Auction 33 part 1 by Phoenix Auctions Pty Ltd

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Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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Welcome to Phoenix Auctions No.33

It gives us great pleasure to present to you Roland Geitenbeek’s fabulous International Gold Medal ‘Woodblocks of Victoria’. A collection as comprehensive as this one is, is one of the rare occasions that the collector is offered essentially everything that is available to be offered in the one auction. No more searching for years to find those elusive items. Roland is aware that having so much on offer may stretch a few budgets and he has authorised us to consider any requests for a payment plan. If you feel this will be helpful, contact us and David or Ken will discuss the possibilities with you. Please however do this prior to the auction and not afterwards. While only four face-different stamps are involved, this collection covers the fascinating transition period from imperforate to perforated stamps with all the experimental separations that were used before finally settling down to standard perforators. The number of different perforators is quite surprising with the 6d orange having nine different types offered here, far more than are catalogued. In the past many of these were considered un-official or private, however most specialists now consider that nearly all of them were officially sanctioned. While on the topic of inadequate stamp catalogue listings, it is worth pointing out that the 1/Registered in fact has two Dies which are easily identifiable and just as significant as the Kangaroo dies or the various Key Plate dies used by many British Commonwealth countries. The inclusion of the two dies in the catalogues is well overdue. The breadth of material being offered is quite amazing. There are a number of Proofs and Essays, many Specimen overprints, mint and used stamps, many being the largest known multiples in private hands. Naturally there is a great range of covers, virtually all in wonderful condition. There are examples to many different destinations, including China and The Philippines. Many different postal rates and routes are presented here. The number of Too Late and Registered covers is staggering. This collection has more than all the other private collections combined. The overall quality of the items in this collection represents the best that is available and this becomes truly apparent when looking at the stamps in the many plating studies where almost every stamp is first-grade or close to it. We would like to thank Roland for allowing us to offer his collection and we are sure that all collectors of this area will find items for their collection. Agents Mark Knothe Matt Hancock Bernie Manning Nick Martin (UK)

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0414 894 991, email gknothe@bigpond.com 0401 976 018, email stampsulike@gmail.com 0412 782 373, email berniemanning@optusnet.com.au 01205 460 968, email nick@loveauctions.co.uk

Viewing for this Auction. In LONDON at Stampex Business Design Centre, 17th - 20th September. In ADELAIDE at Stampex at the Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Grounds 10th - 12th October. In SYDNEY at Philas House 20th October 10am to 5pm In MELBOURNE in our offices at Level 2, 170 Queen Street Melbourne. Saturday 18th October 10am to 4pm Monday 20th October in Sydney Wednesday 22nd October 10am to 4pm Friday 24th October 8am to 6pm

Sunday 19th October 10am to 4pm Tuesday 21st October 10am to 4pm Thursday 23rd October 10am to 4pm Saturday 25th October 8am to 10am

Viewing outside of these times is available by appointment only.

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Phoenix Auctions

Roland Geitenbeek The gift of a large simplified stamp album, originally from my grandparents, containing stamps from many countries, was the initial spark that later became a passion. That simplified collection was quickly scaled down to Australia and the Colonies and during the next decade, the collecting passion, waxed and waned. A few years later, when the passion was reignited, the result, achieved progressively over many decades, was a specialised collection from the colony of Victoria, the main portion of which, is presented here. Titled "The ‘Woodblocks’ of the Colony of Victoria 1854 –1880" the exhibit is a study of the four values known as the ‘Woodblocks’ named after the common printing base of hardened turkey boxwood on which they were engraved. Exhibition Profile:

1995 June

Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria - Invited display

1996 October

Melbourne 1996 - Gold Medal & Special Prize (National)

1999 March

Australia 99 (Melbourne) - Gold Medal with Felicitations & Special Award

1999 July

“Rare Stamps Of The World” - Invited display Claridge’s London

2000 May

The Stamp Show 2000 (London) - Large Gold Medal & Special (International) Prize

2002 October

Melbourne National Philatelic - Large Gold & Grand Award Exhibition (National)

2004 August

Singapore World Stamp - Large Gold Medal Championship 2004 (International)

2005 April

Pacific Explorer 2005 (International) - Large Gold Medal

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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How to Get the Most from The Phoenix Website. While quite a number of our clients make full use of the many benefits our website provides, it is obvious that most do not. So we are taking this opportunity to reintroduce these benefits to you. The homepage provides an introduction to the current auction, or highlights of the next auction as appropriate and there are menus to provide different ways of accessing the auction lots. Within each auction menu there are six submenus: 1. In Lot Order - this provides you with a lot order index to the auction by section headings. Simply click on the section and it will take you straight to that part of the catalogue where you can see each lot in order with its full description and all its images. The estimate and starting price and a box for your bids are also displayed. Wherever the starting price is displayed it is always exactly up to date. 2. By Country - this provides a cross reference listing by country. You don’t need to go backwards and forwards from the index to the catalogue listing anymore. 3. By Topic or Theme - the same as by Country but organised by topic or theme, and there are hundreds of themes. 4. Description Search - this is used for wild card searching through auction lots. This is very powerful and to get the most out of it please email us with search requirements so that we can set it up for you. 5. Image Gallery - this displays every image in lot order. It is a great way to browse an auction. 6. Bulk Bid Entry - this enables you to enter your bids as a batch. So when you have worked out all your bids you can just enter them on this screen rather than finding each lot and entering them one at a time. When you sign on with your Client Code and Password the full benefits are opened up to you. There are 2 entries at the top of the auction submenus. These are: By Collecting Interest - this shows all the lots which match your collecting interests. My Image Gallery - this provides you with just the images for the lots you are interested in. We ask you for your collecting interest so that we can provide you with these quick and easy ways to view just those lots that are likely to be of interest to you. Menus on the top right will vary from person to person and can include any of the following:1. My Details - this is where you change your details and preferences 2. My Auction Bidsheet - this is the most important screen we have. It appears the instant you enter a bid and it allows you to manage all your bids from the one screen. It always shows the exact status of all your bids. 3. My Auction Vendor Lots - When you are a vendor this screen shows all your lots in this auction with their current status. You always know exactly the situation with your lots. 4. My Mail Register - this shows you the details of every mailing with dates of mailing, registration numbers, mailing addresses and which invoices are involved. It also tells you whether just an invoice was sent or whether your lots were sent as well. Now you don’t need to call us to see if your lots have been mailed. It is all here for you when you need it. 5. My Invoice Register - this provides the details of every invoice and you can drill down to every lot on every invoice with their full descriptions and images. You always know exactly what is on every invoice. 6. My Receipt Register - this provides a list of every consignment we have received from you. It shows you every lot from each consignment with its full description and images, what auction it was sold in and if it has not been sold what auction it is in. When you have large consignments spread over multiple auctions it is just the screen to enable you to keep track of everything.

