Gold & silver stamp set THE AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION c1988

The Description

Here is the "THE AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION" a truely unique set from late 1980s.

This magnificent set consists of 25 pieces, each of which are precious metal, very fine replicas of classic pre decimal and decimal commerative postage stamps issued by Australia Post. Each piece in this collection cost AUD$98.00 in 1988 making a complete collection worth about AUD$2500. These 'stamps' were first struck in solid sterling silver, and then plated with twenty-four carat gold by Hallmark Die Masters & Engravers. This set is offered at a price well below the original purchase price, and is complete with all the various offical accessories and documentation which includes:

* Presentation Box - Sturdy green leatherette case with velvet cutouts for each piece, blank custom name plaque, monogrammed polish cloth (unopened!) complete with collection layout map and even the little box key.

* The Australian Collection Book - A beautifully bound compaion volume, with over 200 glorious pages featuring the history and background of the times that inspired the original stamps, with many beautiful period pictures.

* The original 8 page full colour A4 glossy pre-sales brochure from Australia Post, and letter, inviting orders.

* Certificate Of Authenticity - complete with its original envelope, this set has an 'under 1000' number.

* All the indivual Australia Post letters (and reciepts) for each stamp, as the collection was accumulated over many months.

* And of course the 25 individual gold & silver stamps, all UNOPENED in their original doublesided blister packs.

The 25 stamps depeict the Australia Postage Two Pounds, One Pound, One Penny, Twenty Shilling, Ten Shilling, 71/2 Pence, Three Pence, 7 Pence, Three Halfpence, Five Shilling, Six Pence, Nine Pence, One penny, Five Pence, Two Shilling stamps. All with various impressions of important dates covering Australia’s development as a nation e.g. The Coronation, Royal Flying Doctor Service, America's, Henry Lawson, Melbourne Olympics etc

The sets were limited in issue, and as mentioned this one comes with its original Certificate Of Authenticity. This really is a magnificent set, which can be displayed in the supplied display case as shown; however perhaps the real value is that this particular set still has all the gold stamps sealed in their original individual blister delivery packets. Thus you will have the privlidge (should you choose) to be the first to open each one. Please contact me for more details and better high res photos & scans if required.

By the nature of how this set was initially sold means that there are likely to be far more incomplete sets than complete, as some collectors of the time did run out money by 1989, as we all enjoyed the recession we had to have. This fact, plus the export of many sets overseas at the time, means finding such a comlete set here is Sydney, with all the accessories and documnetation in such good condition. is a true rarity. Most other sets on ebay or for sale by dealers have been opened (similar to the last photo) and often the original documnetation discarded or incomplete.

I am always listing more computers, furniture, stamps, coins, ceramics, glassware, books, china, electronic components, instruments, broadcast and telco equipment both vintage and professional, model railway items and all manner of hardware and bracketry, so check out my eBay store, as new items really are added just about every day:

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Collectables-from-Michael

If your looking for something, even if it is really obscure, please contact me and I will try to find, and list, what you’re after.

The Bidding

Please note that during some of my past auctions, some under bidders have later reported to me of being 'blocked out' during the last 30 seconds or so of the auction. My advice therefore is to bid early for the following reasons.

1) By getting the auction underway I will commit to selling the particular item on eBay, as some of my items are subject to prior sale elsewhere - if no bids have been placed. I reserve the right to end the auction.

 2) Bidding early avoids any possible network and server congestion preventing your bid being accepted. Please understand that neither your ISP nor eBay’s systems are perfect and can sometimes behave strangely, especially when you need them – such is the nature of any IT system! Remember that internet protocol = IP = intermittently possible!

The Terms

Obvious really … Don’t bid unless you are going to quickly pay! An online bank account with EFT capability will help this process enormously. Or you can walk into any branch of a WESTPAC bank, fill out a deposit slip and direct deposit.

The items are available for inspection, and have been reasonably well photographed and honestly described. Ask any questions you need to before you bid, and arrange any tests or inspections beforehand.

If you don’t have a valid phone number where you can be reached after the auction, seriously consider providing this with your ebay profile, as you maybe blocked from bidding by me, & many other vendors. If you are blocked please contact me – but don’t leave it to the last hour of the auction!

Remember, as the winning buyer you have agreed to purchase the items for the final value plus stated postage.

All nuisance, non paying, or non communicating bidders will have a Non Paying Bidder dispute opened after seven (7) days from close of auction. No exceptions. Ebay can award strikes to non paying bidders, and factual –FB will be left permanently on your profile. Remember, three non paying bidder strikes and you’re membership maybe suspended.

All sales are final, no warranty, no guarantee, no returns, and no refunds; my 10 day auction allows plenty of question time …!

I’m not responsible for Australia Post delays – and I usually post well within 48hrs of funds arriving. Communication is always preferred to confrontation. Life, ebay and people are not perfect, so if there is an issue lets talk (rather than email or -FB) about it, and try to happily resolve the situation. A little patience goes a long way in the world of online trading … really!

The Payment & Delivery

EFT / direct deposit then Reg Post for stated amount. I am happy to sensibly combine similar items from current auctions, so please wait until I send a combined invoice.

I will consider delivering in the Sydney (Australia) metro area, for an additional $15 fee in lieu of the Reg Post, depending on items size and fragility.

Please ensure your current delivery address, phone & email is correct on your eBay profile!    

It’s amazing lately how many people forget to update this, which can lead to delays & delivery confusion that can be easily avoided.

I appreciate positive feedback, and will be happy to leave same after you have left yours. Please call Michael on 0402 008 531 with any questions.

Many thanks for looking; I hope you enjoy your eBay day!