A favourite group and one we can recommend from every point of view is afforded by the issues
of British North America. The items coming under this head are usually fine specimens of the printer's art; they are sufficiently numerous to sustain interest; many of them are rare enough to introduce the sporting element when searching for copies, and as an investment they are generally unsurpassed.
EARLY ISSUES.
We may conveniently commence the study of British North Americans by turning to the early issues of Canada. The first stamps to emanate from this colony appeared on April 23, 1851, eleven years after the penny, black, had been welcomed in Great Britain. There were three values, printed by Messrs. Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, of New York, a firm which provided the first stamps for
the United States. The 3 pence showed a beaver surmounted by the royal cypher. It was designed by Sir Sandford Fleming and printed in a brilliant brick red ink. The 6 pence, blackish-purple, gave a very fine portrait of Prince Consort in full court dress, whilst the 12 pence, black, bore a diademed head of Queen Victoria. The I2d. is one of the world's choicest stamps.
Of the 12 pence black, there is a tragic little story with which all good philatelists should become acquainted. It happened in the early fifties and the scene was a wooden shanty standing on the edge of the St. Lawrence. The hero of the tale was an old but thrifty lumber-man whilst the villain of the piece was his nephew, a ne'er-do-well. One night when the old man was examining some securities, the door of his room opened and the nephew entered. "Uncle," he said, ''I must have some money. I am absolutely penniless.'' The uncle had heard the remark before many times and shook his head in scorn. The young man argued, entreated, but all to no purpose, and, in the end, grabbed at the valuables. A scramble followed, and though the uncle was able to replace the deeds in the envelope that usually contained them and throw the parcel into his tiny iron safe, he sustained the worst of the fight. In the excitement of this unequal contest, the oil lamp was knocked over and the wooden shanty was soon in flames. The nephew now became alarmed and rushed out of the dwelling but the old man was less fortunate : he had just enough strength to fling the iron box through the window before becoming a prey to the flames. The box, we must add, fell into the river and was not seen again until, half a century later, a dredger brought it to the surface. The box was wiped of its slime and opened and the contents were despatched to the rightful owner. The envelope in which the securities had been placed by the old man bore one of the few known copies of the 12 pence, black!
After a year of currency, the stamps of Canada were rearranged. The I2d. proving of little use, was abandoned and the design and colour, with slight modifications, were employed for a value inscribed 6 pence, sterling, which was not the same as six pence. The 6d. with Prince Consort's profile and the 3d. beaver, reappeared on wove paper whilst a 1/2d. rose, gave Queen Victoria, facing left, and a 10d., blue, bore the head of Jacques Cartier, a Breton mariner, who won fame by sailing up the St. Lawrence as far as the site of Montreal, in 1535.
In 1859, the coinage was altered to conform to that in use in the United States and pence gave way to cents. Accordingly, a new issue of stamps became necessary, the contract for it being awarded to the American Bank Note Co. The 1859 issue was perforated and printed on wove paper, though copies are occasionally found on ribbed paper, sometimes imperforated. The designs were as for the 1851-2 series with the values changed. The 1/2d. became 1 cent ; the 3d., five cents ; the 6d., ten cents ; the 6d. sterling, 12 1/2 cents ; and the 10d., 17 cents. A new value, a two cents, rose, was added later and closely resembled the i cent in design and colour. It may be well to point out that pen cancelled copies of these stamps are frequently found and are not considered so desirable by philatelists as those with postmarked obliterations.
DOMINION STAMPS.
On March 29, 1867, British North America was raised to the position of a dominion and new stamps were issued in 1868 to celebrate the occasion. These splendid adhesives, slightly larger than customary, gave a very fine profile of the Queen, facing right. There were six values, all printed by the British-American Bank Note Co. of Ottawa, and each may be found in two or more distinct shades of colour.
Between the years 1868 and 1876, the first Dominion series was gradually modified ; the large stamps gave way to smaller ones of almost similar design and fresh values were added. Here again there were colour varieties of each denomination and the collector will find much interesting work in obtaining the different shades.
In 1893, a 20 cents, scarlet, and a 50 cents, blue, were placed on sale, the head of Queen Victoria, in these cases, being draped, in widow's weeds. This rendering of the royal features, it is interesting to note, though new to the postage stamps of Canada had lent distinction to the bill stamps for many years previously.
To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, a very fine issue of sixteen values was prepared. The design which was the same throughout showed a diademed head of Her Majesty, as she appeared in 1837, side by side with another head, draped and crowned, representing her in 1897.