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Phoenix Auctions

HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM OUR CATALOGUE

[These notes are offered as a guide to understanding the information given as symbols.] 1. 2.

Firstly, we have the lot number. If it has a P after the lot number then ithe lots is illustrated in the catalogue. All lots have at least 1 illustration on our website, and many will have multiple illustrations. The second column contains a symbol, which represents the item(s) in the lot: ** Mint, unmounted o.g. * Mint, mounted o.g. V Used, Very fine. F Used, Fine G Used, Good H Used, Heavy U Used,quality unspecified W Unused, no gum D Piece * Cover, card or S Stamp (“Postmarks” lots) PS Postal Stationery B Booklets or Booklet Panes The 3rd column contains the general description of the lot and should be self-evident with one exception. When a catalogue value is extrapolated the value is followed by a ↕, e.g. $2000↕. Typical extrapolations are 40% of the catalogue value for hinged mint when the catalogue only provides values for MUH, 200% for MUH when the catalogue value is for mint hinged. The following notes apply specifically to postmark description. Whenever possible postmarks will be described in full, except that the top portion of a postmark is only spelt out when it differs from the post office name or requires some clarification. Bracketed shaded text within a description indicates that these characters cannot be read, while greyed characters are hard to read or are only partly present, as is the case when part of the postmark is on the edge of a stamp. Very large or small letters are represented by large and small fonts respectively; small fonts are particularly used to indicate the presence of small nylon wheels in the datestamp. The following example illustrates these points: '[POST] OFFICE/21DE86/GARAH'. After the forscription of the postmark we will indicate the overall quality of the cancel with a bracketed 2 character code. The first character is A-D where A is a fine clear postmark through to D which is barely legible. The second character is a number from 1 to 4 where 1 is complete including all the frame through to 4 where only 25% or less of the cancel is visible. For exceptional strikes we will further qualify the quality code with a ‘+’ and for items which are light etc the code will be qualified with a ‘-’. For postmark lots the condition of the postmark is the most important aspect of our descriptions. Minor defects in the stamp or cover are mentioned only when the value of the item is significant. Naturally, major defects will always be described.

The symbols in the second column, and the illustrations of lots, form part of the lot description.

The last column is the estimate. The reserve is almost always 75% of the estimate and bids below the reserve will not usually be considered.

No GST is added to the hammer price. The vendors have accepted responsibility for any tax payable.

We use the following standardised abbreviations: o.g. original gum opt(d) overprint(ed) d/s datestamp cds circular datestamp h/s handstamp mss manuscript; handwritten ERD earliest recorded date LRD latest recorded date o/o opened-out RLabel registration label M/S(s) miniature sheet(s) PPC picture postcard impt imprint mtd mounted provl provisional wmk watermark LDL large dateline (postmarks) SDL small dateline (postmarks) TLC,TRC,LLC,LRC Top Left Cnr, Top Right Cnr, Lower Left Cnr, Lower Right Cnr

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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My Auction 33 Bidsheet. My Auction 33 Bidsheet is the most important part of the website when you have placed bids in the auction, because it provides everything you need to manage your bidding. With this screen you can change your bids, add limits to ensure you don’t overspend, enter Credit Card details or other special instructions. And it always shows you the current status of your bids. The lot is highlighted when you have the top bid so it is easy to see the current situation with your bids. As well as being able to modify your bids there is a +5% button which increases your bid to 5% above the current starting price. At the bottom of this webpage there is also a field to globally increase all your bids by any percentage amount. Very useful when your bids are all way below the starting price or you want to give yourself that extra level of safety. The website is there to help you get the most when dealing with Phoenix Auctions. We hope you take a little time to use it to your advantage. Remember that we are always happy to help if you have a problem or questions.

Terms and Conditions: These are found on the rear of your printed bidsheet and on the Phoenix website. At this auction Buyer’s commission is 19.25%

Contact Details: Web: www.PhoenixAuctions.com.au email: phoenix@PhoenixAuctions.com.au Phone: 03 8682-9876 +613 8682-9876 Fax: 03 8677-2858 +613 8677-2858 Offices and Auction Room: Level 2, 170 Queen Street, Melbourne. Mail: GPO Box 4346, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.

HOW TO FIND US Level 2, 170 Queen Street, Melbourne. Near the corner of Queen and Bourke Streets Train: A short walk from Flinders Street, Southern Cross or Flagstaff Stations. Tram: A Tram Stop is just 50 metres from our front door. Take tram No.s 86, 95 & 96. Car: Limited On Street Parking or at numerous nearby Parking Stations, including the RACV Club.

Special Mention for this Auction to: Betty Pearson, David Wood, Matt Hancock, Wei Bi, Sylvia Clottin, Ken Pearson, Jeffrey Grospe, Cathy Bishop, Ron Ronchetti, and Ian Matthews. Consulting Philatelist: Mark Knothe.

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Phoenix Auctions

Table of Contents 6d Orange Woodblock 1854 Imperforate: 1-64 1856-57 Roulettes: 65 1856 Single-Line Roulette 6½: 66-67 1856 Pin Perf 10: 68 1856 Single-Line Roulette 6½-7½: 69-74 1856 Raymond’s Machine Roulette 7½-8½: 75-84 1857 Serpentine Roulette 10-10½: 85-92 1857 Serrated Roulette 18-19: 93-101 1857 Compound Serrated Roulette 18-19 and Serpentine 10-10½: 102-106 1857 Rouletted 7-9 by Calvert: 107-117 1857 Rouletted 8-9: 118 6d Black Woodblock

119-133

6d Too Late Woodblock

134-159

1/- Registered Woodblock 1854 1854 1854 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857

Imperforate: 160-163 Die 1 Imperforate: 164-181 Die 2 Imperforate: 182-197 Die 1 Single-Line Roulette 6½: 198 Die 1 Single-Line Roulette 6½-7½: 199-200 Die 1 Raymond’s Machine Rouletted 7½-8½: 201 Die 1 Calvert Roulette 7-9: 202 Die 2 Single-Line Roulette 6½-7½: 203-206 Die 2 Calvert Roulette 7-9: 207-209 Die 2 Roulette 5½-6½: 210

