Rocket-flown covers aim for the skies again at Harmer-Schau's stamp sale

The space collectibles are appearing in a sale led by $20,000 US and Rhodesian philatelic rarities

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries is shaping up to make its contribution to the APS summer stamp show, and it's set to be quite a contribution with 3,364 lots going under the hammer.

These lots include the Seymour Gibrick cover collection from Los Angeles, portion of a U.S. and Worldwide collection from an Eastern institution and the stock of Encino Philatelic Services.

There are a number of highlights. Although not the most valuable pieces in the sale, space collectors will be delighted to see 19 lots of philatelic material relating to Rocket and Space Flights.

For example, there is a 1956 March 24 Bell X-2 rocket-flown cover bearing and Edwards, CA cancel, with the pilot marked as Frank Everest. Clean and scarce, it is listed at $400-600, though the auctioneer notes similar covers have sold for up to $900.

The most expensive lots are two very different unused lots from the 1910s:

Firstly, there is a booklet pane of 30 for the US 2c rose General Issues stamps of 1917. This is in fine condition, fresh with great eye appeal. Barely hinged in six spots at the top, it also boasts immaculate gum.

This represents an exciting moment for a specialising collector, as it has not been seen on the market in many decades.

Secondly, there is a single Rhodesian 5d Lake Brown & Green stamp from 1912. With full original gum and only trivial faults, this is a choice very fine example of one of the great rarities of Rhodesia.

Both the top lots are expected to sell for $15,000-20,000 in the sale which takes place in Ohio and online on August 11-13.

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