. Realization: $260 against a catalogue price of $600.

Lot 1560: Scott No. 8 unused, no gum, close margin at top. Realization: $350 against a catalogue price of $600.

Lot 1561: Scott No. 8b (the double impression variety) bottom frame line barely visible, used with SF cds; ex-Wilcox. Realization: $3,250 against a catalogue price of $3,500.

Numeral Issue

Only three of the seven Numeral lots sold. Those three had faults of varying degree.

Lot 1562: Scott No. 15 block of four unused, types 4-B-I-IV, no gum; 1999 PF certificate. Realization: did not sell - catalogue price: $2,100.

Lot 1563: Scott No. 18 used, position 5-A-III, good margins, square grid cancel. Realization: did not sell - catalogue price: $4,500.

Lot 1564: Scott No. 19 raised "I" plate 6-A-VII, unused, no gum, nice margins. Realization: did not sell - catalogue price: $450 for a normal stamp.

Lot 1565: Scott No. 22 plate 12-A-II, used with target cancel, good margins; 1996 PF certificate. Realization: did not sell - catalogue price: $850.

Lot 1566: Scott No. 23 plate 8-A-II unused, no gum, OK margins, thin. Realization: $130 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 1567: Scott No. 24 plate 7-A-11 unused, no gum, large margins, crease; 2000 PF certificate. Realization: $110 against a catalogue price of $250.

Lot 1568: Scott No. 26 (looks like plate 10-A-III but the house did not describe it) unused, no gum, toned. Realization: $160 against a catalogue price of $250.

Bank Note Issue

Only one lot was in the sale for this Issue. This one lot, however, helps us calculate the current marked for misregistered varieties on Scott No. 31.

Lot 1569: Scott No. 31 (var.) double perforated variety with two extra horizontal perforation rows, one at the top and one at the bottom. Realization: $260 against an estimate of $75-$100.

Postal Card

Sadly, the single postal card in the auction did not sell. It would have given a good indicator for pricing the Puehuehu town postmark on cover.

Lot 1570: Scott UX2 and No. 42 to Connecticut postmarked with Puehuehu type 282.016 (Rarity 3) dated Mar. 27, 1884. Realization: did not sell - estimated at $1,500-$2,000.

Boston Lithograph Official Reproduction

One lot comprised this section. It did not sell.

Lot 1571: Scott No. 50 with a target favor cancel. Realization: did not sell - estimated at $75-$100.

Provisional Government Overprint

Three lots comprised this section. Two lots sold but the important lot in the group did not sell.

Lot 1572: Scott No. 57g (inverted overprint) unused, original gum, 1982 PF certificate. Realization: did not sell - catalogue price $4,000.

Lot 1573: Scott No. 63 original gum, VF-E centering, no faults described. Realization: $38 against a catalogue price of $150.

Lot 1574: Scott No. 64 (var.) with a so-called kiss double (not a true double overprint qualifying for a listed variety) and 2001 PSE certificate. Realization: $170 against a catalogue price for a normal stamp of $25.

Republic Issue

One cover comprised this section. It did not sell.

Lot 1575: Scott No. 75 on cover postmarked with Punaluu, Oahu type 255.9a1 (Rarity 1R) dated November 26, 1898, to Honolulu. Realization: did not sell - estimate $1,000-$1,500.

Territorial Postal History

One lot comprised this section.

Lot 1576: A 1920 Hilo High School Christmas stamp on a local post card. Realization: $230 against an estimate of $300-$400.

Postal Stationery

One lot comprised this section.

Lot 1577: Scott No. UE-1 the special delivery essay envelope, unused, minor flaws (not illustrated). Realization $34 against a catalogue price of $175.

Kahului Railroad Issue

One lot comprised this section to finish the Hawaii lots.

Lot 1578: 18¢ sheet (MH #154) with no gum (as issued) and missing the top selvage. Realization: $130 against an estimate of $200-$250.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale #841, December 17-19, 2001

With only eight Hawaii lots, normally I would pass on commentary. However, some important material was included, so the information is worth passing along.

Stampless covers

Five of the eight total lots were stampless covers. This group included a new EKU for the famous Honolulu straight-line marking, MH 202, previously unrecorded. The three 1830's era stampless covers give us a good gauge of prices for that material.

Lot 1533: Stampless folded letter datelined Oahu, February 2-16, 1835 to Boston with a NY cds dtd August 12 and red SHIP with a manuscript rate mark of 20½. As was often the case in those days, a letter would be started, laid aside and finished later. The two dates noted for the contents are February 2 and February 16. Realization: $1,050 against an estimate of $500-$700.

Lot 1534: Stampless folded letter datelined Honolulu, Oahu, January 1, 1837 and February 23, 1837, to Boston with a Baltimore cds dated November 9, a red SHIP and a manuscript rate mark of 20½. Realization: $800 against an estimate of $500-$700.

Lot 1535: Stampless folded letter datelined Honolulu, Oahu, January 1, 1837 and February 23, 1837, with markings identical to the cover in Lot 1534. Realization: $1,100 against an estimate of $500-$700.

Lot 1536: Stampless folded letter datelined Honolulu October 13, 1850, to Mass., with Honolulu blue straightline dated November 2, 1850, San Francisco cds dated December 1 and manuscript rate mark 42. This cover was carried on the Penelope in the first letter bag opened at the Government Printing Office (the GPO published The Polynesian, Honolulu's newspaper at the time). It is a newly recorded straightline and is the new EKU for this mark. The GPO first opened its letter bag on November 2, so there should be no earlier date for this mark. Realization: $10,000 against an estimate of $7,500-$10,000.

Lot 1537: Stampless domestic official letter of the Interior Department to Lyman, located in Kau, with the oval Hilo Custom House mark. Realization: $1,200 against an estimate of $500-$750.

