Newly acquired items worthy of your attention. These may or may not be described with quite as much detail as usual, however, as always, your satisfaction is guaranteed. All are available for approval viewing. Scott numbers have been used unless otherwise mentioned.
(1557 S/S) "Posten / Bring" Standard officially issued Personalized Souvenir Sheet of two stamps.
VF: Norway has the distinction of creating what I believe to be the first souvenir sheet of "Standard Personalized Stamps" containing more than one stamp design. This was issued in late 2008 and contains two stamps (same frame design) with two different logos for Posten and Bring. The designs mark the division of Norway Post into two parts: Posten - what we think of as the standard "post office" and Bring - a package delivery, freight, and logistics company (similar to UPS in the U.S.). Only 275,000 of this souvenir sheet were printed and distributed free of charge to people in Oslo and other cities around Norway, sometimes in post offices, but also given away to people on the street. Because the souvenir sheet was NOT sold to collectors and distribution was wide, but one to a person, these souvenir sheets are extremely difficult to obtain. The Scott Catalog editors HAVE reserved a catalog number for this souvenir sheet; such a catalog listing will result in large demand that cannot possibly be filled. [233002]
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31.00
39.00
233180
1 Medium Blue on Medium-Thin Paper. Superb example with four very large to enormous margins and incredibly crisp 11-bar cancellation. A stunning example.
225.00
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233181
1 Light Blue on Thin Paper. Four full, but smallish to adequate margins. Very clear 12-bar cancel. Previous owner noted as position D14. Nice color and somewhat scarcer postmark.
110.00
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233182
1 Light Blue on Crisp Thin Paper. Four huge to enormous margins. Very clear 11-bar cancel. Previous owner noted as position D44. Extremely nice example.
225.00
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233184
1 Medium Blue on Crisp Thin Paper. Three enormous margins and on small margin. Unusually nice, light cancel nicely shows the design.
150.00
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233298
1 Medium Blue on Thin Paper. Great looking example with four very large margins. Neat BLUE 12-bar cancellation. The handbooks and catalogs mention that blue bar/grid cancellations "exist", but make no attempt to assign values to them. In personal communication with Norwegian expert Hans J. Enger, he stated that the blue bar/grid cancellations are "quite rare". I can say that I can recall having only two other examples in 36 years. Unfortunately, this very nice looking stamp has a hard-to-see (the previous owner, who is quite detail oriented, completely missed it) internal tear in the bottom margin near the right corner -- it is only in the margin and does not affect the stamp design, thus one could legitimately call this a perfectly sound 3-margin stamp. The cancellation color is a definite clean blue, it is not a mix of colors. Very pretty and "quite rare".
SOLD
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233186
2 Strong Orange-Yellow color. Used VF with full FLEKKEFJORD 11 October 1866 cancellation. Very pretty.
Partial BLUE "...UND" town cancellation and very faint black postmark on Scott #5 with Superb centering. Colored cancellations are scarce on the Oscar stamps other than the 4 skilling. Even ignoring the cancellation, this is a very pretty stamp.
68.00
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231895
Grid cancellation, showing 9 of the bars but not complete, on Scott #5 F-VF+. Nice face-free strike on attractive stamp. Facit 2008 value from SEK 1000 = $170 (6/08). Quite scarce and very attractive!
135.00
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233187
5 Used F-VF+ with PERFECT DRAMMEN 8 June 1863 cancellation. Rare in such quality! An outstanding example.
175.00
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231886
9 Used F-VF+ centered with VF+ centered THRONDHEIM 1864 cancellation, but small thin spot. A very pretty stamp that would otherwise be $90 with such a nice postmark!
25.00
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233212
9 horizontal pair with Average centering but quite remarkable Brownish Orange color and neat HOLMESTRAND cancellation. One stamp thinned, but the color is extremely scarce and any pairs or this issue are unusual.
