|
China 1885 Small Dragons 3can Scott no. 11, Chan no. 14, top marginal block of 9 MNH ** and MXLH * respectively, with virtually full original gum throughout, impeccable and extremely well preserved, 6 stamps are absolutely MNH ** and in post office fresh condition whilst 3 stamps are MXLH *, the last unit (third row, third stamp) shows a vague and almost invisible trace of having been previously hinged and the last two stamps in the left column (which are the fourth and seventh units respectively in the block) show a very narrow (3 mm) strip of hinge in between them, but still retain virtually all of their original gum, the block has full sheet margin at top, which is very lightly hinged in two places, it is perforated 12½ clean cut and it is from Setting III. The stamps show the “Tai-Chi Diagram†watermark in normal position, display wonderful colour throughout and good perforations for this particular type (since most of the Small Dragons perf. 12½ clean cut are much more untidy round the edges than this block) and there is not even the slightest separation whatsoever, which is truly unbelievable for this early and fragile multiple. The gum is in superb condition, showing a most pleasant patina and, surprisingly, not affecting the extremely fresh overall aspect, but rather enhancing it just by its very presence (original gum on the Small Dragons stamps, especially on those of the first printing of 1885, is very seldom seen on most of the examples offered on the market). The 3can 1885 Small Dragon perf. 12½ clean cut is the most elusive of all the basic Small Dragons stamps (excluding varieties, of course) and there is no complete sheet of it recorded. Supposedly, there isn’t even a complete pane recorded, though I can’t back this information with any written reference. Be that as it may, this is clearly one of the largest multiples of this stamp in existence and definitely in the best possible quality. Basically, it is absolutely fault-free in all respects and of incredible freshness all over. As it is always the case in philately, multiples of already scarce stamps are exponentially rarer than any other multiples, and the larger they are, the rarer they are. This is a superlative item in all respects, perfectly combining extreme rarity, incredible quality, one that is almost impossible to find on rarities of this caliber, and philatelic refinement and specialism of the highest standing, just to become an emblematic icon of the top specialised collections and one of the referential items for an entire issue of classic and highly sought after stamps, which are the Small Dragons. This represents a huge opportunity for the eBay market, one that will surely remain unique for many years to come. I am currently offering two other very important Small Dragons lots, besides this superb multiple. The three of them form an impressive and impossible to duplicate trio which constitutes a staggering opportunity for both the finest collectors and the wisest investors alike. Each lot is of immense rarity in its own right and does not appear on the market at all, generally, let alone on eBay. In order to view the other China lots I am offering, as well as the other worldwide classic rarities I currently have for sale, I would like to kindly invite you to please spare a couple of minutes to browse through my current auctions. You won’t be disappointed. In case of this item, especially if it will be purchased together with the other China Small Dragons lots I am currently offering, personal delivery worldwide could be arranged and, depending on several factors, I would even be willing to bear a significant part of the costs myself. However, please inquire about this possibility, as the conditions vary for each (potential) buyer in particular. IMPORTANT NOTE: I am prepared to offer the buyer a 5% DISCOUNT from the final sale price of this item IF he/she shall pay me by bank wire transfer or if we shall complete the transaction in person. If paying by any other method, other than the two described above, please be aware that there is no discount whatsoever and that the transaction shall be completed in the usual manner, just like all of my other transactions on eBay. A u t h e n t i c i t y a n d a c c u r a t e d e s c r i p t i o n a r e g u a r a n t e e d. P l e a s e r e a d b e l o w. P l e a s e c h e c k o u t m y o t h e r a u c t i o n s a s w e l l ! Please read and bear in mind the following policies before actually bidding: Description of the items All stamps are described to the best of my knowledge. I always illustrate the auction with clear, large photos (usually 600 dpi for single stamps, front and back). However, if you want an even larger photo for a certain auction of mine, please ask it (by sending me a message), and I will be glad to provide you with it. As general guidelines regarding descriptions, the condition of the items will be described as accurate as possible. All of the generally accepted major flaws which are not always visible in the pictures, regardless of the resolution (e.g. thins, etc.) will be mentioned in the description if they exist. Flaws which are clearly visible in the pictures, like missing perfs., tears, creases (especially on the back of the stamps), obvious soiling/toning, short margins on one or more sides, reinforced perfs. for multiples, etc. might not always be mentioned in the description and they alone do not constitute an acceptable reason in case of a return. Some "flaws" which are not uniformly accepted as being so, like paper adhesion on the back of a stamp, off-sets, natural gum skips or wrinkles, heavy hinging, etc. might not always be described. Repaired stamps will be described as such in all of the instances where the repair(s) is/(are) detectable and further details might not necessarily be given. Items described as repaired are not returnable on the basis of condition reasons. Returns are accepted for stamps which are found to be other than described, considering the conditions mentioned above. Authenticity of the items All of the items I am selling are guaranteed to be authentic and accurately identified, including the identification of their colour or shade. In case any of the items I have sold will turn out not to be authentic, I will offer the buyer a full refund, including the cost of shipping, the cost of the expertisation (including all the fees associated with it) and any auxiliary fees/costs which might have incurred during the transaction, in a maximum of 15 days from the moment I have received back the item (which is mandatory to be returned by registered mail). The ONLY acceptable proof for a refund in case of a return will be a negative certificate issued by a recognised and well-known expert or committee. No exceptions from this rule are accepted whatsoever. In case of the items which have the terms "sold as is" included in the description, no return will be accepted on the basis of authenticity matters. Items accompanied by certificates of authenticity or signed by various experts (not having undecipherable, unknown or bogus signatures, but signatures of well-known experts, and having this mentioned in the description), are considered to be universally genuine and no counter-expertise is accepted in this case, whatsoever. All sales which fall within this latter category are FINAL, and no return is accepted. Also, in case of certificates describing the condition of the item, this alone constitutes the description of that particular item. As a general guideline, the items I'm selling and which are accompanied by certificates of authenticity always have those certificates issued by well-recognised experts or committees. Bidding implies agreeing unconditionally with the following payment and shipping conditions (if you need special arrangements, please ask before bidding): Payment Payment has to REACH ME in a maximum of 2 weeks! I accept the following payment methods: - PayPal - MoneyBookers.com (to the e-mail address with which I am registered on eBay) - bank wire transfer – US $ or EUR (€) or GBP (£) ONLY! (Please note that it may take up to 10 days for me to receive the money. Usually it takes about 2-3 days.) Please be aware that you MUST pay all your transfer fees, and they shall not in any way be deducted from the amount you have to send me. If you need to arrange payment by other methods, please ask before bidding. I CAN’T accept checks or money orders OF ANY KIND, due to the high commissions for cashing them. I always send out an e-mail message (titled "Payment details for eBay won item(s) #...") to each of my customers right after the auction has ended, containing all the payment details he/she might need. Thank you for being so patient and waiting for it prior to asking any payment-related questions. Shipping $ 8 - Worldwide For items sold at over $ 1,500, shipping is free worldwide by FedEx. (You can also opt for FedEx shipping for any purchase at a rate of $ 55 for Europe and $ 85 for the rest of the world.) I ship only registered letters with receipt of delivery (International Avis de Réception). Shipping combined for multiple purchases! Stamps will be shipped on album pages (where shown like that) or on stockcards otherwise (or, in boxes if shown like that, etc.). Je parle français. Pas très bien, mais je le parle.
Place a Bid!
|