United States Stamps On Cover

One lot was in this section.

Lot 1538: US Scott Nos. 24 (1¢, Type V vertical pair) and 35 (10¢, type V) to Brooklyn with Hono. postmark type 242.03 dated December 26 (1860) and San Francisco cds dated January 25, 1861. Cover was repaired and one of the stamps was damaged on opening. Realization: $525 against an estimate of $400-$500.

Boston Engraved Issue

One lot was in this section.

Lot 1539: No. 9, block of 4, left sheet margin, some toning and wrinkles with a thin spot. Realization: $1,400 against a catalogue price of $2,000.

Republic Issue

One cover was in this section.

Lot 1540: Nos. 78, 79, 80 and 81 on philatelic registered cover to Germany with a c/c for the Transatlantic Fire Insurance Co. in San Francisco. Postmarked at Honolulu on February 15, 1900, with type 282.11 and registry mark #703. Realization: $1,500 against an estimate of $500-$750.

Important sales in 2001: Siegel Auction No. 834, Matthew Bennett, Inc. Sale 231, Ivy & Mader 2001 March Sale #085 and Schuyler Rumsey Sale No. 11, April 29, 2001.

Prices realized at these four auctions show the market for Hawaiian stamps and postal history is strong. In fact, town postmarks sold for surprising prices in the Bennett sale. UPU period registered covers in the Siegel sale beat realizations in the Advertiser Sale by several thousand dollars per cover. The market seems finally to have digested the great sales of the 1990's at least where postal history and VF stamps are concerned. Much new material not seen at public auction for decades was available in these sales suggesting some old time collectors see a seller's market and they are being proven right. Some lots suffered in comparison with expectations, but in most instances condition problems explain low realizations. Prices for VF or better stamps are commanding catalogue or higher prices but stamps with condition problems are selling for deep discounts or only fractions of catalogue. The contrast between VF stamps and faulty stamps is best seen in the Ivy & Mader auction where several lots were described as having faults.

The Siegel auction offers an opportunity to examine pricing criteria for philatelic covers and a short essay on that subject follows the detail description of the Siegel auction results.

Details of the price realizations are:

Siegel Auction No. 834 (prices shown are the hammer price without the auctioneer surcharge of 10%):

First group: Six lots with Hawaii and US combination covers or just US stamps used from Hawaii.

Siegel's decision to scatter these covers among the US stamps instead of offering them with the Hawaii lots, and its added failure to even put a cross-reference in the Hawaii section contributed to lower realizations, in my opinion. Condition was another problem with several of the lots. Lot 356 was a highly controversial cover because some experts are convinced the Hawaii stamps did not originate on the cover. With one exception, these lots failed to realize the aggressive estimates. Lot 407 was the exception and it is a great cover.

These six lots were:

289- US 17 and Hawaii No. 8 (not tied): $1,600, against the estimate of $10,000 [Scott Catalogue value is $10,000]. The price was affected by the lack of clear tying evidence, despite a PF certificate, and because of serious condition problems, the most apparent of which is the Hawaii stamp has a corner missing. The cover has been offered more recently on eBay starting at $4,000, but did not sell.

355- US 68: $355, ragged condition, against the estimate of $500-750 [Scott Catalogue value is $67.50 for a regular US usage]. Despite being in the first mail under the new contract steamer rate, the condition of this cover could not bring it up to par. Five first sailing covers are recorded.

356- US 69 and Hawaii Nos. 5 and 6 (not tied and PF declined opinion): $3250, against the estimate of $5,000-7,500. Controversy will probably haunt this cover forever, thus a low price. Some experts are convinced the Hawaii stamps did not originate on this cover and the PF has vacillated from "genuine use" to "not genuine use" to "no opinion." The cover has been offered more recently on eBay starting at $10,000, but did not sell.

357- US 69 on piece: $210, against estimate of $300-400. Not a bad price for a piece against an aggressive estimate [Scott Catalogue value is $120 for a regular domestic cover].

378- US 76: did not sell, estimated at $750-1,000. If this cover had been placed among the Hawaii lots, I think it would have sold at or near the estimate unless the stamp faults are more noticeable on examination. US 76 covers are too common to excite US collectors [Scott Catalogue values a single on cover at just $160 but Hawaii covers without a Hawaiian stamps and with only a single US No. 76 sold for $900 and $625 in the Advertiser Sale.

407- combination 1867 cover with US 73 on 3¢ buff U59 with Hawaii Nos. 31 and 32: $8,500, against estimate of $5,000-7,500. This cover was the one significant Hawaii piece in this group and its market strength is not surprising. [This cover sold for $2,000 in Advertiser Sale]

Second group: Twenty-one lots with a few commercial covers but mainly made up of registered philatelic covers. See Philatelic Covers and Hawaiian Stamps on Foreign Mail.

Prices across the board seem to justify or exceed pre-sale estimates and generally exceeded realizations for the same covers when they were offered in the Advertiser Sale.

The 21 lots were:

825- stampless 1856 cover with Honolulu 236.05 (II) postmark (1R), rather tattered, to England: $300, against an estimate of $400-500; a reasonable price for this usage, despite condition.

826- Nos. 33, 34, 36, 39, 41 and 44 on legal size registered philatelic cover: $900, against an estimate of $500-700 [This cover sold for $550 in Advertiser Sale]

827- Nos. 39 and 43a on 1884 commercial use cover with Late Letter Mail (MH 759) and Oat forwarding mark on back: $5,500, against an estimate of $3,000-4,000. The markings explain the high price for this cover.