29.00
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233213
11 Used F-VF+, but small thin spot, with nice "X" pen manuscript cancellation. Very neat and attractive.
12 Used VF+ with neat, clearly-dated 24 January 1868 cancellation (in the proper time period) and brilliant color. An exceptional example of a stamp that is usually poorly centered, has washed-out color, and is used later. Outstanding! 2008 Facit value for "top quality" is SEK 1200 = $205 (6/08).
95.00
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231889
12 Used VF+ with neat, clearly-dated 3 November 1869 cancellation (in the proper time period) and remarkably deep, strong color. One short perf, as is typical of this stamp. An exceptional example of a stamp that is usually poorly centered, has washed-out color, and is used later. Outstanding! 2008 Facit value for "top quality" is SEK 1200 = $205 (6/08).
65.00
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233189
12 Used with Superb centering and with proper 23 November 1871 CHRISTIANIA cancellation. One shortish perf, but quite scarce so well centered and with nice cancellation.
60.00
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233214
12 Used Average, with partial 4-ring numeral cancellation (number not readable). This type of cancel was only used in the later period of validity. While this stamp was valid until 1908, I cannot recall ever in 36 years having another example with 4-ring numeral cancellation. The 4-rings were mostly used on ships and in remote locations, often with only seasonal post offices and the later-use Skilling stamps are rarely seen used from such places.
26.00
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233215
12 4-Block. Mint Fine. Two stamps NH, but with overall darkened paper due to aging (otherwise would be $150+ [9/09]). Attractive and with very low price.
29.00
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231890
13 Used Superb with very light cancellation, excellent perforations, and perfect centering. This Grayish Violet printing generally has a blurred impression, but this one is as sharp and clear as one could ask for! This stamp is seldom offered in such nice quality! Outstanding!
225.00
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233190
13 RED VIOLET, Clear Print (Facit #13b) Used Fine+ with neat cancellation. Scarce major color variety.
195.00
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233216
14 Thick Paper, horizontal pair with F-VF centering but one rounded corner perf. Neat TVEDESTRAND 1869 cancellation.
24.00
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233217
15 Used Fine, but extremely tiny thin spot, with unusual cross-hatched pen manuscript cancellation. Very neat and attractive. I cannot recall previously in 36 years having a Norwegian cancel that looked quite like this.
15a (Facit #15b: Rose, Clear Print) Used Average centered example with unusually light cancel. A pretty example of a very scarce stamp, at a terrific price! Facit 2008 value is SEK 3500 = $595 (6/08). (See article on web site for more information.)
135.00
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233192
19 (Facit #19b, NK #19Id; per Enger) Used VF with very nice, delicate color and neat, clear, proper-period 1874 cancellation.
90.00
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233193
19 (Facit #19b, NK #19Id; per Enger) Used VF+ with very strong color and neat, clear, proper-period 1875 cancellation.
90.00
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233218
19, Facit 19ab [4 Skilling Posthorn, Dull Violet on Grayish Paper] Used VF+ with May 1873 cancellation. Used in proper time period. Very nice example of the scarcest of the 4 Skilling colors.
195.00
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233194
21 Dark Brown, White Paper. Used VF+ with neat, proper-period cancellation.
90.00
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233195
22 Used VF+ with fully dated 1882 BERGEN cancellation. Very pretty.
17.00
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233219
23 [1877 3 øre Shaded Posthorn] Used VF with very clear plate variety "diagonal white plate scratch through frame at wing 7 and down through the frame line below M of FRIM." Some blunted perfs, but very unusual.
24, Facit #24Ia with period. Very nice Dark Ultramarine color. Used F-VF with 1 October 1881 cancel. Very nice.
19.00
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233197
24, Facit #24Ib with period. The Plate I, Blue color, but an extremely scarce very dark shade (not listed in the catalogs). Used Superb centering and appearance, but with thin speck. Beautiful!
40.00
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233198
24, Facit #24IIIa with period. Horizontal Watermark, Thick Paper, Light Ultramarine. Used VF+. Nice example!
