Newly acquired items worthy of your attention. The newest items are at the top with recently added items farther down. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed. All are available for approval viewing. Scott numbers have been used unless otherwise mentioned.
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US$
248521
APO 860 (Reykjavik) machine cancel "JUN 5 / 10 - AM / 1944" and "A.P.O. 860" at the bottom of the circle. Sent free by surface mail by S/Sgt with "Hq. Iceland Base Command" and with gray rectangular "racetrack" #00917 censor handstamp. Very attractive.
29.00
247900
Denmark Scott #16 [1871 2 sk Bicolor, Perforation 14 x 13.5] on 1874 COVER MAILED FROM ICELAND TO DENMARK. Business message written on pre-printed form of the Icelandic firm "H. Th. A. Thomsen", dated 26 July 1874 at Reykjavik, Iceland. PRIVATELY CARRIED BY MESSENGER FROM ICELAND to København, Denmark, and there franked with the 2 skilling Danish Bicolor stamp, at the local postage rate, and entered into the Danish post, with the København FOOTPOST completing the delivery. The clear footpost "FP in elongated oval" postmark is dated 7 August 1874. The reverse of the cover (folded form) bears a colorless embossed letter-seal impression of the Thomsen company and Reykjavik location (this is hard to see in scanned images, but it is easy to see under oblique lighting). The recipient company filed the message with their docketing marking, naming the Thomsen firm and stating the sender location of Reykjavik. At this time, the "Diana" postal steamer sailed on the København - Faroe Islands - Reykjavik route. The Reykjavik date and the København date reflect a reasonable transit time for the "Diana". The stamp is Fine-centered, with a creased lower right corner perforation tooth, and bearing a clear #1 3-ring numeral cancellation. This is a rare use that is perhaps unique (?). "DAKA Nordatlant Handbook 1998" listed only five such uses privately carried from Iceland that were mailed, with Danish franking, through the København Footpost, but only in 1852-1864, and only one or two of each franking. Other such Skilling Bicolor uses may also exist and may have been subsequently recorded, but if so, such are extremely rare. This example had not been previously recognized and recorded. Consultation with other experts has confirmed my description, with estimates of value ranging from a few to several thousand dollars. Icelandic covers of this early date are very rare. A very important piece of postal history either for an Icelandic collection or a Danish Bicolor Skilling collection.
3400.00
244914
222 Perf 14x14, narrow perf at top (F#246C2) and 227 Comb Perf 14x14, narrow perf at top (F#251C2) [1945/1943 10 aur Gray and 50 aur Fish] (F-VF) on 20 July 1945 surface mail cover from ISAFJORDUR to the U.S.. Moderate wear and some bends, but a very attractive example of commercial mail utilizing a small-size envelope with Fish-only franking. This is actually an unusual franking combination. 60 aur surface world (outside Scandinavia) postal rate: 1 January 1943 - 14 November 1949 inclusive.]
22.00
244915
195, 217 x2, 228 with Ultramarine x2 [1935 3 aur Jochumsson, 1934 1 eyri Fish Perf 14 x 14, 1939 10 aur Flag] (VF) on 14 [February or July] 1940 domestic cover with correct 25 aur franking (1 Jan 1940 - 14 Nov 1942 inclusive). Unreadable (to me) but very unusual small village postmark (type B1a); appears to be an only 4-5 characters town name -- it is likely that this that the appearance of this example is typical for this village and thus will lead to the identification. Neatly addressed to "... Patriksfyrdi, Afgr. Híln." I assume that this location is near Patreksfjörður, but does not have its own post office. There is no writing or markings on the reverse. Despite the unclear postmark, this is likely a very scarce village postmark. The franking is a very unusual and interesting, correct combination.
60.00
244916
207 3-STRIP [1940 45 aur Geyser] (VF) on 23 November 1942 registered commercial U.S. CENSORED business-size cover to the U.S. 135 aur postal rate is for a triple-weight (>40 to 60 grams) surface mail cover to worldwide countries outside Scandinavia: postage 95 aur, registration 40 aur (both elements 1 Jan 1940 - 31 Dec 1942 inclusive). Very fresh and attractive example of commercial mail that was critically important to Iceland during WWII.
24.00
244917
207 [1940 45 aur Geyser] (VF) solo use on 23 February 1940 commercial (European size) cover to the U.S. This stamp was issued 6 January 1940 for this 45 aur single-weight postal rate for worldwide countries outside Scandinavia (1 Jan 1940 - 31 Dec 1942 inclusive). With some edge wear but neat and attractive.
