PDF Version - Prestige Philately

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PDF Version - Prestige Philately
Aug 2, 2013
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Page: 3
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.
Page: 4
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
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 nonEuropean 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.
Aug 2, 2013
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Page: 5
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!
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Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
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”.
Aug 2, 2013
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Page: 7
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 peacekeeping, especially when your commanding officer, Lieutenant-General Horace Robertson felt dutybound 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.
Page: 8
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
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 changeagents 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.
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 9
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:
**
Ω
C
CL
A
E
P
S
Mint, unmounted o.g.
Unused, no gum
Cover or card
Cover, long
Albums and accessories
Essay
Proof
Stamp (“Postmarks” lots)
*
Δ
PS
CX
B
L
R
Mint, mounted o.g.
Piece
Postal Stationery
Cover, oversize
Booklet
Literature
Reprint
or, in the case of used stamps, a grading of the cancellation:
V
F
H
Neat postmark, leaving most of the stamp design clear
Neat postmark, across at least half of the stamp design
Heavy or poorly struck postmark
O
G
Used, quality unspecified
Untidy or indistinct 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)
d/s datestamp
cds
mss manuscript; handwritten
ERD
o/o opened-out
RLabel
overprint(ed)
circular datestamp
earliest recorded date
registration label
PPC
h/s
LRD
picture postcard
handstamp
latest recorded date
M/S(s)
miniature sheet(s)
Page: 10
Prestige Philately
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
- General Public 182
Aug 2, 2013
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.]
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
GOVERNING LAW: These Terms of Sale shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria.
Submitting a bid by any method constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these Terms of Sale.
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 11
Prestige's Country Index & Topical Cross-Reference Listing
Cross Reference for Country and Regional Classification
Australia, Commonwealth of: 1501-1673
Australia, Commonwealth of - Kangaroo Issues:
1574-1578, 1641-1645
Australia, Commonwealth of - Other Pre-Decimals:
1515-1652
B.C.O.F. in Japan: 1501-1503
China: 1667
Great Britain: 1509, 1662, 1668-1669
India: 1514
Japan: 1501-1673
Netherlands Indies: 1510-1511
New South Wales: 1673
New Zealand: 1605-1606
Papua New Guinea: 1657
South Africa: 1504
United States of America: 1504
Cross Reference for Thematic and Topical Classification
Airgraphs: 1504
Airmail Covers - Commercial: 1503, 1505-1507, 1510-1511,
1563, 1568, 1594, 1653-1659, 1662, 1666-1669, 1672
Airmail Covers - Philatelic: 1512
Autographs: 1512, 1515, 1544, 1658
Birds: 1508, 1512, 1547, 1549-1550, 1572-1573, 1587, 1590,
1592-1620, 1633-1635, 1656, 1662-1663, 1666, 1668-1672
Cancelled to Order (from Presentation Sets): 1553
Combination Covers: 1656, 1662
Complete Sheets: 1558-1560, 1572-1573, 1575
Customs (Douane): 1656, 1670-1671
Dress & Apparel: 1579-1584, 1646-1652, 1656, 1668-1671
Ephemera & Documents: 1585, 1658
First Day Covers: 1555-1556
Forgeries: 1542-1543, 1586
Free Mail: 1506, 1513-1514
Imprints & 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: 1658
Medical & Health: 1576
Military & Censor Mail: 1501-1673
Military - Air Force: 1656, 1659, 1672
Military - Korean War: 1666, 1672-1673
Military - Navy: 1504-1509, 1655, 1667
Military - World War II: 1504-1509
Official Mail: 1513, 1605-1606, 1661, 1672-1673
Overprinted Stamps & Stationery: 1501-1503, 1515-1673
Parcel Post: 1656, 1663, 1665, 1670-1671
Postal History: 1504-1514, 1550, 1563, 1568, 1594, 1605-1606,
1653-1673
Postal Stationery: 1510-1511, 1662
Postal Stationery - Aerogrammes: 1659
Postal Stationery - Registration Envelopes: 1510-1511,
1662
Postmarks: 1503, 1576, 1653-1654, 1657, 1660
Postmarks - Instructional/Informative Markings: 1506
Postmarks - Machines & Meters: 1505, 1661, 1673
Postmarks - Manuscript Cancellations: 1664
Postmarks - Relief Datestamps: 1657
Proofs: 1501, 1515-1545, 1588
Registered Mail: 1508, 1510-1512, 1594, 1645, 1653-1654,
1656-1657, 1661-1666, 1670-1673
Royalty: 1579-1584, 1646-1652, 1656, 1668-1671
Se-Tenant Issues: 1522
Telegrams: 1660
Unusual Origins or Destinations: 1504, 1657
Varieties & Flaws: 1501-1502, 1517-1521, 1523, 1528-1531,
Lot 1575
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]
Page: 12
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
Contents of Auction #184
