Auction Catalogue for184 - Prestige Philately · The Australian Commonwealth Specialists’...

Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F. Page: 3Aug 2, 2013

B.C.O.F. Overprints on Australian Stamps: an Appreciation

Among philatelists, Australia’s administration of German New Guinea during and after World War I is far better known and more highly regarded than the far more significant occupation of Japan little more than 30 years later. GRI Overprints are avidly collected, with stunning prices paid for the most elusive and visual items. The inappropriately inscribed NWPI Overprints are of great importance to collectors of Kangaroos and George V Heads (even if many of them hold to the strange notion that the overprinted versions are not Australian stamps!). The BCOF Overprints, however, and despite the obvious parallels, lack the cachet of the earlier New Guinea issues. Why should that be? The usage of Australian stamps in post-war Japan should be a subject of philatelic importance. The overprinting of some of those stamps - in what we might call the Middle Period - should attract strong interest from anyone who collects the George VI issues of Australia, or of the British Commonwealth. They should also be of keen interest to Japanese collectors, as an unusual and important element of their own philatelic and postal history. The overprinting was effected, at least in part, to limit the opportunity for Australian troops in Japan to launder proceeds from their illegal and often unsavoury black market activities. There was concern in official circles that troops were buying quantities of unoverprinted stamps - especially of the 5/- Robes, the highest denomination available - and sending them home, where they were sold back to the Post Office at a small discount below face value. The BCOF Overprints were intended to…wait for it…stamp out this practice by alerting postal staff in Australia to the fact that the stamps had been obtained in Japan. It obviously didn’t occur to the military authorities that this action would create a “new issue” that would be sought after by collectors and dealers around the world. This situation was only compounded by the imposition of a quota of 10/- face value - and only one 5/- stamp - per day per person: see Collas at page 29. Of course, a few enterprising soldiers managed to find a loophole, buying up a month’s worth of stamps at one time! until the rules were inevitably tightened. Eventually, it was realised that the whole overprinting exercise was a waste of time and effort and, in February 1949, all remaining overprinted stamps were hastily withdrawn. From then on, only unoverprinted Australian stamps were again available to the troops and their dependants. There is no doubt that at least the higher denominations are genuinely scarce, especially used or on cover. Of the 2/-, only 62,651 were sold. Of the 5/-, the number was a paltry 2508 (and that’s the total for both papers): Collas page 30. There were no philatelic sales, all requests being politely declined. And neither were the Overprints sold by the Post Office in Australia, an opportunity one can’t imagine not being greedily exploited today! In addition to the undoubted scarcity of the higher values, the large size of the overprinting formes almost inevitably resulted in varieties in the type-setting. There are stray stops, extra stops, and missing stops. There are smaller letters, and larger numerals.

Website: www.prestigephilately.com Aug 2, 2013Page: 4

Most, but not all of these are listed in the Australian Commonwealth Specialists’ Catalogue “King George VI” (2006). Only a seemingly random few varieties - and not even the best of them - are listed by Stanley Gibbons. The Gibbons-listed ones are generally regarded as the more valuable, but that’s merely because Gibbons included them and excluded others. Going by catalogue quotations, most of the overprint varieties have little value. For such scarce and elusive items, this is patently absurd. In fact, the BCOF issue as a whole is grossly undervalued. It is, after all, the only post-war issue of a Western country overprinted for use in an occupied non-European country. It is thus an issue of unusual world importance. Yet most people want just a single set, and only because they’re “in Gibbons”, or have a page in the “Seven Seas” album. If ever there was an under-appreciated and undervalued stamp issue, this is it. Some might object, saying that the BCOF stamps were not officially issued. Certainly, the initial release of ½d 1d and 3d stamps jumped the gun and had to be promptly recalled. But that, and the well documented story of the proof sheets and issue of the associated trial overprints, is part of the allure of the BCOF stamps. When formal approval was obtained from Australia, the stamps - along with the higher values - were properly re-issued. Also unlike such famous provisional issues as the GRIs and NWPIs of New Guinea, all BCOF values are known to have been properly used on commercial mail. The proof of that statement is here, in the collection formed by Sybrand Bakker. The popularity of BCOF stamps has been dampened by the suggestion - usually emanating from the exhibiting fraternity - that these are not Australian stamps, and thus can’t properly be shown in an exhibit of Australian stamps. To be blunt: what arrant nonsense! This sentiment flies in the face of both logic, and all the empirical evidence. Firstly, the base stamps are unarguably Australian. Secondly, the word Australia was not obliterated. Thirdly, the BCOF stamps were both preceded and succeeded by the same Australian stamps without an overprint. The BCOF stamps are, without any question, Australian stamps, albeit restricted for use outside of Australia. In fact, they are the most interesting issue of Australian stamps of the entire post-WWII era. They deserve to be treated with philatelic respect, and assiduously collected on that basis.

BOOKS REFERRED TO IN THIS CATALOGUE

The Australian Commonwealth Specialists’ Catalogue “King George VI” (Second Edition, 2006)

“The Postal History of Australian Forces in Japan and Korea 1945-47” by Phil Collas (1994)

“BCOF Overprints and…Postal Services in Japan and Korea” by Yoshimi Ito (c.1982)

“Travels in Atomic Sunshine: Australia and the Occupation of Japan” by Robin Gerster (2008). Non-philatelic.


BCOF Commandments [First published in 1947 in the troopship newspaper “The Manoora Times”,

Reproduced by Robin Gerster in “Australia and the Occupation of Japan: Travels in Atomic Sunshine” (2008)]

And it was in the year two of the Atomic Age when there appeared in Japan a mighty vision, and all who awaited knew and understood; who came after shall know and understand. Thou shalt not blackmarket. Thou shalt not use stamped hundreds. Thou shalt not love thy housegirl better than thy wife. Thou shalt not steal the sergeants’ beer. Thou shalt have no leave. Thou shalt have no amenities. Thou shalt not rely on the Australian Amenities Service. Thou shalt not trespass into the American zone. Thou shalt not envy thy American brother. Thou shalt not have fresh vegetables for weeks and weeks. And when these things came to pass, there was great wailing in the land of Nippon and they took up their pens from their desks and wrote to the newspapers; and there was great consternation, and gloom was upon us, but the position changeth not. Then it came to pass that a great empire heard of these tribulations and sent the amenities mission from Australia; and the Mission fathers made a long report and nothing happened. AND it was at that time that the great prophet said: “I’ve had it”, and packing up his goods, he went forth from the land of Nippon into the clear, blue sunlight.

The General’s Prayer (to General Douglas MacArthur, who didn’t make a single visit to the BCOF zone)

Our general, which art in Tokyo, MacArthur be thy name. Thy kingdom is off limits. Thy will be done in BCOF as it is in Tokyo. Give us this day our daily directive, And forgive us trespassing into the American zone As we forgive postal for jettisoning our mail, And lead us into insanity, But deliver us from Eta Jima, For thine is the kingdom, The power and the glory, For the period of the occupation. Salaam!


The B.C.O.F.: A Forgotten Chapter in Australian History

Most collectors are aware that some KGVI Period Australian stamps were overprinted ‘B.C.O.F./JAPAN/1946’. Very few of those same collectors could relate the reasons for the issue, or where the stamps were used, or why they were withdrawn. Fewer still could speak with any confidence about the historical context of the stamps.

Our American friends do a pretty good job of promoting their own history, or at least their historical perspective. Courtesy of the Hollywood propaganda machine, we in Australia know that “America won the war”, and that General Douglas Macarthur single-handedly demilitarized Japan, imposed on the country an American-style constitution, gave Japanese women the vote, and protected Emperor Hirohito from prosecution for war crimes. We also know that Japan was both springboard for the US involvement in the Korean War, and welcome haven for their troops on “R and R”.

But what was the British Commonwealth Occupation Force? What was its role? In which parts of Japan did it operate? Who were the key players? Perhaps even more importantly, why is the BCOF little more than a footnote in Australian history? Kids growing up here in the 1960s learned nothing about it at school. By the middle of that decade, Vietnam was on everyone’s mind and Japan was relevant only as a trading partner.

It was very different in September 1945, when a squadron of Australian naval vessels attended the official surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.

Australian memories of bitter jungle warfare were clear and recent. The emotional scars of Japanese atrocities in Ambon and Borneo were painfully raw. Thousands of Australian troops had died on the battlefield or in captivity. In victory, then, Australia expected - indeed, demanded - to share in the process of subjugating the Japanese, and to neuter it as a future military threat.

There is no question that the Occupation of Japan was essentially an American operation. Macarthur reluctantly accepted Australia - and the token involvement of Britain, India and New Zealand - as a junior partner. The Americans wrote the rules; the Australians enforced them…in the relatively small area assigned to them. (As a result, many Japanese saw the Americans as saviours, and the Australians as oppressors.)

The Americans were headquartered in the relative comfort of Tokyo; the Australians in the ruined port city of Kure. Tokenism was the order of the day: the Australian presence in the capital was barely tolerated by the Americans, and was limited to largely ceremonial duties. The Yanks saw themselves as essentially “owning the place”; the Aussies were constantly reminded that they were pip-squeaks from an almost irrelevant country.

At least initially, conditions for the Australian troops were almost comically appalling. The original force came directly from tropical Morotai to a bitterly cold Japanese winter. Many were billeted in bombed-out brick buildings that lacked windows, heating, and plumbing. Amenities were few, morale was poor, whoring was a principal diversion, and illicit market activities were rife. Kure was referred to locally as “The City of the Dead”. To top it all, American GIs were paid three times as much as the Diggers.

In his exceptional history of the Occupation, “Travels in Atomic Sunshine”, author Robin Gerster observed “The Occupationnaires felt like tramps and imposters - not even proper soldiers, let alone conquering heroes. Dressed in cast-offs, scrounging for basic comforts, they were hardly better off than the derelict people in derelict Japan”.


Despite all that, Australia’s role in the Occupation of Japan was significant. At its height, the BCOF strength was almost 40,000 men, nearly a quarter the size of the American force. The region of south-west Honshu - including Hiroshima - and the large island of Shikoku controlled by the BCOF covered an area of almost 50,000 square kilometres, with a population of some 20 million Japanese. Tellingly, the seven years period of occupation was of greater duration than the global conflagration that immediately preceded it.

The Australians had a number of specific and vital tasks to perform, including: confiscation of weapons; destruction of Japanese military ordnance; suppression of illegal trade (the “Black Market”); immigration control, including the deportation of thousands of Koreans; sea and air reconnaissance; etc. However, one of their first priorities was to erect public toilets!

In the modern era, Australia is well-established as a global policeman. Post-Vietnam, our troops have served with distinction in Rwanda, in Somalia, in Timor, and so on. Iraq and Afghanistan are the latest in a long list of overseas deployments. None of them is anywhere near as significant as the BCOF.

Just this week, we officially mourned the 40th death of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan. That’s hardly total war: far more people die in traffic collisions. To keep this statistic in perspective, 77 Australians died in Japan during the Occupation.

Of course, hostilities had officially finished. But with millions of demobilized Japanese soldiers coming home to a devastated nation, Japan was still a dangerous place to be involved in peace-keeping, especially when your commanding officer, Lieutenant-General Horace Robertson felt duty-bound to regularly remind the subjugated that they had brought the poverty, destruction, even the Atomic Bomb, on themselves.

Ironically, back home, the Occupationnaires were widely regarded as soft on the Japanese, as collaborators, even traitors. Large numbers of repatriated Australian soldiers, and even larger numbers of their families who had never even seen an oriental person, harboured a deep-seated enmity towards “Japs”. They wanted the Japanese to suffer in defeat. They were angered and distraught about reports out of Japan that the Australian forces were overseeing the reconstruction of the areas under their control. Australian soldiers taught English, and in turn learned Japanese. Some even made Japan their home.