2/- Green Woodblock 1854 1854 1857 1857 1857

Imperforate: 211-227 Experimental Roulette 7½: 228 Calvert Rouletted 7-9: 229 Single-Line Roulette 5½-6½: 230 Perf 12 by Robinson: 231-240

2/- Blue Woodblock 1864-73 DLR Paper: 241-255 1867-80 Saunders Paper: 256-263

Roland Geitenbeekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woodblocks of Victoria

6d Orange Woodblock

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Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate

6d Lithographed Essay single in bright blue on thin wove paper from the lower left corner of the sheetlet of 6. Fine and very rare. A pair in this shade is in the Royal Collection. 6d Lithographed Essay single in lilac-mauve on thin wove paper from the top right corner of the sheetlet of 6. Fine and very rare. 6d Lithographed Essay single in yellow-green on thin wove paper from the lower left corner of the sheetlet of 6. Fine and very rare. A pair in this shade is in the Royal Collection.

6d Lithographed Essay sheetlet of six in yellow-green on thin wove paper. No documentary evidence exists regarding this essay, but it is presumed to have been prepared by Campbell & Fergusson in a bid to win the 6d printing contract. A rare and beautiful piece, being the only such sheetlet in private hands. Two other sheetlets, in yellow-green and pale blue, are in the Royal collection.

$1,250 $1,250 $900

$6,500

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

*/W

6d Shades SG #32 group reconstruction, with mint stamps, of the hand-engraved plate of 50, lacking only [Pos 6, 12, 22 and 23 left pane and 1 right pane] Cat £20,250+. Various shades and inevitably with such an assembly a few stamps with faults, mostly thins, which does not detract from the magnitude of this achievement. A unique reconstruction, and a great challenge for an advanced collector to complete. (45 stamps).

$6,000

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

ex 6

ex 7

6d Shades SG #32 group with Barred Numeral cancellations, comprising ‘46’, ‘78’ (R), ‘79’ (RR), ‘93’ (on pair) and ‘102’, generally fine strikes on good 4-margin examples. (6 stamps). 6d Shades SG #32 group with Barred Numeral cancellations, comprising ‘96’ on pair (RR), ‘113’, ‘122’ (R) and ‘163’ (RR), generally fine strikes on good 4-margin examples. (5 stamps). 6d Reddish Brown SG #32 good margins, abnormally cancelled by a crisp strike of the Belfast crowned oval datestamp 6 FE 1856.

ex 9

$100 $100 $100

ex 10

9 10 11

V V V

6d Shades SG #32 group with Barred Oval cancellations, comprising ‘3’ on pair (R), ‘5’, ‘18’, ‘34’ (R) and ‘37’, generally fine strikes on good 4-margin examples, also another with surface spoiling, cancelled Butterfly ‘1’. (7 stamps). 6d Shades SG #32 group with Barred Numeral cancellations, comprising ‘2’, ‘5’, ‘8’ (on reconstituted pair), ‘9’, ‘11’ and ‘36’, generally fine strikes on good 4-margin examples (except ‘36’ touched all round). (7 stamps). 6d Reddish Brown block of 4 [Pos 16-17,20-21] SG #32 cancelled by two crisp strikes of Barred Numeral ‘1’. Large margins all round and superb in every way, undoubtedly the finest of the few used blocks known. Signed AD(iena) in pencil on reverse.

$100 $75 $1,200

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Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Reddish Brown SG #32 thin at top with small margins all round, and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘105’ (Goldborough), rated RRR. 6d Reddish Brown SG #32 margins all round, and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘107’ (Melton), rated RRR.

$120

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 19] SG #32 used on 1855 (Jun 1) outer from Sandhurst to Melbourne, tied by Barred Oval ‘5’. A very clean cover from the well-known Bear correspondence. [6d inland letter rate.]

$480

$100

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 10] SG #32 used with 3d Campbell & Fergusson Half-Length Stone C and 1/- Octagonal imperf on 1857 (May) from Melbourne to London. Stamps fine (except 3d touched at bottom left) and cancelled Barred Oval ‘1’ (a late use). [1/9d ¾oz rate to UK via Marseilles]

$1,250

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 20] SG #32 used with 1/- Octagonal imperf and 1/- Registered Die 2 on 1857 (Jun 8) cover from Maryborough (good backstamp) to St. Johns, New Brunswick per European via Marseilles. 6d slightly cut into at base, others fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘61’, and with handstruck ‘d6’ for British registration fee. The earliest recorded cover from Victoria to New Brunswick, one of only two to that destination with the 6d Woodblock, and the only one with a 1/Registered (see lot 20). A rare and desirable cover. [1/6d ½oz rate via Marseilles and UK, plus 1/registration fee.]

$1,800

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 21] SG #32 used on 1857 (Jul 1) envelope with contents from Melbourne to Hobart, tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’ and with boxed ‘SHIP LETTER INWARDS FREE’ arrival datestamp in red. A very attractive and clean cover. [6d ship letter rate.]

$400

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 46] SG #32 used with 4d dull rose Emblems wmk Large Star (x2) on 1857 (Aug 12) entire from Melbourne to France per Royal Charter via Liverpool. 6d just touched at base, others fine, and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. ‘PAID/LIVERPOOL/SHIP tombstone datestamp and ‘PD’ in circle, both in red. Fine and attractive. [1/2d ½oz rate to France via UK.]

$1,250

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 16] SG #32 used with 1d Emblems wmk Large Star imperf (SG #41) and 2d grey-lilac Emblems imperf (SG #45a) on 1857 (Dec 15) entire from Geelong to London per European via Marseilles. Stamps very fine (except 2d touched at base) and with bright colours cancelled Barred Numeral ‘2’. A very attractive three-colour franking. [9d ¼oz rate to UK via Marseilles.]

$1,400

6d Reddish Brown pair [Pos 29-30] SG #32 used with 2d pale lilac Emblems imperf (SG #45) on 1857 (Dec) cover from Melbourne to Hopewell, New Brunswick per City of Sydney. Adhesive fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. Manuscript “6” accountancy due to the GPO London, and handstruck ‘1d’ in red represents the amount due from the addressee for local delivery. Fine and rare, being one of only two covers to New Brunswick with the 6d Woodblock. (See lot 16) [1/2d represents a 2d overpayment of the ½oz rate via UK.]

