360 / Mai 2015 London

1960/61: 30 m. black & carmine-lake, overprinted 'Cyprus Republic' in blue, variety 'Overprint Double', a used example, missing lower left corner perforation, tied to small piece by 'Nicosia / Cyprus' datestamp (24 May, 1961) in black. The minor fault unobtrusive, this being one of the major Elizabethan Commonwealth varieties, with just two genuine examples reported. Cert. Merkur (1976), BPA (2014) Gi = £ 45'000.

Sperati Forgeries: The beautifully written up collection on 11 pages showing all four Sperati types, with Queen Victoria 1894 45 pi. grey-purple & blue imperforate in Die Proof format signed 'Jean de Sperati', Duty Plate stamp size photograph in black & white and further example of the CYPRUS / 45 PIASTRES each handstamped 'Reproduction' on reverse, together with the 'issued' Sperati 45 pi. cancelled by Nicosia squared circle datestamp (Aug.1898) in black (cert. RPS); Edward VII with photographic reproductions of the Die Proofs made by Robson Lowe for the three values 9 pi, 18 pi and 45 pi, together with 1902 45 pi. grey & blue imperforate in Die Proof format signed 'Jean de Sperati' (cert. RPS), enlarged photographs (5) and stamp size photographs (4) all handstamped 'Sperati / Reproduction' on reverse and four 1902 45 pi. dull purple & ultramarine with one 'mint' and three 'used' Sperati Forgeries (one with RPS cert, the other signed Sperati on reverse, two further examples handstamped by the BPA). Thereafter 1902 9 pi., 18 pi. and 45 pi. mint with 'used' Sperati's for comparison (7) all handstamped on reverse, with Type B 9 pi. 'used', Type B 18 pi. 'used' and Type D 18 pi. 'used' (all ex Carl Walske). A marvellous and rare group superbly arranged and exhibited by one of the leading exponents of Cyprus philately (35 items). Provenance: Queen Victoria 45 pi. Die Proof, ex Chris Cruttwell.