GB 1 brown lilac tops Fordwater Collection at $48,000
A Great Britain 1 brown lilac met its high estimate to lead a London auction
The auction of the Fordwater Collection of Great Britain has been topped by a stunning example of the sought after 1 brown lilac.
The 1 brown lilac has shown great investment potential
Taking place in London yesterday (November 29), the sale saw the high value stamp sell for 30,000 ($47,983), meeting the top end of its 25,000-30,000 estimate perfectly.
The Fordwater Collection showcased a brilliant range of Great Britain stamps, spanning from the famed 1840 Penny Black through to modern Elizabeth II Machins.
The 1 brown lilac originates from the 1867-1883 high value issue under Queen Victoria and is one of the most desirable stamps in British philately.
This attractive example was sold in unused condition with a large part of its original gum. It was printed from the first plate of the series with the lettersD-E marking its position within the sheet. Displaying the Maltese Cross watermark, it is well-centredwith only a corner crease to the lower right marring its otherwise fine condition.
The GB30 Rarities index shows that the stamp has grown in value by 9.3% pa since1998. The index as a whole reveals a 10.8% average annual compound, spelling great results for collectors of rareGreat Britain stamps.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a superb range of the finest Great Britain stamps currently available, including a superb used example of the 1 brown lilac.
The auction's second highest bids were brought by another stamp from the same high value issue. The 10 shilling grey green sold for 22,000 ($35,169), achieving a 10% increase on its 20,000 high estimate. With almost perfect centring andmuch of its original gum, it boasted superb colour and showed an almost undetectable crease, which clearly did little to affect thebids collectors were willing to make.
