Lot 1444 o
New Zealand, 1872, Queen Victoria "Chalon Head", 1d brown, perf 12½, N Z watermark, barred "Headquarters" in oval cancel, exceptional centering, rich color, Extremely Fine, a controversial cancellation on this rare issue - offered on it's own merits; with 1938, 1985, 2013 R.P.S.L. (first two stating genuine & last calling the cancel a forgery), 2012 R.P.S.N.Z. (stating cannot be certified as genuine) and 2014 Odenweller (stating genuine) certificates. Scott No. 45. Campbell Paterson No. A1s.SG No. 140; £8,000 ($10,510) Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
The accompanied certificates render conflicting opinions as to the cancellation. The "Headquarters" cancellation device was reportedly altered removing the "Headquarters" name from the device prior to issuance of this stamp and used in Tauranga. Robert Odenweller asserts that this device, like many handstamps issued, had a back-up duplicate device that was not altered and was used on this stamp.
Realized: $3,500