One of the most rewarding aspects of stamp collecting is the notion of discovery. We might, for example, chance upon a relatively rare stamp, hiding away in an otherwise unremarkable collection. Or, we may find a particularly striking example of something iconic, such as an 1840 1d black with perfect margins, cancelled in magenta rather than red.
Such discoveries are always uplifting, and these things do happen from time to time. But for the most part, when examining a stamp album for appraisal, we can soon predict the kind of material to be encountered as we turn over the page. This is because many stamp collections follow similar patterns or themes, often in chronological order, identified by SG number. And that’s all great, and fascinating, and commendable. However, there are occasions when a collection is brought in for valuation which doesn’t follow any rules, with little order, and which wouldn’t even be described as a collection by some. More of an accumulation.
But the box which sits on my desk today isn’t really an accumulation either. We tend to use that term to describe a quantity of albums and packets which have come together from several different sources, from different collectors, from different stamp auctions or fairs.
No, what I have here is an intact, original, and quite wonderful group of stamps, covers, and postal stationary cards from Burma and the Japanese Occupation. The hoard was put together by a Lieutenant Cyril John Webber, whose “Army in India” identity card is also present in the collection, signed and dated 1/2/1943, along with his photographs. Many of the covers included are addressed to Cyril, and include China interest, along with small packets of stamps from India, China and Burma, together with tins, a notebook type album, and associated literature.
Of course, stamps of the Japanese Administration from 1942 onwards are relatively difficult to find used on cover, and the Stanley Gibbons catalogue reflects this with factors between x 6 and x 50 of normal catalogue value for the stamp on its own.
But the real value here, as I see it, is in the sheer wonderment and, frankly, privilege, of being a temporary custodian of such a fascinating trove. A true discovery, in every sense of the word.
To respect the integrity of this unusual find, the collection will be offered as a single lot in its entirety, to be included in our upcoming specialist stamp auction, Exeter, November 30th, 2026.
Stamps to sell? We are currently inviting consignments for this and future sales. For expert appraisal and wide exposure to the market, please contact Tim Clegg at Bearne’s, Hampton and Littlewood.
