Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: 1

Transcription

1 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: 1 PAPUA - The E.C. Harris Archive of Essays & Proofs Edward Charles Harris was born 13/10/1885 & died in 1952, aged 67. From the age of 15 he served in the Boer War, being discharged at the age of 17. He joined Papua's Treasury & Customs Department in 1908, and had stints as assistant postmaster at Samarai & Bonagai. He enlisted in 1917 & was discharged in 1920, returning to the Papuan Civil Service, and attaining the office of Colonial Treasurer, with responsibility for the Post Office. In 1927, Harris was appointed to the Executive Council. As a result of the items offered here being kept in northern Queensland for many years, some items exhibit varying degrees of rust. However, most items are fine to very fine. The archive includes an inventory of what Harris showed to the Liverpool Philatelic Society (NSW?) in 1950; that listing conforms to the items offered here. This remarkable archive is one of the most important Papua "discoveries" ever made. Many of the items were previously unrecorded, and many are unique. 745 C A- Lot "glossy" print (111x81mm) from Captain FR Barton's glass negative of his photograph of a Lakatoi and Hanuabada Village that was the basis for the British New Guinea stamps, minor toning on the reverse. The ultimate frontispiece for a collection of BNG/Papua! [Peter Troy's slightly smaller print sold for $2415] On 7/1/1901, Sir Horace Tozer, Agent-General for Queensland, requested De La Rue to provide cost estimates for an issue of stamps derived from this photograph. A completed essay - see "Lakatoi I" front cover - was forwarded only three days later & approved on 11th January! [A note with this item states that the photo was taken by Lieutenant-Governor G Ruthven le Hunte. However, that strikes us as highly improbable] C A Lot ditto, a matte print (113x84mm) with superb oval 'Commonwealth Bank of Australia/STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/ Fitzroy N.6. Vict.' [We expect that this & the previous lot were supplied in the early- to mid-1930s to EC Harris pursuant to a request that he had made. This theory is supported by the fact that Melbourne's Postal District Codes - 'N6' here - were introduced only in 1928] L B Lot original government notice (200x243mm - probably reduced from foolscap - stating "On and after 1st July 1901 British New Guinea STAMPS will be used for POSTAL PURPOSES in the Possession instead of Queensland Stamps./D Ballantine/Chief Postmaster/Port Moresby 14th June 1901", affixed to a cheap album page that is quite rusted but only minor spotting on the face of the document. 100

2 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: E A Lot Pictorials FE Williams original India ink & watercolour original design for the ornamental frame on art paper (184x247mm), affixed in the central void are a rough sketch of a portion of the border & a typed advice: "The shading should be deepened a good deal...", a few insignificant blemishes. [With a typed note: "...the Committee thought that it would be advisable to embody some of the Broadside or horizontal designs & are of the opinion that Mr Williams's border can be so adapted,,," In fact, it was used only for the vertical designs] 1,000 Ex Lot C 1932 Pictorials original photographs of various sizes for various denominations affixed to grey-blue pages (each 140x238mm) with typed captions, comprising "Motu Girl" (½d, originally for the 3d), "Steve, Son of Oala" (1d), "Tree Houses" four different (1½d, originally for the 4d), "Papuan Dandy" real photo PPC (3d), "Shooting Fish" x2 versions (9d), "Lakatoi" horizontal (1/3d, originally for the 2/6d), "Potter at Work" x5 different (2/6d), and "Sgt-Major Simoi" x2 different (5/-), also the pages - no photos - for the 2/- (originally for the 1½d) & 1 both with notation "Sketch retained by Stamp Printer", some minor blemishes & a few with corner holes from initially having been in official files. An important group. [The pages each have a leading number between "1" & "16", most of which have been altered. It is apparent that the "set" was presented in the intended denomination order, but this was subsequently varied. However, only those items with specific notes about being used for other denominations are mentioned above] (17 photos) E B Lot Pictorials stamp-size photographic reduction of the original artwork for an unissued 1d 'MOORHEAD NATIVE' design in a recessed presentation mount (102x125mm) endorsed in red "Should be spelt "Morehead Native" & on the reverse "No of design 2", minor toning. 150