828- No. 39 and No. 44 pair on 1887 registered philatelic cover: $450, against an estimated $400-500 [This cover sold for $400 in Advertiser Sale]

829- Nos. 46, 53, 54 and 55 on U11 registered philatelic cover: $1,300, against an estimate of $750-1,000 [This cover sold for $800 in Advertiser Sale]

830- Nos. 41 and 48 on U4 official matter cover to Germany: $625, against an estimate of $400-500. Covers bearing No. 48 are quite scarce and this No. 48 is "tied" only by soiling on the cover. It may be OK and I understand it has been submitted to the PF for opinion. The cover also could be a commercial rather than philatelic use [This cover sold for $475 in Advertiser Sale]

831- Nos. 54(x2), 56(x2), 59 and 68 on registered philatelic cover: $850, against an estimate of $400-500

832- Nos. 55, 57 and 75 on 1894 commercial use to Australasia: $400, against an estimate of $400-500 [This cover sold for $525 in Advertiser Sale]

833- Nos. 59(x2), 61 and 68 on U12 registered philatelic cover: $675, against an estimate of $500-750 [This cover sold for $550 in Advertiser Sale]

834- Nos. 63, 67, 68 and 69 on U12 registered philatelic cover: $1,800, against an estimate of $750-1,000 [This cover sold for $1,250 in Advertiser Sale]

835- Nos. 56, 65, 66 and 76 on U11 registered philatelic cover with nicely struck Hawaiian Stamp Co. merchant mark: $2,100, against an estimate of $750-1,000 [This cover sold for $1,000 in Advertiser Sale]

836- Nos. 30, 37, 43, 68 and 77 on registered philatelic cover: $1,350, against an estimate of $750-1000 [This cover sold for $800 in Advertiser Sale]

837- Nos. 71 and 75 on U12 registered philatelic cover: $475, against an estimate of $750-1,000 [This cover sold for $900 in Advertiser Sale]

838- Nos. 74, 75, 76, 77 and 79 on registered philatelic cover with Golden Rule Bazaar merchant mark on back: $575, against an estimate of $500-750

839- Nos. 74, 75, 76 and 78 on registered philatelic cover to Ireland: $800, against an estimate of $$400-500 [This cover sold for $450 in Advertiser Sale]

840- No. 76(x5) on advertising (W. G. Hall partially covered by stamps) commercial cover (Foreign Mail Dept., SF): $625, against an estimate of $200-300 [This cover sold for $270 in Advertiser Sale]

841- No. 76(x2) on commercial cover to New Brunswick and returned as dead letter: $450, against an estimate of $200-300

842- No. 81(x15) on registered philatelic cover: $1,150, against an estimate of $1,000-1,500 [This cover sold for $1,200 in the Advertiser Sale]

843- cover balance lot: $375, against an estimate of $150-200

844- cover balance lot: $450, against an estimate of $200-300

845- unused entires, postal stationery, including some Guam: $300, against an estimate of $1,298

These philatelic covers draw attention to two questions:

How should philatelic covers be priced?

Do Scott Catalogue prices for the Bank Note Issue, Provisional Government Issue and Republic Issue stamps on cover reflect commercial uses or philatelic uses?

Pricing philatelic covers is problematic at best because personal taste is such a strong influence. Take lot 836, above. It sold for $1,350 plus premium. How does one break this down to justify the price? A philatelic cover with Scott Nos. 30, 37, 43 and 77 should (in my own opinion) get a base price of no more than the value of used off cover stamps because the stamps are known on commercial use covers. The only stamp on the cover that is found mainly on philatelic covers is Scott No. 68. But the cover is pretty, going to Germany, with registered mail postmarks and the New York registry label. If one gives it the benefit of all doubt and adds the cover price listed for each stamp, the total base price is $360 [I would come to a base price of only $123 because I would add only the used off cover prices for Nos. 30, 37, 43 and 77, giving an on cover price only to No. 68]. The rest of the value is in the "prettiness" of the cover. Combinations of different values, far off destinations, interesting postal markings, and attractive color combinations make up the value for philatelic covers. For one person, the price of these elements is zero but another collector might drag out the pocket book and pay whatever it takes, as the philatelic covers in this sale show.

Some philatelic covers are interesting to me, particularly those to or from stamp dealers of the day, such as lots 829 and 835. However, purists reject philatelic covers as bona fide uses of a stamp on cover. Among the Bank Note Issue stamps, commercial use covers exist for Nos. 30, 30a, 30b, 31, 31a, 31b, 32, 33, 33a and 34-47. Lot 830 might be an elusive commercial use cover for Scott No. 48. All of the Scott No. 49 covers I have seen are philatelic uses. A purist would forego adding a Scott No. 49 cover to the collection. Regardless, where stamps exist on commercial covers, the price of a commercial use cover should always command higher prices than covers made for philatelic interest (condition issues being equal).

Whether the Scott editors make distinctions between commercial and philatelic covers when arriving at prices is unclear. So far as the Provisional Government overprints are concerned, cover prices inevitably are influenced by philatelic covers. Except for Nos. 55, 57, 58, 59, 64, 66, 67 and 68, overprinted stamps on commercial covers are non-existent (maybe I should say essentially non-existent because I have not gone back over my listings to see if a possible commercial use is among them) so the prices shown necessarily are for philatelic covers. Prices for the Republic Issue covers seem to reflect values for commercial uses, as they should.

However, Scott Catalogue prices for the unoverprinted Bank Note Issue covers are often irrelevant. For example:

Scott No. 30 has a single price of $150 for the stamp on cover, regardless of whether it is a Scott No. 30, 30a or 30b. That price works for No. 30, but not for No. 30a or 30b. A cover with a pair of 30b sold in the Pietsch Sale for $400.