46.00
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233199
24, Facit #24IIIb with period. Horizontal Watermark, Thick Paper, Dull/Dark Ultramarine. Used VF with neat corner cancel. Very pretty.
48.00
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233200
24 Major Variety, Facit #25 (small 5 in oval band) with period. Used VF+ centering and neat, proper 1879 cancellation. Seldom seen so attractive.
120.00
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233201
24 Major Variety, Facit #25 (small 5 in oval band) with period. Used F-VF+ centering and neat, proper 15 July 1879 "CHRA. BYP." local post cancellation. Wonderful Bright Ultramarine color shade. Seldom seen so attractive.
110.00
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233202
26 [1877 12 øre Shaded Posthorn] Used VF with VF+ 6 April 1884 BERGEN "Swiss type" bridge cancellation. Very pretty!
45.00
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233220
27 [1877 20 øre Shaded Posthorn] Used Fine with nearly perfect FLORØ 12 May 1880 all-serif cancellation.
24.50
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233203
27 [1877 20 øre Shaded Posthorn] Orange Brown Used Superb with light cancellation. Wonderful example.
32 [1878 1 kr Oscar II] Used F-VF 3-strip with neat 1893 parcel cancellation and showing three different denomination engraving types. Multiples are scarce.
45.00
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233222
34 [1878 2 kr Oscar II] Used F-VF 3-strip with neat 1903 parcel cancellation and one stamp with blue registry mark. Showing three different denomination engraving types. Multiples are scarce.
85.00
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231900
36 Used Superb. Not often seen so nice.
23.00
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231901
36 Used Superb. Not often seen so nice.
23.00
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233205
36 [1893 1 øre Light Brownish Gray 20 mm Posthorn] Used Superb with neat 1894 cancellation.
20.00
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233207
37, Facit #50d Yellow Brown, Yellow Paper, Horizontal Watermark [1891 2 øre 20 mm Posthorn] Used F-VF+ with neat, fully dated 1899 cancellation.
18.00
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233223
37, Facit #50a, NUT BROWN [1891 2 øre 20 mm Posthorn] Used VF 5-strip with "KONGSVINGER POSTEXP. B" railway cancellations. Facit 2009 lists 4-blocks at SEK 5000 = $700 [9/09]; larger units are even scarcer, but strips are probably more often seen than blocks. This is a very scarce stamp even as singles and has a break-up value of about $375 [9/09].
475.00
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233208
37, Facit #50a NUT BROWN, Vertical Watermark [1891 2 øre 20 mm Posthorn] Used Superb, light cancellation. Wonderful example of this rare color.
37, Facit #50a NUT BROWN, Vertical Watermark [1891 2 øre 20 mm Posthorn] Used VF+ with strong color. Very nice.
79.00
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233224
46 [1888 2 on 12 øre Surcharge, Orange Brown, Posthorn] Used F-VF 3-strip with light cancellations.
12.00
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233225
(46a), Facit #47b Dark Brown [1888 2 on 12 øre Surcharge, Posthorn] Used F-VF with neat cancellation. Scarce color.
32.00
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233226
(46a), Facit #47b Dark Brown [1888 2 on 12 øre Surcharge, Posthorn] Used F-VF with neat cancellation. Scarce color.
32.00
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233227
47a Central Print, Facit/NK #59 [1895 1 øre Posthorn, Perf 13.5 x 12.5, Central Printing] Used VF/F-VF centered 4-block with Superb KISTRAND 2-ring 1903 town cancellation. One stamp with crease and small tear, but not noticeable from front. Very pretty and very scarce block.
95.00
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233228
48 [1899 2 øre Posthorn] Used VF+ horizontal pair with neat 1906 cancellation. Nice orange-brown color.
6.00
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233229
50a Central Print, Facit/NK #61 Type I [1893 5 øre Posthorn, Perf 13.5 x 12.5, Central Printing] Used VF group of two horizontal pairs in significantly different colors; one blurred print and one clear print. One with nice 1894 railway cancellation. Very interesting and attractive.
