David Feldman SA

About David Feldman SA

David Feldman SA is one of the world's foremost auction houses dedicated to philately, operating from Geneva, Switzerland, for more than half a century. The firm is the go-to destination for collectors and investors seeking the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world, and as a specialist house it has consistently rivaled the philatelic departments of much larger generalist firms.

History

The firm's founder, an Irish-born philatelist, moved to Switzerland in 1973 and conducted his first auction in Geneva in 1976, aiming to build a world-class auction house focused exclusively on stamps and postal history from Switzerland's neutral, internationally connected base. David Feldman personally built relationships with major collectors across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and the firm's catalogs became collector's items in their own right.

In 1987 Feldman partnered with Geza von Habsburg, formerly of Christie's, to form Habsburg Feldman SA, a Geneva firm that auctioned paintings, watches, jewelry, and other art objects; the venture eventually dissolved. In 2008 Feldman merged his firm with the Feldman Frey Philatelic Group, and by 2012 the founder had relinquished all financial interest to become Honorary Chairman, with the firm today operating under professional management.

Record prices

David Feldman SA has achieved numerous world record prices. The Swedish Treskilling Yellow sold for $2.2 million in 1996, the Mauritius Two Pence Blue for $1.4 million in 1993, and the Alexandria Blue Boy Postmaster's Provisional for $1 million in 1981. More recently the firm handled a Japan 1871 500 Mon stamp with an inverted center that achieved a world record price of 5.4 million euros.

Specialist departments

The firm's expertise covers classic stamps of the world from the early postal history period through the modern era, with particular strength in Swiss, French, Italian, and British philately. It is also highly regarded for Asian philately, including Chinese, Japanese, and Indian material, and for Olympic philately and postal history, reflecting its Geneva location near the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

Buying and selling

Auctions are held several times a year in Geneva, with major sales scheduled in spring and autumn, plus sales conducted in conjunction with major international philatelic exhibitions and shows. Bidding is available in person at the Geneva saleroom, by telephone, by written bid, and through the firm's online bidding platform, with catalogs for each sale available in print and digital formats reflecting the firm's deep philatelic scholarship.

The buying process is accessible to collectors at all levels, though the firm is best known for handling high-value and museum-quality material. New bidders can register through the firm's website and participate immediately in upcoming sales, and specialists are available to advise potential buyers on condition, rarity, and market value, making the process approachable even for collectors new to auction buying.

For sellers, David Feldman offers free valuations of stamp collections and individual rarities. The firm handles everything from single items to major collections and estates, with commission rates negotiated based on the value and significance of the material, and its global client base and reputation for achieving record prices make it a compelling choice for consignors. The firm also maintains an active private treaty department, handling discreet sales of important philatelic material outside the auction process, particularly valuable for sellers who prefer confidentiality or for items that may benefit from targeted placement with specific collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does David Feldman handle postal history and covers as well as stamps?

Yes, postal history is a significant part of the business.

Can international bidders take part in the firm's auctions?

Yes, through online bidding, phone bidding, and offices that serve collectors worldwide.

Does David Feldman provide insurance valuations?

Yes, its specialists offer appraisal services for insurance and estate purposes.