$1,400

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Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange SG #32a small part original gum and with good margins all round, sheet margin at right. A very fine example of this scarce stamp, Cat £450. 6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 31-32] SG #32a, small margins just touched at bottom left, otherwise fine and with good colour, Cat £900+. Unused multiples of this stamp are of the greatest rarity. A strip of 3 and two pairs are held in institutional collections. The very few historical references to unused pairs may all be referring to this one pair. An important Woodblock multiple.

23 24 25

U F F

$400 $900

6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 32-33] SG #32a with rare manuscript “Registered” cancellation. Right unit touched at upper right and with small defect in corner. Several similar cancellations on other issues are recorded which may represent use to prepay the registration fee in the absence of the special Registered stamp after its withdrawal in January 1858. Ex Purves. 6d Dull Orange SG #32a fine with good margins and cancelled Barred Oval ‘1’ in red. Very unusual. 6d Dull Orange [Pos 43] SG #32a touched at right and cancelled Barred Oval ‘89’ (Smyth’s Creek), rated RRRR, and noted ‘only two examples recorded.’

$325 $80 $180

6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 47-48] SG #32a good margins, right unit slightly stained, abnormally cancelled by a fine strike of the Camperdown crowned oval datestamp MA 25 1855 (‘25’ inverted). 6d Dull Orange SG #32a three examples with unusual datestamps, the first Albury NSW JY 13 1859 (probably off a Riverina mail cover), the second a left marginal stamp (few stains in margin) with GPO Adelaide cds AP 18 1858, and the last cancelled with Melbourne duplex OC 27 66, the latest recorded date of use of the 6d Woodblock.

$100 $100

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 40] SG #32a used with 3d Campbell & Fergusson Half-Length Stone B and cutto-shape 1/- Octagonal on front from Campaspie to London per Simla via Marseilles. This steamer made four homeward sailings between February 1857 and February 1858, indicating a late use of the Barred Oval ‘31’ (rated RRRR) for cancellation of the adhesives. [1/9d rate to UK via Marseilles for a ¾oz letter.]

$1,000

6d Dull Orange interpane strip of 6 [Pos 25-46-47-48-49-50] SG #32a used on 1854 (Nov 24) outer from Melbourne to London per James Baines and endorsed “Law papers”. Strip with good to close margins, just touching at top of [46-48], tied by Barred Oval ‘1’. ‘AUSTRALIAN/PAID/LIVERPOOL/ PACKET’ cds in red on arrival, and manuscript “1/8” representing amount due to GPO London. Very fine, and an exceptional multiple usage of the 6d Woodblock, being the equal largest used multiple in private hands on or off cover, and a rare early packet rate cover. [3/- packet rate to UK for 14-16oz plus 1/- ship postage.]

$2,000

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange SG #32a [Pos 25] used on 1855 (Feb 26) OHMS outer from Castlemaine to Melbourne, tied by Barred Oval ‘37’. With fine strike of Butterfly ‘14’ in red used during this period on mail addressed to the Postmaster-General. [6d inland letter rate.]

$480

6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 14-15] SG #32a used on 1855 (Apr 9) entire from Queenscliff (good strike on face) to Melbourne, tied by fine strikes of Barred Oval ‘62’ (rated R). Pair with margins all round and a fine proving cover for this Barred Oval. [Double 6d inland letter rate.]

$480

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange block of 4 [Pos 16-17,21-22] SG #32a used on 1855 (May 5) OHMS outer from Hamilton (fine backstamp) to Melbourne. Block with good to clear margins all round and cancelled Barred Oval 19. A beautiful cover in the finest possible condition, believed to be the only block of 4 recorded on cover. The only larger block (of 6) on cover is defective. Ex Purves and Perry. [4 x 6d inland letter rate.]

$2,600

6d Dull Orange SG #32a used on 1855 (Oct 8) outer from Colac (nice backstamp) to Stamford, Connecticut per Ben Nevis. Minor peripheral wear, and 6d with small defect at bottom left corner and some slight staining, tied by Barred Oval ‘25’ (rated R). Manuscript “5” in red and handstruck ‘d5’ in black both represent portion of postage due to the GPO London, Anglo-US accountancy mark ‘ART2’ being added for an unpaid letter to USA. Handstruck ‘33’ (cents) represents the postage to be collected from the addressee ‘26’ (cents) being due to the GPO London. Seven examples of the ‘ART2’ marking on Victorian mail are recorded. [6d ship letter rate to UK only.]

$1,750

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange SG #32a used on 1855 (Oct 1) outer from Melbourne to Manila, Philippines. Stamp fine and tied by Barred Oval ‘1’. Handstruck ‘1’ (real) for local delivery charge. Very fine, and the earlier of two recorded covers to the Philippines with a 6d Woodblock. [6d ship letter rate to first port.]

$1,500

6d Dull Orange [Pos 10] SG #32a used on 1856 (Jan 16) entire from Melbourne to Glasgow per Albatross. Portion of back flap missing and heavy horizontal filing crease, stamp fine and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. Landed at Dublin, where the ‘AUSTRALIAN MAIL/PAID datestamp in green was applied, one of only two recorded examples. Handstruck ‘3d’ in red represents the division of postage on a private ship letter. A rare Victorian ship letter routed through Ireland. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$1,500

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 7] SG #32a used with 1/- Registered Die 1 [Pos 16] on 1856 (Jan 25?) outer from Avoca to Switzerland. Stamps fine and cancelled Barred Oval ‘94’ (rated R). Anglo-French accountancy boxed ‘COLONIES/ART-18’ and ‘d6’ handstamps were applied in transit in London. Very attractive. [1/6d registered rate paid to UK only.]

$1,250

6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 47-48] SG #32a used on 1856 (Feb 16) cover from Melbourne to Scotland per Hellespont via Singapore. Pair with good margins except barely touched at top right, tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. Circular ‘MORE/TO/PAY’ applied on arrival in London, and with manuscript “6” and “1/4” rate markings. Following the withdrawal of the Australian steam service during the Crimean War, the opportunity was taken by the Victorian Post Office to use the voyage of the Hellespont to take the English mail to Singapore, where it connected to the P&O Far East service. On arrival the British Post Office considered the mail underpaid for the Far East leg of the journey and charged the recipient. A fine example from this scarce postal history episode. [6d ship letter rate x2 to UK.]