20.00
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233231
51, Facit #77 Type II [1899 10 øre Posthorn] NEVER HINGED F-VF/Fine+ 4-block with bright color. Very fresh. Priced below the break up value!
195.00
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233230
51, Facit #77 Type II [1899 10 øre Posthorn] Used F-VF 4-block with neat rectangular parcel cancels. Used blocks are scarce.
53 [1899 20 øre Posthorn] Used VF and F-VF group of two pairs, one vertical and one horizontal. Each a different color shade / printing, and each with a very nicely centered postmark: LAURDAL and GJEITHUS.
7.00
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233234
63 [1906 30 ØRE on 7 Skilling Surcharge, Posthorn] Used Average with overprint strongly shifted down, cutting off the bottom of "ØRE". Very unusual.
22.00
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233236
71 [1910 1.50 Kr Haakon VII, Third Design] Used F-VF 4-Block. Light Ultramarine printing, with circular 1926 parcel cancellations. Used blocks are seldom offered.
18.00
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233237
72 [1910 2 Kr Haakon VII, Third Design] Used VF 6-Block. Rose Carmine printing, with circular 1921 VIKESUND cancellations, one of which is Superb on a 4-block. Blocks are unusual, but blocks larger than four are scarce.
35.00
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233238
80, 119 Used VF on 21 May 1937 piece. Both stamps are FROM BOOKLETS with straight-edges on one and two sides, respectively. These stamps are scarce; very scarce on piece (and rare on cover).
45.00
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233240
149 [1929 14 øre on 2 skilling Surcharge] NH Average (as usual) lower left corner margin 5-strip showing the wavy-line watermark at the bottom and the lion in the lower left corner.
307 pair, 360 Used VF on 1959 piece. Both are BOOKLET STAMPS; the pair is cut left and right, the single is corner-cut left and bottom. Booklet stamps from this era are rarely offered (and most were probably discarded with the incorrect assumption that they are damaged).
8.00
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233244
B3 [1930 30 øre Nordkapp semi-postal] Used Superb. Perfectly centered, fresh stamp with VF "RJUKANBANERNE *" 1934 railway cancellation. The cancel is scarce as the railway line was only 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and ran from the Norsk Hydro HEAVY WATER (needed for nuclear weapons) plant at Vermok, through Rjukan, to Mael. (This plant is famous for its WWII role, Allied bombing and commando raids, sabotage, and the sinking of the ferry carrying heavy water from Mael.) This cancel on this stamp is RARE -- In 1934, this stamp was only being sold at Nordkapp, Oslo main post office, Bergen, Trondheim, Hammerfest, and on board the Hurtigruten Bergen - Kirkenes ships. Usages at other locations are seldom seen as the stamp would have to be brought in by the sender. An outstanding example, interesting in several ways.
225.00
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233245
J2 Central Printing, Facit #L3C [1893 4 øre Bluish Violet Postage Due, Central Printing] Mint VF/F-VF 4-block with very nice centering for this issue. Bright colors, very fresh. The singles would fetch $60-75 each [9/09]. Blocks of the Central Printing stamps are scarce.
250.00
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233246
O1 [1926 5 øre Official First Issue] Used VF 4-Block. Used blocks of the first issue are seldom offered.
6.00
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233247
Facit #RM 1a and RM 2b [1878 Rose-Lilac "ubesörget" and 1872 Dark Green "uindlöst" Returned Letter Stamps; NK #R1y and R2x] Set of two stamps with "SPECIMEN" OVERPRINTS. NK states that such overprints exist and Facit states that they are "rare" but does not give a valuation. Both stamps are Mint, No Gum (typical for Specimens). The Rose-Lilac stamp is F-VF with no defects. The Dark Green stamp is Fine with a tiny thin speck (typical for these stamps). Both stamps bear an expert mark of R.F. Engel who was active, or at least living, until 1943. This is a very rare set. 2009 Facit value for normal examples of these two stamps is SEK 9500 = $1330 [9/09], however, these SPECIMEN overprints are much more rare!