12.00
244918
121 [1921 25 aur red Christian X] (Fine) solo use on 3 July 1923 picture postcard from REYKJAVÍK to the U.S., and forwarded. Nice locally printed card: a reproduced photo of a scene of rock structures "Í Almannagjá" (Almannagjá is a gorge, within Þingvellir [Thingvellir] National Park, which marks the edge of the North American tectonic plate. This area was used as a backdrop scene for the Game of Thrones TV show). This stamp was issued 18 April 1921 for this worldwide (outside Scandinavia) 25 aur post card rate: 1 April 1921 - 30 September 1925 (inclusive). This stamp is quite scarce on cover/card: Facit 2022 value is SEK 1600 (about $180 3/2022). An attractive example, made even nicer by the nice locally produced postcard.
135.00
244921
281 [1953 1.75 kr Old Manuscripts] (F-VF) solo use on 25 March 1955 airmail picture postcard with "KEFLAVIK / FLUGVÖLLUR" bridge cancellation, to the U.S. The 1.75 kr franking is a 5 aur convenience overpayment of the 1.70 kr rate -- there was never a 1.70 kr stamp in this rate period. The total 170 aur postal rate is the surface world (outside Scandinavia) postcard rate (100 aur) plus the minimum airmail surcharge amount (70 aur); 1 October 1953 - 30 June 1958 inclusive. Locally published postcard picturing Þórsmörk above the Krossá river. Minor wear at top of card. Surprisingly scarce solo use of this stamp, though a small convenience overpayment, this was typically how this rate was actually paid. This cancellation device is especially interesting to collectors of bridge cancellations: It has no lower bridge line; similar to type B5 which has no upper bridge line, but to my knowledge a type number has not been assigned to this one with no lower bridge line. However, Þorsteins in his 2003 bridge cancels book lumped this cancel into type B6; it seems to be the only such postmark with no lower bridge line (in that catalog the cancel is valued at 10 Euro.
20.00
244923
APO 810 (Baldurshagi) 4-bar hand cancel "OCT / 29 [INVERTED!!] / 1941 / A.M." with the 810 around the circle on right . Facit 2022 number: APO 810 H-3-1-4. Blue rectangular racetrack #612 censor handstamp. Non-philatelic cover from Earl Runkel, a member of the 10th Infantry Band, to a 2nd Infantry Band member back in the States. Franked with 3c "For Defense" Liberty Torch stamp. Roughly opened back flap, but looks very nice on front. Inverted dates in Icelandic APO postmarks are quite unusual. So far, this postmark type is the only recorded 810 postmark type in this time period. Non-philatelic covers of this postmark type are unusual.
39.00
244925
B7-11 [1949 Charities Set] (F-VF, VF) on 20 August 1949 registered airmail philatelic cover from REYKJAVÍK to the U.S. with transit and receiving postmarks. Light blue frame registration label and violet airmail handstamp. Nice postally used examples of these stamps (which are hard to find actually used). Even though this is philatelic, the registration and backstamps make it exhibitable. Very attractive.
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US$
244927
209-11 [1938 Reykjavik University set] (all VF) on 21 December 1938 registered philatelic cover from REYKJAVÍK to the U.S. with transit and receiving postmarks. Light blue frame registration label. A quantity of similar envelopes were mailed to Mr. Vilhjálmur Thor, Commissioner General Icelandic Commission to the New York Worlds Fair 1939. It is my understanding that these were sent to Mr. Thor to be used as gifts to Icelandic supporters in the U.S. and/or to be sold at the fair (which opened April 30, 1939). Nice postally used examples of these stamps (which are hard to find actually used) -- a Used VF set of singles sells for $56.50 -- VF centering is hard to find. I actually currently need Used VF singles for stock! Even though this is philatelic, the registration and backstamps make it exhibitable. Very attractive and a nice 1939 Worlds Fair item!
59.00
242626
Iceland: Scott #109, 110, 112, 114 [1920 3, 4, 5 olive green (1922), 8 aur Christian X] (F-VF) on 1931 cover from REYKJAVIK to Denmark. The unusual FOUR COLOR FRANKING is remarkably unusual and rather spectacular, but even scarcer is that the cover was posted by a Danish naval officer using his official stationery, on board the Danish H.M.S. FYLLA (patrol ship 1920-1933) while the ship was visiting Reykjavik. Identifiable Danish naval mail, even domestic use, is extremely unusual in my experience; I have not previously seen or had such from Danish naval ship mailed from Iceland. Correct 20 aur letter rate franking to Denmark. A wonderful item in multiple respects!
