Stamp Value Switzerland 1850-1900

Hello all,

Ive inherited stamps that Ill be looking to sell. Theyre roughly 6 albums. I took this to an appraiser (if thats the right word), who told me id be looking at 600-700 euros worth of stamps. Although I would agree with him that most are not worth more than their denomination, there are a few olders ones that I think would be interesting. My understanding of stamps and how they should be valued is very limited though. Could you share your thoughts on the below sets?




Above dates from 1850s. Given that all 6 albums were values for 600/700, I uploaded these somewhere online for bidding to start from 150, to which I got 1 or 2 concerned replies that that was not very realistic. 1 person said the catalogue value was close to 7k eur….?



The above are from 1881, combination of stamped and unstamped. Its on granite paper, which I was able to distinguish by the red and blue fibers. Seems to be highly valued by Scott??

I know valuation depends on a lot of factors, such as actual condition, color, margins etc, as well as 'what one itself may think its worth'. However, can somebody help me with a very rough indication of what a reasonable selling price would be?

Many thanks

I'm not a Switzerland specialist by any means, but a good rule of thumb for the retail transactional value of most any philatelic item is generally 25-33% of current catalog value. Obviously there are a number of factors (rarity, fixed price or auction, how quick of a purchase or sale one wants, whether an area is en vogue, etc), but those are good numbers to keep in mind.

The 1F (bottom right) currently sells for $8 USD up to $1100, depending on condition and how desperately the seller either wants to give it away or rob someone, as it were. Old issues are finicky.

I would not expect a realistic bid because of the way you have constructed these lots, mixing mint and used with the 1881 issue, and mixing issues absolutely in the first group.

Further, no mention is made here about condition. There is a huge difference between sound and a small fault stamps, and a difference between minor and major faults and repairs. Catalog value is inflated against reality for most stamps; faulty stamps can be as low as a few per cent of catalog value.

Third, the top center RAYON II is immediately fake looking and the lower right ORTS-POST similarly suspect. The stamps with the shields are known frequently forged so there is no guarantee to any potential buyer if any of the others are genuine. Unfortunately, even the enlarged images here are insufficient to determine genuineness.

For the 1881 issue, be aware there are forged cancels.

In essence, by offering the stamps this way, you are telling bidders that all the work is on them to determine genuineness and condition. I expect only extreme bargain hunters will bid while assuming all are damaged and/or forged. So, it really is impossible for us here to come up with any reasonable valuation.

I would suggest you take the albums to two dealers and get an offer from each. You need to tell them beforehand that this is what you are doing and you will be taking the best offer.

This is great feedback, thank you so much!

Im guessing you're right on the Orts Post and Rayon ii. For the Orts-Post I dont find it to look too similar to genuine variants;

https://www.philasearch.com/de/i_94...8439707.7988

I also looked at:

https://swiss-philately.co.uk/wp-co...orgeries.pdf



Both this one and the Rayon II do not have very clearly distinguishable loops on the sides:



Whereas the others do:






Thanks for the valuable feedback. I am realising how tricky it is to sell this in a correct manner, and I think Ill take your advise on seeing 2 separate dealers.

It's a shame though, because selling it individually would seem like a lot more fun to do. I enjoy finding the stamps in the catalogue and appreciating an individual piece.

Hi,

The tracing and determining origin and potential value of stamps is very enjoyable and will hopefully lead you to appreciate the satisfaction that is achieved when a stamp is fully identified.

I hope you have great enjoyment from the stamps.