The Joe Chalhoub Collection of Suez Canal
An extraordinary and highly important collection of the stamps and postal history of the Suez Canal, representing one of the finest and most comprehensive assemblies ever formed of this iconic and historically significant subject. The collection combines outstanding rarity, exceptional provenance, and remarkable historical importance throughout.
Among the many highlights is the rare 1869 commemorative silver medal issued for the opening of the canal, together with two important historical documents, including a handwritten letter by Ferdinand de Lesseps on Consular stationery referring to the printed notice “Avis au Public”, both dated 1837.
The philatelic section commences with the celebrated 1868 Suez Canal issues, including a complete mint set of the four values from 1c to 40c in blocks of four, together with an exceptionally rare used set of singles, formerly in the Royal Collection. Further major multiples include the 1c black in a magnificent block of sixteen from the renowned Antonini collection, the 5c green in an impressive block of thirty, believed to be among the largest recorded, the 20c blue in a complete sheet, and the 40c red in a superb block of twenty, likewise believed to be one of the largest surviving multiples. The collection further contains a specialised group of rare watermark varieties.
Postal history is equally impressive and includes an important 1868 cover bearing the 20c blue from Port Said to Kantara, formerly in the famous Chaftar and Byam collections, one of the key usages of the issue.
The final section is devoted to the fascinating usages of the Egyptian 1867 Pennasson Issue along the Suez Canal route, comprising a remarkable range of single stamps with cancellations from the canal post offices, including Port Said, Kantara, El Gisr (including a rare manuscript cancel), Chantier VI on a 10pa strip of four, and the unique combination franking with Austrian Lloyd 15s and two Egypt 1867 20pa green from Chantier VI. The Ismailia section includes ten stamps, a stampless cover, and two further covers, one showing the 1867 Egypt 1pi in combination with French issues, and another being the famous combination usage of Egypt 1pi together with the Suez Canal 20c blue. The collection concludes with further selections cancelled at Serapeum and Chaluf-el-Tarraba.
A truly spectacular and historically important collection of immense rarity and significance, documenting the postal operations and development of one of the greatest engineering achievements of the nineteenth century. An exhibition calibre assembly of the highest order.
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