BCOF Stamps and Postal History formed by Sybrand Bakker
BCOF Overprints on Australian Stamps: an Appreciation
BCOF Humour
The BCOF: A Forgotten Chapter in Australian History
Understanding Our Symbols and Grading System
Public Auction Terms of Sale
Cross-References / Auction Agents
Contents Pages
Map of the BCOF Area of Influence
pages
3 to 4
5
6 to 8
9
10
11
12
13
Lot Numbers
Miscellaneous Lots
1501 - 1503
THE JAPANESE SURRENDER
1504 - 1509
THE AUSTRALIANS ARRIVE IN JAPAN
1510 - 1514
PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS
Type One (Thin Overprint) on Plain Paper
Type One (Thin Overprint) on Stamps
Type Two (Thick Overprint) on Plain Paper
1515
1515
1525
1544
THE ISSUED STAMPS
1546 - 1586
THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES ON ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE
Halfpenny
Six Pence
One Shilling
Left-Hand Pane Varieties
Right-Hand Pane Varieties
Second Setting of the Overprint
1587
1588
1592
1608
1615
1619
1621
THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES ON ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE TWO
Left-Hand Pane Varieties
Right-Hand Pane Varieties
1636 - 1640
1636
1637 - 1640
THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES ON ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE
Two Shillings
Five Shillings
1641 - 1652
1641 - 1645
1646 - 1652
POSTAL HISTORY
Mixed Lots
The Overprints Period
Resumption of Unoverprinted Frankings
Late Usage of Overprints
1653
1653
1656
1665
1670
-
-
-
1545
1524
1543
1545
1635
1591
1607
1614
1618
1620
1635
1673
1655
1664
1673
1671
Page: 14
Lot
Type
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
Grading Description
Est $A
BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OCCUPATION FORCES (B.C.O.F.)
Ex Lot 1501
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)
800T
Ex Lot 1502
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)
1,000T
Ex Lot 1503
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)
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
from heightened exposure in our catalogues?
500T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Lot
Type
Page: 15
Grading Description
Est $A
BCOF - THE JAPANESE SURRENDER
Several Australian naval vessels were present in Tokyo Bay for the official signing of the Japanese Document of Surrender on 2nd
September 1945.
1504
C
B
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.
Lot 1505
1505
1506
1507
C
C
C
AB
B
1509
C/L
C
A-
(B)
Lot 1506
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.
250T
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]
300T
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]
150T
Ex Lot 1508
1508
150T
Lot 1509
- 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)
400T
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.
200T
BCOF - THE AUSTRALIANS ARRIVE IN JAPAN
BCOF 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.
1510
1511
1512
CPS
CPS
C
A/B
A/B
A-
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)
150T
- 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)
250T
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]
750T
Page: 16
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE AUSTRALIANS ARRIVE IN JAPAN (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1512
1513
1514
C
C
B
A
Lot 1514
- 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]
150T
- 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.
250T
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS
Lot 1515
1515
P
A
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).
2,000T
Lot 1516
1516
P
A-
- 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+.
400T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 17
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1517
1517
P
A
- 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]
1,500T
Lot 1518
1518
P
A
- 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.
2,500T
Page: 18
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
1519
P
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1519
A
- 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]
600T
Lot 1520
1520
P
A
- 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]
1,250T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 19
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1521
1521
P
A
- 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+.
500T
Lot 1522
1522
P
A
- 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.
1,250T
Page: 20
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1523
1523
P
A
- 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]
2,500T
Lot 1524
1524
P
A
- 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]
400T
Lot 1525
1525
*/**
A/A-
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.
400T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 21
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1526
1526
G
A
- 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]
1,200T
Lot 1527
Lot 1528
1527
1528
**
*/**
A/AA B1
- ½d with Overprint in Red BW #J1PP(2) block of 4, small paper flaw at base of the last unit, unmounted, Cat
$1000+.