At least 500 army wives were moved to Japan during the Occupation period. They brought with them more than 600 children. 150 more were born in Japan. They enjoyed a life of rare privilege. A new town, Nijimura (referred to by one of the women as “a miniature Canberra”), was created for the BCOF families, most of whom had at least one Japanese servant. They didn’t pay for phonecalls, medical or dental treatment, transport, or cinema tickets. Many enjoyed their leave at quite luxurious hotels.

The mood at home was such that when the BCOF troops returned to Australia, there was no heroes welcome. Most of the soldiers were short-term volunteers who quietly returned to civilian lives. Both the men and their wives found that talking about Japan was a very delicate affair, a subject best avoided. Children of the Occupation recall being ostracized by their peers and learning to say nothing about their Japanese experiences.

If the general population was cool towards those who served in Japan, it was positively scandalised by those who had fallen in love with Japanese women. The Labour Party’s Arthur Calwell, the rabidly jingoistic Immigration Minister, staunchly declared that no Japanese war brides would ever be allowed into Australia.


At page 6 of “Travels in Atomic Sunshine”, Robin Gerster noted “Occupying Japan was more a moral test than a physical one., an exercise in the use and abuse of power given a special tension because it involved Westerners in a position of domination over an Asian people. In terms of the specific Japanese-Australian relationship, it was an unprecedented domestic encounter between the individuals of two nations that had very recently been at each other’s throats, people with apparently incompatible traditions and temperaments. As a human event, involving ordinary people having to get on together rather than routinely trying to destroy one another, the Occupation was rather more complex than the murderous and, and somewhat maniacal conflict that preceded it…and much more salutary.”

When the government of Robert Menzies eventually relented on the matter of the Japanese women who had married their Antipodean lovers, no fewer than 650 Australian soldiers came home with Japanese wives. It is the perfect irony that perhaps the most positive outcome of the Occupation of Japan was the eventual dismantling and abandonment of the hateful White Australia Policy. (The less said about the “hidden legacy of the Occupation” - the thousands of mixed-race children abandoned in Japan - the better.)

Despite all the problems, the troops who served during the Occupation contributed greatly to the rehabilitation of Japan as a prosperous economy and a democratic nation. But their successes and, indeed, their service, have been all but overlooked in this country. The poignant BCOF lament is that the troops “served Australia far better than Australia served BCOF”.

While many of the Occupationnaires had uplifting experiences and even enjoyed their time in Japan, some making close friendships, some being regular returners, for others it was a personal tragedy. Many became desperately ill as a result of exposure to atomic radiation in and around Hiroshima. Their plight - in common with servicemen similarly affected at Maralinga in the 1950s - has been routinely ignored by the politicians, duck-shoved by the bureaucrats, and treated with indifference by the wider public.

In a broader sense, rather than being seen as having been on active service, or as key change-agents in implementing government policy in a hostile environment, members of BCOF have been regarded as having been on some kind of working holiday. Especially those denied medical benefits and pensions - that were the right of others who served during World War II and the Korean War - understandably feel betrayed by their own country.

The story of BCOF is not an overly happy story. But it is a real story, and a real part of this country’s history. To ignore it is to dishonour all those who placed their lives at the service of their nation. It would be inappropriate to celebrate the Occupation, but it should always be remembered.


Understanding our Symbols & Unique Grading System

At Prestige Philately we utilise much the same symbols as other firms, but with some additional categories that you should be aware of. We are the only major firm in the world that actually grades the quality of the material we offer. While some clients have struggled with the whole concept of grading, most have clearly embraced the idea and we receive much favourable comment about the system. It is important that you understand our Grading System because the symbols used form part of the lot description. We are confident that once you are comfortable with our gradings, you will always be satisfied with the quality of the material you purchase from us. And, in the event that we have missed a tear or a thin and consequently overgraded an item, we WANT you to return it. We stand behind the Prestige Grading System.

1. Firstly, we have the lot number. If it is in bold and printed in bright red, the item is illustrated: e.g. 1234. (The actual location of the illustration is given at the end of the description: e.g. {Page 41.8} is position 8 on page 41.)

2. The second column contains a symbol, which represents the item(s) in the lot:

** Mint, unmounted o.g. * Mint, mounted o.g. Ω Unused, no gum Δ Piece C Cover or card PS Postal Stationery CL Cover, long CX Cover, oversize A Albums and accessories B Booklet E Essay L Literature P Proof R Reprint S Stamp (“Postmarks” lots)

or, in the case of used stamps, a grading of the cancellation:

V Neat postmark, leaving most of the stamp design clear O Used, quality unspecified F Neat postmark, across at least half of the stamp design G Untidy or indistinct postmark H Heavy or poorly struck postmark

3. The third column gives an overall quality assessment for the lot, from ‘A’ to ‘D’. The same standard applies to mint and used stamps, to covers, postal stationery, literature etc. An item graded ‘A’ is very fine; it has no faults. ‘B’ items are fine and may have minor imperfections. A ‘C’ item will exhibit obvious faults. Items in poor condition are rated ‘D’.

Occasionally, an item in truly superb condition will be rated ‘A+’. This grading is used sparingly and is not applied to modern material, which one would normally expect to be in very fine to superb condition.

An otherwise very fine item which has a subsidiary problem may be allocated an ‘A-’. This may be a stamp with writing or a hinge remainder on the reverse. A cover may have a receiver’s endorsement on the face. The halves of a letter card may be stuck together. A book may have a previous owner’s notations. Whether this factor makes the item an ‘A-’ or ‘B’ is a matter of degree. NB: An expertiser’s signature or handstamp on a cover or the reverse of a stamp will not normally be cause for downgrading the quality of an item: such marks will be mentioned and you should make your decision as to whether or not such an item is of the standard that you personally require.

Occasionally, the symbol ‘A’ to ‘C’ will appear in brackets: eg (B). This signifies that the item has been renovated or repaired and improved to the grade indicated by the letter. The brackets indicate a qualified grading, the cause for which will be mentioned in the description of the lot.

4. The fourth column is relevant to perforated stamps, and also to lots listed under the sub-heading ‘Postmarks’.

For perforated stamps, this column gives a grading for both centring and perforations. The letter ‘A’ to ‘D’ relates to centring. ‘A’ stamps are very well centred; ‘B’ stamps are slightly off-centre; ‘C’ stamps are significantly off-centre, and may have the perforations slightly into the design; ‘D’ stamps are badly off-centre, with the perforations well into the design.

[NB: These gradings are the same for all perforated issues, whether Australian Decimals, De La Rue Colonial keyplates or 19th Century American issues. However, it should be understood that for many issues poor centring is the norm. Thus ‘C’, and even ‘D’, gradings should be expected and accepted. For such issues a ‘B’ stamp will be above-average and an ‘A’ stamp will be considered an exceptional copy.]

Following the letter ‘A’ to ‘D’ is a number ‘1’ to ‘4’. A stamp with all perforations intact is ‘1’. One or two short perfs, or normal rough perforations, will drop the grading to ‘2’. More notable perforation problems such as the perfs down one side being trimmed will result in a ‘3’ grading. A stamp with major perforation faults will be a ‘4’.

[NB: A stamp graded ‘A1’ is well-centred with all perforations intact. In many cases, particularly with modern issues, this is the norm. However, for many issues, ‘B2’ or even ‘C3’ may be normal and quite acceptable.]

For lots listed under the sub-headings “Postmarks” and “Ship/Paquebot Markings”, or similar, this column gives a grading for quality of the strike of the marking itself, and completeness. Quality is graded from ‘A’ (very fine) to ‘D’ (poor). Completeness is graded from ‘1’ (complete) to ‘5’ (identifiable only). ‘+’ is used for superb strikes; ‘-’ is used for postmarks that are lightly struck, a little doubled, or otherwise a bit short of the mark.

5. The symbols in the second, third and fourth columns, and the illustrations of lots, form part of the lot description.

6. Figures in the right-hand column are our estimate of value. (If a lot attracts tax for Australian buyers, the estimate is in green, followed by a small "T".) You may bid at, above or below estimate. The reserve price for almost every lot is 75% of estimate (rounded to the nearest bidding step). Bids below this level will not be considered.

7. We use the following standardised abbreviations: o.g. original gum opt(d) overprint(ed) PPC picture postcard d/s datestamp cds circular datestamp h/s handstamp mss manuscript; handwritten ERD earliest recorded date LRD latest recorded date o/o opened-out RLabel registration label M/S(s) miniature sheet(s)


Prestige Philately - Public Auction Terms of Sale (amended as at 1st November 2011: see in particular Paragraph 10 as to the unavailability of extensions to have perfins expertised)

1. AUCTIONEER: Prestige Philately Pty Ltd (Prestige), a company incorporated in the State of Victoria, is the auctioneer, and adheres to

the standard terms of sale of the Australasian Philatelic Traders Association. 2. DESCRIPTIONS: We endeavour to describe lots fully and accurately. The description of a lot comprises 1) the codes to the left of the

description (for details of our symbols and grading codes, see the previous page of this catalogue); 2) the description; and 3) any illustration of the lot or part of the lot whether in the printed catalogue or in our on-line catalogue.

3. ESTIMATES: The figure in the right-hand column following each lot description is our estimated value of the lot in Australian dollars. A bidder may bid at, above or below the estimate. Bids below the reserve price (usually 75% of the estimate) are unlikely to be accepted. If the term “Offer” appears in place of an estimate figure, there is no reserve.

4. BIDDING: Bids may be made to Prestige by mail, by fax, by e-mail, by phone, or from our website. Bids received by phone must be confirmed in writing. At public auctions, bids may also be made in person, by phone (by prior arrangement) or through an agent attending an auction. An agent must advise Prestige of the person(s) for whom bids are being submitted or else the agent will be personally liable for payment and delivery of any lots purchased. Prestige reserves the right to refuse any bid, or to refuse bids from any person, for any reason. In most cases, Prestige's bidding steps are as follows:

$150 - 300 $10 rises $3000 - 5000 $200 rises $300 - 500 $20 rises $5000 - 10000 $250 rises

$500 - 750 $25 rises $10000 - 15000 $500 rises Under $ 50 $2 rises $750 - 1500 $50 rises $15000 - 30000 $1000 rises

$50 - 150 $5 rises $1500 - 3000 $100 rises over $30000 average of 5% rises Prestige reserves the right to raise or lower postal bids (depending on the bidder's apparent intention) to conform to these bidding steps.

5. TELEPHONE BIDDING: Bidding by telephone during the course of a public auction is permitted. However, clients wishing to use this service must contact Prestige at least 24 hours before the auction regarding the special conditions that apply. [To see these special conditions, go to www.prestigephilately.com from where the Telephone Bidding Terms can be read and downloaded.]

6. GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST): Australian law requires that GST equal to 10% of the knock-down or sale price of a taxed lot shall be payable by the buyer, unless the taxed lot is exported to another country. Taxed lots are indicated in the catalogue by the estimate figure: being printed in bright green, followed by a small "T". GST equal to 10% of the amount of any fees or charges added by Prestige is also payable by Australian buyers.

7. BUYER: The buyer of a lot shall be the person to whom the lot is sold ("knocked-down") by Prestige. In the event of equal bids being received, the earliest such bid shall be successful. In the event of a bidding dispute, Prestige shall have absolute discretion in the settling of the dispute. A lot is at the buyer's risk once it has been sold ("knocked-down") but ownership (legal title) will not pass to the buyer until Prestige has received payment in full for the lot.