$1,200

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 16] SG #32a used with 1/- Registered Die 1 on 1856 (Mar 16) entire from Beechworth to Warminster, Wiltshire per Marco Polo. Stamps with good to large margins and tied by Barred Numeral ‘9’. London ‘Crown/REGISTERED’ and ‘d6’ (for UK registration) handstamps, and manuscript “5” in red (credit to London GPO). A beautiful registered cover. [6d ship letter rate plus 1/- registration fee.]

$3,000

6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 18-19] SG #32a used on 1856 (Feb 23) entire from Geelong to London per clipper Ocean Chief. Superb large-margined pair cancelled Barred Numeral 2. Manuscript “10” in red represents portion of postage credited to London GPO. A scarce double rate clipper cover. [6d x2 ship letter double rate.]

$1,000

Phoenix Auctions

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 7] SG #32a used with 1/- Registered Die 1 on 1856 (Mar 22) cover from Sandhurst (good d/s on face) to Switzerland. Overall light soiling and some stains on reverse. Adhesives tied by Barred Numeral ‘4’ and with Anglo-French accountancy boxed ‘COLONIES/ART18’ and ‘d’6’ handstamps applied in London, and with appropriate French transit markings. ‘CHARGE/D’OFFICE’ (Officially Registered) applied in black in France is the only example known on mail from Victoria. Ex Harvey, Rigo de Righi & Martin Wilcocks. [1/6d registered ship letter rate paid to UK only.]

$2,000

6d Dull Orange SG #32a used on 1856 (Mar 18) cover from Melbourne to London per Morning Star. Adhesive with light soiling, tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’, and with ‘BRISTOL/SHIP-LETTER’ applied upon landing. Handstruck ‘3d’ in red represents the division of postage on a private ship letter. Very attractive, and unusual to find UK ship letter handstamps on Victorian mail. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$1,400

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

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1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 6] SG #32a used on 1856 (Aug 26) entire from Geelong to London per clipper Lightning. Superb marginal adhesive cancelled Barred Numeral ‘2’. Handstruck ‘1d’ in red represents portion of postage credited to Colony. [6d ship letter rate.]

$850

6d Dull Orange [Pos 43] SG #32a used on 1856 (Sep 27) cover from Melbourne to Coblenz, Prussia per Red Jacket. Stamp with huge margins (portions of two adjoining units showing) and tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. ‘AUSTRALIAN/PAID/LIVERPOOL/PACKET datestamp in red applied on arrival, and handstruck ‘1d’ in red represents the portion of postage due to the Victorian Post Office. Fine, and the only known cover to Prussia bearing a 6d Woodblock. [6d ship letter rate paid to UK only.]

$1,200

Phoenix Auctions

Page 26

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 29] SG #32a used on 1856 (Nov 20) entire from Melbourne to Hamburg per Blackwall. Adhesive superb and tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. Handstruck ‘1d’ in red represents the portion of postage due to the Victorian Post Office, and London tombstone arrival datestamp applied with ‘PAID’ crossed through. A very attractive cover, and one of only three known to Hamburg bearing the 6d Woodblock. [6d ship letter rate paid to UK only.]

$1,000

6d Dull Orange [Pos 21] SG #32a used on 1857 (Mar 14) entire from Melbourne to Canton, China per European. Stamp just touched at top right corner and with very light ironed out filing fold, tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. Manuscript “4” charged for Far East packet to Hong Kong. Very attractive, and one of only three recorded covers to China bearing a 6d Woodblock. [6d ship letter rate to first port.]

$1,500

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 27

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange pair and single [Pos 21-22 and 30] SG #32a used with 1/- Registered on 1857 (Oct 19) cover from Maldon (good backstamp) to Switzerland per City of Sydney. 6d pair touched at right, but this and the other two stamps are all marginal and tied by Barred Numeral ‘69’, the cover with appropriate UK and French transit markings. One of the most attractive of the registered covers to Switzerland from this period. [2/6d represents an underpayment by 1/2d of the 3/10d registered rate via UK and France, the deficiency does not appear to have been collected.]

$5,000

6d Dull Orange [Pos 23] SG #32a used with 4d dull rose Emblems wmk Large Star imperf (SG #44) on 1858 (Jan 12) cover from Ballarat to Paris. 6d cut into at base, 4d fine and both tied by poor Barred Numeral ‘5’. [10d ¼oz rate to France via UK.]

$500

Phoenix Auctions

Page 28

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 38] SG #32a used with NSW 6d greenish grey Diadem imperf (SG #90) on 1858 (Jun 2) cover from Deniliquin (NSW) to London via Melbourne. 6d Diadem (large margins) cancelled ‘51’ in rays and 6d Woodblock (cut into at base and with several stain spots) uncancelled. A handstruck italic ‘Deficient Postage/Fine______’ was applied in London then crossed through. An interesting early example of Riverina mail. [Prepaid 6d NSW intercolonial rate to Victoria plus 6d ship letter to UK as a ½oz letter.]

$1,800

6d Dull Orange [Pos 46] SG #32a used with 3d Campbell & Fergusson Half-Length Stone B (touched at base) and 1/- Octagonal imperf on 1858 (Jun 15) outer from Melbourne to London. Stamps cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’, and unusually with oval ‘SHIP LETTER/MELBOURNE despatch datestamp in red on reverse. Ex Sir Chester Beatty, Forster and Kellow. [1/9d 3/4 oz rate to UK via Marseilles.]

$1,500

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 29

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange SG #32a [Pos 27] used with NSW 6d greenish grey Diadem imperf (SG #90) on 1858 (Jul 7) Riverina cover from Deniliquin (NSW) to London via Melbourne. 6d Diadem cancelled ‘51’ in rays and 6d Woodblock cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’ in transit at Melbourne. The cover exceeded ½oz, and the oval ‘G.P.O./INSUFFICIENTLY/PAID/MELBOURNE’ in red applied, with circular ‘MORE/TO/PAY’ added in London and 1/- charged to addressee. [Prepaid 6d NSW intercolonial rate to Victoria plus 6d ship letter to UK as a ½oz letter.]

$1,800

6d Dull Orange SG #32a used with 1/- Octagonal imperf pair and singles (2) on 1858 (Aug 11) registered cover from Eaglehawk (good backstamp) to France per Columbian. Reverse with some staining and with wax seals cut away. Stamps very fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘136’, and with ‘REGISTERED/LONDON’ oval datestamp, ‘Crown/REGISTERED’ and ‘PD’ in oval, plus appropriate French transit markings. A spectacular and rare franking from a small Victorian post office. [4/6d ½oz registered rate to France via UK.]

