Siegel to gavel down Napoleon collection of extraordinary stamps of France during Dec. 16-17 auction

By Charles Snee

Collectors of France will have a unique opportunity to add items of exceptional quality to their collections during Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries’ Dec. 16-17 sale of the Napoleon collection of extraordinary stamps of France.

Siegel’s sale of the collection, assembled with a discerning eye over many years, is being conducted in association with Charles F. Shreve, director of Siegel International in Dallas.

In his introduction to the catalog for the auction, Shreve describes the anonymous collector (who died earlier this year) as “driven by their passion where ‘second best’ is not even considered.”

“ … I was impressed by his total commitment to building a collection of French stamps unlike any other I have seen,” Shreve said. “He was fascinated by the beauty and the classic nature of the stamps of France, and he set out to assemble a collection where quality and comprehensiveness were key goals.”

“His collection ‘reads’ like you are viewing the renowned Yvert catalogue of the stamps of France, containing every special shade, plate and printing variety listed in the catalogue,” Shreve said.

And there is more to come. According to Shreve, the Napoleon collection of French offices abroad and colonies will cross the Siegel auction block in March 2025.

An exceptional stamp from the 1862-70 Empire Laureated issue is an imperforate example of the 1869 5-franc violet gray Napoleon III on pinkish paper (unlisted variety of Scott 37) in mint, never-hinged condition.

The stamp possesses a huge top margin, which has been previously hinged, according to Siegel.

Siegel describes this eye-catching stamp as having “strong color” and a “bold impression.”

Accompanying the stamp is a 2008 expertizing certificate from France specialist Alex Roumet in Paris.

In translation, Roumet describes the stamp, in part, as “superb, new with intact gum, without repair.”

The Yvert catalog values an imperforate 1869 5-franc violet gray Napoleon III on pinkish paper in unused, hinged condition at €11,500 (approximately $12,050).

Siegel is offering this mint, never-hinged 1869 5fr violet gray Napoleon III on pinkish paper with an estimate of $4,000 to $5,000.

Full details of the auction of the Napoleon collection of extraordinary stamps of France, including a downloadable version of the 133-page catalog and online bidding options, are available on the Siegel website.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter