Daniel F. Kelleher often features large worldwide collections, and their Auction 691 is no exception. Unfortunately, the only photos are almost all of the album binders. By way of example of what they are listing is Lot 822: "Worldwide, Collection, 1840-1953. 20-volume (A-Z) fairly new Scott International blue binders with Vintage reproduction archival pages printed on one-side only up to 1940 (albums and pages retail $3000), plus Scott International pages for Part II (1940-49) integrated in, with some countries containing additional pages...."
Harmer Schau also has a Big Blue Volume One in three binders in their APS Stamp Show Sale #110, lot 1670. There are a few photos.
UPDATE: Lot 822 realized $61,950 against an estimate of $30-40K. Lot 1670 realized $10,350 against an estimate of $10-12K.
The famous stamp collector Josiah Lilly said that there were 100,000 postage stamps he wanted for his collection and he succeeded in acquiring 77,000. My considerably easier target is 35,000 of the more common stamps from 1840-1940 contained in the Scott Blue International Album Volume 1. This blog will record my progress, provide general information about Classic era philately and hopefully encourage other "Blue" collectors.
8 comments:
I imagine some of these auction collections are truly spectacular. But there's not a chance in the world I'm going to bid on them (besides their high prices, of course) if I can't see a lot of pictures. Why do these auction houses show only the exterior of the albums? We all know what Scott International binders look like? Ebay sellers often include dozens and dozens of pictures. I find that far more encouraging. Or am I missing something here? It's the 21st century. Why no file of photos of the more expensive collections? I'm certainly not going to go to most of these auctions, if that's what they're expecting. I sense a kind of elitism here -- either go to the auction in person or trust our description.
I imagine some of these auction collections are truly spectacular. But there's not a chance in the world I'm going to bid on them (besides their high prices, of course) if I can't see a lot of pictures. Why do these auction houses show only the exterior of the albums? We all know what Scott International binders look like? Ebay sellers often include dozens and dozens of pictures. I find that far more encouraging. Or am I missing something here? It's the 21st century. Why no file of photos of the more expensive collections? I'm certainly not going to go to most of these auctions, if that's what they're expecting. I sense a kind of elitism here -- either go to the auction in person or trust our description.
Drew-
I agree.
I happened to be at the APS show in Portland where they were running the Auction.
I think they believe their audience (customers) are dealers, who will review the lot in person before bidding on it. And I suspect many of these large WW collections do indeed get sold to dealers to break down etc. The cost is pretty high for most of us collectors. I know I couldn't bid on them cost wise even if I wanted the lot. ;-)
Jim, I was going to say something similar but not as nuanced. Thanks. (Or should I just type "Ditto?")
Interesting that they state, "forget what your initial reactions usually are towards the typical collections found in these albums" referring to Scott Internationals.
ChrisW, I know, wasn't that rude, even if true? Big Blue collectors--well, worldwide collectors in general--need a thick skin.
The BIG collection (auction no. 821) was estimated at $30-40,000. It sold for $61,950, so that seems to have done well.
The collection you referenced above (no. 822) which had an enormous 2016 Scott (owner's) valuation of $165,000 was estimated by the auction house at $15-20,000 and went for ("only")$12,980. If the catalog value is anywhere near accurate, someone got a pretty decent buy at about 8% of catalog value. I'll just have to save up ten or twenty thousand dollars so I can get in on this game.
Since you get to see no pictures (as on Ebay), you'd have to be at the auction in order to browse the albums before bidding. Who's going to bid $62K or even $13K without looking at the stamps? Doesn't this mean that auctions are limited primarily to local buyers? Why do that?
Thanks for letting us know the prices realized. I think Jim is right. Auction houses assume that these collections need to be seen in person, which usually means dealers or auction agents. As you say, most individual collectors aren't going to place a $10K+ bid based on so little information.
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