Valuations:

Estimates which appear in this catalogue are provided as a guide to bidders. The information utilized to determine estimates can  vary from the opinion of the cataloger to valuation catalogues and/or information supplied by consignors. Bidders are strongly advised to determine valuation based upon their own research and inspection of the lot. It is possible that in instances where catalogue valuations are provided, errors can occur and therefore it is recommended that bidders evaluate the lot independently.It can be assumed that in many instances lots will realize considerably higher than estimates and in other cases considerably less than the estimated price indicated.

Start Price (Reserve):

The dollar amount shown at the end of the main description for each lot is the minimum hammer price the lot will be sold for, unless stated differently at the time of the of selling of the lot. (California operation only).

Catalog Number Conventions:

1) A dash (“-”) in a catalog number range indicates the set is complete within that range, as listed by the appropriate catalog. 

2) A single slash (“/”) in a catalog number range indicates the set is incomplete within that range, and some stamps are missing.

Stamp Centering and Grades:

The width of margins and the centering of the design within perforations are graded in strict accordance with the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalog standards. The following grades are used in this catalog:

• Extremely Fine: Exceptionally large margins and near perfect centering, used to describe stamps which are of superior grade for the issue.
• Very Fine: Normal size margins for the issue and well-centered with design nearly centered perfectly.
• Fine: Imperforate stamps may have smaller than normal margins and perforated stamps will be off-center. Issues before 1890 may have the design touched in places.
• Average: Attractive appearance, but margins or perforations cut into design.

Covers:

Minor nicks. tears and slight reduction from opening are to be expected in 19th century covers. Folded letters normally have tears in the reverse and file folds, which will not be mentioned unless they affect the stamps or markings. Light cleaning of covers is an accepted form of conservation and is not grounds for return of a lot. The terms "Extremely Fine”, etc., are meant to convey the overall appearance of cover, not the condition of an individual stamp.

Coin Grades:

Symbols:

		Airpost
		Mint
()		Unused (no gum)
		Mint never hinged
o		Used
		Used on piece
		Block (of four or larger)
		Cover, card or entire envelope
		Document
		Literature
B		Booklet pane or complete booklet
E		Essay
F		Forgery
P		Proof
R		Reprint
S		Specimen

Abbreviations:

The following reference catalogues were used:

Scott Volumes 1-6 and U.S. Specialized (2010), Brookman (2008) Unitrade Canada (2008), Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth (2010), Facit (2009), Maury France & Colonies (2009), Michel Germany (2009), Michel Europe (2007-2008), Michel Zeppelin (2003), Zumstein (2009), Edifil (2009), Sakura (2010), Sassone (2009), NVPH (2009), Afinsa (2009), Campbell-Paterson (1982), Skinner-Eno (1980),  and others as mentioned.

Unless otherwise mentioned, the editions of each reference catalog were the most recent available when our auction catalog went to press.

CAREFUL INSPECTION OF ALL LOTS IS RECOMMENDED.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Inc. 1333 North McDowell Blvd., Suite B Petaluma, California 94954 Tel: 707-778-6454 Fax: 707-763-6772 Toll Free  800-378-6454 E-mail: auctions@harmerschau.com		Harmer-Schau Auctions Northwest Inc. 7940 S.E. Division #A Portland, OR 97286 Tel: 503-788-3533 Fax: 503-788-3581 Toll Free WA & OR Only 877-303-0008 E-mail: rbeallstmp@aol.com auctions@harmerschau.com