Raritan auctions 4th September 2001

It almost goes without saying now that this auction is a must for all serious Russia collectors. The quality and variety of the lots on offer are once again of the highest standard and the estimates, which are by and large reasonable, allow for even a modest spender to add some really nice items to his or her collection.

Of particular note this month are some unusual Imperial covers including a 1911 disinfected from the south of Russia and a substantial selection of Russian military covers dating between 1802 and 1918. These include a number of items associated with well known military personnel some rare Russo-Turkish war items and a range of items from the Russo-Japanese conflict.

The Soviet period is also well represented with several hundred lots including sets covers proofs etc and with estimates ranging from $18 - $1000 there should be something here for everyone. There are a lot of little gems tucked away in this section and a careful buyer will not be disappointed. This is a growing area of interest and the expectation is that prices will begin to rise over the next couple of years.

The semi-postals and air sections are also well covered in this auction both in terms of stamps and covers. The Russia section is then rounded off with several hundred Zemstvo lots which by all accounts are still selling well with no sign of a let-up in the interest.

Other countries of the Russia area are also well represented, Ukraine puts in a couple of worthwhile pages with a series of 1919 covers, a range of overprints of the 1818-19 period, some Western Ukraine and a 1995 proof.

Raritan Stamps Inc. PO box 1539, Highland Park, NJ 08904, USA. E mail: info@raritanstamps.com  Web site http://www.raritanstamps.com/ 
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© 2001 the BSRP