The Richard Warren Collection of Confederate States stamps has been highlighted by the sale of an extremely rare patriotic cover, which achieved a 150% increase on estimate to lead the April 27 auction in San Francisco.
 Warren's collection highlights one of the most fascinating periods in US postal history |
The cover, named My Country's Freedom, Victory or Death, features a spectacular scene of a Confederate army officer holding a 13-star flag and brandishing his sword. It sold for $25,000, rising far past its $10,000 high estimate.
It features a pair of 1861 5c Green stamps from Stone 1, with the right-hand stamp of the "white shirt front" variety. They are tied to the orange buff cover by a manuscript "Sulphur Springs Miss, Sept 9th/62" postmark to WM Hopkins, Hopkins Turnout, Richland, SC.
In fine condition for its age and type, the cover sold with just a small opening tear at the bottom and some light cover creasing.
 The strip shares its title as the largest recorded multiple of the 10c Frameline with another strip of six, though that one is on piece with an additional single, making this the finer of the two |
The second highest bids of the sale were seen by the largest recorded used multiple of the 1863 10c Blue "Frameline" stamp, which was presented as a horizontal strip of six. Selling for $17,000, the strip performed comfortably within its $15,000-20,000 estimate.
According to the auction house, there are only two recorded strips of six of the 10c Frameline stamp, with the other being "on piece" with an additional single.
Paul Fraser Collectibles specialises in sourcing the finest stamps on the current market. Take a look at our current selection for sale, or call us on +44 (0)117 933 9500 if you have a particular stamp in mind - we'll endeavour to source it for you using our 250 years' combined experience in the stamp market.
