The Foxley Collections of British Guiana and British Honduras will be sold through Spink on March 13 in London, with a set of 1911 £25 essays holding the highest estimate.
 British Guiana is in focus, as collector excitement builds for the upcoming du Pont sale |
The auction is well-timed, with John du Pont's legendary collection of British Guiana starring at David Feldman in June, while his world famous 1c Magenta is set to break records at Sotheby's just days before.
The Foxley Collection offers some fantastic opportunities for mid-level collectors, with the 1911 £25 essays estimated at £6,000-8,000 ($10,000-13,337).
The three postage and revenue essays are composite printed, with the vignette showing the head of King Edward VIII in various colour schemes: red and green, green and red, and blue and brown. The side panels are inscribed with "postage", "revenue" and "postage & revenue".
Dated "June 16th 11", the essays will serve as great show pieces in any collection of British Guiana. They were purchased directly from the archives of printers De La Rue in April 1976.
Estimated at £5,000-6,000 ($8,332-10,000) is a complete die proof for the 1860-1876 4c of the Ship Issues, which is accompanied on surfaced paper by value tablets for the 1c, 2c, 8c, 12c and 24c, as well as the 72c stamp that was never issued.
A unique piece, the die proof is marred only by a small tear at the top and a small tone spot.
 Despite creases, soiling and thinning, this 1852 1c Magenta is perhaps more attractive than du Pont's 1856 colour error, which has suffered considerable damage |
While du Pont's example is valued at up to $20m, collectors will be able to get their hands on a 1c Magenta stamp for just £600-800 ($999-1,333) at Spink. However, this example is from the 1852 issue (as opposed to 1856) and is in less than desirable condition, with creases, soiling and only two intact margins.
Nonetheless, some might argue it is more attractive than the du Pont stamp, which is used and has been damaged over the years.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has some of the finest stamps of Great Britain and the Commonwealth for sale.
