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Since 1918 Harmers has spread the joy of collecting

Henry Revell Harmer started working as a professional philatelist in 1884 and hosted his first philatelic auction at his offices on Bond Street in 1918. Harmers auctions soon gained a reputation for excellence and attracted many of the centuries most famous and eminent collectors, including H.R.H. King Farouk of Egypt.

Today, Harmers maintains the highest standards of expertise, which were first set out by its founder over one hundred years ago. Harmers offers an unparalleled professional service to collectors and vendors, large and small, across two major collecting fields – philately and numismatics.

Old Bond Street in London in 1919 — London, 1919

St. James Street in London in 2019 — London, 2019

1884

Philatelic Passion

Henry Revell Harmer became a professional philatelist

1918

First Auction

The first Harmers auction took place on Bond Street

1990

First Handover

Harmers was acquired by Giangiacomo Orlandini

2018

Modern Day

Harmers of London becomes part of the Bolaffi Group

Bernard D. Harmer, son of the founder, retired in December 1990 after successfully guiding the company to become the world’s most famous philatelic auction house. On his retirement, Bernard Harmer passed the keys to Giangiacomo Orlandini, a hugely charismatic and passionate philatelist who continued the Harmers tradition of excellence for nearly three decades.

The passing of Harmers to Mr Orlandini was a business transaction between two professionals, but it would not have been possible if trust, friendship and most importantly passion for collecting was not at the centre of the relationship.

Bolaffi since 1890: collecting through three centuries

In 2018, Harmers of London gets acquired by Bolaffi Auction Group, Italy’s leading collectables business that specialises in stamps and coins. Bolaffi guarantees the preservation of Harmers values and the high-quality service that collectors expect from such an iconic name.

The Bolaffi Auction Group with its offices in the UK, Italy and Spain, and contacts across the globe, offers the market an internationally focused approach while maintaining traditional values and an unwavering passion for philately and numismatics.

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