3 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: E A- Lot Pictorials 2d Bird of Paradise, the original artwork in pencil, India ink & China white on art paper (120x145) signed at lower-left "Ernest Whitehouse del [= delivered?] 1932" & with "ORIGINAL DESIGN' label affixed below, the whole affixed to a larger piece of grey paper which in turn is affixed to a page of grey-blue paper, minor blemishes including a few very minor tonespots on the design. [The examples of original artwork for the Pictorials set offered here are the only such items that we have seen] 752 E A- Lot Pictorials ditto, three stamp-size photographic reductions of 1) the original artwork; 2) ditto, with 'TWO PENCE' highlighted; & 3) the approved design. [We had initially thought that the grey-blue pages to which the photographs & artwork are affixed were not contemporary. However, the first photo here is of the entire page. The first & third photos were originally a single piece, sharing a superb strike on the reverse of the oval 'Commonwealth Bank of Australia/STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/Fitzroy N.6. Vict.' cachet in violet E B Lot Pictorials 3d Mother & Child the original artwork in pencil, India ink & China white on art paper (163x151mm) signed at lower-left "Ernest Whitehouse del 1932", affixed to a larger piece of grey paper which in turn is affixed to a page of grey-blue paper, light staining at lower-left that only just intrudes on the design; also with a stamp-size photographic reproduction affixed at the base; the backing sheet endorsed "Figure 3 to be altered to 4. Word Three to be altered to four". 1, E A Lot Pictorials 3d Mother & Child stamp-size photographic reduction. [The illustration is above Lot 752] 150

4 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: E A Lot Pictorials 6d Mother & Child the original artwork in pencil, India ink & China white on art paper (143x176mm) signed at lower-left "Ernest Whitehouse del 1932" & lightly endorsed by him "Will look considerably better with coconut palms deleted"; also with a stamp-size photographic reduction affixed at the base. [The Committee obviously liked the palmtrees, but the words 'SIX PENCE' were removed from within the figure '6'] 756 E A Lot Pictorials 1/- Ceremonial Platform the original artwork in pencil & India ink on art paper (120x156mm) signed at lower-left "Ernest Whitehouse del 1932", the names of 16 towns are inscribed on the four sides, six deleted in red ink & "Bwagoia" corrected, and a typed "Correct List of Post Offices" attached; also with a stamp-size photographic reproduction affixed at the base. [Only 10 POs were operating at the time. On the issued stamp, the words 'ONE SHILLING' were removed from within the figure '1'] 757 E B Lot Pictorials 2/- Mask stamp-size photographic reduction of the original artwork for a squat design that was not approved, "sticky tape" at the base just clear of the design. Probably by Ernest Whitehouse E A Lot Pictorials 10/- Making Fire the original artwork in pencil & India ink on art paper (156x153mm) signed at lower-left "Ernest Whitehouse del 1932", endorsed "No " at upper-left; also with a stamp-size photographic reduction affixed at the base.

5 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: P D Ex Lot Pictorials ½d to 1 complete set of die proofs in the issued colours (plus an extra 2/6d Pottery) recessed in six presentation mounts of various sizes each with between one & four proofs, each mount with 'ENGRAVED AND PRINTED BY THE/...NOTE PRINTING BRANCH, FITZROY, VICTORIA' label affixed at lower-right & all but one with the oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet on the reverse, tragically all with advanced rust. (17) Offer 760 C A Ex Lot Pictorials actual-size photograph of the complete set of die proofs recessed in a single mount (285x240) presented to King George V, plus a smaller photograph of the proofs, their folder & an outer case in which the presentation was made; both in a similar folder. (3 items) Offer 761 E A- Lot Airmail stamp-size photographic reduction of a 6d Papuan Flag design, "sticky tape" at the base clear of the design. [There was a proposal in 1932 to replace the Air Mail provisionals with new designs. It was rejected, probably because there was a large stock remaining of the overprints. Illustrated above Lot 757] C A Ex Lot Declaration of Protectorate group of photographs used in the development of the designs comprising Papuans aboard HMS "Nelson" x2 (one a second generation print), & Raising the Union Jack x2 (+ one of a sketch from the "London Illustrated News"?), and another of Papuans with their canoes; also miniature versions of five photos. (11 items) Offer

6 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: E A-/B Ex Lot Declaration of Protectorate 3d "Papuans aboard HMS Nelson" & 5d "Raising the Union Jack" original artwork in pencil India ink & watercolour wash for alternative designs that were not adopted, on art paper (239x180mm), minor blemishes. (2 items) E/C A/B Ex Lot Declaration of Protectorate group comprising 1) photographs (210x160mm) from which the adopted designs were adapted; 2) the original preliminary artwork for 2d "Papuans aboard HMS Nelson" & 1d "Raising the Union Jack" both in pencil India ink watercolour & China white on art paper (239x180mm), the latter annotated "to be 2d & 5d values...scene to be as per sketch from Sydney Mail ", minor blemishes; and 3) photographs (198x142mm) of the finished artwork now for 3d HMS "Nelson" & 2d Flag-Raising. A fascinating lot. [For the issued stamps, the Flag-Raising view was used for the 1d & 3d, and the HMS "Nelson" view was used for the 2d & 5d] (6 items) 1, P B/A Ex Lot Declaration of Protectorate stamp-size photographic reductions of the four preliminary designs affixed to art board (86x181mm), oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/("2.5.34")/...' cachet in violet on the reverse, toning on the reverse; and similar for the final artwork for the 2d "Raising the Union Jack" & 3d "Papuans aboard HMS Nelson", also with the oval cachet on the reverse but undated. (2 items) P D Ex Lot Declaration of Protectorate 1d to 5d die proofs in the issued colours recessed in presentation mounts, each with oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet on the reverse where also dated "25/5/34" (1d), "5/6/32" (2d & 3d) or "7/6/34" (5d), tragically disfigured by rust. (4) Offer

