Broad Spectrum, Bright Prospects
This large and comprehensive auction provided a fascinating, extensive overview of a wide range of collecting areas and confirmed, if confirmation were needed, that even ‘unpopular’ countries can generate enthusiasm if the material extends beyond basic stamp issues, is of good quality and – perhaps crucially – is fresh to the market.
Providing many of the collections that created such excitement was the remarkable collection formed by the late Nathan Bruckheimer, a literal houseful. Further driven by an approach of conservative estimation to draw bidding and viewers, many lots soared to remarkable realisations. Many could be highlighted but special recognition should perhaps be given to collections of El Salvador [lot 925] at £4,803, Morocco local stamps [lot 1708] at £5,688, Honduras [lot 1349] at £5,056 and Bolivia [lot 604] at £7,584.
British Europe was also a strong feature of the is auction with a strong section of Cyprus that included the fascinating collection formed by Christopher Podger FRPSL. Star item here was the important 1879 Official envelope from Larnaca to Limassol franked 1d. and endorsed “GW” by Sir Garnet Wolseley [lot 851]. Featured on the front cover of the sale catalogue, this prestigious item climbed irresistibly to a result of £6,320. Impressing mightily with a £3,294 realisation despite some imperfections, was the 2d. registration envelope sent from Larnaca in 1880, the only example of this envelope used at the local 1d. rate [lot 791].
A notable offering of Gibraltar featured the exceptional ‘Brympton’ collection. The response here was less striking and some lots disappointed. Prices of £2,654 for the 1889-96 (10c.) carmine value omitted [lot 1203] and £1,112 for the 1966 Sea Angling Championships 7d. black (value and inscription) omitted [lot 1313] were expected and showed no growth.
Adding to the broad diversity of lots offered were the niche display collections formed by the late Gary Brown FRPSL, FRPSV. Among these were exhibits of Aden, Tunisia and South African postage dues and highlight realisations included the archival Aden 1937 Coronation set imperforate and perfin “SPECIMEN” [lot 193] at £860 and the South Africa 1950-58 postage due 2d. unmounted mint marginal strip of five [lot 2100] with first stamp showing value omitted that soared to £6,067.
The auction exceeded all expectations, producing a stunning final sale total of £773,229. Realisations quoted include buyer’s premium.
The next British Empire & Foreign Countries auction of the Grosvenor Spring 2026 Season is scheduled on June 10th- 11th 2026 and will close for consignments shortly. For further information please contact Tom Margalski or Verity Smith at the Grosvenor London office.