Scott No. 34 is another place where Scott Catalogue is no help. A cover is priced at $350. This price is fine for a philatelic use in the UPU Period. However, commercial use covers are found from the Convention Period in combination with US stamps and no combination cover prices are given. A commercial use cover bearing No. 34 in combination with a pair of US No. 185 sold for $4,000 in the Advertiser Sale. Compare that price to the price of $900 for lot 826, above.

For Nos. 36 and 46, the prices shown for a cover are $400 and $425, respectively, but if either stamp is on an Australasian use (single rate of 12¢) or No. 36 is on a pre-1882 use to the United States (double rate of 12¢) the price jumps much higher because these are the "natural" uses - paying rates for which the stamps were produced. In the Pietsch Sale, a single No. 36 used to the United States in 1880 sold for $1,350 and a single No. 46 on cover to New Zealand sold for $4,750.

It would appear Scott Catalogue editors are using philatelic covers as prices for some Bank Note and most or all Provisional Government Issues. If so, they can only fail (as a guide to pricing lot 830, Scott catalogue values were useless). One simply cannot account for artistic taste or creativity in a general price guide. In my opinion, Scott should focus on the commercial use covers and state it is doing so with exceptions for those stamps found only on philatelic covers. Also, a better guide needs to be developed for pricing combinations of stamps on cover - whether commercial or philatelic. Any thoughts?

Matthew Bennett, Inc. Sale 231 (prices shown are the hammer price without the auctioneer surcharge of 10%):

This sale had forty-eight lots, including two of Scott No. 1, the 2¢ Missionary. Again, the realizations for these lots show a strong market, although the estimates on some covers were so low they were perhaps teasers rather than real estimates. Particular strength is notable in the postal history and town postmarks offered. The lots were broken into groups:

Stamps:

Apart from the two #66C lots, and a question about whether the two #1 lots actually sold, this group showed strength. Lots 1254 and 1255 represented an opportunity to test Scott's prices listed for the newly recognized three tier double overprint varieties and showed Scott to be on target.

1246, the first of two 2¢ Missionary stamps: $170,000 against a Scott Catalogue price of $200,000. This one is #1 in the Meyer and Harris list of the fifteen stamps known and is a used Type I stamp. It last sold publicly in the Ishikawa Hawaii Sale in 1980 for $210,000.

1247, the second of the 2¢ Missionary stamps: $180,000, against a Scott Catalogue price of $200,000. This one is #2 in the Meyer and Harris list and is a used Type II stamp. It last sold publicly in the Ishikawa Hawaii Sale in 1980 for $230,000.

1248, Scott No. 5, used: $2,600, against a Scott Catalogue price of $1,000. This example is an outstanding bottom margin stamp with selvage.

1249, Scott No. 13, Plate 3-A, type III, used on piece: $900, against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,500. The bottom margin in incomplete, showing the dramatic negative impact of condition on price for Numerals.

1250, Scott No. 16, Plate 3-C, type I, used on piece: $1,600, against an estimate of $500-$750 [Scott Catalogue is $675]. The stamp is cancelled with the Lahaina Custom House seal, showing a full rigged ship.

1251, Scott No. 16c (NTER variety), Plate 3-F, type IV, used: $4,000, against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,000. This stamp also is cancelled with the Lahaina Custom House seal, in the case of this stamp, the mark is heavier and clearer.

1252, Scott No. 21, Plate 9-A, type IX, used on piece with US Scott Nos. 65 and 73, $750, against a Scott Catalogue price of $550 for the Scott No. 21 alone.

1253, Scott No. 31c (bisect variety), used on piece with Hawaii No. 32 [the proper usage]: $1,800, against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500 [Scott Catalogue for a full cover is $8,500]. The Honolulu postmark is the 1RR type 245.01 dated on the first day of use and I suspect the price was lifted by it.

1254, Scott No. 55f (double overprint, one weak, variety), unused bottom margin imprint, pos. 48, 4th printing: $145, against a Scott Catalogue price of $200. This lot tests the prices shown by Scott for the newly listed weak double overprint varieties and shows the price is probably correct as this stamp is F where Scott prices VF.

1255, Scott No. 55f (double overprint, one weak, variety), unused strip of 5, with right stamp showing normal single overprint: $700, against an estimate of $750-$1,000 [Scott Catalogue price $800 for four singles of 55f]. Again, this lot seems to justify the Scott price.

1256, Scott No. 63, VF-E used: $100, against a Scott Catalogue price of $250. The postmark is only the ellipses portion of the Honolulu duplex and the lack of a nicely struck date stamp held the price down.

1257, Scott No. 66C (the 6¢ color error), unused, F: $5,750, against a Scott Catalogue price of $14,000. This stamp suffers from toning and an obvious vertical crease down the center of the stamp so the condition problems understandably depressed the value of this stamp.

1258, Scott No. 66C (another 6¢ color error), VF used on piece: $20,000, against a Scott Catalogue price of $29,000. There is no reason this lot should not have reached Scott's price except I think Scott's price for 66C in general is too high.

1259, Scott No. 69, VF used: $210, against a Scott Catalogue price of $500. The postmark is only an unappealing smudge.

1260, collection of R1 to R16, twenty-one revenue stamps: $220, against a Scott Catalogue price of $314.

Postal Stationery:

Used postal stationery continues strong.

1261, U5, entire used 10¢, small repair: $625, against an estimate of $150-$200. Sent to Japan with nice postal markings.

1262, U5, entire unused 10¢ legal size: $700, against an estimate of $400-$500. The auctioneer described it as the only recorded example of this envelope with an offset inside and estimates only five examples are known with the Lewers & Cooke corner card. I cannot verify these claims.

1263, U7, unused entire blue inside 4¢: $325, against a Scott Catalogue price of $400.

1264, U9, unused entire 10¢, size 6 (UPSS 15): $400, against a Scott Catalogue price of $400.

