ALFONSO XIII - BABY HEAD stamps of the PHILIPPINES

References and Literature

Description of Notable Auctions

 

Iberphil (2024). Online Auction #116, 23 July 2024

 

The auction included items from the Antonio Cuesta collection including sheets from the 1859 issues and proofs from 1872 to 1880. The auction also included proofs from the 1890 series.

  

 

Soler y Llach Auction (2024) Antonio Cuesta Collections. 10 July 2024

 

The auction included many covers of postal history including a good selection from 1890, too many to feature all of them here.

 

Iberphil (2024). Online Auction #113, 7 March 2024

 

The auction represented a range of materials from the Spanish Philippines especially some mint examples from the Isabella period. A few lots of the year sets betwreen 1890 and 1896 plus telegraph stamps.

  

 

Subasta Sevilla Auction (2023). Online Auction 14, 17 October 2023

 

Two items of interest the 15c red brown proof and unfortunately, the 1890 5c slate green but described as the 5c violet black.

NVK Stamps Auction (2023). Auction 9, 17 September 2023

 

The auction represented a range of materials in all eras of Philippines' philately. Some interesting Babyhead Issues including covers, flaws, surcharges and a block of 6 5mil dark violet proof (largest block known).

  

 

 

Soler y Llach Auction (2023). 4 July 2023

 

The auction included extensive examples of Isabella period stamps, including blocks. Limited material from 1890 series (two covers and 5c lilac perf proof)

Schuyler Rumsey (2023). Public Auction 108, The Westpex Sale 27 April 2023 featuring Frederick Freeman Collection of the Philippines

 

The Spanish Philippines was listed in the first session on 27 April with the US Possessions appearing in the 3rd session on 29 April. The auction featured the collection of Frederick Freeman. However, the Spanish Philippines were in general, poorly presented with only choice items highlighted for individual lots and the remainders sold in a series of collections, some of which were not even illustrated. Disappointing to many Spanish-Philippines collectors.

The individual lots included a cover of the first issue, two examples of the "CORROS" error on the 1854 14 blue and some used blocks from Isabella II period (ex-Peterson) some HPLN overprints and a couple of covers from the 1890 series. In the collections a 2c claret proof pair was noted and what was reported to be 1128 copies of the used 2c violet, despite noting as a rarely seen area the lot was not illustrated.

 

Iberphil (2023). 13 April 2023

 

Only small representation of the Philippines but included a 2c claret proof pair (not sold)

 

Soler y Llach Auction (2023). 3 April 2023

 

The auction included a few covers from 1890 series including one with 1c postal usage (not sold)

NVK Stamps Auction (2023). Auction 8, 24 February 2023

 

The auction represented a range of materials all eras of Philippines' philately. Some interesting Babyhead Issues including double imprints, flaws and gutter pairs unusual to see described in auctions. Also included were a block of 2c claret proofs (only two known of this size) with inscription and from the scarce sheet format of this issue. Also a single 40c dark violet proof (only two examples known).

 

 

Soler y Llach Auction (2022). 21 December 2022 (Geoffery Lewis Collection)

 

The auction included many covers from the Spanish era including a number from the Baby head series

 

Soler y Llach Auction (2022). 18 October 2022

 

Included two 5c violet perforated proofs and the 1894 2c grey brown imperf proof. Some nice early Spanish era items also

 

NVK Stamps Auction (2022). Auction 7, 1 July 2022

 

The auction represented a range of materials from across all eras. Some interesting Babyhead Issues including double imprints, flaws and gutter pairs unusual to see in auction. Also included were a few proofs, including only known 5c green block of four.

 

 

Soler y Llach Auction (2022). 18 May 2022

 

Included a notable and spectacular block of sixteen forged 1897 surchages (types C2, B2 and A2) in black on the 25c brown.

 

 

Iberphil Auction (2022). 22 February 2022

 

Few lots including 2 mils block of four with COMMUNICATIONS / DAGUPAN cancel. Also resale of proofs from Soler y Llach Nov 2021 auction (increased price)

NVK Stamps Auction (2022). Auction 6, 11 February 2022

 

The auction represented a range of materials from across all eras. Most notable in terms of the Babyhead Issues were a number of proofs and used items which had been previously listed in the Harmer 2022 auction.

Iberphil Auction (2021). 24 November 2021 (and June 2022)

 

Notable for 1892 5c lilac proof in block of 4. Later relisted and sold in Iberphil June 2022 auction (and later divided into singles).

 

Soler y Llach (2021). Subasta Publcia Espana Y Ex-Colonias. Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 3 November 2021.

 

The Babyheads represented in only a few lots but included some proofs (incl 2c claret with Type I-Type II cliche), error on 10c orange brown and covers.

