You know something most people don't.
It's true.
When most people look at stamps they see a means to an end.
Something to stick on a letter and forget about.
But you see them for what they really are.
Miniature works of art from around the world.
Valuable, rare and remarkable.
So I know you'll appreciate what I'm about to show you.
Here are nine of the most beautiful philatelic items you'll ever own.
Offered together in a unique, historic set you won't find anywhere else.
Each one is an intricate masterpiece of engraving and design.
And they capture the history and natural wonder of one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
One of the greatest rarities
This is the New Zealand 1935 'Second Pictorals' die proof set.
Printed by the renowned Thomas De La Rue.
And regarded as “one of the greatest of all New Zealand rarities”.
The designs are iconic.
The condition is stunning. And the colours are sublime.
It's one of the finest display pieces in our entire collection, and it deserves to be appreciated by a wider audience.
If you're planning to exhibit your collection in the future...
This is a set that could win you some serious praise.
Iconic and highly collectible
In 1898 New Zealand produced the world's first complete set of pictoral stamps to promote tourism to the country. It proved wildly popular.
And in 1931 a national competition was held to find suitable designs for a second set, on a series of iconic themes.
From more than 1,500 entries, works by 11 artists were chosen.
The winning entries included stunning mountain views of Mount Cook, Mitre Peak and the volcanic Mount Taranaki;
An array of animals such as a leaping Striped Marlin, the highly intelligent Tui bird and the native reptile Tuatara;
Cultural scenes including a traditional Maori Meeting House, and a horse drawn harvester in a wheat field;
And the historic landing of Captain Cook at Poverty Bay in 1769.
The stamps were issued on 1 May 1935, and remained in use until 1947.
Today this set is highly popular with collectors due to their wonderful designs, and the wealth of flaws, plate varieties, perforations and colour changes.
But in terms of true rarity, there's only one winner.
A unique opportunity
This is the only original die-proof set of these stamps I've ever seen.
It includes nine of the 15 values produced in 1935: the 2d, 2½d, 4d to 8d, 1s, 2s, and 3s, each one stamp-sized in their issued colours.
(The 9d was printed by lithography by Waterlow, and does not exist in this form.)
They're printed on thick, slightly surfaced unwatermarked wove with 2mm margins and part original gum.
And De La Rue's recess printing brings each intricate design to life.
The condition of this set is superb, with just a couple of trivial blemishes mentioned for accuracy (1s with small corner thin, and the 3s with a minor split at top of frame due to pressure of printing).
These are the designs in their finest forms.
Pulled directly from the master die.
And just like any great works of art, the originals will always be the most prized by collectors.
Overlooked - and undervalued?
I've long been an admirer of New Zealand stamps.
The wealth of subject matter, fascinating history and beautiful designs makes it a rich area for collectors.
And from a market point of view they have strong appeal.
New Zealand may be an nation overlooked by some collectors...
But that currently allows you to acquire major rarities – without paying over-inflated prices.
For now, at least.
The demand is there, particularly from British Commonwealth collectors, and I see it growing constantly as digital technology broadens the horizons of all collectors.
The nation's very first stamp, the 1855 'Chalon Head' design featuring a striking full-face portrait of Queen Victoria, is recognised as a classic throughout the philatelic world.
Early examples can sell for upwards of $10,000, and the record for a pair stands at $160,000.
Other notable rarities include the unissued 1947 Threepenny Vanguard, one of only seven known examples, which sold for a record $67,850.
And the one-of-a-kind 1904 4-penny bicolored Lake Taupo invert error, which sold for $66,500.
These are all impressive results
They clearly illustrate a healthy market for the finest and rarest items of New Zealand philately.
And this 1935 'Second Pictorals' die-proof set is certainly one of those.
Own this magnificent showpiece today
This is the only set of its kind available on the market.
It's a pleasure to be able to offer such an incredible rarity.
And having examined it up close, I can confidently say this:
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful set anywhere.
It's a magnificent showpiece.
Each design is sublime. A masterpiece of engraving.
There isn't a collector in the world who wouldn't appreciate them.
And you can be the one to proudly show them off.
So if you collect New Zealand or British Commonwealth stamps..
Or your focus is on the esteemed work of De La Rue...
This is one of the finest philatelic items you can possibly own.
So purchase it now for only £9,500 ($12,200).
And don't forget:
This set comes with our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity, so you can add it to your collection with complete peace of mind for the future.
And it's also covered with our 28-day money back guarantee if you change your mind for any reason.
If you wish to reserve this item or discuss it further, contact me now.
You can email me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
Or call me on +44 (0) 117 933 9500.Thanks for reading.