1265, U11a, unused entire 2¢ (double overprint variety) (UPSS 17b): $425, against a Scott Catalogue price of $900. This cover suffered from toning.

1266, U14 used cut square blue inside 10¢: $650, against an estimate of $750-$1,000. I would guess the usage was philatelic.

1267, UX1 used: $290, against an estimate of $200-$300. This card had various dead letter office service markings.

1268, UX1, UX2 and UX3, used: $240, against an estimate of $200. The UX1 bears the rare early example of the Honolulu Advertised mark. Perhaps if more attention had been drawn to it, the lot would have realized more - and should have.

1269, UX9a, used: $350, against an estimate of $150-$200. Usage is to Switzerland and the card bears a Collection, 9:25 A. M. service mark (MH #752).

1270, UY2, used, implies unsevered: $750, against an estimate of $400. If the card is unsevered and has messages for usage both ways, then it was a good deal at this price.

1271, collection of postal stationery: $1,450, against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500. Hard to comment. The reported EKU on one of the covers no longer is the EKU.

1272, collection of postal cards: $1,150, against an estimate of $750-$1,000. Again, hard to comment.

Postal History:

With only a few exceptions (lots 1273, 1275 and 1276) this group performed very well, achieving higher than expected prices on several lots. Some estimates were set quite low (lots 1285 and 1286, for example) for the material but even against current sales of similar material, these lots seemed to sell high.

1273, stampless Middle Treaty Period 1858 cover to San Francisco: $900, against an estimate of $400-$500. The sender was R. C. Wyllie, Hawaii's Foreign Minister, and this price is cheap for a Wyllie cover.

1274, stampless domestic 1877 cover: $525, against an estimate of $200-$300. The auctioneer stated the cover is fumigated because three corners are clipped. I have no idea why the corners were clipped but there is no record of fumigating covers in the 1870's in Hawaii. The auctioneer also described a manuscript marking as "Clerical 2" but there was no special clerical rate in Hawaii and interisland mail in Hawaii was required to be prepaid by stamps after 1859. So I confess, I don't understand this cover. I have never examined it, but it is addressed to Rev. S. E. Bishop and is part of the Bishop correspondence.

1275, stampless UPU Period 1897 cover collect cover to Massachusetts via Victoria, B. C. and Tacoma, Wash. with US #J42: $80, against an estimate of $100-$150. The cover was taxed at double the normal rate and a US 10¢ postage due was applied. Stampless coves in this era are scarce and a higher price would have been expected.

1276, Scott No. 16, Plate 3-G, Type VII on interisland cover: $675, against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,250. This price seems low, but I did not inspect the cover for condition.

1277, Scott No. 31a on interisland cover: $400, against an estimate of $200-$300. A manuscript ship name "Per Kate Lee" helped lift the price of this cover.

1278, Scott No. 31a pair on interisland cover: $170, against an estimate of $100-$150. There was nothing unusual about this cover.

1279, Scott No. 33 on 1876 Convention Period cover: $220, against an estimate of $225. This cover is an ordinary Convention Period usage although the Honolulu postmark (type 233.24) is more desirable than others in the period.

1280, Scott No. 33 (x2) on 1871 Convention Period cover: $725, against an estimate of $200-$300. The destination was Martha's Vineyard and I suspect it elevated the price. The Honolulu postmark is 277.12.

1281, Scott No. 39 on 1892 UPU Period cover: $1,100, against an estimate of $300-$400. This is an advertising for the Oahu Railway & Land Company legal size envelope.

1282, Scott No. 39 strip of 3 and US #J26 on 1893 UPU Period cover: $400, against an estimate of $150-$200. The cover was underpaid one rate and taxed double the underpayment.

1283, Scott Nos. 53 (x2), 54 strip of 3, 66. 68 and 71 on registered philatelic cover: $950, against an estimate of $300-$400.

1284, Scott No. 74 block of 3 and vertical pair on 1896 UPU Period advertising cover: $600, against an estimate of $200-$300. This cover has the Hawaiian Hotel advertisement on the back and a collection service mark (MH #753); it is addressed to Alcatraz Island with a manuscript "Per S. S. Australia". The advertisement and destination lifted the price of this cover.

1285, Scott No. 77 on 1898 UPU Period cover to California: $1,050, against an estimate of $500-$750. This cover has a forwarder agent mark for Wm. G. Irwin, illustrated on the reverse. The obverse is not illustrated but it is reported to bear a PAQUEBOT San Francisco service mark, meaning it was mailed aboard ship en route to San Francisco. The auctioneer speculated that only the Japanese steamers marked covers with Paquebot but that is wrong. The paquebot markings were applied in San Francisco by the San Francisco post office to any mail deposited aboard any of the steamers bringing mail deposited en route to California.

1286, Scott No. 77 pair on 1899 UPU Period registered advertising cover: $1,000, against an estimate of $150-$200. A manuscript "mit 7 dollars" suggests a money order was enclosed. The printed advertisement is for the Hart & Co. Ice Cream Parlor and Candy Factory. This realization is more in line with advertising cover prices than the puzzlingly low estimate.

1287, two interisland covers (one with Scott No. 75 and one with Scott No. 81) with service marks: $575, against an estimate of $400-$500. The service marks are collection marks, one of each time stamp making up MH #752.

1288, collection of interisland covers and foreign UPU covers: $450, against an estimate of $740. Hard to comment on this lot as nothing exceptional stood out in the description.

Collections:

Inspection of these lots was necessary to know if anything exceptional was hidden there beyond items mentioned in the description. Taking just the description, these three lots sold for higher than expected, although the estimate on lot 1290 was ridiculously low.

1289, collection of off cover stamps used and unused: $1,500, against an estimate of $750-$1,000. Hard to comment on this lot some interesting material was included.