8. PAYMENT: Payment is due immediately a lot is sold, or immediately upon receipt of an invoice. In addition to the price for which a lot is sold, the buyer shall pay a premium of 15% of that price, plus any fees for postage packing and insurance or credit card use that are charged by Prestige, plus GST as appropriate. No buyer's premium is charged or payable in respect of on-line literature auctions. (Payment should always be made in Australian dollars. If payment is made in another currency the buyer shall add the equivalent of $A50 or 5% of the invoice total, whichever is greater, towards bank fees. Any resulting credit will be placed to the buyer's account.) In the event that the buyer does not make payment in full for the lot(s) within 30 days from the date of the invoice, Prestige shall have the right to exercise any one or more of the following rights and remedies:

1) To impose an accounting fee of $50 per month (or part thereof) plus compound interest at the rate of 2.5% per month (or part thereof) of the total amount outstanding; 2) To terminate the contract with the buyer, in which case any monies received from the buyer shall be forfeited to Prestige; 3) To terminate the contract and resell the lot(s) at any time - and impose a penalty commission rate of 30% - in which case any resulting shortfall, plus costs including accounting fees, interest, insurance and resale expenses, shall be met by the original buyer; 4) To apply any monies due at any time from Prestige to the buyer in payment of the outstanding amount; 5) To take legal action against the buyer for damages for breach of contract.

9. RETURN OF LOTS: A lot may be returned, within a reasonable time, only because of an error in the description: see clause 2 for the definition of "the description". A lot that has been inspected by the buyer or by the buyer's agent cannot be returned for any reason. A lot that is illustrated in the printed catalogue or the on-line catalogue or of which an illustration has been supplied to the buyer or to the buyer's agent cannot be returned for any reason that is apparent from the illustration. A lot expressed to be a "range", "group", "selection", "array", "collection"," accumulation" or similar, or any other lot containing more than 10 items - excepting sets of stamps - is always offered "as is" and cannot be returned for any reason. Similarly, other lots expressed to be offered "as is" cannot be returned.

10. "EXTENSIONS": A request for an extension to submit a lot to a recognised expert or expert committee for a Certificate of Authenticity must be made in writing prior to or on the day of the auction. Prestige shall have an absolute discretion not to grant an extension. [In particular, an extension will not normally be granted if the lot is offered with a recent Certificate of Authenticity or if the stamp(s) has/have perforated initials (perfins).] If an extension is granted, the buyer must make payment in full for the lot including the buyer's premium, in accordance with the terms of Paragraph 8. The amount paid including the buyer's premium will be refunded in full if the lot is returned with an acceptable "bad" Certificate. All costs associated with obtaining a certificate shall be borne by the buyer, unless the lot is found to be not as identified in the catalogue, in which case all costs associated with obtaining the Certificate shall be refunded to the buyer. A lot described as being defective in any way may not be returned should the Certificate obtained mention any fault not noted in the lot description. The buyer shall not be entitled to reject an item if the certificate includes any finding that does not materially affect the grading of the lot. Unless otherwise agreed, nomination of the appropriate expert or expert committee shall be made by Prestige, and Prestige will be responsible for submitting the lot to that expert or expert committee. Should Prestige agree to the buyer's nomination of an expert or expert committee, the extension granted will be for a period of no more than 90 days from the date of the auction. If a Certificate has not been obtained within 90 days from the date of the auction, the extension shall lapse and may thereafter refuse to accept the return of the lot.

11. GOVERNING LAW: These Terms of Sale shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria. 12. Submitting a bid by any method constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these Terms of Sale.

Prestige Philately - General Public 182


Prestige's Country Index & Topical Cross-Reference ListingCross Reference for Country and Regional Classification

Australia, Commonwealth of: 1501-1673Australia, Commonwealth of - Kangaroo Issues:

1574-1578, 1641-1645Australia, Commonwealth of - Other Pre-Decimals:

1515-1652B.C.O.F. in Japan: 1501-1503China: 1667Great Britain: 1509, 1662, 1668-1669India: 1514Japan: 1501-1673Netherlands Indies: 1510-1511New South Wales: 1673New Zealand: 1605-1606Papua New Guinea: 1657South Africa: 1504United States of America: 1504

Cross Reference for Thematic and Topical Classification

Airgraphs: 1504Airmail Covers - Commercial: 1503, 1505-1507, 1510-1511,

1563, 1568, 1594, 1653-1659, 1662, 1666-1669, 1672Airmail Covers - Philatelic: 1512Autographs: 1512, 1515, 1544, 1658Birds: 1508, 1512, 1547, 1549-1550, 1572-1573, 1587, 1590,

1592-1620, 1633-1635, 1656, 1662-1663, 1666, 1668-1672Cancelled to Order (from Presentation Sets): 1553Combination Covers: 1656, 1662Complete Sheets: 1558-1560, 1572-1573, 1575Customs (Douane): 1656, 1670-1671Dress & Apparel: 1579-1584, 1646-1652, 1656, 1668-1671Ephemera & Documents: 1585, 1658First Day Covers: 1555-1556Forgeries: 1542-1543, 1586Free Mail: 1506, 1513-1514Imprints & Plate Numbers: 1541, 1546-1547, 1549-1550,

1558-1560, 1562, 1566-1567, 1572-1573, 1577-1578, 1580-1581, 1584, 1605-1607, 1615, 1632, 1639

Judaica: 1658Medical & Health: 1576Military & Censor Mail: 1501-1673Military - Air Force: 1656, 1659, 1672Military - Korean War: 1666, 1672-1673Military - Navy: 1504-1509, 1655, 1667Military - World War II: 1504-1509Official Mail: 1513, 1605-1606, 1661, 1672-1673Overprinted Stamps & Stationery: 1501-1503, 1515-1673Parcel Post: 1656, 1663, 1665, 1670-1671Postal History: 1504-1514, 1550, 1563, 1568, 1594, 1605-1606,

1653-1673Postal Stationery: 1510-1511, 1662Postal Stationery - Aerogrammes: 1659Postal Stationery - Registration Envelopes: 1510-1511,

1662Postmarks: 1503, 1576, 1653-1654, 1657, 1660Postmarks - Instructional/Informative Markings: 1506Postmarks - Machines & Meters: 1505, 1661, 1673Postmarks - Manuscript Cancellations: 1664Postmarks - Relief Datestamps: 1657Proofs: 1501, 1515-1545, 1588Registered Mail: 1508, 1510-1512, 1594, 1645, 1653-1654,

1656-1657, 1661-1666, 1670-1673Royalty: 1579-1584, 1646-1652, 1656, 1668-1671Se-Tenant Issues: 1522Telegrams: 1660Unusual Origins or Destinations: 1504, 1657Varieties & Flaws: 1501-1502, 1517-1521, 1523, 1528-1531,

1533, 1535, 1537-1538, 1540, 1546, 1548-1550, 1558-1573, 1575, 1578-1579, 1582-1583, 1587-1652, 1666

Recommended Auction Agents The following agents regularly represent clients at our auctions, and are highly regarded as bidding agents. You may wish to contact them directly to engage their services. Mark Knothe (Sale, Victoria) - Phone: +61 414 894991 - Email: [email protected]

Matt Hancock (Melbourne) - Phone: +61 401 976018 - Email: [email protected]

Lot 1575


Contents of Auction #184

BCOF Stamps and Postal History formed by Sybrand Bakker pages BCOF Overprints on Australian Stamps: an Appreciation 3 to 4 BCOF Humour 5 The BCOF: A Forgotten Chapter in Australian History 6 to 8 Understanding Our Symbols and Grading System 9 Public Auction Terms of Sale 10 Cross-References / Auction Agents 11 Contents Pages 12 Map of the BCOF Area of Influence 13

Lot Numbers Miscellaneous Lots 1501 - 1503 THE JAPANESE SURRENDER 1504 - 1509 THE AUSTRALIANS ARRIVE IN JAPAN 1510 - 1514 PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS 1515 - 1545 Type One (Thin Overprint) on Plain Paper 1515 - 1524 Type One (Thin Overprint) on Stamps 1525 - 1543 Type Two (Thick Overprint) on Plain Paper 1544 - 1545 THE ISSUED STAMPS 1546 - 1586 THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES ON ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE 1587 - 1635 Halfpenny 1588 - 1591 Six Pence 1592 - 1607 One Shilling 1608 - 1614 Left-Hand Pane Varieties 1615 - 1618 Right-Hand Pane Varieties 1619 - 1620 Second Setting of the Overprint 1621 - 1635 THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES ON ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE TWO 1636 - 1640 Left-Hand Pane Varieties 1636 Right-Hand Pane Varieties 1637 - 1640 THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES ON ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE 1641 - 1652 Two Shillings 1641 - 1645 Five Shillings 1646 - 1652 POSTAL HISTORY 1653 - 1673 Mixed Lots 1653 - 1655 The Overprints Period 1656 - 1664 Resumption of Unoverprinted Frankings 1665 - 1673 Late Usage of Overprints 1670 - 1671


Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OCCUPATION FORCES (B.C.O.F.)

Ex Lot 1501

P**/W Plundered exhibit pages with proof impressions in red & in black x5 (including a block of 4), Trial Printings on 1d in black, on 3d in red & on 3d in gold (toned perfs, Chris Ceremuga Certificate) all unmounted, 2/- imprint block of 4 (**), ½d with Small '1' (**), 6d with Stop after 'JAPAN' (**, Chris Ceremuga Certificate), 6d with No Stop after 'F ' (no gum), 1/- with 'B' & First 'A' in Wrong Fonts (**), 1/- with Comma after 'C' (tear), etc. (55)

1501

800T

Ex Lot 1502

*/**O Excellent "spares" on stockcards including set of 8 (**) & set of 7 used, 1d with Overprint in Blue-Black block of 4 (**, with Ceremuga Certificate), 6d with Comma after 'C' in block of 8 (*), 6d with Stop after 'JAPAN' in block of 4 (**), ½d 6d & 1/- blocks each with Narrow 'N' (**) etc, used 6d with Narrow 'N', Wrong '6' & Long Serif on Base of '4', generally very fine. Inspection recommended. (150 approx)

1502

1,000T

Ex Lot 1503

CPS The balance of the covers including BCOF 1d+3d & 3d on two First Day Covers with cds of 12OC46, 1947 Qantas covers with Australia-Japan or Japan-Australia labels & both signed by the pilot, BCOF 3d on cover with boxed 'CERTIFIED OFFICIAL' h/s & signed, BCOF 3d on Comforts Funds 'LETTERETTE' to NZ, BCOF 2/- pair on Forces Customs Declaration label, etc, good range of postmarks & registration cachets, 17 items are registered. (46 covers)

1503

500T

It takes a lot of time and effort to compile a catalogue such as this, with all the illustrations placed within the text. It’s all part of the greater service you can expect as a vendor in a major auction at Prestige Philately, and it’s included in our standard commission. Will your gems be the next to benefit

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BCOF - THE JAPANESE SURRENDERSeveral Australian naval vessels were present in Tokyo Bay for the official signing of the Japanese Document of Surrender on 2nd September 1945.

C HMAS BATAAN: Philatelic usage to South Africa of American V-Mail form with boxed 'HMAS BATAAN/TOKYO BAY' h/s in violet & straight-line 'Official Signing Of Japanese Surrender' h/s in red, 3d tied by Japanese 'TOKYO/2 9 45/NIPPON' cds, no message.

1504 B

150T

Lot 1505 Lot 1506

C HMAS HOBART: Airmail cover to NSW with woodcut 'HMAS HOBART/2 SEPT/1945/TOKYO - JAPAN' cachet in magenta, 3d tied by machine cancel with defaced town die. Very scarce.

