Michael Roberts & Grand Opening

I have two major events to report:

The "Michael Roberts" Collection

This collection was sold last weekend in Halifax. It was arguably the most complete Canada collection to ever come onto the stamp market. The collector (whom I know quite well) carefully assembled a mint single (often extremely fine & never hinged), a mint block of four or larger, a used single and used block (usually very fine and often SON (socked on the nose) and CDS (circular date stamp)) for every basic stamp, and also for the shades, printings, and papers which are varieties not always listed, and also for plate varieties especially re-entries; and, in addition, for the imperforates, proofs, and covers he was satisfied with basic pairs or singles as appropriate. In this respect by continuing to collect in this manner to the end of King George VI, this collection was closer to being complete than other famous collections of the past.

It is a shame that he never exhibited because had he done so some of the varieties which were in his collection would be better known. Also he might have inspired collectors to follow his example. The collection included many rare (sometimes unique) items but it was clear that he sought out the rare (and this is often distinct from the expensive). Several examples from the pence period: there are no mint multiples; he had a sound used twelve penny with a blue cancel (there are only two known and the other is faulty) but no mint example (which although very, very expensive is relatively easily obtainable).

Knowing all this I decided to concentrate on the remainder collections. There were fifteen lots of these. I was unsuccessful on Large Queens; Map Issue; Edward VII with Quebecs; Admiral Issue except coils; King George VI; and Modern Errors and Varieties. By aggressive bidding after a careful and thorough viewing I was successful on the six volumes of Small Queens; the Jubilees; the Leaf and Numeral Issue; the Admiral Coils; two different lots of King George V era; the Airmail, Special Delivery, and Postage Dues; the Registration Issues; and the War Tax Issues.

I was also successful on several dozen other wonderful lots throughout the sale. More details will follow reasonably soon.

The Grand Opening

Last night was our Grand Opening and in my completely unbiased opinion it was a great success. I'll probably report a bit more soon. Our local television channel made our opening the third story and spent three minutes airing what is in effect a tremendous commercial for the store. Visitors came from as far away as Saskatoon (John Jamieson).

After the opening I returned home and while carrying the garbage can slipped on the ice in our driveway and injured my shoulder. So while wearing a sling and with the first of four appraisals which are scheduled for this morning awaiting me, I'll sign off.