1290, collection of Kahului Railroad stamps: $2,000, against an estimate of $500-$750. Given the description, the low estimate is puzzling as Kahului Railroad material has an active following.

1291, collection of stamps and covers: $2,000, against an estimate of $1,500-$2,000. This lot consisted mainly of stamps with various cancels, including some letter cancels, and covers with manuscript steamer names or other maritime related marks. This price is probably a useful guide for this kind of material because I was advised nothing particularly out of the ordinary for the material described.

Town Postmarks:

1292, collection of town postmarks: $45,000, against an estimate of $25,000-$35,000. Here is a wonderful collection but it sets a stunning new standard in prices for town postmarks. One correction is necessary: the auction catalogue describes and illustrates a type 282.012 postmark and states it is a new listing from Kaunakakai. However, on examination the postmark proved to be a strike of the fairly common Kamalo 282.012. Otherwise, there are numerous rare and scarce strikes in the lot, a desirable Volcano House straight-line cover and an interesting Hilo manuscript Boston Lithograph cover to name a few. None of the strikes in this collection was in my census of rare or scarce town postmark, so I will be doing some updating based on the photocopies kindly provided by the auctioneer (who also plugged Post Office in Paradise! Thanks).

1293, collection of Territorial covers and stamps: $3,250, against an estimate of $3,000-$4,000. I am out of my league tying to comment this lot.

Ivy & Mader 2001 March Sale #085 (prices include buyer's premium of 15%)

Fifteen lots of Hawaiian material was included in this sale. The first six lots were of the Boston Engraved Issue, the next six were Numerals, two were reprints of the Boston Lithograph Issue and one was a soldier's cover from the Spanish American War Period. Overall, condition problems played a large part in holding these prices well below catalogue value. The four lots without faults (#s 2105, 2106, 2108 and 2109) did well and the one cover realized a price to be expected, although well above the estimate. This auction provides an opportunity to see how condition problems affect price.

2096, Scott No. 5a (line through Honolulu variety) unused: $288, against an estimate of $2,250. This stamp was a four margin example, but it was seriously toned with a thin. The condition problems make the estimate unrealistic.

2097, Scott No. 6, unused: $374, against an estimate of $600. This stamp had a nick at the top, clear of the margin.

2098, Scott No. 6, unused, no gum: $322, against an estimate of $600. The right margin almost touches.

2099, Scott No. 6, unused, no gum: $150, against an estimate of $600. The bottom right corner margin nearly touches.

2100, Scott No. 9a (line through Honolulu variety), unused, no gum: $104, against an estimate of $750. This stamp is badly toned and the left margin is ragged and touches the frame line.

2101, Scott No. 10 full sheet of 20: $253, against an estimate of $625+. This sheet is creased and wrinkled.

2102, Scott No. 15, unused, no gum: $253, against an estimate of $450. The stamp is thinned, creased and stained.

2103, collection of six Numerals (Nos. 15, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 25), unused, no gum: $489, against an estimate of $2,650. Described as having faults.

2104, Scott No. 23, Plate 8-A-VII, unused, no gum: $98, against an estimate of $250. This stamp had narrow margins.

2105, Scott No. 24, Plate 7-A-VI, unused, no gum: $219, against an estimate of $250. This stamp appeared VF and no faults are described.

2106, Scott No. 24, Plate 7-A-I, unused, no gum: $253, against an estimate of $250. This stamp appeared VF and no faults are described.

2107, Scott Nos. 25 and 26, Plate 10-A-III and Plate 11-A-VI, unused, no gum: $288, against an estimate of $500. Close margins on both stamps.

2108, Scott No. 51 sheet of 15, OG: $518, against an estimate of $395+.

2109, Scott No. 51 sheet of 15, OG: $460, against an estimate of $395+.

2110, Scott No. O4 on 1898 soldier's cover: $489, against an estimate of $200-$300. This cover has the Minnesota Infantry c/c with the Maine photo and flag patriotic and is dated July 9, 1898.

Schuyler Rumsey Sale No. 11, April 29, 2001 (prices shown do not include a 10% buyer's premium)

Ninety-four Hawaii lots were included in this sale. The sale started on April 26 and was held over four days during Westpex in San Francisco. Hawaii was put at the very end and came up after Westpex closed. Prices realized in the Hawaii lots suggest bidders were tired (or had gone home) and some of the better lots did not sell.

In early postal history, lots 4224-4228, only one of five lots sold. Lot 4226 was an excellent 1860 cover to London with one US Scott No. 24 and three of US Scott No. 35 for the 31¢ prepaid rate to England via the United States. This lot realized $6,750 against an estimate of $5,000-$7,500.

One used Missionary stamp, Scott No. 3, was in the sale. It was lot 4229 with a nicked corner and sealed tear. The cancel is the round grid of squares (cirgrid28-6(6 x 5)). This lot realized $12,000 against an estimate of $17,000 (Scott price $17,500), which seems aggressive because the nick in the upper left corner affects the design.

Seven lots, numbers 4230-4236, comprised the Boston Engraved Issue and only two sold. Lot 4230 was a superb used top margin example of Scott No. 5a (line through Honolulu) with selvage on piece. It sold for $4,250 against a Scott Catalogue price of $1,500. Lot 4322, an unused Scott No. 6, close margins ragged at bottom, sold for $210 against a Scott Catalogue price of $600.

Numerals were the core of this Sale with thirty-two lots from 4237 to 4267, of which all but lots 4247 and 4251 sold. Prices realized validate, for the most part, Scott Catalogue prices for this Issue. Truly superb stamps exceeded the Scott price and faulty stamps fell below.

Lot 4237, unused Scott No. 12, plate 2-A-III, superb condition sold for $10,000 against a Scott Catalogue price of $8.500.