Later in 1897, a new series became available for postal duties. It gave the Queen, draped and crowned, as she appeared in the declining years of her reign and was none too flattering to this grand old lady. The set is usually styled the maple-leaf issue as the design bore a maple-leaf in each of the four corners.
The 1897 issue was destined to enjoy a short career for no sooner was it placed in the hands of the public than the Postal Union complained that the values were not given on the stamps in figures. Accordingly, a modified set followed in 1898 with the requisite inscriptions displayed in the two lower corners : two of the four maple leaves were thus displaced.
Christmas, 1898, was celebrated throughout the Colonies by the introduction of penny postage for the Empire. Up to this time, the inland letter rate for Canada had stood at three cents, but with the lowered charge for overseas mails it was necessary to reduce the inland rate to the same figure. This step having been taken, it followed that the red three cents value would be no longer required whilst the violet two cents was incorrect as to colour. Accordingly, the three cents was overprinted "2 cents" and the violet stamp dropped out of use. The increase of correspondence, consequent on the lower tariff, caused a shortage of the 2 cents stamps and the withdrawn 3 cents value with
the four maple leaves was similarly overprinted until the stock became exhausted.
In order to meet the great demand for 2 cents adhesives and also to commemorate the reduction in the postal rate, a curious picture stamp was issued during the Christmas festivities of 1898. The design consisted of a map of the world in which the British Empire was coloured red and the oceans were given in blue. As a souvenir of this momentous occasion, the label serves well enough but if it be judged from an artistic standpoint, it fails lamentably.
EDWARDIAN ISSUE.
The next series of Canadian stamps was called into request by the death of Queen Victoria and the succession of Edward VII. On these new adhesives the King was presented in his coronation
robes whilst the remainder of the pattern closely resembled the Queen's stamps which they displaced.
There were seven values, all made from dies supplied by Messrs. Perkins, Bacon & Co. and printed by the American Bank Note Co. at Ottawa. It is interesting to mention that the design in this case was suggested by His Majesty, King George V, when Prince of Wales.
The 2 cents denomination is obtainable in an imperforated as well as perforated condition. The official explanation is that, by some irregular means, a sheet was secured by an individual before it had passed through the perforating machines. Recognising that this dishonest action had been perpetrated for private gain the authorities passed some thousands of similar sheets into circulation and so prevented speculation in the ill-gotten labels.
In July, 1908, it was decided to commemorate the tercentenary of the founding of Quebec and the occasion was marked by a special issue of postage stamps. There were eight designs as follows :
1/2 cent, sepia. Portraits of the Prince and Princess of Wales, now the King and Queen.
1 cent, green. Portraits of Jacques Cartier, the Breton navigator, and Samuel Champlain,
the founder of Quebec, in 1608.
PLATE 1 1 .
CANADA.
1. Prince Albert, 1859.
2/3, 4. 1868.
5. 1882.
6, 7. Diamond Jubilee Issue, 1897.
8, 9, 10, 11, 12. The changes necessitated when postage was reduced from 3 to 2 cents.
13, 14. The Maple Leaf issue.
15. Figures introduced into lower corners to conform to the Postal Union's requirements.
1 5. Issue to commemorate the Tercentenary of the Founding of Quebec.
17. Stamp issued to commemorate the introduction of Imperial Penny Postage.
2 cents, carmine. Portraits of Queen Alexandra and King Edward.
5 cents, indigo. A view of Champlain's house in Quebec.
7 cents, olive-green. Portraits of Generals Montcalm and Wolfe, both of whom were killed at the
battle of Quebec, September 13, 1759.
10 cents, violet. A view of Quebec in 1700.
15 cents, brown-orange. A picture showing ChampIain's departure for the interior of Canada.
20 cents, deep brown. A picture showing Cartier's arrival before Quebec.
GEORGIAN ISSUES.
Two years after the accession of George V, a new permanent issue was prepared which bears a splendid profile of the King. He faces left, is attired in naval dress and wears a number of
decorations. The design, which is reminiscent of the 1898 stamps of Victoria and those of Edward, issued in 1903, has won praise in all quarters and philatelists proclaim it as the finest Georgian production yet given to them.
When hostilities led to an increased postal rate, the one and two cents values were re-engraved with the words WAR TAX, placed below the royal head ; later, the inscription was altered to iTC (i cent tax). These modifications have provided the following items :
1 cent, green. WAR TAX.