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]
750T
Lot 1531
Lot 1529
1529
1530
1531
F
F
**
A C1
A C1
A B1
Lot 1530
- 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.
300T
- 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.
300T
- 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.
300T
How would you like to see your stamps showcased like this?
Talk to Gary Watson today if this idea tantalises you.
Page: 22
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1532
Lot 1533
1532
**
A B1
- 1d with Overprint in Black BW #J1PP(2)A block of 4, unmounted, Cat $600+.
750T
1533
**
A B1
- 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++.
800T
Lot 1534
Lot 1535
1534
**
A B1
- 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]
750T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 23
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
1535
**
Grading Description
A B1
Est $A
- 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.
2,750T
Lot 1537
Lot 1536
1536
G
A C1
- 1d with Overprint in Red BW #J2PP(2)B, Cat $300. BPA Certificate (1976).
250T
1537
**/*
A
- 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).
250T
Lot 1538
1538
**P
A
- 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]
1,250T
Lot 1539
1539
**
A B1
- 3d with Overprint in Black BW #J3PP(2)A block of 4, unmounted, Cat $600+. BPA Certificate ( 1991).
750T
Page: 24
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1541
Lot 1540
1540
1541
**
*/**
A B1
A C1
- 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]
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).
1,500T
Lot 1542
1542
**O
A
- 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.
150T
Ex Lot 1543
1543
O
A
- 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)
At Prestige Philately, we pride ourselves on presenting your material
to its greatest advantage and routinely achieving outstanding outcomes
for our vendors. Whether you are wanting to sell a collection of fine
used singles, or of mint blocks, or of beautiful covers, or of revenues, or
....you name it!, you are invited to experience the Prestige Difference.
Contact Gary Watson today to learn how Prestige can assist you.
200T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 25
BCOF - PROOFS OF THE OVERPRINTS (continued)
Lot
Type
1544
P
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1544
A
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]
2,500T
Lot 1545
1545
P
A
- 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+.
1,400T
Page: 26
Lot
Type
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
Grading Description
Est $A
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS
Ex Lot 1546
Ex Lot 1549
-
Extract
Ex Lot 1550
Ex Lot 1547
1546
1547
1548
1549
1550
*/**OC
*/**
**
**
**C
A/B
A/B
A
A
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)
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)
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)
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)
150T
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)
400T
Ex Lot 1551
Ex Lot 1553
1551
**
A
½d to 5/- both papers plus the 1d with Blue-Black Overprint, unmounted. Advertised retail $575. (9)
300T
1552
F/G
A
½d to 5/- (Thick Paper) all but the 2/- (a pair) on small pieces. Advertised retail $225. (8)
150T
1553
G/V
A
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)
750T
1554
C
A
½d to 5/- (Thin Paper, well centred) tied to philatelic cover by APO 214 cds.
200T
1555
C
A
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)
100T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 27
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1556
1556
1557
C
C
A
B
Lot 1557
½d to 5/- (Thick Paper) on plain cover with typed "FIRST DAY COVER" & UPS 453 cds of 8MY47 BW #J7y, Cat
$500.
300T
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..."]
300T
Ex Lot 1558
1558
1559
1560
**
**
**
A/A-
A
A
-
Extract
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)
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.
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)
250T
Lot 1561
1561
**
A C1
- 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+.
300T
Page: 28
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1562
1562
**
A B1
- 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.
400T
Lot 1563
1563
F
A C1
- 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.
Lot 1564
1564
1565
*
**
A C1
A C1
300T
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]
300T
- 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]
500T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 29
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1566
1566
1567
**/*
**/*
A C1
A C1
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]
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]
3,500T
Lot 1568
1568
C
B
- 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"]
Bid boldly: you may not get another opportunity!
1,500T
Page: 30
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1569
Lot 1570
Lot 1571
1569
1570
1571
1572
1573
1574
1575
1576
V
V
F
**
**
**
**
F
A C1
A- C1
A C1
A+
A+
A C1
A+
A B1
- 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]
750T
- 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]
750T
- 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]
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.
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.
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.
500T
- 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.
- 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.
1,000T
100T
Lot 1577
1577
**
A
- 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.
600T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 31
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1578
1578
**
A C1
- 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.
400T
Lot 1579
1579
**
A+ B1 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]
3,500T
Page: 32
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1582
Lot 1580
1580
1581
1582
**
**/*
W
A A1
A/AA- C1
Lot 1581
- 5/- Thick Paper John Ash Imprint block of 4 BW #J7z, exceptional centring, unmounted, undercatalogued at $750.