$5,000

Phoenix Auctions

Page 30

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 6] SG #32a used with NSW 2d blue Diadem imperf pair and single (two stamps with small faults) (SG #112) on 1858 (Nov 5) cover from Deniliquin (NSW) to London via Melbourne. Some tears to back flap and light overall discolouration of the envelope. All stamps cancelled ‘51’ in rays - this is unusual since almost all Riverina mail from Deniliquin left the Victorian stamps for cancellation in Melbourne. BPA Certificate (1992). [6d NSW intercolonial rate to Victoria plus 6d ½oz ship letter rate to UK.]

$2,000

6d Dull Orange SG #32a used with 3d Half-Lengths (x 2) and NSW 6d greyish brown Diadem imperf (SG #96) on 1860 (Jan 6) cover from Deniliquin (NSW) to London via Melbourne. All adhesives cut into in places, the 6d Diadem cancelled ‘51’ in rays and Victorian stamps unusually cancelled with Melbourne ‘thimble’ cds. A scarce Riverina cover routed via Marseilles, with a late use of the 6d Woodblock, attractive despite stamp faults. [Prepaid 6d NSW intercolonial rate to Victoria plus 1/½oz to UK via Marseilles.]

$1,800

Page 31

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 10] SG #32a used with 3d deep blue Beaded Oval on laid paper (SG #88) on 1860 (Oct 26) cover from Melbourne to London via Marseilles, tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. 6d with very large margins 3 sides, and believed to be the latest recorded date of use of this stamp on cover. [9d ¼oz rate to UK via Marseilles.]

$600

6d Yellow-Orange SG #32b, unused with good to large margins. A very fine example of this scarce stamp, Cat £450. 6d Orange-Yellow block of 4 [Pos 33-3,/38-39] SG #32b cancelled by crisp strikes of Barred Oval ‘31’ (Campaspie, rated RRRR). Small tear just impinging on design at left, but good to large margins all round and a very attractive block with a rare cancellation. 6d Orange-Yellow block of 4 [Pos 41-42,46-47] SG #32b cancelled Barred Numeral ‘2’ (Geelong). Touched at left but good margins other 3 sides, ironed-out horizontal crease through base of lower units, nevertheless an attractive block, of which perhaps only half a dozen exist.

$400 $1,400 $800

Phoenix Auctions

Page 32

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Yellow-Orange [Pos 6] SG #32b, used with 1/- Registered Die 1 overprint 1B [Pos 12], on modified 1855 (Apr 27) outer from Colac to Melbourne. Stamps cancelled with good strikes of Barred Oval ‘24’, nice Colac backstamp. Ex Pack and Dale Liechtenstein. [6d ½oz intra-colonial rate plus 1/registration.]

$1,500

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 26] SG #32b used with 1/- Registered Die 1 [Pos 15] on 1855 (Oct 15) cover from Mt. Blackwood to Switzerland. Manuscript “Blkwood/15/10/55” despatch endorsement on reverse. [Mt Blackwood opened September 25 1855 and had apparently not received its cancellers (but apparently did have its supply of adhesives).] On arrival in Melbourne the stamps were unusually cancelled with the Butterfly ‘14’. Sent per Champion of the Seas to UK, where the Anglo-French accountancy boxed ‘COLONIES/ART-18’ and ‘d6’ handstamps were applied. A unique and wonderful postal history cover. [1/6d registered rate paid to UK only.]

$2,000

6d Orange-Yellow and 1/- Octagonal on registered flapless 1858 (Mar 29) cover from Beechworth to Goulburn endorsed “Via Albury” and “Estate Money”, tied by weak BN ‘9’ cancel, paying Intercolonial rate plus 6d registration, Beechworth (crown oval), Yass & Goulburn backstamps. An attractive franking.

$900

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 33

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 40] SG #32b used with 2d Emblems imperf and 1/- Octagonal imperf on 1858 (Mar 16) entire from Melbourne to France per Emeu via Marseilles. Stamps with good to clear margins, cancelled by late use of indistinct Barred Oval ‘1’ obliterators. Despite its endorsement, this cover has been incorrectly routed via Southampton, as indicated by the London transit datestamp and ‘PD’ in circle. [1/8d ½oz rate to France via Marseilles.]

$800

6d Orange-Yellow interpane pair [Pos 15-36] SG #32b used with 1d pale emerald roulette pair SG #62 on 1858 (Mar 28) cover from Yackandandah (good backstamp) to France per Victoria. Stamps fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘114’, and with London ‘PD’ in circle transit. A rare 6d interpane pair on cover and a visually appealing franking. [1/2d ½oz rate to France via UK.]

$3,000

Phoenix Auctions

Page 34

1854 6d Orange Woodblock Imperforate cont’d

6d Orange-Yellow pair [Pos 41-42] SG #32b used on 1858 (Jun 14) cover from Melbourne to London per Australasian via Marseilles. Pair with large margins and tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’, and unusually with oval ‘SHIP LETTER/MELBOURNE’ despatch datestamp in red on reverse. A very fine and attractive cover from the famous Aldridge correspondence. [1/- ½oz rate to UK via Marseilles.]

$500

6d Yellow-Orange, SG #32b, 4-margins on 1859 (Apr 5) cover from Creswick to Adelaide, 6d tied by weak Barred Numeral ‘7’, Creswick crown oval, Melbourne & Port Adelaide backstamps, ‘GPO/AP19/ 1859/SOUTH AUSTRALIA’ arrival cds on face, minor blemishes.

$200

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 35

1856-57 6d Orange Woodblock Roulettes

6d Shades examples of the various forms of separation, comprising GPO hand rouletter gauging 6½7½, Raymond’s GPO rouletter gauging 7-9 (SG #53), Calvert’s rouletter gauging 7-9 (SG #57), serpentine roulette 10-10½ (SG #58), serrated perf 18-19 (SG #59), and compound serrated perf x serpentine roulette (SG61). Very fine examples free of faults, all cancelled at Melbourne with Barred Oval or Barred Numeral ‘1’, and a difficult set to assemble Cat £1,000+. (6 stamps).

$1,200

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Single-Line Roulette 6½

6d Dull Orange pair [Pos 29-30] SG #53a showing roulettes all round except at right used on small piece cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. The roulettes are believed to have been applied by a hand rouletter in 1856 prior to the commencement of ‘official’ rouletting in August 1857 and may have been an early experiment by Calvert. The only recorded multiple showing the use of this rouletter.