2 cents, red or carmine. WAR TAX.
2 cents + i cent (iTC), red or carmine.
2 cents + i cent (iTC) brown.
Of the 2 cents+ 1 cent, two dies have been prepared and used for both colours. In Die I, a white and black line runs diagonally from the top of the i to the left hand angle of the T ; in Die II this space is filled by a patch of shading. Die I in brown and Die II in red are scarce whilst Die II in brown and Die I in red are fairly common.
In 1917, a 3 cents stamp was issued in brown to mark the fiftieth year of the formation of the Dominion of Canada. The label is of the picture variety and depicts the parliament at Ottawa in session.
NOVA SCOTIA.
This province used stamps of its own between the years 1851 and 1867, after which date
the Dominion issues of Canada became current. A score of adhesives only are attributed to the peninsula but they are all remarkably attractive.
The 1851 values were four in number and came from the famous firm of Perkins, Bacon & Co., a fact which speaks for itself. They were square in shape and of striking design. The 1d., red-brown, gave a crowned head of Queen Victoria, placed in a diamond, whilst the 3d., blue, the 6d., green, and the 1s., mauve, revealed a pleasing arrangement of the Imperial crown surrounded by an array of heraldic flowers. These stamps are so engraved that their correct position in the album is diamond-wise. Of the 3d., 6d., and 1s., there are varieties of colour but all are valuable. It must be particularly noted that the issue was printed on bluish paper ; this is important as a series of well made reprints has appeared in recent years on white paper.
The 1860-3 stamps of Nova Scotia are equally beautiful though less rare. There are two distinct
issues, one on dull dirty yellow coloured paper ; the other on white paper. The former is the more difficult to obtain. Six values will be found in the set : the 1, 2, and 5 cents show the Queen, facing left, whilst the 8 1/2c., 10c., and 12 1/2c. give a full face rendering of her as she appeared at the time of her coronation.
NEW BRUNSWICK.
As with Nova Scotia, the particular stamps of this province gave way to the general issues of Canada in 1867. The first issue, that of 1851, was of three values, printed in London by the firm of Perkins. All bore the diamond-shaped design described for Nova Scotia with the necessary change of designation and denomination.
A second series came into use in 1860. There were seven values. The 1 cent bore an American railway engine : the 2, and 10 cents, a portrait of Queen Victoria ; the I2 1/2 cents, a steamship ; the 17 cents, a portrait of the Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward; and, wonder of wonders, the 5 cents, a portrait of Charles Connell, Postmaster General of New Brunswick.
There is a curious little story touching on this Connell label. The hero of the 5 cents was sent to the States to arrange with the American Bank Note Co. for the printing of the whole issue of 1860. No doubt, he had wide powers in selecting the necessary designs but when the adhesives arrived at headquarters, the authorities were shocked to find the five cents value was disfigured by his features. At first, Connell was merely reprimanded for this display of conceit and lack of taste and it was decided to suppress the offending label. Thereupon, our hero who now posed as a victim
flew into a rage, refused to withdraw the unfortunate design, and, rather than acknowledge the error of judgement, gave up his official post which was worth 600 per annum. And, as he quitted the outraged little province, the people sang to him this little refrain : " Six hundred pounds to see his face / Posting around from place to place."
The Connell edition of the 5 cents was never placed into circulation but a Queen's head, 5 cents, came along in due course and is now fairly common. It is doubtful if the unissued stamp can be considered a regular item of philately but, whether it is or not, a copy cannot be bought for less than twenty pounds.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.
This Colony began the issue of stamps in 1861 and withdrew them in 1873, when the island was admitted into the Dominion of Canada. Unlike the two provinces, mentioned above, Prince Edward Island never gave philatelists any items possessing artistic merit, all designs being feeble and the
colours, equally displeasing.
There were five distinct issues in all but a number of variations must be noted by the advanced collector of these stamps. The 1861 series was printed on yellow toned paper and perforated 9 : then came additional values in 1862 on similar paper but perforated 11.
In 1863, an entirely new series was brought into use with perforations varying between 11 and 12. To complicate matters, part of this issue is found with compound perforations, 11 and 11 1/2 to 12. Another series of alterations followed in 1867 : these may be recognised by the bluish wove paper of a rather coarse description. The year 1872 brought a complete change of design. This issue which bore a head of Victoria, obviously inspired by that of the 1/2d. wrapper of Great
Britain (1870), was given four varieties of perforations and these require careful sorting.