1505 A-250T

C HMAS IPSWICH: Stampless airmail cover to NSW with woodcut 'TOKYO BAY/2nd SEPT/1945/JAPAN' cds & straight-line 'HMAS IPSWICH' h/s in blue-black, 'PASSED FREE/OF POSTAGE' h/s in black & 'H.M./SHIPS' h/s in red, minor stains at the base. [The only HMAS "Ipswich" at Tokyo cover we have seen]

1506 B

300T

C HMAS SHROPSHIRE: Airmail cover to NSW with woodcut 'TOKYO/2nd SEPT/1945/JAPAN' cds, 3-line 'HMAS SHROPSHIRE/Official Signing of the/Japanese Surrender' h/s, "Shropshire" ship's cachet in green & self-censored by the sender. [The "Shropshire" was flagship of the Australian Squadron]

1507 B

150T

Ex Lot 1508Lot 1509

C/L - ditto, to Navy Office at Melbourne with woodcut 'TOKYO/2nd SEPT/1945/JAPAN' cds tying 1d 3d 5½d 6d & 1/-, 3-line 'HMAS SHROPSHIRE/Official Signing...' h/s, 'HMA/SHIPS' h/s & boxed 'AIR MAIL' h/s all in green, registration lines but no registration service was available. [With enclosed roneo'd letter headed "Office of the Commodore/Commanding HM Australian/Squadron..." & woodcut cds at upper-left: "...the artisans who carried out the work overnight have completed a good facsimile of our normal PMG postmark..."] (2 items)

1508 A-

400T

C HMS RULER: Stampless cover to NSW with superb strikes of woodcut 'TOKYO BAY/HMS/RULER' cachet in bright red & an 11-bars h/s in black, repaired opening tears.

1509 (B)200T

BCOF - THE AUSTRALIANS ARRIVE IN JAPANBCOF operations were largely confined to southern Honshu - including Hiroshima - and Shikoku. The first Australian troops arrived at Kure on 1/2/1946, and assumed control from the Americans on the 18th. However, the date that is generally accepted for the official commencement of the Australian Occupation is 13th February, the day the Macarthur/Northcott Agreement was signed in Tokyo.

CPS 1945-46 Air Mail Letter Card x2 (one incomplete) & 5½d Registration Envelope from Morotai Dutch Indies & airmail cover with 3d tied by US Forces datestamp used at Manila, all from servicemen en route for Japan. [Morotai was the major staging post for Australian BCOF troops] (4 items)

1510 A/B

150T

CPS - airmail covers x5 (one of 6AP46 from UPS 452 with registration h/s endorsed "APO/TOKYO"), Air Mail Letter Card, 'Letterette', & 5½d Registration Envelope all from servicemen recently arrived from Morotai. (8 items)

1511 A/B250T

C 1946 (April) cover with typed "Massed Escort Flight/by/No 93 Attack Squadron/Green Ghosts/From Narromine NSW/To Iwa Kuni Japan" & signed by the pilot & navigator, 6d Kooka & red/white 'AFPO No 28' registration label endorsed "BOFU JAPAN" both tied by 'AFPO 28/9AP46/RAAF JAPAN' cds. Rare: not listed in the AAMC. See Phil Collas at pages 55 & 58, where he states his cover was the only example known to him. [Acquired for $862 at our auction of 29/3/2008]

1512 A-

750T


BCOF - THE AUSTRALIANS ARRIVE IN JAPAN (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1512 Lot 1514

C - stampless cover with embossed 'COMMANDER IN CHIEF/[crown]/BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES' in indigo on the flap & typed "Certified Offical", to JCOSA at Melbourne, 'AUST ARMY PO/8OC46/241.' cds used at BCOF HQ at Kure, 'No 8 AUST BASE PO/ C ' transit b/s, minor blemishes. Ex Phil Collas: illustrated by him at page 22. [The Joint Chiefs of Staff in Australia - JCOSA - comprised representatives of the various BCOF countries & operated from Melbourne: see Collas at page 23]

1513 B

150T

C - stampless cover with oval 'UK INDIA ELEMENT/JCOSA' cachet in violet & typed "UK Army Liaison Off" from Melbourne with 'AUST ARMY PO/0130' cds, 'PASSED FREE/OF POSTAGE' h/s & Bombay b/s.

1514 A250T

BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS

Lot 1515

P TYPE ONE (THIN OVERPRINT) ON PLAIN PAPER: Large piece (268x64mm) from the left-hand pane with 20 impressions - 2x10 - [Rows 1/10 Pos 1 & 2] in black, typed "It is certified that this is the original proof sheet for the overprinting of the halfpenny stamps at BCOF, Eta Jima, Japan 1-10-46. This design was adopted" and signed by Lt Col CJ Fletcher, Major L Crofts & F Matsui Managing Director of the Hiroshima Printing Co, Cat $1500++ as single impressions. A most important BCOF artefact: see Rodney Perry's article in "The Australian Philatelist" (Nov-Dec 1987).

1515 A

2,000T

Lot 1516

P - Inter-panneau piece (101x50mm) with 8 impressions - 4+4 - comprising left-hand pane [Rows 3/4 Pos 7 & 8] & right-hand pane [Rows 3/4 Pos 1 & 2] in black, faint bends, Cat $600+.

1516 A-400T


BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1517

P - Piece (80x135mm) with 20 impressions - 4x5 - from the left-hand pane [Rows 1/5 Pos 3 to 6] in black including 'P.C.O.F' [Row 1 Pos 4], 'B.C,O.F.' [Row 2 Pos 4] & 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts [Row 4 Pos 5], Cat $2625++. An important positional piece. [The major error 'P.C.O.F' was corrected after the first overprinting of the stamps. 'B.C,O.F.' was corrected after the second overprinting]

1517 A

1,500T

Lot 1518

P - Large inter-panneau piece (230x158mm) with 60 impressions comprising left-hand pane [Rows 5/10 Pos 7 & 8] & right-hand pane [Rows 5/10 Pos 1 to 8] in black including 'B.C,O.F.' [Left Row 10 Pos 8], Stop after 'JAPAN.' [Right Row 5 Pos 5] and 'B' in Wrong Font (Smaller 'B') [Right Row 7 Pos 6], light vertical fold in the gutter, Cat $4725++. Another important positional piece, and one of the largest surviving pieces from the proof sheets.

1518 A

2,500T



Lot 1519

P - Piece (80x80mm) with 8 impressions (4x2) from the left-hand pane [Rows 1/2 Pos 3 to 6] in red including 'B.C,O.F.' [Row 2 Pos 4] BW ##J1PP(1)Be, natural paper inclusion, Cat $900+. [NB: 'P.C.O.F.' Row 1 Pos 4 has been corrected]

1519 A

600T

Lot 1520

P - Large piece (128x167mm) with 24 impressions (4x6) from the lower-right of the right-hand pane [Rows 5/10 Pos 5 to 8] in red including Stop after 'JAPAN.' [Row 5 Pos 5], 'B' in Wrong Font (Smaller 'B') [Row 7 Pos 6], & the unlisted Broken 'C' [Row 10 Pos 8], small paper inclusions, Cat $2600+. [NB: Row 9 Pos 7 shows the '6' intact, which means that the unlisted Broken '6' variety occurred later due to wear]

1520 A

1,250T



Lot 1521

P - Inter-panneau piece (101x76mm) from the top of the sheet with 8 impressions - 4+4 - comprising left-hand pane [Rows 1/2 Pos 7 & 8] including '4' in '1946' in the Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7] & right-hand pane [Rows 1/2 Pos 1 & 2] in red, faint bend, Cat $900+.

1521 A

500T

Lot 1522

P - Inter-panneau piece (101x76mm) from the top of the sheet with 8 impressions - 4+4 - comprising left-hand pane [Rows 1/2 Pos 7 & 8] in gold including '4' in '1946' in the Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7] & right-hand pane [Rows 1/2 Pos 1 & 2] in red BW #J1(PP)1Cz, folded in the gutter, Cat $2000++. Very scarce se-tenant piece.

1522 A

1,250T



Lot 1523

P - Inter-panneau piece (101x120mm) from the base of the sheet with 16 impressions - 8+8 - comprising left-hand pane [Rows 7 to 10 Pos 7 & 8] in gold including 'B.C,O.F.' [Row 10 Pos 8], & right-hand pane [Rows 7 to 10 Pos 1 & 2] in red including unlisted Broken 'C' [Row 7 Pos 1] BW #J1(PP)1Cz, folded in the gutter, Cat $3800++. [The largest, or equal-largest, surviving inter-panneau piece]

1523 A

2,500T

Lot 1524

P - Single impression from the left-hand pane [Row 9 Pos 4] in red with '6' in the Wrong Font BW #J1PP(1)Bh. [NB: left pane varieties in red are unique. Only one complete proof sheet was printed in red. One other sheet was printed in gold (the left-hand pane) and red (the right-hand pane]

1524 A

400T

Lot 1525

*/** TYPE ONE (THIN OVERPRINT) ON STAMPS: ½d with Overprint in Red (one toned perf tip, unmounted), 1d with Overprint in Red (faint bend, very lightly mounted), 3d with Overprint in Black (unmounted) & with Overprint in Gold (marginal example from the left of the left-hand pane), Cat $800.

1525 A/A-

400T



Lot 1526

G - ½d with Overprint in Red, 1d with Overprint in Black & in Red, 3d with Overprint in Black, in Red & in Gold, each tied to a small piece by 'AUST ARMY PO/18OC46/241.' used at Eta Jima, Cat $1800+. Rarely available as a used "set". BPA Certificates (1999) for all but the first, which has a Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2003) that doesn't note that the Small '4' in '1946' is present. [The proofs were included in the stock of overprints placed on sale on 12/10/1946. Because formal approval for the overprints had not been received, the issued stamps were all withdrawn within a few days. A number of sets of the proof overprints were affixed to plain paper, cancelled per favor, & cut into small pieces]

1526 A

1,200T

Lot 1527

Lot 1528

** - ½d with Overprint in Red BW #J1PP(2) block of 4, small paper flaw at base of the last unit, unmounted, Cat $1000+.

1527 A/A-750T

*/** - ½d with Overprint in Red BW #J1PP(2) lower-right corner block of 4, the last unit with unlisted Shaved '4' [Row 10 Pos 8], the lower units very lightly mounted, the upper units unmounted, Cat $900+ (mounted). [See also #266155]

1528 A B1750T

Lot 1529Lot 1531

Lot 1530

F - ½d with Overprint in Red with '4' in Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) BW #J1PP(2)f, on piece, Cat $300+. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2002) doesn't mention the variety.

1529 A C1300T

F - ½d with Overprint in Red with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in Wrong Fonts (Narrow 'B' & 'A') BW #J1PP(2)g, on piece, Cat $300+. BPA Certificate (1991) doesn't mention the variety.

1530 A C1300T

** - ½d with Overprint in Red with '4' in Wrong Font (Small '4') BW #J1PP(2)k, unmounted, Cat $300+ (mounted). Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2005) doesn't mention the variety.

1531 A B1300T

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Lot 1532

Lot 1533

** - 1d with Overprint in Black BW #J1PP(2)A block of 4, unmounted, Cat $600+.1532 A B1 750T

** - 1d with Overprint in Black BW #J2PP(2)A upper-right corner block of 4 from the right-hand pane with unlisted Blunt '4' [Row 2 Pos 7], there is a crease in the side margin that just impinges upon the second unit, unmounted, Cat $600++.

1533 A B1

800T

Lot 1534

Lot 1535

** - 1d with Overprint in Black BW #J1PP(2)A block of 4, unmounted, Cat $600+. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (1999). [Acquired for $1176 at our auction of 24/1/2004]

1534 A B1750T



** - 1d with Overprint in Black BW #J2PP(2)Aj marginal block of 12 (3x4) from the base of the left-hand pane [Rows 6 to 10 Pos 5 to 7] with unlisted varieties Short Top on '6' [Row 6 Pos 7] & Broken 'F' [Row 10 Pos 6], unmounted, Cat $2250++. One of the largest surviving blocks from the trial overprint sheets. Peter Holcombe Certificate (1987) doesn't mention the varieties.

