Day 2 and the weather was fantastic again which made the picturesque hall all the more pleasant. The day proved to be just as popular as the day before, as visitors took advantage of their Saturday to come visit, with many set to meet at one of the many stamp club meetings of the day.
Again much of the day was spent chatting with clients. Some even brought stamps for consignment or valuation which were most welcome. Including a nice group of Russia covers which will go nicely in our planned specialised catalogue of Russia in September.
I was even able to offer advice to a young collector about collecting Afghanistan, as well as talk to him about the Afghan rarities we have from Arif Balgamwala on display. These include one of only two known sheets of the 1873-74 Shahi (used as a last will and testament hence it’s preservation!). The other one being in the Tapling collection in the British Library. As well as the largest multiple of the 1 Abassi on cover, and a three-country franking featuring Kashmir, India and an Afghan stamp.
We even had the pleasure of a visit by Michael Sefi (the curator of the Royal Philatelic Collection) to the stand. Mr. Sefi had brought with him Australian rarities from the Queen’s collection for display in the Court of Honour. However discussions quickly turned to the unique British Guiana 2c error of colour on cover on display on our stand, and the history of these primitive stamps. Mr. Sefi admitted that he still harbours hopes that there is a 2c on cover out there somewhere…
Much interest was also shown in our GPC books (particularly the collection of India formed by Dr. Sita Bhateja) and our Encyclopaedia of Rare stamps (with no fewer than 6 stamps on our display are featured in the book). For those that are interested, you can buy them on our online shop.