125.00
242627
116 [1921 10 aur green Christian X] (VF) FOUR STRIP on 13 March 1924 cover to Denmark. SECOND WEIGHT (more than 20 grams up to 125 grams) 40 aur letter rate to Denmark. Examples of this 40 aur rate are surprisingly hard to find. From REYKJAVIK, with both hand an machine cancellations; KJØBENHAVN receiver (28 March 1924) on reverse. Unusual use.
50.00
242628
144 [1925 7 aur Landing the Mail] (VF) solo use on 9 October 1929 from a STAMP DEALER in REYKJAVIK to the U.S. Very neat and attractive. Nice early stamp dealer mail and a nice use of this stamp.
40.00
241643
279 [1953 70 aur Manuscript] (VF) solo use on 9 December 1957 surface printed matter rate (70 aur to 50 grams, 1 October 1953 - 30 June 1958) cover to the U.S. The envelope is unsealed, indicating printed matter. Commercial mail sent to a company, with company receiver on reverse. 1957 CHRISTMAS SEAL (tiny scuff) TIED BY CANCELLATION! This seal is very seldom seen properly tied to a non-philatelic cover.
39.00
240330
208Ac pair, 208Bd, 225 pair, 226 pair [1947 60 aur and 1 kr Geyser Perf 11.5; 1945 25 aur red-brown Fish and 1946 35 aur Fish] (VF except 208Bd F-VF) on 19 April 1949 airmail EXPRESS cover to the U.S. with large red and black (printed on white paper) EXPRES label. New York receiving postmarks. Express covers are not often seen.
50.00
239354
1936 VATNAJØKULL Swedish-Icelandic Glacier Expedition official cover dated 22 May 1936, bearing the complete set of four 1935 Matthias Jochumsson stamps (Scott #195-8), sent REGISTERED MAIL to Reykjavik, and with a 29 May Reykjavik receiving postmark on reverse. The cover bears a typical generic blue-formular "R" registry label with black handstamped "VATNAJÖKULL" name and numbered 47. I believe that this is one of only two registered cover from this expedition that I have had -- they must be extremely scarce with the registry label. The black handstamp "VATNAJÖKULL" was additionally applied directly on the cover -- the only such example I have had. Contemporary scientific articles about the expedition state that they members reached the main camp (where the "post office" was) on 19 May -- however, I am not aware of any postmarks earlier than this 22 May example; this may be a "first day" use. The bridge postmark handbook indicates that this postmark was used 1936-1938. The "post office" was operated by the expedition members and the postmark was used only during the short expeditions (summers only); the 1937 and 1938 expeditions were shorter with far fewer members. I do not recall ever seeing an example of the postmark used in 1937 or 1938. A wonderful and rare example; one of only four -- and one of only two registered -- expedition covers I have had in 44 years.
325.00
239080
1936 VATNAJØKULL Swedish-Icelandic Glacier Expedition official cacheted cover dated 14 June 1936, bearing a 4-block of the 5 aur 1935 Matthias Jochumsson issue (Scott #196), to Reykjavik. Vertical fold in center of cover; not obvious, well away from the stamps, cancels, and cachet. The bridge postmark handbook indicates that this postmark was used 1936-1938. The "post office" was operated by the expedition members and the postmark was used only during the short expeditions (summers only); the 1937 and 1938 expeditions were shorter with far fewer members. I do not recall ever seeing an example of the postmark used in 1937 or 1938. A wonderful example; one of only four expedition covers I have had in 44 years.
325.00
235890
1963 Vatnajökull Expedition official insert card, bearing Scott #332, 5 June. Very faint water mark at bottom edge, but scarce.
10.00
235899
C9, C10 [1931 30 aur, 1 kr ZEPPELIN Overprints] (VF, Fine+) on 30 June 1931 registered post card to Germany (Heinrich Keimel), with usual green triangular handstamp and Friedrichshafen machine receiver. If the stamps were removed from the cover, they would sell for $310 [1/2012] with this centering. Correct franking for a post card. Very fresh and attractive.
