David Feldman began a stamp exchange business at the age of 8, in 1955, which flourished among school children throughout the British Isles. In 1968, at the age of 21, he was awarded Honours degrees in both Business Administration and Philosophy from Trinity University of Dublin, and at the same time completed writing and publishing the best-selling “Handbook of Irish Philately”.
He soon added the handbook “Irish Postal History” to his achievements, and developed a lucrative business specialising in Irish philately. As part of his travels, he visited much of the world in the next few years, and finally settled in Geneva, Switzerland in 1973.
From the start, David Feldman’s company was international in outlook, and aimed at the pinnacles of philately. David Feldman has set and continues to hold more world records for prices achieved than any other auction company, ever. Likewise, David Feldman has sold more “Grand Prix” and “Large Gold Medal” exhibit collections than any competitor [see partial list here].
The company has made specialised markets and become the world leader in many areas, including Olympics, Holy Land Postal History and Rarities of the World (with two special auctions annually). It has truly become a reliable partner to philatelists world-wide for both acquiring and selling important collections and estates.
In 2000, David Feldman became the first auction company to provide a fast and reliable means for bidders to connect and bid in real time during the auction sessions, from their homes or offices. Today, the software includes the ability to hear live audio from the auction room, to keep a running tally of purchased lots, and many other features. It has been used by hundreds of satisfied bidders and buyers from over 50 countries, and has added a new, transparent dimension to the auction process.
In 2008, David Feldman joined the Feldman Frey Philatelic Group, a company formed to enable David Feldman to expand its international operations and to explore other avenues of business in the philatelic world.
In 2009, David Feldman opened it’s first office outside of Switzerland, in New York. David Feldman USA, under the leadership of experienced philatelist and auctioneer, Andrew Kupersmit, continues the Feldman traditions of focusing on sales of Exhibition Stamp Collections and World Rarities. Additionally, with the ability to hold public auctions on its own premises in Midtown Manhattan the US company is able to offer single-owner sales for collections with a minimum value of US$300,000.
In March 2011, David Feldman continued its international expansion by opening a sales office in Hong Kong. Under the distinguished leadership of Sam Chiu, a consummate philatelist and successful businessman, serves the growing stamp market in China and all of Asia from its offices in central Hong Kong. The addition of the Hong Kong office now provides David Feldman, with the ability to auction a collection for sale in the location that will produce the most competitive results whether this be in Geneva, New York or Hong Kong.
After “going global” with sales offices on 3 continents (in addition to its network of agents elsewhere), David Feldman has also “gone global” by reinvigorating its online presence, launching its online sales site [link to site] of stamps and other collectibles, and thereby greatly expanding the company’s ability to serve a larger and more varied customer base that appreciates an online auction site that is dedicated to their passion.
Having been in the stamp business since the 1950s, the David Feldman tradition of innovation is very much alive, with ever-improving catalogues, simultaneous auction rooms via internet, flexible financing, international expansion, improved online services, creative promotion and increased private treaty business among its many strengths. Collectors looking for advice, estate trustees needing expert valuation and proven financial strength, philatelists seeking “top” items for their exhibits, and the smaller specialised collector, can now all find in David Feldman “a reliable partner” who can steer them through the shoals of changing markets and modes to our mutual benefit.
We’ve been around for over 40 years and intend, by capitalising on our strengths and talents, to enjoy many more years of success – together with our clients!