1535 A B1

2,750T

Lot 1536

Lot 1537

G - 1d with Overprint in Red BW #J2PP(2)B, Cat $300. BPA Certificate (1976).1536 A C1 250T

**/* - 3d with Overprint in Black with '4' in the Wrong Font (Small '4') BW #J3PP(2)Af (unmounted), & with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in Wrong Fonts #J3PP(2)Ag (very lightly mounted), Cat $350+ (mounted). Separate Chris Ceremuga Certificates (2000).

1537 A

250T

Lot 1538

**P - 3d with Overprint in Black with 'N' in the Wrong Font (Narrow 'N') BW #J3PP(2)Aj [Row 1 Pos 8] in upper-right corner block of 12 (4x3) from the right-hand pane, [Row 2 Pos 7] with unlisted variety Blunt '4', unmounted, Cat $2175++. [With block of 4 proof impressions from the same sheet position showing the '4' on Row 2 Pos 7 undamaged]

1538 A

1,250T

Lot 1539

** - 3d with Overprint in Black BW #J3PP(2)A block of 4, unmounted, Cat $600+. BPA Certificate ( 1991).1539 A B1 750T



Lot 1540 Lot 1541

** - 3d with Overprint in Red BW #J3PP(2)B lower-right corner block of 4, the last unit with unlisted Shaved '4' [Row 10 Pos 8], the lower units very lightly mounted, the upper units unmounted, Cat $900+ (mounted). [See also #266152]

1540 A B1

1,000T

*/** - 3d with Overprint in Red block of 4 with Authority Imprint BW #J3PP(2)Bz, the lower units are unmounted, Cat $1250 (mounted). Rare. BPA Certificate (1976).

1541 A C11,500T

Lot 1542

**O - FORGED OVERPRINTS of the ½d with Overprint in Red, 1d with Overprint in Red, 3d with Overprint in Black & in Gold, two tied to small pieces by forged 'AUST ARMY PO/22OC47/241.' cds.

1542 A150T

Ex Lot 1543

O - ½d with Overprint in Red, 1d with Overprint in Black & in Red, 3d with Overprint in Black, in Red & in Gold, all with forged overprint & each tied to small piece by forged 'AUST ARMY PO/22OC47/241.' cds. With a genuine example of the cds on stampless cover to India. (7 items)

1543 A

200T

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Lot 1544

P TYPE TWO (THICK OVERPRINT) ON PLAIN PAPER: Large inter-panneau piece (384x69mm) with 32 impressions - 8x2 + 8x2 - in black, typed "It is certified that this is the original proof sheet for the overprinting of Threepenny and Onepenny stamps at BCOF, Eta Jima, Japan 1-10-46. This design was adopted" and signed by Lt Col CJ Fletcher, Major L Crofts & F Matsui Managing Director of the Hiroshima Printing Co, Cat $5600++ as single impressions. A most important BCOF artefact: see Rodney Perry's article in "The Australian Philatelist" (Nov-Dec 1987). [Type Two was proofed only in black]

1544 A

2,500T

Lot 1545

P - Piece (100x135mm) from the upper-right corner of the sheet with 20 impressions - 4x5 - [R1/5 Pos 5-8] in black, repaired tear affects unit [4/8], Cat $3500+.

1545 A1,400T



BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS

Ex Lot 1546

Ex Lot 1547

Ex Lot 1549Ex Lot 1550

*/**OC A dozen exhibit pages of 1d & 3d material including 1d Perf Pips block of 8 from the top of the sheet, 1d right-hand pane imprint blocks x3 (one on registered cover), 1d Scratches through 'PAN' x2, 1d with Blue-Black Overprint x7 including marginal block of 4 (**), 3d both imprint blocks, 3d with Double Overprint (light bend, unmounted), Wandering Dot on used 1d & 3d x3, etc, generally very fine, many unmounted. (40 items)

1546

850T

*/** Imprint blocks of 4 (mostly) comprising both positions of each imprint from ½d to 1/- BW #J1z to J5za, plus extra 6d & 1/- imprint blocks from the left-hand panes each with "Dirt" on 'N' [Row 10 Pos 1, from the second state of the plate], some minor toning/aging, some are unmounted. A scarce group. (12 blocks)

1547 A/B

300T

** "Wandering Dot" or "Doughnut Hole" varieties on ½d, 1d x2 & 3d x3, and in four positions on 3d block of 24 (8x3, minor toning) from the top of the left-hand pane, unmounted. [It has been suggested that these interesting varieties were caused by errant fragments from the perforating process. However, the perforating was done in Melbourne & the overprinting in Japan, so we believe a different explanation is required] (7 items)

1548 A/B

200T

** "Spacing Bit" or "Reglet" varieties on ½d imprint block of 16 (8x2) & 1/- pair both at [Row R10 Pos 7] and on 6d block of 12 (4x3) at [Row R4 Pos 1], unmounted. Unusual varieties. (3 items)

1549 A150T

**C Misplaced Overprints on 1d on cover, on 3d Misplaced to Left imprint blocks of 4 & 24 (8x3, Row 8 Pos 5 with "Wandering Dot"), on 3d Misplaced to Right strip of 3 & on cover, on 6d block of 4 & on registered cover, on 1/- & on 2/-, unmounted. Scarce group, especially the 1/- & 2/-. (9 items)

1550 A

400T

Ex Lot 1551

Ex Lot 1553

** ½d to 5/- both papers plus the 1d with Blue-Black Overprint, unmounted. Advertised retail $575. (9)1551 A 300T

F/G ½d to 5/- (Thick Paper) all but the 2/- (a pair) on small pieces. Advertised retail $225. (8)1552 A 150T

G/V ½d to 5/- (Thick Paper) complete blocks of 4, the 2/- & 5/- CTO with large-part o.g. (the lower units unmounted). Scarce set. Advertised retail $900++. (7 blocks)

1553 A750T

C ½d to 5/- (Thin Paper, well centred) tied to philatelic cover by APO 214 cds.1554 A 200T

C ½d to 1/- on separate plain covers with typed "FIRST DAY COVER" & UPS 453 cds of 8MY47. [The ½d 1d & 3d were originally issued on 12/10/1946 but were withdrawn only a couple of days later because official approval for the release had not been received] (5)

1555 A

100T

- Extract


BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1556 Lot 1557

C ½d to 5/- (Thick Paper) on plain cover with typed "FIRST DAY COVER" & UPS 453 cds of 8MY47 BW #J7y, Cat $500.

1556 A300T

C ½d to 5/- (Thick Paper) complete on plain cover with 'AUST ARMY PO/8MY47/241.' cds being the First Day of Issue, APO 241 registration cachet in violet, central fold between the 6d & 1/-. [With the enclosure "...I am told by the experts here that this envelope will attain considerable value..."]

1557 B

300T

Ex Lot 1558

** HALFPENNY: ½d orange complete sheet divided into two panes of 80 (8x10), the left-hand pane including '4' in Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7], Break in Top of 'C' [3/8], No Stop after 'B ' [4/3], 'B' & First 'A' in Wrong Fonts (Narrow 'B' & 'A') [4/5], '6' in Wrong Font [9/4] & Filled 'B' [9/5], right-hand pane including Narrow 'N' [1/8], Blunt '4' [2/7], '4' in Wrong Font (Small '4') [3/4] & Narrow 'B' [7/6], generally well centred, a few minor tonespots, unmounted. Essential reference material. (2 panes)

1558 A/A-

600T

** - ½d deep orange complete sheet from the Second Setting, the left-hand pane including '1' in Wrong Font (Tall '1') [Row 4 Pos 8] & '1' in Wrong Font (Short '1') [8/3], right-hand pane including Spaced 'JAP AN' [7/8], some minor perf separation, unmounted.

1559 A

250T

** ONE PENNY: 1d two complete sheets of 160 (two panes of 80) in obviously different shades, the first with right-hand pane including Scrathes through 'PAN' [Row 7 Pos 8], the second with the flaw corrected, unmounted. (2 sheets)

1560 A

250T

Lot 1561

** - 1d brown-purple with the Overprint in Blue-Black BW #J1c corner block of 10 (5x2) from the lower-right of the right-hand pane, unmounted, Cat $600+. Advertised retail $750+.

1561 A C1300T

- Extract



Lot 1562

** - 1d brown-purple with the Overprint in Blue-Black imprint blocks of 4 from the left-hand & right-hand panes BW #J1cz & za, unmounted, Cat $500+ (mounted). Advertised retail $600+ as singles. Very scarce.

1562 A B1400T

Lot 1563

F - 1d brown-purple with the Overprint in Blue-Black BW #J1c strip of 3 tied to commercial airmail cover to Victoria by 'AUST UNIT POSTAL STN/24FE49/497' cds, Cat $200 for a single on cover. Very late usage, after the official withdrawal of BCOF Overprints on 12/2/1949.

1563 A C1

300T

Lot 1564 Lot 1565

* THREE PENCE: 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double BW #J3ca, lightly mounted, Cat $600. Advertised retail "POR". [The initial light overprint is 1½mm to the left]

1564 A C1300T

** - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double BW #J3ca, marginal example from the left of the right-hand pane, unmounted, Cat $750. Advertised retail "POR". [The initial light overprint is 1½mm to the left]

1565 A C1500T



Lot 1566 Lot 1567

**/* - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double with Authority Imprint from the left-hand pane BW #J3caz, three units unmounted, Cat $4000 (mounted). Rare. RPSofV Certificate (1999). [The initial light overprint is 1½mm to the left. A block of 4 without the imprint sold for $3248 at our auction of 24/1/2004]

1566 A C1

3,000T

**/* - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double with Authority Imprint from the right-hand pane BW #J3caza, the upper units lightly mounted, the lower units unmounted, Cat $4000 (mounted). Rare. RPSofV Certificate (1999). [The initial light overprint is 1½mm to the left]

1567 A C1

3,500T

Lot 1568

C - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double BW #J3ca tied to commercial airmail cover to Adelaide by superb 'No 8 UAT BASE PO/11NO47/ C ' cds, a few wrinkles & tears on the flap, unpriced on cover. A rarity. RPSofV Certificate (1998). [The two overprints are almost coincident. The ACSC states "Examples of a similar, but closer double overprint have been seen used on cover...in November 1947"]

1568 B

1,500T

Bid boldly: you may not get another opportunity!



Lot 1569Lot 1570

Lot 1571

V - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double BW #J3ca, faint cds, Cat $600 mint (unpriced used). Advertised retail $875. [The initial faint overprint is misplaced about 3mm to the right, causing fragments of the adjoining overprint to appear at far-left]

1569 A C1

750T

V - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double BW #J3ca tied to small piece by Base PO cds of 20OC47, a couple of tiny blemishes that are of little consequence, Cat $600 mint (unpriced used). Advertised retail $875. RPSofV Certificate (2004). [The initial faint overprint is misplaced about 3mm to the right, & is obvious in the margin at right. Acquired for $1008 at our auction of 20/3/2004]

1570 A- C1

750T

F - 3d dark brown with the Overprint Double BW #J3ca tied to small piece by 'No 8 AUST BASE PO/11OC47/ C ' cds, Cat $600 mint (unpriced used). Advertised retail $875. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2004). [This and the previous lot are apparently from an earlier issued sheet. The ACSC doesn't record this wider Double Oveprint & notes usage of the closer type in -/11/1947]

1571 A C1

750T

** SIX PENCE: 6d Kookaburra complete right-hand pane of 80 (8x10) including 'N' in the Wrong Font (Narrow 'N') [Row 1 Pos 8], Blunt '4' [2/7], '4' in Wrong Font (Small '4') [3/4], Narrow 'B' [7/6] & McCracken Imprint, unmounted. Superb! Advertised retail $1500+ as singles.