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US$
235901
C15, C16a, C17-20 [1934 Airmail Scenes] (VF) on 5 December 1934 registered (label on reverse) airmail cover to AALBORG, Denmark, with receiving postmark. If removed from the cover, the stamps would sell for over $100! A very pretty, neat little cover.
140.00
235902
C15, C17-20, 219 [1934 10, 25, 50 aur, 1, 2 kr Airmail Scenes and 5 aur Fish] (VF) on 12 November 1945 registered airmail cover TO CANADA. Though the sender was a well-known stamp dealer, this cover, addressed to a person at a bank, could very reasonably be a totally commercial use (and if not, then it is still a commercial philatelic use). If this was a philatelic cover, the dealer would have used a 20 aur Airmail to complete the set instead of the 5 aur Fish. The rate is exactly correct for a 15 gram registered airmail cover at this time (60 aur surface to 20g, 60 aur registration, 90 aur per 5g air surcharge). The stamps on the cover would sell for about $90 [1/2012]. A very unusual use.
170.00
235907
146 [1925 20 aur National Library/Museum] (VF) on 10 August 1926 PAQUEBOT cover to Denmark, machine canceled at BERGEN, Norway, and with light violetish red Bergen "Paquebot" handstamp. Typical of "fishing boat mail" posted en-route on the North Atlantic or handed to fishing boat captains at small coastal villages. Very attractive and fresh.
145.00
235908
147 [1925 35 aur Reykjavik, Esja Mountain] (VF) on 23 January 1929 PAQUEBOT cover to the U.S., machine canceled at "KØBENHAVN / OMK" (with "KØB DANSE VARER" slogan), Denmark, and with Danish "FRA ISLAND" handstamp. Typical of "fishing boat mail" posted en-route on the North Atlantic or handed to fishing boat captains at small coastal villages. Very attractive.
110.00
235909
147 [1925 35 aur Reykjavik, Esja Mountain] (VF) on 1929 PAQUEBOT cover to the U.S. (addressed to the Hudson Motor Car Company, Detroit), hand canceled at "KØBENHAVN / OMK 7", Denmark, and with Danish "FRA ISLAND" handstamp. Typical of "fishing boat mail" posted en-route on the North Atlantic or handed to fishing boat captains at small coastal villages. Very attractive.
130.00
235910
112 pair, 120 [1922/1920 5 aur Olive Green and 25 aur Brown/Green Christian X] (VF) on 13 July 1931 PAQUEBOT cover to the U.S. machine canceled at "EDINBURGH / 1931 B", Scotland, and with Edinburgh italicized black "PAQUEBOT" handstamp. While generally typical of Icelandic "fishing boat mail" posted at Edinburgh, I have not previously encountered this machine postmark on Icelandic mail.
150.00
235911
Iceland #112 [1922 5 aur Olive Green Christian X] and Denmark #94 [1921 10 øre Green Wavy-Line] (F-VF) on ICELANDIC - DANISH - NORWEGIAN TRIPLE COUNTRY cover hand canceled on 17 June 1929 at BERGEN and with black Bergen "Paquebot" handstamp, to København, Denmark. The sender may have been confused about what stamps were required or perhaps simply used whatever stamps were at hand. I have never before in 38 years had such a use. Spectacular!
225.00
235912
Denmark #192 [1927 15 øre Typographed Caravel] (VF, cover creased through stamp) on beautiful 10 June 1929 shipmail cover TO ICELAND, posted at sea. Upon arrival at Reykjavik, it received a black boxed "Skipsbrief" (ship letter) handstamp and was machine canceled. Very attractive Danish hotel illustrated advertising cover. Non-philatelic uses of this handstamp are quite unusual as are Icelandic-canceled foreign stamps.
180.00
235913
Iceland #117 [1920 15 aur Christian X, still in active use at the time] (F-VF) on 7 July 1934 Icelandic picture post card (real photo of Leif Ericsson statue) mailed aboard and WITHIN the SWEDISH cruise ship M/S Kungsholm, as it crossed the Arctic Circle, presumably after most recently having visited Iceland. Small spot near top. Canceled and handstamped with the seemingly full range (five different) of the official postal cancellations and handstamps available in the ship post office. Though I have handled hundreds of Kungsholm covers mailed at sea around the world, this is the first in 38 years that I can recall being mailed WITHIN the ship and probably one of less than five that have borne Icelandic stamps or markings.