Escala Group Schedules 20 Major Philatelic Auctions From January Through June 2006 Firm Named as an Official Auctioneer for Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Escala Group (Nasdaq: ESCL) today announced that the firm has scheduled 20 major philatelic auctions for the second half of the firm's fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2006. In addition, the company will conduct multiple auctions on May 29, 2006 as an official auctioneer for the Washington DC 2006 World Exhibition, being held from May 27 through June 3. This international exhibition is anticipated to be the most important philatelic event held thus far in the 21st Century, and is expected to draw well over 150,000 visitors. Greg Manning Auctions was the sole official auctioneer at the last international exhibition held in the United States, the Pacific '97 World Exhibition, held in San Francisco at the Moscone Center. The firm's auctions at the 1997 exhibition realized in excess of $10 million.
Greg Manning, President of the North American and Asian Philatelic Auction Division, and First Vice-Chairman of Escala Group, stated, "The auctions we have scheduled through June 30 are comprised of a number of the finest collections in varied specialty areas that we have ever had the pleasure to offer. A number of important philatelic estates have been consigned, as well as gold-medal winning collections from consignors who wish to have the pleasure of a one-owner, full color "name" catalogue highlighting their lifetime achievements in philately."
Escala Group's major auctions in January 2006 include an auction conducted by Heinrich Koehler in Wiesbaden, Germany from January 25-28, comprising 6,000 lots of worldwide stamps and postal history and estimated to realize $2 million. On February 11 & 12 in Hong Kong, John Bull Auctions, Ltd. will conduct a 1,700-lot auction of Asian material carrying a pre-sale estimate of just over $1 million. Greg Manning Auctions will sell over 1,000 intact stamp collections on March 18 in an exceptional sale expected to realize $2.7 million; and H.R. Harmer of New York will conduct 3 auctions: a U.S. and general worldwide auction estimated at $1.1 million; a one-owner specialized Washington-Franklin U.S. stamp collection, "The Georgetown Collection," which carries a pre-sale valuation of $250,000; and a magnificent collection of the postal history of Puerto Rico formed by Don Gaspar Roca, and estimated to realize in excess of $550,000.
"Regarding our involvement at the Washington DC 2006 World Exhibition, our auctions will include the 'Crescent City' Collection of rare United States stamps, the superb Worldwide Classics holding formed by the late Sima & Michael Axelrad, and an exceptional one-owner auction of the stamps and postal history of the Dominican Republic, as well as an auction comprised of selected rarities from around the world. Escala Group will have a major presence at the exhibition, which will include two superbooths, with representatives from our North American, Asian and European philatelic houses in attendance," added Mr. Manning.
"Our firm's strong financial picture, plus our worldwide venues, continues to attract more consignments, and certainly our position as one of the world's leading philatelic auction house has been greatly augmented by the acquisitions completed over the last three years,"
