Specialist valuer, Andy Bowden introduces the first stamp auction of the year and sets the questions for our first competition.
“Welcome to the first stamps, postcards and trade cards auction of 2025.
“We have had a busy 8 weeks or so, and the first auction of the year is upon us already. Just a reminder we are located in Saleroom 3 of the new building (upstairs on the left!) and look forward to you taking the opportunity to view our 130+ lots in this auction. This auction sees a range of penny blacks, including on cover (Lots 201-205) along with other Victorian line engraved issues.
“For those who are cricket fans I did allude to something special at the end of last year! Lot 220 sees a pair of covers – one is signed by Sir Donald Bradman, the other by Johnners – Brian Johnston. Bradman was one of the greatest Australian batsmen of all time, and Johnners was the voice of cricket until the 1990’s on TMS (Test Match Special).
“Lot 221 sees a pair of covers from the Centennial tours of 1977, one signed by the England team and another by the Australian Squad. Lot 315 also sees a further cricket-orientated lot. A good range of one-country lots is seen in this auction (lots 222-254), including Australia, GB, modern Commonwealth including Falklands, Saudi Arabia through to a fine Y & T album with a Vatican City collection.
“Thereafter a good range of collections including royalty to the 2010s, Ideal albums of world and Commonwealth. There are plenty of box lots for your perusal, as well as postcards, including local Cumbrian interest and WWI silks, cigarette cards and trading cards.
“Finally, as its the first stamp auction of the year, we’re opening a competition up to everyone. You could win free tea or coffee and cake for two in Café Ambio for two. All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
1) What was the first stamp ever issued in 1840?
2) What was the incident in 1990 where Brian Johnston fell into fits of laughter whilst live commentating with one of his famous quotes of, “Oh Aggers do stop it”.
3) What was Sir Donald Bradman’s batting test average? (2 answers are acceptable here!)
Answers by email to james@1818auctioneers.co.uk. A name will be drawn after the auction finishes on the 16th February.”