$400

6d Dull Orange [Pos 26] SG #53a showing roulettes on 3 sides (imperf at top) used on 1856 (Jan 13) outer from Melbourne to Hobart per Black Swan. Very fine, tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’ and with ‘boxed SHIP INWARDS FREE’ arrival datestamp in red. The date of this cover predates by some 19 months the start of ‘official’ rouletting in August 1857. An important proving cover, Ex Purves and Perry.

$1,000

Phoenix Auctions

Page 36

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Pin Perf 10

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 36] showing pin perforation gauging 10 at left and right, used on 1856 (Apr 25) outer from Melbourne to London per Earl of Sefton. Minor peripheral cover faults, with ‘AUSTRALIAN/PAID/LIVERPOOL/PACKET arrival cds in red, and ‘5d’ credit to GPO London. This uncatalogued form of separation predates the official rouletting period, and seems to be in the same class as other 1856 rouletted stamps. Three similar usages on cover are known, of which this is the earliest. Ex Purves and Perry. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$800

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Single-Line Roulette 6½-7½

6d Reddish Brown SG #53 rouletted on left and right sides. Superb with large margins all round, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’, Cat £100. 6d Reddish Brown SG #53 rouletted on left and right sides, Cat £100. A fine ‘large’ stamp, and an exceptional example of this very scarce issue.

$180 $250

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 37

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Single-Line Roulette 6½-7½ cont’d

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 4] SG #53 used on 1857 (Jul 22) cover from Melbourne to London per Columbian. Wax seal cut from reverse, otherwise very fine with stamp showing roulettes on left and right sides, and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$500

6d Reddish Brown [Pos 49] SG #53 used on 1857 (Jul 27) cover from Melbourne to London per Emeu. Very fine with roulettes on left and right sides, and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. The Emeu struck the Gutta el Bunna reef in the Red Sea. The Southampton mail was off-loaded to the Ripon and arrived in London on December 7 1857. Probably a unique usage of this scarce stamp on a cover carried on this famous voyage. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$500

Phoenix Auctions

Page 38

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Single-Line Roulette 6½-7½ cont’d

6d Orange-Yellow SG #53b rouletted on left and right sides, trace of a tiny thin, otherwise fine, Cat £70. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #53b rouletted on left and right sides. Tiny thin spot on right side, otherwise fine with large margins all round, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’, Cat £70.

$150 $150

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Raymond’s Machine Roulette 7½-8½

6d reddish-brown use of Raymond’s machine at GPO Melbourne gauging 7½-8½. [Pos 41-42] SG #53 showing vertical roulettes and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. Pairs are the largest multiples recorded from this rouletting machine. 6d Reddish Brown SG #53 rouletted on the top and right sides, a ‘small’ stamp but otherwise fine, Cat £100. Roulettes in the reddish brown shade are rare. 6d Reddish Brown SG #53 rouletted on left and right sides. Fine and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’, Cat £100.

$750 $100 $100

6d Dull Orange SG #53a a wonderful example very unusually rouletted on all sides but correctly identified by the finer points of the Raymond machine compared to Calvert’s work, Cat £60. Possibly the finest known example of this scarce stamp. 6d Dull Orange SG #53a fine and showing roulettes at top and left, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘40’ (Echuca), Cat £60. 6d Dull Orange SG #53a fine example with roulettes all round (unusual) and the added interest of being cancelled by South Australian ‘42’ in diamond obliterator (Chain of Ponds), Cat £60.

$180 $120 $150

Page 39

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

1856 6d Orange Woodblock Single-Line Roulette 7½-8½ cont’d

6d Dull Orange [Pos 38] SG #53a used on 1858 (Sep 15) mourning cover from Melbourne to Edinburgh per European. The stamp shows roulettes on left and right sides and is cancelled by a late use of the Barred Oval ‘1’ obliterator. An exceptionally fine roulette cover. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$600

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 20] SG #53b showing roulettes on the left and right sides, small thin and into design at lower right. Unpriced by SG #and a very rare stamp in unused condition. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #53b fine example showing roulettes at left and traces at right, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘93’ (Cathcart/Ararat), Cat £60. The Raymond roulette is scarce in this shade. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #53b fine example showing roulettes at top, bottom and right, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘4’ (Sandhurst), Cat £70.

$950 $150 $100

Phoenix Auctions

Page 40

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Serpentine Roulette 10-10½

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 4] SG #58 with large part original gum Cat £2,500. Fine colour and an exceptional stamp, by far the finest of the five unused examples recorded in private hands. A major Woodblock rarity, Ex Green and Harvey.

86 87

F F

$1,800

6d Orange-Yellow SG #58 very fine and cancelled Barred Oval ‘10’ (Kilmore), Cat £150. 6d Orange-Yellow pair [Pos 31-32] SG #58 very fine and cancelled by a late usage of the Barred Oval ‘1’ obliterator. Used pairs are the largest known multiples, and this is one of the finest of the handful in private hands. Cat £300+. 6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 17] SG #58 very fine and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘9’ (Beechworth), Cat £150.

6d Orange-Yellow two singles [Pos 6 and 7 severed pair] SG #58 used on 1857 (Nov 16) cover from Melbourne to Mallow, Ireland. A very fine multiple franking of this stamp tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. Only one other such usage - a pair on 1858 cover - is recorded. [2 x 6d double ship letter rate to UK.]

$200 $750 $180

$1,200

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 41

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Serpentine Roulette 10-10½ cont’d

90 91

F *

6d Orange-Yellow SG #58 fine and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘4’ (Sandhurst), Cat £150. 6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 13] SG #58 used on 1857 (Nov 25) cover from Beechworth (nice backstamp) to Geelong. Tear in flap otherwise very fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘9’. One of the finest covers known of this difficult stamp. Ex Purves and Perry. [2d overpayment of 4d inland letter rate.]

6d Dull Orange [Pos 13] SG #58 used on 1857 (Dec 11) cover from Melbourne to Launceston. Fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’ . Not catalogued by SG in this shade. [6d intercolonial ship letter rate.]

$200 $900

$700

Phoenix Auctions

Page 42

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Serrated Roulette 18-19

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 10] SG #60 with a small shallow thin, but of good appearance. No more than half a dozen unused examples have been recorded, one of which is in the Tapling Collection in the British Library. An important 6d Woodblock rarity that is offered only once in a generation. Unpriced by SG.