 

 

HR Harmer (2021). Sale 3046 The Don Peterson Collection of Spanish Philippines 1872-1898, 25 June 2021

 

The auction represented a range of materials from 1872 to 1898. Most notable in terms of the Babyhead Issues were a number of sheets from this series (some intact, others reconstructed)  and also from the 1880 Alfonso XII and the 1898 Curly Head series. Also included a number of proofs plus forgeries of the 1897 surcharges.

 

Iberphil Auction (2021). 23 June 2021 

 

A few interesting proofs including rare 80c proof. Resale of proofs from Soler y Llach Feb 2021 auction

 

Soler y Llach (2021). Subasta Publcia Espana Y Ex-Colonias. Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 23 February 2021.

 

The Babyheads represented in only a few lots but included some interesting proofs and use of the CORREOS MASBATE cancel.

 

Filatelia Llach (2020). October 2020

Included a lot comprising a collection of 1880 and 1890 sheets -  including the 1c claret.

 

HR Harmer (2020). Sale 3034 The Julian Cabarrus Collection of the Philippines, 7 August 2020

 

For the Spanish period mainly items pre-1890 but the auction primarily focussed on the American period. Still a few general items from the Babyhead issues including specimens, covers and proofs.

Iberphil (2020). July 2020.

 

Auction include a small lot of 1897 surcharges including forgeries plus a strip from the 1897 trial sheet

 

Soler y Llach (2020). January 2020.

 

Included a block of 4 2c claret imperf proof

 

 

Corinphila (2019). Sale 244-249, Europe and Overseas, Dec 2019

Noteworthy lot of La Union overprints.

Filatelia Llach (2019). Spain and Dependencies, 22 December 2019

Small lot of 1897 surcharges included forged 5c black on 5c green.

Filatelia Llach (2019). Spain and Dependencies, 25 July 2019

Small selection of lots from across the Spanish era, including 5m green and 5c lilac (although the latter is questionable and may represent the 5c violet brown).

Soler y Llach (2019). 16 July 2019.

Some early issues in this auction which included specimens and 1897 surcharge forgeries

  

Soler y Llach (2019). 28 May 2019.

Included a lot comprising La Union surcharges

Filatelia Llach (2018). Spain and Dependencies, 21 December 2018

5m dark violet proof in one of the lots

Soler y Llach (2018). December 2018.

5m dark violet imperf proof and 5m green included in the auction

  

Soler y Llach (2018). October 2018.

A number of notable proofs including spectacular 1894 2c claret in the Sheet Format A (note this item was later cut up and re-sold)

  

Soler y Llach (2018). March 2018.

1897 surcharge forgery

  

Filatelia Llach (2018). Spain and Dependencies, 8 February 2018

Used (bogus cancel) 5m dark violet proof pair in one of the lots

Filatelia Llach (2017). Spain and Dependencies, 9 November 2017

1897 surcharge forgery in one of the lots

Filatelia Llach (2017). Spain and Dependencies, 21 June 2017

5m dark violet proof with nice constant flaw in one of the lots

HR Harmer (2017). Sale 3014 The Richard D. Miggins Collection of The Philippines, 2 June 2017

 

Mainly items from the earlier Spanish period especially Era of Surcharges. However a few lots from the Babyhead series in particular specimens, partial sheets, 1897 surcharge proof and covers.

Filatelia Llach (2017). Spain and Dependencies, 16 February 2017

Used (bogus cancel) 5m dark violet proof pair in one of the lots (not sold)

 

Soler y Llach (2017). February 2017.

2c grey brown imperf proof (1894) and 80c block of 4 listed but not sold

 

HR Harmer (2016). Sale 3012, 14 October 2016

The auction included a few of the unsold lots from Sale 3010 Auction. However, the most interesting lot was a large collection which included a partial sheet of the 1897 surcharge issue.

HR Harmer (2016). Sale 3010 Rarities Auction including The Don Peterson Collection of Spanish Philippines, 3 June 2016

Auction held at the World Stamp Show in New York. The 1890 issues were absent but some very nice important examples from the Isabella period.

HR Harmer (2016). Sale 3009 featuring The Don Peterson Collection of Philippines Imperforates 1854-1874, 6 May 2016

As noted in the auction title featured The Don Peterson Collection of Philippines Imperforates 1854-1874 and included some large blocks from this period. But as expected no examples from the 1890 series.

Filatelia Llach (2015). Spain and Dependencies, 22 June 2015

5c green imperf proof block of 4 was the pick of the lots

HR Harmer (2015). Sale 3007 The 2015 Spring Sale, 6 June 2015

A number of lots from the Aguinaldo Revolutionary Government inclusing stamps and covers with the La Union surcharge.