1572 A+

500T

** ONE SHILLING: 1/- Lyrebird complete left-hand pane of 80 (8x10) including '4' in Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7], Break in Top of 'C' [3/8], No Stop after 'B ' [4/3], 'B' & First 'A' in Wrong Fonts (Narrow 'B' & 'A') [4/5], '6' in Wrong Font [9/4] & Ash Imprint, unmounted. Superb! Advertised retail $1500+ as singles.

1573 A+

750T

** TWO SHILLINGS: 2/- maroon block of 30 from the top of the right-hand pane, characteristic wayward centring, unmounted. Superb! Advertised retail $1800+ as singles.

1574 A C1500T

** - 2/- Kangaroo complete left-hand pane of 60 (6x10) including the Authority Imprint, characteristic wayward centring, unmounted. Superb! Advertised retail $3600+ as singles. The largest multiple of the 2/- that we have seen.

1575 A+1,000T

F - 2/- maroon upper-right corner block of 4 from the right-hand pane, well centred, 'AUST UNIT POSTAL STN/6MR49/453' cds used at 130 Australian General Hospital at Eta Jima. Advertised retail $200+ as singles.

1576 A B1100T

Lot 1577

** - 2/- maroon Authority Imprint block of 4 from the left-hand pane, well centred, & gutter block of 8 (4x2) with Authority Imprint from the right-hand pane (one unit mounted) BW #J6z & za, unmounted, Cat $560+. Advertised retail $700 as singles. Very scarce blocks.

1577 A

600T



Lot 1578

** - 2/- maroon central Authority Imprint block of 4 BW #J6za, the Overprint in Dry Ink with many Incomplete Characters, unmounted, Cat $200++. The ACSC doesn't list this Dry Ink variety.

1578 A C1400T

Lot 1579

** FIVE SHILLINGS: 5/- Thick Paper BW #J7 upper-right corner block of 20 (5x4) being half of the upper pane, most units well centred, several units with Defective and/or Misplaced Characters, unmounted, Cat $3000+. Superb! Advertised retail $4500+ as singles. An exceptional display item. [Multiples larger than blocks of 4 are of great rarity. Purchase of the 5/- was rationed to one per person per day. This was occasionally surmounted by allowing a month's quota to be bought at once but the few large blocks that have survived suggest few soldiers did or were able to take advantage of that little rort]

1579 A+ B1

3,500T



Lot 1580

Lot 1582

Lot 1581

** - 5/- Thick Paper John Ash Imprint block of 4 BW #J7z, exceptional centring, unmounted, undercatalogued at $750. An under-appreciated rarity.

1580 A A11,500T

**/* - 5/- Thick Paper Authority Imprint block of 4 BW #J7za, well centred, faint vertical bend across the right--hand units, three units unmounted, Cat $500. Very scarce.

1581 A/A-750T

W - 5/- Thin Paper BW #J8 with Pre-Printing Paper Fold through 'JAPAN', no gum.1582 A- C1 150T

Lot 1583

** - 5/- Thin Paper BW #J8 block of 32 (8x4) from the lower pane of 40, variable centring, [Row 4 Pos 4] with Correction of No Stop after 'O', several units with Defective and/or Misplaced Characters, unmounted, Cat $5120+. Superb! Advertised retail $7200+ as singles. By far the largest 5/- block we have seen.

1583 A+

5,000T



Lot 1584

** - 5/- Thin Paper Authority Imprint block of 4 BW #J8z, unmounted, Cat $800. Very scarce.1584 A B1 1,250T

Lot 1585

L 6-page letter on BCOF printed letterhead from "Major JD Bowtell/HQ BCOF Kure Japan/February 14th" advises "...this morning early, the inspectors had been round & had taken every BCOF overprint...& that they were off from now on". Of a new postal clerk "...He said out of all the high value stamps he sold while at Eta Jima, he only saw about two put on parcels - & he had sold hundreds..." [The ACSC states that the BCOF stamps were officially withdrawn on 12/2/1949. This letter indicates that they were still available at Kure the next day]

1585 A

75T

Ex Lot 1586

*/** FORGED OVERPRINTS: ½d & 2/- blocks of 4 each with sans serif overprints, & 1/- pair with dangerous forgery. With genuine stamps - including 2/- unmounted block of 4 - for comparison. (6 items)

1586 A150T

- Extract



BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONEIt is now seven years since the ACSC "King George VI" volume was published. Not surprisingly, the catalogue prices for the popular BCOF varieties have fallen well behind the market. Gibbons list only a quarter of the major overprint errors of type, & these have thus been given an enhanced status that is difficult to justify. Advertised retail prices - when these items are even available for sale - are usually six to ten times the 2006 ACSC quotes! Curiously, the ACSC doesn't list all varieties on the issued stamps that are listed on the proofs! We expect that the material offered here will, for the first time, properly define the market.

Ex Lot 1587

*/** Eight exhibit pages with an array of blocks (mostly), strips & singles plus three commercial covers with a surprising range of Damaged Letter or Number varieties, generally very fine, most units unmounted. A very difficult lot to assemble. (54 items)

1587

750T


BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1588

* HALFPENNY: ½d with unlisted '4' in the Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7] being the first unit in a horizontal pair from the left-hand pane, a little aged. Unlisted in the ACSC. [The ACSC states this variety was corrected prior to the printing of the issued stamps. It follows that this pair is from a proof sheet. However, see also Lot 266172 & 181]

1588 B B1

150T

* - ½d block of 4 with the unlisted '4' in the Wrong Font (Small '4') [Row L3 Pos 4], a little aged, lightly mounted. (3 blocks)

1589 B C1100T

*/** - ½d with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts BW #1g, the lower units - including the variety - unmounted.1590 A B1 200T

** - ½d with 'N' in the Wrong Font (Narrow 'N') BW #J1j being the second unit in a block of 4, unmounted, grievously undercatalogued at $39+. Advertised retail $200+.

1591 A C1100T

Lot 1592

** SIX PENCE: 6d interpanneau block of 24 (8x3) with the unlisted '4' in the Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row L2 Pos 7] & '4' in the Wrong Font (Small '4') [Row R3 Pos 4], also Break in Top of 'C' [Row L3 Pos 8], unmounted. A key positional piece.

1592 A

500T

Lot 1593

Lot 1594

** - 6d with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts BW #4g being the third unit in a block of 4, unmounted. [The same variety in a block of 8 sold for $644 at our auction of 20/3/2004]

1593 A C1400T

F - 6d with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts BW #4g tied to commercial airmail cover to Adelaide by 'AFPO 28/23OC47/RAAF JAPAN' cds, 'AF PO/BOFU' registration label.

1594 A B1400T

- Extract



Lot 1595

Lot 1597

** - 6d with '6' in the Wrong Font (Bold '6') BW #J4h, unmounted. Advertised retail $350.1595 A C1 250T

** - 6d with '1' in the Wrong Font (Squat, Bold '1') BW #J4i, unmounted.1596 A B1 100T

V - 6d upper-right corner block of 4 from the right-hand pane with 'N' in the Wrong Font (Narrow 'N') BW #J4j [Row 1 Pos 8], used & rare thus. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2003).

1597 A C1250T

** - 6d with Stop after 'JAPAN.' BW #J4L, unmounted.1598 A C1 100T

** - 6d with Stop after 'JAPAN.' BW #J4L being the last unit in a vertical strip of 3, unmounted. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2001).

1599 A C1100T

** - 6d with 'B' in Wrong Font (Narrow 'B') BW #J4m, unmounted.1600 A C1 100T

** - 6d with 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') being the second unit in a horizontal pair [Row 2 Pos 4], unmounted. Unlisted.

1601 A C1150T

F - 6d with 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') being the lower unit in a vertical pair from the base of the sheet [Row 10 Pos 8] tied to philatelic airmail cover to Victoria by FPO cds. Unlisted. [The ACSC states the Comma after C varieties were corrected prior to overprinting the issued 6d & 1/-. This is clearly an error. See also Lots 266171 & 170]

1602 A C1

250T

** - 6d with Blunt '4' being the second stamp in a lower-right corner pair, unmounted. Unlisted in the ACSC.1603 A C1 100T

Lot 1604

Lot 1605

** - 6d with No Stop after 'F ' being the third stamp in an upper-left corner block of 4, unmounted. [The ACSC lists a No Stop after 'F' variety for the 5/- but not for the lower values]

1604 A B1250T

V - 6d with No Stop after 'F ' (exceptional centring) & 1d imprint pair tied to 1948 commercial cover (217x150mm) to New Zealand by UPS 453 cds, central fold. A rare franking. [The cover has been fashioned from a wartime OHMS envelope turned inside-out]

1605 A A1

400T

When you are ready to sell your collection, remember thatPrestige Philately offers you the critical combination of

beautiful catalogues, scholarly descriptions, access to ourdiscerning clients, outstanding results, and on-time payment.

- Extract



Lot 1606

V - 6d block of 16 (8x2) from the top of the left-hand pane with Broken '9' [Row 1 Pos 7], Broken 'C' [Row 1 Pos 8], 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') [Row 2 Pos 4] & '4' in Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7], unmounted. An important positional piece.

1606 A B1

500T

Lot 1607

** - 6d block of 16 (8x2) from the base of the left-hand pane with '6' in Wrong Font [Row 9 Pos 4] BW #J4i, '1' in Wrong Font (Thick '1') #J4j [Row 10 Pos 3], 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') [Row 10 Pos 8] & McCracken Imprint #J4z, a few minor blemishes, unmounted. An important positional piece.

1607 A/A-

750T

Lot 1608

** ONE SHILLING: 1/- upper-left corner block of 12 (4x3) with the unlisted '4' in the Wrong Font (Small '4') [Row R3 Pos 4], unmounted.

1608 A300T



Lot 1609

*/** - 1/- horizontal strip of 3, the first unit with 'P.C.O.F' Error, the second unit with Weak 'B', the second & third units with Weak 'AP' of 'JAPAN', the first & third units are unmounted. A remarkable error; position unknown. [NB: This is not the famous 'P.C.O.F' Error that occurred on the proof sheets & ½d trial sheets only]

1609 A C1

500T

* - 1/- with '4' in the Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base). Unlisted in the ACSC. [The ACSC states this variety was corrected prior to the printing of the issued ½d 6d & 1/-. This is clearly an error. See also Lot 266161 & 181]

1610 A C1150T

** - 1/- with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts BW #J5g, unmounted.1611 A B1 100T

* - 1/- with 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') being the second unit in a block of 4 [Row 2 Pos 4]. Unlisted. 1612 A B1 150T

* - 1/- with 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') being the second unit in a horizontal pair from the base of the sheet [Row 10 Pos 8], hinge remainder. Unlisted. [The ACSC states the Comma after C varieties were corrected prior to overprinting the issued 6d & 1/-. This is clearly an error. See also Lots 266168 & 169]

1613 A- B1

150T

Lot 1614

** - 1/- with Stop after 'JAPAN.' BW #J5L being the third unit in a block of 4, unmounted. Advertised retail "POR". Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2003).