An under-appreciated rarity.
1,500T
- 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.
750T
- 5/- Thin Paper BW #J8 with Pre-Printing Paper Fold through 'JAPAN', no gum.
150T
Lot 1583
1583
**
A+
- 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.
5,000T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 33
BCOF - THE ISSUED STAMPS (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1584
1584
**
A B1
- 5/- Thin Paper Authority Imprint block of 4 BW #J8z, unmounted, Cat $800. Very scarce.
Lot 1585
1585
L
A
-
1,250T
Extract
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]
75T
Ex Lot 1586
1586
*/**
A
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)
150T
Page: 34
Lot
Type
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
Grading Description
Est $A
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE
It 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
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)
750T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 35
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1588
1588
1589
*
*
B B1
B C1
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]
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)
100T
1590
*/**
A B1
- ½d with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts BW #1g, the lower units - including the variety - unmounted.
200T
1591
**
A C1
- 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+.
100T
Lot 1592
1592
**
A
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.
Lot 1594
-
500T
Extract
Lot 1593
1593
1594
**
F
A C1
A B1
- 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]
400T
- 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.
400T
Page: 36
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1595
Lot 1597
1595
**
A C1
- 6d with '6' in the Wrong Font (Bold '6') BW #J4h, unmounted. Advertised retail $350.
250T
1596
**
A B1
- 6d with '1' in the Wrong Font (Squat, Bold '1') BW #J4i, unmounted.
100T
1597
V
A C1
- 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).
250T
1598
**
A C1
- 6d with Stop after 'JAPAN.' BW #J4L, unmounted.
100T
1599
**
A C1
- 6d with Stop after 'JAPAN.' BW #J4L being the last unit in a vertical strip of 3, unmounted. Chris Ceremuga
Certificate (2001).
100T
1600
**
A C1
- 6d with 'B' in Wrong Font (Narrow 'B') BW #J4m, unmounted.
100T
1601
**
A C1
- 6d with 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') being the second unit in a horizontal pair [Row 2 Pos 4], unmounted.
Unlisted.
150T
- 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]
250T
- 6d with Blunt '4' being the second stamp in a lower-right corner pair, unmounted. Unlisted in the ACSC.
100T
1602
1603
F
**
A C1
A C1
Lot 1605
-
Extract
Lot 1604
1604
1605
**
V
A B1
A A1
- 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]
250T
- 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]
400T
When you are ready to sell your collection, remember that
Prestige Philately offers you the critical combination of
beautiful catalogues, scholarly descriptions, access to our
discerning clients, outstanding results, and on-time payment.
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 37
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
1606
V
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1606
A B1
- 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.
500T
Lot 1607
1607
**
A/A-
- 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.
750T
Lot 1608
1608
**
A
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.
300T
Page: 38
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1609
1609
1610
*/**
*
A C1
A C1
- 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]
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]
150T
1611
**
A B1
- 1/- with 'B' & First 'A' in 'JAPAN' in the Wrong Fonts BW #J5g, unmounted.
100T
1612
*
A B1
- 1/- with 'B.C,O.F.' (Comma after 'C,') being the second unit in a block of 4 [Row 2 Pos 4]. Unlisted.
150T
1613
*
A- B1
- 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]
150T
Lot 1614
1614
**
A B1
- 1/- with Stop after 'JAPAN.' BW #J5L being the third unit in a block of 4, unmounted. Advertised retail "POR".
Chris Ceremuga Certificate (2003).
400T
Ex Lot 1615
1615
*/**
A
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)
1,000T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 39
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Ex Lot 1617
Ex Lot 1616
1616
1617
**
**/*
A/B
A
- 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)
300T
- 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)
400T
Ex Lot 1618
1618
**/*
A
-
Extract
- 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)
750T
Ex Lot 1619
1619
*/**
A/B
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)
500T
Page: 40
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
1620
**
Grading Description
Est $A
Ex Lot 1620
A/A-
- 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)
1,000T
Ex Lot 1621
1621
1622
1623
1624
*/**C
**
**
**
A C1
A B1
A C1
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)
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.
200T
- 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.
250T
- 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.
