Known to be the world's best collection of early Great Britain line engraved issues, Dr. Pichai Buranasombati's Grand Prix collection was offered in auction by Shreves Philatelic Galleries held in London on 15 March 2001.

This collection was carefully assembled over the past seven years and included many of the finest and much historically significant materials remaining in private hands. Rare essays, proofs, trial cancellations, studies of plate numbers and postal history were once again available to other collectors.

Generally, many of the items fetched within the estimated value range but a few exceptional items grossed higher than expected.

The highlight and top-grossing item was a block of 24 mint Penny Black that was reconstructed from a block of 18 and a horizontal strip of 6. It was one of the largest surviving multiples in private hands. It fetched £165,000 against an estimate of £150,000 to £200,000.



The only known existing Penny Black entire from Great Britain to Switzerland tied by multiple strikes of a red tombstone fetched £37,500 against the estimated £25,000 to £30,000.