Description:

* Worldwide Airmail Collection, 1918-33. A marvelous old-time mainly mint collection hinged on French album pages from the 1930's (probably Yvert et Tellier) in a handsome Art Deco style half-leather binder. This wonderful collection is approximately 90% complete for the period.
Highlights include Albania 1929 overprinted set (Scott C22-28; $818); France 1927 First Airmails (Scott C1-2; $400); Germany 1930 South America Flight Zeppelins (Scott C35-37; $400) and 1931 Polar Flight Zeppelins (Scott C40-42; $670); Iceland complete 1928-31 including the 1931 Zeppelin overprints; Japan 1919 First Airmails (Scott C1-2; $710); New Guinea complete 1931-32 (Scott C1-43; $916); Newfoundland including 1932 Dornier DO-X Flight (Scott C12; $290) and 1933 Balbo Flight (Scott C18; $350); Philippines 1926 Madrid-Manila complete to the 2 peso (Scott C1-7, C9-13, C17; $4,598); Russia including the 1931 Dirigeable and Polar Flight sets; San Marino including the 1931 Landscapes set (Scott C1-10; $651); United States complete 1918-1930 (Scott C1-C15; $1,780) - yes, even including a Fine to Very Fine hinged set of Zeppelins; Italy and colonies nearly complete for the period, also extensive Latin America and French Mandates in the Middle East, indeed virtually every country that issued airmail stamps in this period.
Condition is mainly Fine to Very Fine, mint, hinged (or hinge remnants). There are a few used stamps (less than 5% by value or number). Most are in complete sets (perhaps 5% are part sets). A few stamps are lightly stuck down; this represents perhaps 5% of the total value (including some German Zeppelins). Close examination so far reveals few if any other flaws - the collector was very meticulous as to quality. Color and freshness is excellent - there is not the slightest hint of toning. Approximately 20% of the total catalog value is represented by overprinted issues which have not been expertized, although most appear to be entirely genuine (the Japan First Airmails for example are certainly OK).
An exceptional collection, chock full of items in the $50 and up range, and an outstanding lot for a dealer, small auctioneer or airmail collector. This is indeed one of the nicest intact collections to be offered in many years. The Scott 2011 catalog value is approximately $30,000.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.

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