1614 A B1400T

Ex Lot 1615

*/** LEFT-HAND PANE VARIETIES: ½d lower-right corner block of 10 (5x2) plus 6d & 1/- lower-left imprint corner blocks of 8 (4x2) all with '6' in the Wrong Font BW #1h 4h & 5h & the unlisted Tiny Stop after 'C.' [Row 10 Pos 4], the 6d & 1/- additionally with '1' in the Wrong Font (Thick '1') #J4i & 5i, most units unmounted. Advertised retail $910 just for the Wrong Font '6' singles. (3 blocks)

1615 A

1,000T



Ex Lot 1616Ex Lot 1617

** - ½d (a little aged) & 6d corner pairs and 1/- corner block of 4 each with Large Stop after 'O.' [Row 1 Pos 1], unmounted. Unlisted. (3 items)

1616 A/B300T

**/* - ½d & 6d marginal blocks of 4 from the top of the sheets each with Broken Top on '9' [Row 1 Pos 7] & '4' in the Wrong Font (Long Serif at Base) [Row 2 Pos 7], unmounted; also 1/- marginal block of 4 with the errors corrected, the lower units unmounted. [[The ACSC states this Wrong Font '4' variety was corrected prior to the printing of the issued ½d 6d & 1/-. This is clearly an error. See also Lot 266161 & 172] (3 items)

1617 A

400T

Ex Lot 1618

**/* - ½d block of 12 (3x4), 6d block of 8 (4x2) & 1/- block of 12 (4x3) each with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts [Row 4 Pos 5] BW #J1g 4g & 5g, most units - including the three varieties - are unmounted. (3 items)

1618 A750T

Ex Lot 1619

*/** RIGHT-HAND PANE VARIETIES: ½d (a little aged, lightly mounted) 6d & 1/- marginal blocks of 10 (5x2), 20 (4x5) or 6 (3x2) respectively, each with 'B' in the Wrong Font (Small 'B') [Row 7 Pos 6] BW #1m 4m & 5m & the unlisted Break in Top of 'F' [Row 6 Pos 6], the 6d additionally with Broken Top of '6' [Row 9 Pos 7] & Break in Top of 'C' [Row 10 Pos 6], unmounted. (3 blocks)

1619 A/B

500T

- Extract



Ex Lot 1620

** - ½d 6d & 1/- upper-right corner blocks of 10 (5x2), 4 or 20 (4x5) all with 'N' in the Wrong Font (Narrow 'N') BW #1j 4j & 5j and the unlisted Blunt '4' [Row 2 Pos 7], the ½d & 1/- additionally with the unlisted Break in Top of 'C.' [Row 2 Pos 6], the ½d block a little aged, unmounted. Advertised retail $910 just for the Wrong Font 'N' singles. (3 blocks)

1620 A/A-

1,000T

Ex Lot 1621

*/**C SECOND SETTING OF THE OVERPRINT: 23 exhibit pages with an array of singles, strips, blocks (mostly) & 15 covers - eight registered - with a wide variety of Damaged Character varieties, many Small Stop varieties, & several Dropped or Raised Character varieties, generally very fine, the majority are unmounted. A very difficult lot to assemble. (50 items)

1621

1,000T

** - ½d marginal block of 4 from the right of the left-hand pane with '1' in the Wrong Font (Tall '1') BW #J1n [Row L4 Pos 8], unmounted.

1622 A C1200T

** - ½d upper-right corner block of 16 (4x4) from the left-hand pane with '1' in the Wrong Font (Tall '1') BW #J1n [Row L4 Pos 8] plus unlisted Small Stop varieties [Row 1 Pos 6, Row 2 Pos 7, Row 4 Pos 7], unmounted.

1623 A B1250T

** - ½d with '1' in the Wrong Font (Tall '1') BW #J1n [Row L4 Pos 8] in marginal block of 16 (4x4) from the top of the right-hand pane, all units with "Dirty" Overprint that is often characteristic of the Second Setting & which caused the Offset of the Overprint on all units, unmounted.

1624 A C1

300T

Ex Lot 1625Lot 1626

**/* - ½d with Raised '6' BW #J1o [Row L8 Pos 1] in a pair, unlisted Dropped 'JA' [Row L5 Pos 4] single (*) and a strip of 3 with Dropped 'JA' [Row L10 Pos 6] & Dropped Stop after 'F.' [Row L10 Pos 8], unmounted. [It seems odd that the ACSC should list one but not all of these varieties. They are all obvious] (3 items)

1625 A

250T

** - ½d with unlisted Spaced 'JAP AN' [Row R2 Pos 6] in marginal block of 12 (6x2) from the top of the right-hand pane, unmounted. [This variety is more prominent than the similar listed variety at Row R7 Pos 8]

1626 A C1300T

- Extract



Lot 1627

*/** - ½d with unlisted 'J' Moved to Left & Space Between 'J' & 'APAN' and with 'JAPAN' Moved to Left both [Row L6 Pos 1] in blocks of 4, the first very lightly mounted, the second unmounted. [These varieties, the second a later state of the first, were caused by a missing spacer. It seems odd that the ACSC should list the similar 'JAP AN' variety but not these. They are all obvious]

1627 A C1

200T

Lot 1628 Lot 1629

** - ½d lower-right corner block of 12 (4x3) from the left-hand pane with unlisted No Stop after 'C ' [Row 9 Pos 5], unmounted.

1628 A C1350T

** - ½d lower-right corner block of 36 (6x6) from the left-hand pane with unlisted No Stop after 'C ' [Row 9 Pos 5], Dropped 'JA' [Row 10 Pos 8], Dropped Stop after 'F' [Row 10 Pos 8], & several Small Stop varieties [Row 5 Pos 6, Row 6 Pos 7, Row 7 Pos 6 & 7], unmounted. An important positional piece.

1629 A B1

500T

** - ½d marginal block of 9 from the right-hand pane with unlisted No Stop after 'F ' [Row 8 Pos 6], unmounted. 1630 A C1 350T

Lot 1631

** - ½d imprint block of 32 (8x4) from the right-hand pane with unlisted No Stop after 'F ' [Row 8 Pos 6] & Break in Tail of '9' [Row 9 Pos 4] plus Small Stops [Row 8 Pos 1 & 6, Row 9 Pos 5 & 8 and Row 10 Pos 6], unmounted. [Another important positional piece with a major unlisted variety]

1631 A C1

500T

When might you see another one?

- Extract - Extract



Lot 1632

Lot 1634

** - ½d imprint block of 12 (2x6) from the lower-left of the left-hand pane with unlisted 'JAPAN' Moved to Left [Row 6 Pos 1] & unlisted Raised '6' [Row 8 Pos 1], unmounted. [The Raised '6' is just as prominent as the similar listed variety at Row L9 Pos 4]

1632 A C1

250T

** - 1/- marginal inter-panneau block of 30 (6x5) with '1' in Wrong Font (Tall '1') BW #J1n [Row L4 Pos 8] plus unlisted Blunt '4' [Row L2 Pos 7] & Missing Serif on 'P' [Row L5 Pos 5], unmounted.

1633 A B1250T

** - 1/- with '1' in the Wrong Font (Short '1') [Row L8 Pos 3] in a block of 11 (4x3, less the first unit), also with unlisted Small Stop after 'O' [Row L7 Pos 2], Small Stop after 'F' [Row L8 Pos 2] & Break in 'N' [Row L8 Pos 5].

1634 A C1200T

V - 1/- with '1' in the Wrong Font (Short '1') [Row L8 Pos 3] tied to philatelic cover to New Zealand by superb 'AUST UNIT POSTAL STN/452' cds.

1635 A B1200T

BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE TWO

Ex Lot 1636

Lot 1638

Ex Lot 1637

*/** LEFT-HAND PANE VARIETIES: 1d single & 3d upper-left corner block of 6 (2x3) each with unlisted Incomplete 'F' [Row 2 Pos 1], lightly mounted; plus 1d corner block of 6 (2x3) with the variety corrected, unmounted. (3 items)

1636 A200T

** RIGHT-HAND PANE VARIETIES: 1d & 3d marginal blocks of 12 (4x3) & 24 (8x3) respectively each with Scratches through 'PAN' BW #J2d & J3d [Row 3 Pos 4], unmounted. [The ACSC doesn't list the variety on the 3d which is rather strange given that both values were overprinted with the same forme] (2 blocks)

1637 A

300T

*/** - 3d marginal block of 4 from the base of the sheet with unlisted Damaged 'B' [Row 9 Pos 4] & Vanishing 'B' [Row 10 Pos 4], both variety units are unmounted.

1638 A C1250T

** - 3d imprint block of 24 (8x3) from the base of the sheet with unlisted Damaged 'B' [Row 9 Pos 4] & Vanishing 'B' [Row 10 Pos 4], unmounted.

1639 A C1350T

PASSION! it’s the key ingredient in “The Prestige Difference”.

- Extract

- Extract - Extract


BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE TWO (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1640

* - 3d upper-right corner block of 12 (4x3) with unlisted 75% of Overprint Omitted [Row 1 Pos 8]. A dramatic error caused by stray foreign matter, probably a small piece of paper.

1640 A B1850T

BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREEThis overprint is very similar to Type One but is slightly larger.

Ex Lot 1641

*/**C TWO SHILLINGS: 2/- maroon selection with Misplaced Stop after 'B' BW #J6d in a marginal pair (**), unlisted B' in the Wrong Font [Row R6 Pos 4] in a pair (*), 'Ruptured 'B' [Row L10 Pos 5] in marginal block of 4 (**), Broken Top of 'C' [Row L3 Pos 5] in a block of 6 (2x3 **), and singles with unlisted varieties Dry Ink (*), Broken Top of 'O' (*), Broken Right Leg of 'N' (**), Squashed 'B' & Raised 'A' (**), Raised 'A' (*) & Raised 'N' (on registered cover). Scarce group. Advertised retail $1050+ as singles. (8 items)

1641 A

500T

Lot 1642

** - 2/- maroon block of 4 from the right-hand pane, the last unit with unlisted 'B' in the Wrong Font (Small 'B') [Row 6 Pos 4], unmounted.

1642 A C1250T

- Extract


BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1643

** - 2/- maroon lower right corner block of 20 (5x4) from the right-hand pane [Rows 4 to 8 Pos 3 to 6] with unlisted 'B' in the Wrong Font (Small 'B') [Row 6 Pos 4], unmounted. Advertised retail $1200+ as singles. [It seems quite perverse that the ACSC lists two minor varieties but omits this Wrong Font variety]

1643 A C1

600T

Lot 1644

** - 2/- maroon interpanneau block of 24 (6x4) from the top of the sheet with unlisted Substituted & Misplaced 'C' [Row L3 Pos 7], numerous other units with Raised or Dropped Letters and/or Damaged Letters, unusually well centred, unmounted. Excellent positional block. Advertised retail $1440+ as singles.

1644 A B1

1,000T



G - 2/- with unlisted Badly Defective Overprint plus other values to 5/- Thick Paper (exceptional centring) on cover, APO 080 cds & registration h/s in violet, central vertical fold clear of the stamps.

1645 A C1300T

Lot 1646 Lot 1647

* FIVE SHILLINGS: 5/- Thick Paper with No Stop after 'O ' BW #J7e [Lower Pane Row 4 Pos 5] being the first unit in a horizontal pair, well centred, very lightly mounted, Cat $325+. Rare.

1646 A B1500T

** - 5/- Thick Paper with No Stop after 'O ' BW #J7e [Lower Pane Row 4 Pos 5], well centred, unmounted, Cat $300+. Rare. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (1999).

1647 A B1500T

Lot 1648

** - 5/- Thick Paper with No Stop after 'O ' BW #J7e [Lower Pane Row 4 Pos 5] being the third unit in a marginal block of 4 from the base of the sheet, well centred, unmounted, Cat $750+. Rare. Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2003). Advertised retail $900+ as normal singles.

1648 A B1

1,000T

Lot 1649

**/* - 5/- Thick Paper three singles with various Defective &/or Raised Letters, two with hinge remainders, one marginal unmounted. Advertised retail $500+ as normal singles.

