Headless kangaroo takes centre stage at David Feldman's rare stamps auction

Philatelic rarities from around the world are on offer, including one from Count Ferrary's collection

What do a headless kangaroo, an item from a schoolgirl's scrapbook, and an envelope printed by the postmaster of a tiny town in Canada have in common?

They are all among the top lots in the upcoming Autumn auction series held by David Feldman SA of Geneva, Switzerland on November 17-20.

Several thousand lots, including over 1000 collections, large lots and estates, are accompanied to the auction block by specialised catalogues.

These are full of pieces from Switzerland (featuring numerous choice Cantonals as well as 20th century rarities), France and Colonies (with superb Ceres issues including numerous mint 1849 One Franc stamps with tete-beche pair and varieties of shades including the "vervelle") plus a catalogue of Great Britain & Colonies rich in Penny Blacks by plate and position.

The All World catalogue is made up mostly of collections offered by country or region plus single items from several countries, both European and Overseas.

A catalogue of Olympics and Tennis Memorabilia provides ample opportunity for lovers of medals, posters, art and similar collectables to add to their philatelic holdings.

Finally, the auctions include a special offer of "Rarities of the World" which includes important specialised collections offered intact as well as choice classics throughout.

Headless kangaroo stamp

The headless kangaroo? Discovered over 60 years ago, certified genuine by the Royal and by use of Raman micrography, it is the only example of this dramatic printing variety ever found.

Danish 1851 stamp block preserved in a scrapbook

The Danish "scrapbook" find is the only known used block of four of the 1851 2rbs value, the largest known used multiple of this key first issue.

And the envelope? It's the New Carlisle, Gaspe peninsula Postmaster's Provisional, absolutely unique, ex Ferrary, Burrus and Cartier, making its first appearance at public auction in this generation. Listed before "number 1" in the Gibbons, Scott and Yvert catalogues, it's Canada's only classic postmaster's provisional, and a fantastic "Court of Honour" item.

Postmaster's Provisional from New Carlisle

These three are by no means the only important lots in the auctions. Page after page, choice classics and scarce to rare more recent items including elusive postal history showpieces from the world over add further opportunity for the collector, investor or dealer to add fresh and important items to their holdings.