Found Something Rare?

Greetings All,

This is my second post on this site, and I am writing to ask about a few letters I recently found in an estate lot at a local auction. I feel the individual the letters were addressed to may be somewhat important in the Philatelic Community, and wanted to get some feedback about what they are, and if anyone might be interested in them before they go on ebay. I have done a little research on Mr. John W. Nicklin and have found this site to be the most useful source of information.
That said, both envelopes are still sealed and feel as if there's a letter inside. They are also cancelled on the back several times with the text "Lundy 30 APR 56 JUBILEE YEAR" while the fronts are postmarked "BRAUNTON 615 AM 30 APR 56 DEVON"
Any help anyone could provide as to collectability and or value would be greatly appreciated. Also, should I open the envelopes and check the contents, or would I possibly hurt the value?
Regards,
Tom

First of all, I wouldn't open them. The addressee looks like it was meant as a purely philatelic item, so the inside probably just contains a card to keep it stiff.

Secondly, do a search for "Lundy" on this site. Lots of interesting things pop up.

Thanks for posting.

Nice covers. Partime is correct, those are philatelic covers, showing Labbe Lundy #100-105 (air flight, with dates). The covers are dated 2 years after the set was issued. There is another set with dates removed.

If it feels stiff, I would agree with Partime and not bother to open it up (it's likely just a cardboard stiffener, or maybe an info card. If not a stiffener, then hold it up to a strong light and see if you can see anything.

While not many of these covers exist, it would likely only have a minor premium as there is a limited demand for Lundy covers and there are more than enough covers around to meet the demand.

There are some plate varieties on some of the stamps in that set. I cannot tell from your picture. But even those only have a minor premium for mint ($10+).

Shorecyclist,

Welcome.

Please keep those two Lundy covers in good order, they are very scarce and have some value.
Still looking for the 1d, but the ½d 'Tram Tickets' are from roll 10 and have a used value of over £25 ! On cover the sky may very well be the limit.
As you have TWO consecutive numbered covers, them my tongue will most likely stay stuck outside until someone pinches me !

Look after them.

Londonbus1

Thanks for your input, LB1! I knew you would chime in on this!

I didn't even think about the tram tickets. 30 lashes with a wet noodle for me.

The 1d yellow is from roll 4.
3 values were used by the Atlantic Coast Air Services between April 1st 1935 and April 1st 1936 when they were withdrawn.
Printed in Leicester, UK by Williams.Ltd, they were issued in rolls [like tram tickets]. Rough rouletted 11 on vertical edges.

Tongue still out !

Londonbus1

Thanks to everyone for your prompt, and knowledgeable replies to my post. I truly appreciate the feedback, and am glad the curiosity to open them has been extinguished.

khg - What you said makes perfect sense - thinking of what could be inside, though, was kind of like dreaming this was a really thin treasure chest or safe - if only for a moment.

Londonbus1 - Thanks for your brief history lesson and expert opinion of the valuation. As I am not a stamp collector (yet) (So many countries! and years! and variations!!), would you think maybe $80 US would be a fair asking price for the pair of letters?

Regards,
Tom

And Again, thanks to all who chimed in!

Well, I definitely learned something new today!

Do a bit of research on price on ebay or just google it.
I found a used copy of the ½d, not a good looker, and it sold for £24.
I cannot open my Labbe catalogue at present, so cannot give a value as such.
Check around is my advice.
Nice items though...very nice.



Yes, it's still out !