1649 A/A-300T



Lot 1650

** - 5/- Thick Paper horizontal pair, the second unit with unlisted Defective 'B'/'APAN'/'6', well centred, faint gum-toning, unmounted. Rare. Advertised retail $450+ as normal singles.

1650 B B1400T

Lot 1651

** - 5/- Thin Paper marginal example from the base of the lower pane with unlisted Raised 'N' & Dropped '1', well centred, one tonespot, unmounted.

1651 A- B1150T

Lot 1652

** - 5/- Thin Paper marginal example from the top of the lower pane with unlisted Missing Serif on 'B' & Break in Top of 'F', unmounted.

1652 A C1150T

You have spent many years, perhaps a lifetime, assembling your collection. When you are ready to sell, we offer you

the opportunity of having your stamps and covers presented with the care and attention to detail that comes from our many years of providing outstanding service and creating

exceptional catalogues for our valued clients. So, why would you settle for average presentation when you can have the best?



BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY

Ex Lot 1653

C Exhibit pages with an array of commercial or official covers from the various BCOF Post Offices including APO 214 at Empire House in Tokyo (2, one registered), APO 512 at Kaitaichi, UPS 345 at Okayama, UPS 388 at Nijimura (residential area for BCOF families) & in Korea (?), UPS 452 at Osaka Public Relations Unit (2), UPS 453 at 130 Australian General Hospital at Eta Jima, UPS 495 at Fukuyama (2, one registered), UPS 496 at Miya Jima 116 Convalescent Depot (First Day of the PO) & at Hiro (registered), etc, minor duplication, six are registered, generally fine & the datestamps generally good to very fine. A very difficult group to assemble. (38 covers)

1653

500T

Ex Lot 1654

CPS - the companion lot of mostly commercial or official registered covers with lots of variety in the registration cachets including APO 214 at Empire House in Tokyo (2), APO 215 at Kure (7, all different cachets), APO 216 at Kyoto BCOF Holiday Camp, APO 241 (2, one signed by Captain EC Keenan the BCOF Postmaster-General), UPS 345 at Okayama (2), UPS 388 at Nijimura (residential area for BCOF families, x2), UPS 453 at 130 Australian General Hospital at Eta Jima, UPS 495 at Fukuyama (2), UPS 496 at Miya Jima 116 Convalescent Depot, AFPO No 28 at Bofu (2, one a parcel piece) & AFPO No 30 at Iwakuni (2, one with Indian-pattern 'RAFPOST JAPAN/ 11 ' cds) etc, includes nine Registration Envelopes, generally fine & the cds generally good to very fine. (31 covers)

1654

800T

Ex Lot 1655

C 1945-55 naval covers including registered with 'CAPTAIN'S OFFICE/HMAS COMMONWEALTH' d/s, two with oval 'NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE/KURE' (one with dateline), commercial to the USA with boxed 'COMMANDING OFFICER/HMAS MURCHISON' d/s, official with 'COMMANDING OFFICER/HMAS CONDAMINE' d/s, Tatts with 'HMA/SHIPS/HMAS CONDAMINE' h/s, etc, most of the others identified as being from particular ships (22 covers); also eight official pieces with various ships' cachets & piece with woodcut 'HMAS HOBART/2SEPT/1945/TOKYO JAPAN' cachet. A very difficult lot to assemble. (31 items)

1655

400T


BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)Lot Type Grading Description Est $A

Lot 1656

CO 1947 (?) large airmail parcel piece (186x148mm) endorsed "Contents/1 Dress Length £2-0-0/2 Doylies £0-5-0", to Western Australia with extremely rare combination franking of BCOF 5/- Thick Paper plus unoverprinted 6d & 1/- pair & 6d tied by illegible APO 215 cds used at Kure, fine APO 215 registration cachet in violet. In our opinion, this is the pre-eminent postal history item of the Occupation Period.

Phil Collas at page 33 notes that a parcel weighing up to 10 pounds could be sent for only 1/9d. However, parcels sent by airmail attracted the letter rate of 3d per ½oz. The packet weighed between 14 & 14½oz. The rate was 3d per ½oz x29 (= 87d) + 3d registration = 90d = 7/6d. Because of the use of unoverprinted values, & the 5/- being the earlier Thick Paper variant, we expect the parcel was sent soon after the formal issue of the BCOF Overprints on 8/5/1947.

1656 A

2,000T

Lot 1657

C 1948 registered airmail cover to Port Moresby (Relief No 2 arrival b/s) with BCOF 3d x2 tied by UPS 497 cds used at Kure, faint registration cachet in violet with mss endorsements. Unusual destination.

1657 B100T



Ex Lot 1658

C/L - stampless cover with 'COMMANDER IN CHIEF/[crown]/BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES' in indigo on the flap & APO 241 cds, by air to Rabbi Danglow in Melbourne. With matching letterhead endorsed "My dear Rabbi" & signed "HCH Robertson". [Lieut-General Horace Clement Hugh Robertson succeeded Lieut-General John Northcott as BCOF Commander in May 1946. He was also C-in-C of Commonwealth Forces in Korea during the Korean War. Rabbi Jacob Danglow served as a Jewish chaplain in WWI & WWII. He was invited to visit Japan to investigate morale of the BCOF troops. He also was behind a prayer-book for Jewish servicemen] (2 items)

1658 A-/A

250T

Lot 1659

C - stampless BCOF airmail (?) lettersheet to Sydney with superb 'AFPO No 30/RAAF JAPAN' cds used at Iwakuni. Superb! Ex Phil Collas: see pages 58 & 59, where he states "a small printing...was organised by RAAF personnel at Iwakuni".

1659 A+

250T

Ex Lot 1660Lot 1661

C - 'JAPANESE TELEGRAPHS' form with large 'GREETING LETTER TELEGRAM' h/s in red & 'KURE/27 7 48/JAPAN' cds, with the accompanying 'RADIOGRAM' envelope also with the large h/s in red & 'SECTION OF TELEGRAPHS/KURE pOST OFFICE' h/s in blue on the reverse, Base PO cds & unusually with BCOF 1d tied by 'ARMY/JN 29VII48 AS/SIGNALS' cds (the only example we have seen), opening fault at upper-left. A most unusual item. (2 items)

1660 A/B

500T

C - stampless OHMS cover fashioned from a WWII "honour" envelope, to Victoria with 'No 8 AUST BASE PO/ A ' cds, boxed 'B BASE PO' registration cachet & 'CERTIFIED OFFICIAL' h/s both in violet, on arrival at Paddington Barracks (NSW) postage paid with 5½d meter: see Phil Collas at page 25.

1661 A

150T



Lot 1662Lot 1664

PS - usage of British Forces 3d Registration Envelope by air to Sydney with BCOF 6d tied by APO 214 cds used at Empire House in Tokyo, APO 214 registration h/s in violet. An unusual usage. [Endorsed on reverse "Camp Staff Ebisu", where Australian British & Indian troops involved in ceremonial duties in Tokyo were housed]

1662 A

250T

CL - large parcel piece (204x80mm) to Victoria with BCOF 6d & 1/- tied by APO 215 cds used at Kure, very fine APO 215 registration cachet in violet.

1663 A-150T

C - airmail Tatts cover to Hobart with 3d x2 tied by manuscript "UPS/388", very fine UPS 388 registration cachet in violet. The only manuscript cancellation on a BCOF cover that we know of.

1664 A250T

Lot 1665

CX - complete linen parcel label (280x175mm) with evidence of being stitched to the parcel still in place, to Sydney with BCOF 6d block of 4 tied by Army PO 241 cds, APO 241 registration h/s in violet, Defence Force Customs label affixed duly completed & tied by 'DUTY FREE' h/s in violet. A remarkable survivor & an important postal history item. [The rate was 1/9d for a parcel weighing between 8 & 10 pounds + 3d registration]

1665 A-

450T

As at Monday 24th June 2013, $A100 will cost ourAmerican clients $US 92, our British clients £60, our

European clients €71, and our new Zealand clients $NZ119.



Ex Lot 1666

C 1948-51 commercial covers with Spelling Errors in the registration cachets 1) with UPS 453 cds & 'SEAVICE' for 'SERVICE', a bit wrinkled ; 2) with UPS 388 cds & 'Servise' for 'Service'; 3) with UPS 496 cds & 'Servise' for 'Service'; & 2) with APO 215 cds used at Kure, & 'POSTAR' for 'POSTAL' in blue, opened-out. A rare quartet. (4)

1666 A/B

500T

C 1949 airmail cover endorsed on the reverse "On HMAS Shoalhaven/at Shanghai 4.4.49", to NSW with 'HMA SHIPS' cachet & cancelled on arrival at Sydney. [The "Shoalhaven" visited Shanghai 17-28/2/1949 & 24/3-25/4/1949. Shanghai fell to the People's Liberation Army on 27/5/1949]

1667 B

100T

Lot 1668

CO - (Aug) commercial airmail cover (230x170mm) with 'NISHIOKA MARITIME COMPANY/NAGOYA JAPAN' cachets on the flap, to London with rare franking of unoverprinted 1d Princess, 1/- Lyrebird block of 4 & Robes 5/- Thin Paper pair all tied by APO 214 cds used in Tokyo, vertical fold at left & a couple of minor defects. A remarkable cover. [The rate is problematic. At 1/6d per ½oz, the rate should have been either 13/6d or 15/-, not the 14/1d revealed here. If the concessional airmail letter rate of 3d per ½oz applied, 3d x56 = 14/- (+ 1d late fee?) would have indicated a weight of 1 pound 12 ounces, considered excessive for this article]

1668 B

350



Lot 1669

CX - (Jun) commercial airmail cover (321x209mm) with Dodwell & Co imprint on the flap & unusually endorsed "Airmail/City of Sydney", to London with rare franking of unoverprinted 3d brown, 1/- Lyrebird & Robes 5/- Thin Paper strips of 3 all tied by APO 214 cds used in Tokyo, central vertical fold at left & a couple of minor defects. An exceptional cover. [The same conundrum applies. At 1/6d per ½oz, the rate should have been either 18/- or 19/6d, not 18/9d. The letter rate of 3d per ½oz x75 = 18/9d would have indicated a weight of 2 pounds 4 ounces, again an unlikely weight for this article]

1669 B

500

Lot 1670

C - parcel tag with rare franking of BCOF 2/- & 3d tied by UPS 497 cds used at Kure, Customs Declaration label folded to the reverse, the 3d excised & neatly replaced.

1670 (A-)400T



Lot 1671

C - a similar parcel tag with extremely rare franking of BCOF 5/- Thin Paper & 6d tied by UPS 497 cds used at Kure, Customs Declaration label folded to the reverse, the 6d excised & neatly replaced. A very rare item, being the only example we have seen of the Thin Paper 5/- on postal "entire".

1671 (A-)

750T

Lot 1672

C 1953 & 1955 1) stampless OHMS airmail cover to "Base Squadron/RAAF/Pearce" (WA); & 2) airmail Tatts cover to Hobart with 3d x2 & 6d Kooka paying 3d concessional airmail + 9d registration, British 'FPO DS No ("30")' registration label; both with 'AFPO No 30/RAAF JAPAN' cds used at Iwakuni. [On 9/7/1951, the registration fee was increased from 6d to 9d]

1672 A-/B

200T

Lot 1673

C 1954 stampless cover with superb 'AUST CASH OFFICE KURE' h/s in blue & endorsed "Cert Official", to NSW with APO 215 cds & registration cachet used at Kure, on arrival at Paddington Barracks postage paid with 1/0½d meter, repaired opening tears on the reverse.

1673 (A-)

150T

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