Filatelia Llach (2015). Spain and Dependencies, 18 May 2015

5m green block of 4 was the pick of the lots (previously also sold at Filatelia Llach 28 April 2014 auction)

Filatelia Llach (2015). Spain and Dependencies, 5 March 2015

80c claret block of 4 in one of the lots

Filatelia Llach (2014). Spain and Dependencies, 18 December 2014

1m dark violet proof in one of the lots

Philstamps (2014). Philstamps Auction, December 2014. 

Included partial sheet with inscription of 1897 40c dark violet

 

Filatelia Llach (2012). Spain and Dependencies, 22 October 2012

A good slection of 1854 issues, only a single lot from the 1890 period - 5mil green and 5c violet dark violet

Philstamps (2012). William F Oliver Collection - Part 3. Philstamps Auction 412 Catalogue, August (?) 2012. 

A few lots from the Spanish period. Incidental lots from the 1890 series including a 2c claret proof

 

Filatelia Llach (2011). Spain and Dependencies, 7 November 2011

A few lots which included 5mil green and 5c violet dark violet and some unsold covers

 

Philstamps (2011). William F Oliver Collection - Part 2. Philstamps Auction 611 Catalogue, 28 July 2011. 

A few lots from the Spanish period. From the 1890 series includes a 2c claret proof, used in the Marianus cancels and La Union provisionals

 

Philstamps. (2010). William F Oliver Collection - Part 1. Philstamps Auction 1110 Catalogue, 10 December 2010. 

A few lots from the Spanish period. A couple of covers, business handstamp cancels from the 1890 series.

 

Heinrich Koher (2008). 334th Heinrich Koehler Auction, 27 September 2008

Spectacular block of 2c claret imperf proof with sheet inscription

 

 

Soler y Llach. (2006). Subasta Publcia Espana Y Ex-Colonias. Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 14 March 2006. 

General items from the Spanish period. Notable block of the 1897 surcharge proof sheet and 20c dark violet Muestra

    

 

Afinsa (2002). Substata Publica Colonias Espanolas. Afinsa Auctions in conjunction with Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 22 May 2002. 

Some notable blocks of the 1854 issues and some interesting covers, a number from the 1890 series

 

Afinsa (2001). Substata Internacional, Filipinas. Afinsa Auctions in conjunction with Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 30 October 2001. 

Some notable singles and blocks of the 1854 issues and some interesting covers, a number from the 1890 series plus imperf proofs

 

 

Afinsa (1995). XXX Substata Filatelica. Afinsa Auction Catalogue, 30 March 1995

Included a selection of 1890 series covers.

 

 

Afinsa (1999). Substata Internacional. Afinsa Auctions in conjunction with Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 14 December 1999

A few covers including from the 1890 and 1898 series.

 

 

Antonio Torres. (1991). “Gran Subasta de Filipinas”. Antonio Torres in conjunction with Galeria Filatelica de Barcelona Auction Catalogue, 31 January 1991   

Covers from the Spanish era but included a strip of five from the 1897 surchare proofs.

 

 

Soler y Llach (1992). Filipinas Emisiones de Isabel II. Soler y Llach Auction Catalogue, 20 February 1992. [collection of Fritz-Walter Lange]

Major pieces including important large blocks and full sheets from the Isabella II period (although none from the 1890 series). Many items orginated from the earlier collection of the eminent philatelist John Boker Jr which was only been exhibited once at the ESPANA 84 World Exhibition where it obtained the Gran Premio Nacional

 

Philstamps. (1988). Stamps and Covers of the Philippines. Philstamps Auction 1188 Catalogue, 26 November 1988. 

A few lots from the Spanish period. From the 1890 series a number of imperf proofs (including unknown format for 2c claret description needs verification) specimens (including one of the first descriptions of 1c claret) plus 1897 surcharges.

 

 

Philstamps. (1988). Stamps and Covers of the Philippines. Philstamps Auction 488 Catalogue, 21 May 1988. 

A few lots from the Spanish period. From the 1890 series a 2c ultramarine block of 6 with scratch (not illustrated) and inverted 1897 surcharge (reprint ?)

 

 

 

 

Robson Lowe Ltd. (1964). The Burrus Collection, Portugal and Philippines. Robson Lowe Ltd Auction Catalogue, 5 May 1964, London.

Major pieces from eminent philatelist John Boker Jr. Large blocks and full sheets from the Isabella II period.  No lots from the 1890 series

 

 

Carl Pelander (1948).  Philippines, The Ferrar H Tows Collection Part II, 10-13 November 1948, New York

Extensive collection of Tows, including sheets of 1854 issue. Examples of proofs, specimens and 1897 surcharge proof listed from the 1890-1897 period

 

 

 

 

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