$2,000

6d Orange-Yellow SG #60 pale shade with a tiny central thin, cancelled Barred Oval ‘15’ in blue (Warrnambool), Cat £150+. 6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 33] SG #60 very fine, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘13’ (Apsley), Cat £150+

$200 $200

97 96

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 15] SG #60 used on small piece with 1d Emblems Wmk Large Star imperf (x2) and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘9’ of Beechworth, Cat £150+. Attractive. 6d Orange-Yellow interpane pair [Pos 20,41] SG #60 with straight edge at right touching design, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘2’ (Geelong), Cat £300+. A very scarce multiple, the only larger piece recorded being a used strip of 3.

$400 $600

Page 43

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Serrated Roulette 18-19 cont’d

100

100 V

101

6d SG #60 var in distinct unlisted dull orange shade, very fine used on small piece cancelled Barred Numeral ‘2’ (Geelong) Cat £150. 6d SG #60 var in unlisted reddish brown shade, fine and cancelled Barred Oval ‘2’ (Geelong) Cat £150+ 6d Orange-Yellow SG #60 slight staining at base, otherwise very fine and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘2’ (Geelong), Cat £150+

$200

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 41] SG #60 used on 1857 (Nov 12) outer from Sandy Creek (fine backstamp) to France per City of Sydney. Few cover creases and peripheral tears, the adhesive is fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘116’. A very difficult stamp on cover with less than 10 recorded, this being the only one used overseas to any destination other than UK, with the further appeal of rare usage outside Melbourne. [The routing direct to France should have been prepaid 1/1d (for a ¼oz letter), and this underpaid cover should have been re-directed to the cheaper Southampton route. However, it went direct to France and was charged ‘5’ (decimes) on arrival.]

$1,200

$200 $150

Phoenix Auctions

Page 44

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Compound Serrated Roulette 18-19 and Serpentine 10-10½

102

102 F 103 V

6d Orange-Yellow SG #61 marginal example from right side of sheet and showing serpentine roulette along top, Cat £550. An exceptional example of this scarce stamp, cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #61 showing serpentine roulette along top. Slight soiling, but generally of good appearance and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘122’ (Carngham), Cat £550.

104

104 F 105 F

106

103

$400 $200

105

6d Orange-Yellow pair [Pos 22-23] SG #61 showing serpentine roulette at base. Black ink blotch on left unit, otherwise very fine and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘10’ (Warrnambool) Cat £1,100+. Very rare, with the only recorded multiples of this stamp being three used pairs, the others being on cover (Lot 106) and another on piece. 6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 27] SG #61 showing serpentine roulette along top. Two small thins, but good appearance and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘5’ (Ballarat), Cat £550.

6d Orange-Yellow pair [Pos 3-4] SG #61 showing serpentine roulette at top used on 1857 (Nov 16) cover from Melbourne to London per City of Sydney. Stamps cancelled by a late use of the Barred Oval ‘1’ obliterator. A beautiful cover from the Aldridge correspondence, and the only known pair of this stamp on entire. Ex Hill, Purves and Perry. [2 x 6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$1,000 $280

$2,000

Page 45

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Rouletted 7-9 by Calvert

107

107 F 108 V 109 V

108

6d Orange-Yellow pair [Pos 32-33] SG #57 showing roulettes all sides except at left, indistinctly cancelled, Cat £190+. A scarce multiple. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #57 very fine, showing full roulettes on all sides, Cat £95. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #57 very fine from right side of sheet and showing roulettes along left side only, Cat £95.

110

110 D 111 U

113 F 114 F

$600 $200 $400

111

6d Orange-Yellow SG #57 fine used on piece showing clear roulettes on all sides, Cat £95. 6d Orange-Yellow strip of 3 [Pos 2-4] SG #57 showing roulettes all sides. Cancelled manuscript crossed lines and also Glenorchy oval datestamp of November 1858, Cat £285+. A very rare multiple and unusual use of the rouletted stamp outside Melbourne. Ex Caspary.

112

112 F

109

113

$200 $800

114

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 22] SG #57 small margins but fine and showing roulettes on all sides (traces only at top), cancelled Barred Oval ‘18’ (Portland), Cat £95. 6d Orange-Yellow SG #57 showing roulettes on all sides, small margins and slight staining along base, cancelled Barred Oval ‘24’ (Ballarat), Cat £95. 6d Orange-Yellow, SG #57, small margins but fine and showing roulettes on all sides, crease at base, cancelled Barred Oval ‘15’ (Warrnambool) in blue, Cat £95.

$100 $75 $180

Page 46

Phoenix Auctions

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Rouletted 7-9 by Calvert cont’d

115 D

116

6d Orange-Yellow two strips of 3 [Pos 21-22-23 and 24-25-46, forming a severed interpane strip of 6] SG #57 used on registered piece from Melbourne to London. Central filing crease does not detract and the stamps are generally very fine. This piece represents the largest use of the 6d Calvert roulettes that has been currently recorded.

$1,500

6d Orange-Yellow pair [Pos 24] SG #57 showing roulettes all sides used on 1858 (May 30) cover from Melbourne to Bristol per Norfolk. Tear in back flap, the stamp is superb and cancelled Barred Numeral ‘1’. Perhaps the finest example of the Calvert roulette on cover. [6d ship letter rate to UK.]

$1,000

Roland Geitenbeek’s Woodblocks of Victoria

Page 47

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Rouletted 7-9 by Calvert cont’d

117

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 9] SG #57 used with 6d imperf and 1/- Octagonal roulette (SG #54) on 1858 (Aug 16) registered cover from Melbourne to Glasgow. Portion of back flap missing and vertical tear on reverse, the stamps very fine and tied by Barred Numeral ‘1’. A very unusual combination of imperf and rouletted 6d Woodblocks on cover, plus the 1/- Octagonal roulette, another rarity on cover. One of the most important covers from the brief period of use of rouletted stamps in 1857-58. Ex Harvey, Perry and Kellow. [2 x 6d ship letter rate to UK plus 1/- registration fee.]

$2,400

1857 6d Orange Woodblock Rouletted 8-9

118

6d Orange-Yellow [Pos 35] SG #57 marginal used on 1858 (Jan 4) outer from Melbourne to Sydney. The stamp is imperf at top but rouletted on the other three sides gauging 8-9, with a double roulette down the right side. The vertical lines of rouletting are not parallel, indicating the use of a single line rouletter, and it is suggested this may have been an early experiment by Calvert prior to adopting his gauge 7-9 machine (see J.R.W. Purves in The Emblems, page 17). A very fine and intriguing cover. [6d intercolonial ship letter rate.]

$1,600