Lot 4238, unused Scott No. 13, plate 3-B-III, tiny thin, sold for $3,750 against a Scott Catalogue price of $6,000.

Lot 4239, used Scott No. 13, plate 3-A-IX, margin in at bottom, sold for $2,800 against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,500.

Lot 4240, used Scott No. 13, plate 3-B-X, small thin, sold for $2,700 against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,500.

Lot 4241, used Scott No. 14, plate 3-Gx-V, thin, sold for $2,000 against a Scott Catalogue price of $4,250.

Lot 4242, unused Scott No. 15, plate 4-A-I, sold for $375 against a Scott Catalogue price of $450.

Lot 4243, used Scott No. 16, plate 3-D-VI with jumbo margins and Hilo collectors mark sold for $1,600 against a Scott Catalogue price of $675.

Lot 4244, used Scott No. 16, plate 3-F-IX with large margins and the Honolulu oval Postage Paid mark sold for $1,200 against a Scott Catalogue price of $675.

Lot 4245, used Scott No. 16, plate 3-F-VII, thin with red Honolulu cds sold for $600 against a Scott Catalogue price of $675.

Lot 4246, used Scott No. 16d (2 at top of rectangle), plate 3-D-IX, with bottom selvage and red Honolulu cds sold for $4,500 against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,500.

Lot 4248, unused Scott No. 18, plate 5-A-VIII, very fine, sold for $3,000 against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,000.

Lot 4249, used Scott No. 18, plate 5-A-IX, very fine, sold for $3,250 against a Scott Catalogue price of $4,500.

Lot 4250, unused Scott No. 19, plate 6-A-VII with raised "I" sold for $750 against an estimate of $560.

Lot 4252, unused Scott No. 20, plate 5-C-VIII with raised "IN" sold for $700 against a Scott Catalogue price of $650.

Lot 4253, unused Scott No. 21, plate 9-A-IX, very fine with large margins, sold for $600 against a Scott Catalogue price of $750.

Lot 4254, unused Scott No. 21, plate 9-A-VII, very fine, sold for $300 against a Scott Catalogue price of $750.

Lot 4255, unused Scott No. 22, plate 12-A-III, superb, sold for $1,000 against a Scott Catalogue price of $500.

Lot 4256, used Scott No. 22, plate 12-A-III, very fine with grid cancel, sold for $850 against a Scott Catalogue price of $850.

Lot 4257, unused Scott No. 23, plate 8-A-V, very fine, original gum, sold for $260 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4258, unused Scott No. 23, plate 8-A-VI, close margins, no gum, sold for $65 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4259, unused Scott No. 23, plate 8-A-I, very fine, no gum, sold for $95 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4260, used Scott No. 23, plate 8-A-I, margins touching, thin, square grid cancel, sold for $1,200 against a Scott Catalogue price of $2,000.

Lot 4261, unused Scott No. 24a, plate 7-A-III, missing "I" variety, thin, sold for $1,800 against a Scott Catalogue price of $3,500.

Lot 4262, unused Scott No. 24, plate 7-A-X, very fine with original gum, sold for $400 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4263, unused Scott No. 24, plate 7-A-_, large margins, no gum, sold for $145 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4264, unused Scott No. 24, plate 7-A-VII, very fine, no gum, sold for $210 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4265, unused Scott No. 24, plate 7-A-VIII, close margin at top, no gum, sold for $120 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4266, unused Scott No. 25, plate 11-A-II, large margins, no gum, sold for $280 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lot 4277, unused Scott No. 25, plate 11-A-IX, very fine, no gum, sold for $350 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Boston Lithographs comprised three lots, numbers 4268 to 4270, only one of which sold, lot 4269, an unused Scott No. 28, very fine, which sold for $350 against a Scott Catalogue price of $275.

Bank Note stamps, both on and off cover, made up nine lots, numbers 4271 to 4279, all of which sold except lot 4274. Scott Catalogue prices assume very fine centering and no faults.

Lot 4271, Scott No. 31 block of 9, very fine, original gum, never hinged, sold for $425 against a Scott Catalogue price of $135 priced as nine singles.

Lot 4272, Scott No. 31 block of 15 (no photo), fine, selvage separations, never hinged (except in margins) sold for $70 against a Scott Catalogue price of $255.

Lot 4273, Scott No. 32 on 1867 cover with US Scott Nos. 65 (?) and 75 (?), manuscript cross-hatch cancel on Scott No. 32 and some edge wear on the cover. The US 3¢ stamp was applied in Massachusetts for a forwarding fee. This lot sold for $2,400 against an estimate of $2,500 - $3,000 (Scott Catalogue price is $3,000).

Lot 4275, Scott No. 32 (pair paying double rate) on 1882 or 1883 cover, stained, sold for $170 against an estimate of $100-$150.

Lot 4276, Scott No. 33 on 1877 cover with US Scott No. 158 (?) to Chicago. The use of a US 3¢ stamp is unusual and was unnecessary. This cover sold for $2,000 against an estimate of $2,000-$3,000 (Scott Catalogue price is $225 without the US stamp but this combination is unlisted).

Lot 4277, Scott No. 33 on 1875 registered cover front with pair, US Scott No. 160 (?), to England with Honolulu straight line registered mark (ex-Advertiser) sold for $1,600 against an estimate of $2,000-$2,500. I consider this price a bargain despite this being a front because registered covers in the Convention Period are scarce.

Lot 4278, Scott No. 35 used block of 10 with CHD manuscript cancel (for C. H. Dickey, postmaster at Haiku), straight edge on left, sold for $210 against a Scott Catalogue price of $94 priced as singles.

Lot 4279, Scott Nos. 42 and 52 (x2) on 1893 cover to California, sold for $95 against an estimate of $100-$150.

