Seeking Consignments for Our Fall Sale
H.R. Harmer is currently seeking consignments for our Fall 2019 general sale, which will be held in conjunction with several other fascinating and diverse auctions. Between November 9 and November 16 we will be offering specialized collections of Nicaragua and United States First Day Covers, in addition to the much-anticipated second part of the “ERIVAN” Collection of United States Postal History.
Given the success of the first “ERIVAN” sale on June 22 we are certain that all eyes in the philatelic world will be on the next part, which will feature just as varied an offering. Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we announce which gems of United States and Confederate postal history will be offered on November 9.
The next week will see both the first part of the Bill Byerley Collection of Nicaragua on Tuesday, November 12, as well as our general sale of United States, British Commonwealth, and Worldwide Stamps, Covers, and Collections from Wednesday-Thursday, November 13-14. And finally, our fall slate of auctions will conclude with the first part of the Eldon Mohler Collection of United States Cacheted First Day Covers, to be held at NOJEX on Saturday, November 16.
There is still time for your material to be included in our general sale, and we welcome you to contact us today if you are interested in your material being offered at public auction.
The H.R. Harmer name, which has served collectors in the United States since 1940, is synonymous with exemplary service and philatelic expertise. Factors such as timely payments, straightforward pricing, and transparency in lotting should be taken for granted, but unfortunately are becoming rarer in today’s ever-changing marketplace. When you consign with H.R. Harmer, you can rest assured that your collection will be handled in an honest and professional manner.
H.R. Harmer's Fall 2019 Auction Schedule
Sale 3028: The Bill Byerley Collection of Nicaragua Part I - November 12, 2019
Sale 3027: United States and Worldwide Stamps, Covers, and Collections - November 13-14, 2019
Sale 3029: The Eldon Mohler Collection of US Cacheted First Day Covers Part I - November 16, 2019
Sale 3030: The "ERIVAN" Collection of United States Postal History Part II - December 10, 2019
Spectacular Realizations at the First United States "ERIVAN" Sale
This past Saturday, June 22, H.R. Harmer conducted the sale of the first part of the “ERIVAN” Collection of United States Postal History, widely considered to be one of the greatest such collections ever assembled. Amongst the 148 lots offered were many rare and iconic items, some of which have not been available on the public market for decades. Over the course of four exciting hours there was scarcely a lull in the spirited participation from the floor, the phones, and the internet.
The night started off on a positive note when the Alexandria “Blue Boy” fetched our opening price of $1,000,000, one of only a few American stamps to ever break the seven-figure mark. This remarkable cover, which once contained the wistful words of a star-crossed lover, has been celebrated since its entry into the philatelic marketplace in 1907. Its realization of such a strong hammer price solidifies its reputation as a veritable gem of worldwide philately.
The “Blue Boy” was far from the only highlight of the evening, with a great many covers well exceeding our modest start prices. It is our philosophy that low prices attract buyers, and it was not uncommon on Saturday night for items to increase ten-or-twentyfold before bidding finally subsided. After the hammer had fallen for the last time, each and every one of the 148 lots in the sale had found a new home.
The “Grove Hill” Cover, considered by some experts to be amongst the greatest items in all of Confederate philately, well-exceeded its outdated Scott catalogue value when it sold for $110,000. A cover carried on the inaugural eastbound trip of the Pony Express on April 3, 1860, brought $250,000, while a more modest cover that was mailed several months later soared to $70,000. Two fancy cancellations from Waterbury, Connecticut—an elephant and the famous “Running Chicken”—realized $50,000 each.
As exciting as the first “ERIVAN” Sale was, we at H.R. Harmer are already looking forward to our Fall 2019 offerings. Anchored by the second part of the “ERIVAN” Collection, we will also feature the first parts of both the Eldon Mohler Collection of United States Cacheted First Day Covers and the Bill Byerley Collection of Nicaragua. Additionally, H.R. Harmer’s biannual general sale will include the wide array of American and foreign stamps, postal history, and collections that our customers have come to anticipate.
If you would like for your material to be included in our Fall 2019 sale, please contact a member of our staff today to discuss consignment. No matter the size or scope of the material, one of our experts would be happy to discuss the best course of action to make sure that your collection is treated properly, professionally, and profitably.
Prices Realized Sales 3024-3025
The "ERIVAN" Collection - 1st Auction June 22
The first sale of the "ERIVAN" Collection, including the famed Alexandria "Blue Boy," will be held in New York City on June 22. For more information visit www.erivan-collection.com.
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