Undoubtedly, Prince Edward Island provides a splendid array of material for the collector who is prepared to investigate minor variations of paper and perforations but it is not a favourite colony of those who love attractive designs with brilliant colouring.
BRITISH COLUMBIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND.
In this little Colony, now absorbed by the Dominion of Canada we find a certain number of rarities, difficult to procure.
The issue of stamps began in 1861, with a single value (2 1/2d.). The printing emanated from the De La Rue factory in London and the design was not unlike the Great Britain stamps then being produced by the firm.
PLATE 12.
CANADA AND NEWFOUNDLAND.
1, 2. Edwardian issue.
3-8. Georgian Issue.
9. Confederation commemoration stamp.
10, 11. War Tax stamps.
12. Stamp with patriotic postmark.
13. Newfoundland Peace Issue.
14. Prince of Wales.
15. Queen Victoria.
16. King Edward.
17. Queen Alexandra.
This was followed by a 3d. value, in 1865, inscribed British Columbia, no mention being made of the title, Vancouver Island. The stamp bore a large letter V, not for Vancouver but for Queen Victoria, and artfully surrounding the initials was the Imperial Crown and the floral emblems of Great Britain.
In July, 1865, the currency used in the Colony was changed from pence to cents, and new stamps of 5 and 10 cents were issued bearing the description, Vancouver Island. At first, they were imperforated but, in a very short while, the edges appeared in a perforated condition.
A shortage of stamps was experienced in 1867 and as there were accumulations of the 3d. V design of 1865 on hand, these were overprinted with various values in black, blue, violet, red and green inks.
NEWFOUNDLAND.
This land of cods, fogs and dogs has resisted all temptations of union with Canada and
still provides stamps of its own. The various issues from 1857 until to-day have maintained a high degree of excellence in the matter of design and production and the colony deserves the gratitude of all philatelists for the splendid example it has set other stamp-issuing countries.
The first issue of 1857 was printed by Messrs. Perkins, Bacon & Co. and bore various patterns. The 1d. was square and showed a crown surrounded by the floral emblems of Great Britain. (Compare the diamond shaped stamps of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.) The 2d., 4d., and 6 1/2d. were quaint conceptions depending on a display of the rose, thistle, and shamrock for their beauty. The 3d. was triangular and bore a strong resemblance to the three-cornered Capes, of which it was a contemporary.
Another issue, that of 1866, is an extremely fine production. A codfish is given on the 2 cents ; a seal on the 5 cents ; a portrait of King Edward, when Prince of Wales, on the 10 cents ; a profile of the Queen, facing left, surrounded by a garter, on the 12 cents ; a full-rigged sailer on the 13 cents ; and a diademed head of Victoria on the 24 cents.
Between 1868 and 1879, fresh types were introduced and these gave us the Prince of Wales (Edward VII), in highland costume and Her Majesty in widow's weeds. The head of a Newfoundland dog appeared in 1887.
An issue of 1897, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland by Jean
Cabot, did not receive a warm reception. Though the stamps were interesting, as far as pictorial considerations go, philatelists were rather dubious as to" their merits and shunned them in an unused condition.
A permanent 1897 series found more favour. There were six values, each being provided with a portrait of some member of the Royal Family.
More disfavour fell on a set provided in 1910. For those who love historical incident, the stamps are of first-rate interest but the true philatelist views them with indifference as they partake of the nature of a speculative issue. The series bears the inscription 1610-1910, and as the former date is connected with the grant of a patent by James i to John Guy, a Bristol merchant, for the foundation of a settlement in Newfoundland which proved a failure, we can hardly feel that the anniversary warranted such a wealth of historical effusion.
Another issue, that of 1911, was devoted to representations of our Royal Family. The 1 cent portrayed Queen Mary ; the 2c, King George V ; the 30, the Prince of Wales ; the 4c, Prince Albert ; the 5c, Princess Mary ; the 6c, Prince Henry ; the 8c, Prince George ; the 90, the lamented Prince John ; the ice, Queen Alexandra ; and the I2c, the Duke of Connaught. The 15c, gave the arms of Newfoundland with the motto, " Haec tibi dona fero."
A more recent series known as the "Trail of the Caribou" issue has been prepared to commemorate
the deeds of Newfoundland in the Great War. Each stamp reveals the head of a caribou, the emblem of the dominion, and below it are inscribed such momentous names as Suvla Bay, Gaudecourt, Hamel and Cambrai (one on each value).
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