Lot no. 199

Sperati Forgeries: The beautifully written up collection on 11 pages showing all four Sperati types, with Queen Victoria 1894 45 pi. grey-purple & blue imperforate in Die Proof format signed 'Jean de Sperati', Duty Plate stamp size photograph in black & white and further example of the CYPRUS / 45 PIASTRES each handstamped 'Reproduction' on reverse, together with the 'issued' Sperati 45 pi. cancelled by Nicosia squared circle datestamp (Aug.1898) in black (cert. RPS); Edward VII with photographic reproductions of the Die Proofs made by Robson Lowe for the three values 9 pi, 18 pi and 45 pi, together with 1902 45 pi. grey & blue imperforate in Die Proof format signed 'Jean de Sperati' (cert. RPS), enlarged photographs (5) and stamp size photographs (4) all handstamped 'Sperati / Reproduction' on reverse and four 1902 45 pi. dull purple & ultramarine with one 'mint' and three 'used' Sperati Forgeries (one with RPS cert, the other signed Sperati on reverse, two further examples handstamped by the BPA). Thereafter 1902 9 pi., 18 pi. and 45 pi. mint with 'used' Sperati's for comparison (7) all handstamped on reverse, with Type B 9 pi. 'used', Type B 18 pi. 'used' and Type D 18 pi. 'used' (all ex Carl Walske). A marvellous and rare group superbly arranged and exhibited by one of the leading exponents of Cyprus philately (35 items). Provenance: Queen Victoria 45 pi. Die Proof, ex Chris Cruttwell.