I had the opportunity to view and help organize the collection of our former member (deceased) Clive Smyth (Ningpo) during my recent UK visit.
On Monday the collection will be taken to one of the UK's top Philatelic auction houses for lotting ready to go under the hammer later in the year in London.
Clive's Widow Tina very kindly agreed to let me buy some items from the collection and I am offering some of those in a Giveaway here under the heading 'The 'Ningpo' Giveaway which I know Clive would approve of. I am also pretty certain that he would like the idea of some his items going into the albums of members of his two Internet 'homes', Stamporama (Ningpo) and (TSF) The Stamp Forum (Anping), where there will also be a Giveaway.
His chosen handles 'Ningpo' and 'Anping' both appeared a number of times on cancellations when I was looking through his Postal History of Hong Kong. Ningpo is one of the Central Treaty Ports while I believe Anping refers to the district which is now in Taiwan but once of China. (Not sure about the latter, will search the forum !)
His collections of Hong Kong and British Aden stamps were almost complete with many varieties and 'extras' and the Postal History was quite extraordinary and a little beyond my knowledge. But prices noted and quick references to the many books and catalogues told me to leave them well alone when searching for items. Best they get the prices they deserve at Auction.
So I came back with some peripheral items, Cinderellas and other unusual bits that I thought would be of interest. I hope you will agree.
For this Giveaway I have chosen 6 lots.
The WINNER can choose TWO items and I will add to that TWO surprise extras which you won't know about until they land on your doormat/mailbox/PO Box !
The RUNNER-UP can choose ONE item and I will add to that ONE surprise extra.
The WINNER gets FIRST CHOICE, the RUNNER-UP gets SECOND CHOICE and then the winner can choose again from the remaining 4 items.
The other Three items will go into my collection !! (just joking, but I will think of something)
Just plonk your name down in a reply comment to enter. No strings attached. Just good fun in memory of a great guy. If he's looking down on us, he would give his seal of approval. I know it.
Clive was not only a collector of Hong Kong and British Aden but of many other topics. Germany (propaganda), Cinderellas, Ephemera, Modern GB (?) and more. I hope you will enjoy the choice.
I will endeavour to post some scans during the next day or two, but the 6 lots are :
1). A small lot of British Newspaper dies and Impressed revenues. The latter still have the original KGIV and VR Cyphers on the reverse side.
2). A nice little packet of Miniature sheets including some from India, Germany (Exhibitions) and Great Britain.
3). Set of 12 Poster Stamps from Germany showing the Michelin Man. This item, as I understand it, is quite scarce and I have seen quite high prices for both individual stamps and part sets. These are in good condition too which is most unusual.
4). Beautiful selection of British Philatelic Exhibition sheets including the odd scarce item. Great condition.
5). A little packet of Stamps, Cinderellas and covers/cards including a nice little lot of European Poster stamps.
6). A packet of British Island Locals which includes a nice Progressive Proof lot from Easedale of the 'leaders of Hong Kong'.
Good Luck.
It is 22 years since Hong Kong went back to China. It was July 1st 1997. So an appropriate time to hold this giveaway with a Hong Kong connection.
Draw will be made next Saturday (July 6th) at a time to be announced.
In addition to his postings, Clive also wrote two interesting articles for The Stamp Forum's Newsletter: WWI Censored Royal Flying Corps Cover (V1.6, p.24), and Hong Kong: The German Propaganda Forgeries (V2.1, p.19).
For those who might be interested, Clive's articles may be viewed here.
A bit later than planned due to unforeseen circumstances. The draw has been made !!
I would normally draw the names from my Washington Nationals Cap but I couldn't find it !! I looked everywhere.
So, instead of resorting to the empty sugar bowl or biscuit tin I used a Randomizer and this is what they gave me...........
Many Congratulations to the WINNER, Boseauro
and to the RUNNER-UP, michael78651
In case you choose the same item as your first choice, please send me by Stamporama message your 2 choices plus a third choice (for the WINNER)....and for the RUNNER-UP your first choice plus a second choice.
Please add your addresses to the messages....thanks.
You will both be sent surprises as promised in the opening post of this thread. I am pretty sure you will not be disappointed.
Thanks to all for your participation and your support for a former member. Clive would have been very happy.
I had the opportunity to use one of the items I received to help provide some supplemental information to a discussion on another site. Thanks to the information passed onto me, Clive's philatelic legacy continues.