Mowbray Collectables

08/09/2026

New Zealand’s first postage stamp, the 1855 “SG1” penny, was printed in London before local production began. It is rare to have one of these on offer in any given auction, let alone four!

Stamp Auction 49
Saturday 19 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

05/09/2026

One of the best ways to get a snapshot from a moment in time is by picking up an old newspaper. What was the big issue? What ads can you find?

Back in 1944 a local member of the Levin Battalion Home Guard decided to keep the papers he brought. Fast-forward 82 years we now have a chance to see the major stories from the height of WWII first hand with this amazing collection of 108 newspapers!

Numismatic Auction 37
Lot 121 Estimate: $500
Friday 18 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

04/09/2026

Some banknotes are interesting because of their rarity. Others because of the story they carry. This one has both!

With the incredibly early serial number Z 000007, this note is one of just five Ten Shilling notes presented to Directors of the RBNZ in 1934 when first issued. It is also not the first time we have seen this note, it was first sold by us in our 3rd numismatic auction all the way back in 2004!

Numismatic Auction 37
Lot 549 Estimate: $5,000
Friday 18 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

04/09/2026

Beer duties were often affixed to the b**g of beer barrels and typically torn away (enthusiastically) during opening, making intact examples scarcer. This collection of beer duties was issued from 1883 until 1908 and offers a vivid glimpse into New Zealand’s brewing and revenue history at the turn of the century.

Stamp Auction 49
Lot 728 Estimate: $500
Saturday 19 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

03/09/2026

James Alexander Graham and his younger brother John Telfar Graham, both from Waitara, Taranaki, enlisted just five days apart in August 1914.

James served with the Auckland Infantry Battalion and landed at Gallipoli in May 1915. Just three days later, during the Second Battle of Krithia, he was severely wounded while advancing across the area known as the “Daisy Patch” under heavy Turkish machine-gun fire.

After recovering, James returned to Gallipoli before later serving on the Western Front, including during the Battle of the Somme. He rose through the ranks to Sergeant and, in 1918, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for valuable services in the field.

Only 56 Meritorious Service Medals were awarded to members of the New Zealand armed forces during the First World War, making James's award particularly scarce.

His brother John served with the Wellington Mounted Rifles and fought at Chunuk Bair. On 12 August 1915, he was shot during the defence of the position and died from his wounds in Alexandria just eight days later.

It is always an honour to offer medals like these at auction. It is through these medals that we can retell just a few of the many stories of service and sacrifice made by those who came before us.

Numismatic Auction 37
Lot 6 Estimate: $1,600
Friday 18 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

02/09/2026

Rare Russell Postmark from 1846 with an extraordinary story goes up for auction

An important philatelic item, a letter from 1846 featuring one of only two known examples of the RUSSELL postmark and a connection to the Treaty of Waitangi, will be offered for sale in Mowbray Collectables’ 49th International Stamp Auction on Saturday 19 September, with an estimate of $10,000.

01/09/2026

You never know what you might find in a second-hand store!

Earlier this year, five previously unknown 90c self-adhesive Kapa Haka stamps were discovered tucked inside a book. These stamps were never intended to be produced for sale and, until this discovery, their existence was completely unknown.

Now, one is heading to auction in our upcoming sale.

Stamp Auction 49
Lot 643 Estimate: $5,000
Saturday 19 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

31/08/2026

Back in 1952, when this note was issued, £50 was A LOT of money; adjusted for inflation, today it would be the same as $3,900!
Fast forward to 1967, when NZ changed to decimal currency, most examples were cashed in, making this note scarce and sought after by collectors.

Numismatic Auction 37
Lot 553 Estimate: $2,500
Friday 18 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

29/08/2026

In 1840, the world’s first stamp was issued: the famous Penny Black! It was only issued for one year before being replaced by the Penny Red due to the postmarks not showing well when cancelled.

Many collectors will have one in the collection at some point, but this person went a step further with over 200 examples!

Stamp Auction 49
Lot 793 Estimate: $10,000
Saturday 19 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/

28/08/2026

In 1933, New Zealand began producing its own coins, and just two years later, in 1935, the country issued its first commemorative coin set that included the Waitangi Crown.

Only 1,128 Waitangi Crowns were produced: 364 in Proof sets, 104 Proofs issued individually, and a further 660 in Uncirculated condition.
The design carries an important piece of New Zealand’s history, depicting Chief Tāmati Wāka Nene shaking hands with Captain William Hobson during the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Numismatic Auction 37
Lot 394 Estimate: $18,000
Friday 18 September
https://www.mowbrays.co.nz/