Lot No. 4280 was a block of 9 of Scott No. 51, the Boston Lithograph engraved reprint, never hinged, sold for $115 against a Scott Catalogue price of $225 priced as singles.

The next fifteen lots, numbers 4281-4295, were Provisional Government overprint stamps, of which all but lots 4284, 4288 and 4294 sold. Prices for very fine stamps in good condition seemed to validate Scott prices.

Lot 4281, Scott Nos. 53-64, unused fine to very fine, sold for $85 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250;

Lot 4282, Scott No. 55 unused pane of 35 stamps, said to be extremely fine, sold for $75 against a Scott Catalogue price of $61;

Lot 4283, Scott No. 57 used horizontal strip of 3 "the center showing the partially missing '9' variety," sold for $150 against and estimate of $150-$200; the stamp is not 59a, the true missing period and comes from a different position on the plate;

Lot 4285, Scott No. 60e unused block of four, the double overprint, one moderate, variety, fine, original gum, hinge remnant, sold for $3,500 against an estimate of $5,000 (Scott Catalogue prices a single of No. 60e at $2,750 so I consider this block a bargain despite the centering which is very fine for one stamp and average for the others [only one sheet of 50 stamps has this variety];

Lot 4286, Scott No. 60 unused block of 12, fine, never hinged, sold for $170 against a Scott Catalogue price of $210;

Lot 4287, Scott Nos. 62 and 71 unused vertical strips of 4 stamps with imprints, fine, toned, sold for $32 against a Scott Catalogue price of $136;

Lot 4289, Scott No. 63, unused, never hinged, original gum, very fine, sold for $180 against an estimate of $125;

Lot 4290. Scott No. 64 unused with kiss overprint, misdescribed as Scott No. 64f [I inspected the stamp and it is not 64f], fine, sold for $325 against a Scott Catalogue price of $1,000 for No. 64f and of $25 for No. 64; I was told the auctioneer announced the error in the description so this lot may help gauge a market price for kiss overprints at about one-third of an f variety, but if the "book" was influenced by the description and drove the price, then the realization would be an invalid measure;

Lot 4291, Scott Nos. 64-73, unused, fine, sold for $130 against a Scott Catalogue price of $578;

Lot 4292, Scott No. 67 block of 10, fine, some stamps never hinged, sold for $110 against an estimate of $190;

Lot 4293, Scott No. 68f, the double overprint, one weak, variety [this stamp does meet the criteria for the variety], unused, very fine, sold for $1,500 against a Scott Catalogue price of $1,750;

Lot 4295, Scott No. 71b, the no period variety, unused, fine, original gum, sold for $140 against a Scott Catalogue price of $300;

Republic Issue stamps and covers made up lots 4296 to 4304. Only lot 4303 failed to sell in this group:

Lot 4296, Scott No. 75 full sheet, some reinforcement, original gum, very fine, sold for $145 against a Scott Catalogue price of $108;

Lot 4297, Scott No. 75 unused flying goose variety, very fine, tear at bottom, sold for $90 against a Scott Catalogue price of $375;

Lot 4298, Scott No. 75 sheet with flying goose variety, gum tones fine, original gum, sold for $525 against a Scott Catalogue price of $484;

Lot 4299, Scott No. 75 used flying goose variety on piece canceled with four ring target cancel, fine, sold for $160 against a Scott Catalogue price of $300;

Lot 4300, Scott No. 81, bottom right pane, state II sheet, very fine, never hinged, original gum, sold for $220 against a Scott Catalogue price of $83;

Lot 4301, Scott No. 81 used flying goose variety with indistinct postmark, average, sold for $130 against a Scott Catalogue price of $300;

Lot 4302, Scott No. 81 used flying goose variety with target cancel, sold for $110 against a Scott Catalogue price of $300;

Lot 4304, Scott No. 82 on 1899 patriotic cover with Hawaiian flag c/c, sold for $1,000 against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500.

Lot 4305 was a patriotic cover with an all-over Hawaiian flag, a pair of US 1¢ stamps mailed from Manila in February, 1899. It is from the Darragh correspondence, some examples of which were mailed from Hawaii by a soldier en route to Manila. It sold for $800 against an estimate of $1,000.

Postal Stationery and Postal Cards took up the next eight lots, numbers 4306-4313, of which lots 4307 and 4312 did not sell.

Lot 4306, Scott No. UE1, toned, unused, sold for $55 against a Scott Catalogue price of $175;

Lot 4308, Scott Nos. U8-U9, blue insides unused entires, sold for $350 against a Scott Catalogue price of $800;

Lot 4309, Scott Nos. U6-U7, blue insides unused entires, sold for $230 against a Scott Catalogue price of $800;

Lot 4310, Scott UX2a, unused lithograph entire, sold for $145 against a Scott Catalogue price of $150;

Lot 4311, Scott Nos. UX7 and UX8, vaguely described mix of cards, uncertain quantity, at least one non-standard use in 1917, sold for $85 against an estimate of $75-$100;

Lot 4313, Scott No. UY3, unused, entire, folded, sold for $100 against a Scott Catalogue price of $250.

Lots 4314 and 4315 were Revenue stamps. The first of these lots, Scott No. R11, full sheet, tropicalized, original gum, sold for $260 against a Scott Catalogue price for 50 singles of $375. The other lot, Scott No. R16, block of 6, tropical stain, original gum, never hinged, sold for $70 against a Scott Catalogue price for 6 singles of $165.

The sale wrapped up with three lots of Kahului Railway stamps, lot numbers 4316-4318, of which lot 4318 did not sell. Lot 4316, Davey 152, 6¢ block of 10, no gum, sold for $50 against an estimate of $50-$75. Lot 4317, Davey 154, 18¢ block of 10, no gum, sold for $50 against an estimate of $50-$75.

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