7 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: E B Lot Silver Jubilee original artwork for a 2d Lakatoi/KGV composite design in pencil India ink watercolour & China white on art board (184x160mm) with a photographic insert of KGV's Head at upper-right, stamp-size box at the top endorsed "Suggested Size", boxed 'COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA/FITZROY/7FEB1935/NOTE PRINTIING BRANCH' cachet in violet on the reverse, minor blemishes that hardly detract from this stunning design. [We expect strong competition for this essay from Silver Jubilee collectors] 3, P C Lot Coronation of King Edward VIII stamp-size photographic reduction of the original artwork for a 2d Lakatoi design with Head of KEVIII at upper-right recessed in presentation frame, oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet on the reverse where endorsed "1./ ", toning mostly on the reverse. A gorgeous design based on the unadopted Silver Jubilee essay: Lot P C Lot Coronation of King Edward VIII 2d photographic proof (73x83mm) of the original artwork for a sideface design that was subsequently adapted for the Coronation of KGVI, affixed to art board (128x153mm), endorsed on the reverse "8/ ", some toning mostly on the reverse: see als Lot 352, under Nauru P A- Ex Lot Coronation of King George VI 2d two different photographic reductions of the approved artwork both with clear evidence that the design was adapted from that originally prepared for KEVIII's Coronation, endorsed on the reverse "No 8" & "No 9" & both dated "26/1/37", both a little stained on the reverse. (2) 300

8 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: P C Ex Lot Coronation of King George VI 1d to 5d die proofs in the issued colours on thin highly surfaced paper (55x66mm or slightly larger) each with various endorsements dated between 17th & 22nd Feb 1937, the 3d & 5d also with "Passed" at the base, "sticky tape" stains at the top & base that fortunately don't impact on the designs. (4) 1, P A- Lot Coronation of King George VI 2d die proof in the issued colour on thin highly surfaced paper (65x74mm) with the die number '2853' in reversed colourless embossing at upper-left, endorsed "B" & "No 19/ ", affixed to a badly toned backing piece with the oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet, the proof itself with only very minor blemishes. 773 P A Ex Lot Pictorials stamp-size photographic reductions of 2d designs of a village scene & Port Moresby Harbour (two different), each dated between "8/9/37" & "22/10/37" & with the oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet on the reverse. [The issue was not proceeded with] (3) 600

9 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: P A Ex Lot Air Mail stamp-size photographic reductions of 2d designs of a village scene or Port Moresby Harbour - both adapted from designs in the previous lot - & 3d Hanuabada, each dated "22/10/37" & with the oval '.../STAMP/ PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet on the reverse. [The issue was not proceeded with. Tim Rybak's example of the Harbour design - ascribed to the British Possession series and, at the time, the only such essay known to us - sold for $1265] (3) P A Lot Air Mail ditto, for 2d Port Moresby Harbour with KGVI's portrait added at upper-right, dated "22/10/37" & with the oval '.../STAMP/PRINTING BRANCH/...' cachet in violet on the reverse P A Ex Lot Declaration of British Possession Air Mail stamp-size photographic reductions of 3d Port Moresby Harbour (the same view as the previous lot), three variations (two with an aeroplane & one without), each dated "19/12/38" on the reverse. [The last of these is very similar to the adopted design. However, the stamps were issued 6/9/1938, three months before these proofs were created. This suggests that they were also used in the developmental stages for the 1939 Airs] (3) P A Lot Declaration of British Possession Air Mail 2d die proof in rose-red on highly surfaced paper (84x79mm) affixed to a slightly larger backing piece. endorsed "No 16/ " on the reverse.

10 Prestige Philately - Auction No 176 Page: P A Lot Air Mail 2d photographic enlargement of the finished design (97x75mm), no endorsements on the reverse but on the same Velox photographic paper as many of the other photographic proofs. Noted on the original page as having been produced in