300T
Lot 1626
-
Extract
Ex Lot 1625
1625
1626
**/*
**
A
A C1
- 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)
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]
300T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 41
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1627
1627
*/**
A C1
- 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]
Lot 1628 - Extract
1628
1629
**
**
A C1
A B1
Lot 1629
-
200T
Extract
- ½d lower-right corner block of 12 (4x3) from the left-hand pane with unlisted No Stop after 'C ' [Row 9 Pos 5],
unmounted.
350T
- 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.
500T
350T
1630
**
A C1
- ½d marginal block of 9 from the right-hand pane with unlisted No Stop after 'F ' [Row 8 Pos 6], unmounted.
1631
**
A C1
- 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]
Lot 1631
When might you see another one?
500T
Page: 42
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE ONE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Lot 1632
-
Est $A
Extract
Lot 1634
1632
1633
1634
1635
**
**
**
V
A C1
A B1
A C1
A B1
- 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]
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.
250T
- 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].
200T
- 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.
200T
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE TWO
Ex Lot 1636
-
Extract
Ex Lot 1637
-
Extract
Lot 1638
1636
1637
1638
1639
*/**
**
*/**
**
A
A
A C1
A C1
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)
200T
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)
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.
250T
- 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.
350T
PASSION! it’s the key ingredient in “The Prestige Difference”.
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 43
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE TWO (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1640
1640
*
A B1
-
Extract
- 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.
850T
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE
This overprint is very similar to Type One but is slightly larger.
Ex Lot 1641
1641
*/**C
A
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)
500T
Lot 1642
1642
**
A C1
- 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.
250T
Page: 44
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1643
1643
**
A C1
- 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]
600T
Lot 1644
1644
**
A B1
- 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.
1,000T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 45
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE (continued)
Lot
Type
1645
G
Grading Description
A C1
Est $A
- 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.
Lot 1646
1646
1647
*
**
A B1
A B1
300T
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.
500T
- 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).
500T
Lot 1648
1648
**
A B1
- 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.
1,000T
Lot 1649
1649
**/*
A/A-
- 5/- Thick Paper three singles with various Defective &/or Raised Letters, two with hinge remainders, one marginal
unmounted. Advertised retail $500+ as normal singles.
300T
Page: 46
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - THE OVERPRINT VARIETIES on ISSUED STAMPS - TYPE THREE (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1650
1650
**
B B1
- 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.
400T
Lot 1651
1651
**
A- B1
- 5/- Thin Paper marginal example from the base of the lower pane with unlisted Raised 'N' & Dropped '1', well
centred, one tonespot, unmounted.
150T
Lot 1652
1652
**
A C1
- 5/- Thin Paper marginal example from the top of the lower pane with unlisted Missing Serif on 'B' & Break in Top
of 'F', unmounted.
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?
150T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Lot
Type
Page: 47
Grading Description
Est $A
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY
Ex Lot 1653
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)
500T
Ex Lot 1654
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)
800T
Ex Lot 1655
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)
400T
Page: 48
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1656
1656
CO
A
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.
2,000T
Lot 1657
1657
C
B
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.
100T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 49
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Ex Lot 1658
1658
C/L
A-/A
- 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)
250T
Lot 1659
1659
C
A+
- 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".
Ex Lot 1660
1660
1661
C
C
A/B
A
250T
Lot 1661
- '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)
500T
- 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.
150T
Page: 50
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1664
Lot 1662
1662
1663
1664
PS
CL
C
A
AA
- 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]
250T
- 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.
150T
- 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.
250T
Lot 1665
1665
CX
A-
- 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]
As at Monday 24th June 2013, $A100 will cost our
American clients $US 92, our British clients £60, our
European clients €71, and our new Zealand clients $NZ119.
450T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 51
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)
Lot
Type
1666
C
Grading Description
Est $A
Ex Lot 1666
1667
C
A/B
B
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)
500T
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]
100T
Lot 1668
1668
CO
B
- (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]
350
Page: 52
Website: www.prestigephilately.com
Aug 2, 2013
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)
Lot
Type
1669
CX
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1669
B
- (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]
500
Lot 1670
1670
C
(A-)
- 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.
400T
Prestige Philately - B.C.O.F.
Aug 2, 2013
Page: 53
BCOF - POSTAL HISTORY (continued)
Lot
Type
Grading Description
Est $A
Lot 1671
1671
C
(A-)
- 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".
750T
Lot 1672
1672
C
A-/B
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]
200T
Lot 1673
1673
C
(A-)
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.
150T