SPINK CHINA, HONG KONG - On 16 January 2015 Spink China kicked off the marathon of fifteen sales held in January only across all Spink offices.

The star lot out of the many hundreds of lots in five auction catalogues was the label used in 1917 from the Russian Post Office in Ulankon (Lot 2879). Sent by registered post to St. Petersburg, it is believed that this post office was only opened in 1917 and would have closed shortly after the October Revolution in Russia. This is the only recorded item of mail from this remote area in Mongolia. Spink offered this lot in the Fine Stamps and Covers of China and Hong Kong sale and achieved an incredible price of HK$2,160,000, setting a world record for a postal history item from Russian Post Office in Northwestern Mongolia. 

Lot 2879

Spink had the great privilege of auctioning the David Tett's Collection of Prisoner of War Mail in East Asia and Dutch East Indies. The military prisoners were divided into different camps. The Indian soldiers were held in Camp "I" in Ma Tau Chung in Kowloon. Only one item of mail sent from this camp is recorded. A special postcard sent by Bhagwan Singh to his brother in India dated 28 May 1942 (Lot 2079) which realised HK$50,400, twice the estimate.

 Lot 2079 

The Bonds, Banknotes and Coins of China and Hong Kong auction achieved impressive results with the highlight being lot 1089. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation was founded in 1865 in Hong Kong and began issuing banknotes in the same year. Only a few specimens of the very first series exist and notes from the late 19^th century are only seen in either specimen or cancelled forms. The earliest available issued $100 is probably the 1901 series. Lot 1089 is dated 1912 and the first of the series of $100. The earlier issue of 1909 is similar but has a red reverse rather than the green reverse.   

Lot 1089 

The 1912 date is, as far as we know, unique and as such a true gem. The condition is very fine and free from brush writing and repairs as often found on many notes from that period. The bidding started at HK$150,000 and quickly went up to HK$220,000 when a buyer called for HK$300,000. Another round of fierce bidding continued and the note finally hammered for HK$470,000, which will place it amongst the most expensive Hong Kong banknotes to be sold.

To sum up this weekend, many of our clients attended the collectables gala and enjoyed the whisky tasting before the Wine and Spirits sale that saw all Ports, Japanese whisky and Macallan whisky selling well. We are pleased to continue selling the Macallan brand in our auctions after achieving a world record of HK$1,952,000for a full cask of this whisky in July 2014.

For more information please contact:
Neil Granger +44 020 7563 4077 or [email protected]
Tommy Chau +852 3952 3000 or [email protected]

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide. Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year. Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website www.spink.com or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.