www.canadianstampnews.ca An essential resource for the CANADIAN advanced and beginning collector Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/canadianstampnews Follow us on Twitter @trajanpublisher STAMP NEWS Follow us on Instagram @trajan_csn Volume 44 • Number 02 May 14 - 27, 2019 $4.50 ‘Must have’ 1870 Rise of non-traditional themes Small Queen die corresponds with lettermail’s decline By Jesse Robitaille 1851, the Province of Canada issued its This is the first story in a two-part se- first stamp, which was also the world’s proof to highlight ries highlighting the transition away first thematic stamp, this depicting the from traditional philatelic themes and industrious beaver; however, until about towards thematic collecting. the turn of this century, thematic issues Sparks sale Only recently earning the consider- were few and far between. ation of serious philatelists as a legitimate Aside from the first U.S. stamps, By Jesse Robitaille collecting niche, thematic stamps trav- which, unsurprisingly, depict former Described by auctioneers as a elled a hard-fought road before coming presidents Benjamin Franklin and George “must have for any serious to the philatelic forefront with the com- Continued on page 22 Small Queen collector” and a mercialization of the U.S. Postal Service boon to exhibitors of the long- (USPS) about 20 years ago. running series, an 1870 one-cent Of course, Canada is no stranger to Small Queen large die proof is thematic issues. Nearly 170 years ago, in expected to bring $10,000 at auction this May. Traditional themes of U.S. stamps To be offered as Lot 67 of include important historical events Sparks Auctions’ four-session like the American, the 200th “Sale 30,” the black die proof is anniversary of which was marked sunken in and pasted to a card An 1870 one-cent Small Queen large on a 13-cent stamp from the 1977 measuring 51 millimetres by 77 black die proof is expected to bring ‘Bicentennial’ series. millimetres with 10 guidelines around $10,000 as Lot 67 of Sparks Auctions’ the design and lathework at the bottom. four-session ‘Sale 30’ on May 22-25. “This is a very rare item, and anyone Critics question Nanaimo bar’s ratio who puts it in an exhibit is surely to have better results,” said Stéphane research and have knowledge of the By Jesse Robitaille Cloutier, director of lotting and consign- printing process,” said Cloutier, who Controversy arose quickly this April as aficionados of the three-layer, no-bake ments for the Ottawa-based auction added exhibitors receive points for rar- bar with a proudly Canadian name was depicted on a stamp with purportedly house. ity, knowledge and research “and an problematic proportions. “For one thing, it demonstrates item like that would definitely help.” One of five Canadian desserts celebrated in the “Sweet Canada” series issued by knowledge. If you’re showing die One of only four believed to exist, the Canada Post on April 17, the Nanaimo bar is just as rich in Canadiana as it is in proofs, plate proofs or pre-production die proof belongs to the John Hillson sweetness. First appearing in the 1950s in its namesake city and ferry port on the material – it shows you’ve done your Collection, which will be offered from east coast of Vancouver Island – Nanaimo, B.C. – the bar is comprised of a crumbly Lots 1-559 and features high-quality base beneath custard filling and chocolate ganache icing. Publications Registration Mail No. 09136 Agreement No. 40069699 No. 09136 Agreement Mail No. Registration Publications Small Queens, Canadian revenues, Brit- “I’ve only had a few,” said collector Robert Timberg, who’s also the executive ish line-engraved issues and more from manager of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, “and they haven’t looked like across the Commonwealth. the one in the stamp.” It’s slated to cross the block during a Criticism about the stamp’s design focuses on the allegedly inaccurate ratio of its single-day auction on May 22 with a three layers as well as its seemingly discoloured centre filling, which should be a separate catalogue. distinctive yellow owing to the recipe’s use of custard powder. “The Hillson Collection is something “It’s missing the yellow colour in filling only found from custard powder, and that doesn’t come around very often be- yes, there’s way too much of it,” said Ottawa-based pastry chef Adam Cenaiko. cause of the high quality he bought for “The bottom layer is suspicious as well; no chocolate or walnuts?” his collection. He only bought very Provincial politicians, including British Columbia’s Solicitor high-quality items; if you go through General Mike Farnworth and Minister of Municipal Affairs the sale, you’ll see there are al- and Housing Selina Robinson, also voiced concerns. most no faults,” said Cloutier. Continued on page 17 “He was a man that enjoyed a good-looking stamp.” Criticism about one of five ’Sweet Hillson authored two edi- Canada’ stamps, this celebrating the tions of The Small Queens of Nanaimo bar, quickly arose after its Canada handbook before co- release on April 17. The debate focuses writing Canada’s Postage on the allegedly inaccurate ratio of the Stamps of the Small Queen Era, bar’s three layers and its seemingly 1870-1897 with long-time col- discoloured centre filling, which should be a distinctive yellow colour. Continued on page 11 Make every stamp issue part of your collection Create a standing order Creating a standing order means you won’t miss a single stamp issue. Use our standing order service to pre-select stamp products from Canada Post’s annual stamp program –and you’ll never have to worry about sold-out issues. Your standing order is automatically processed and shipping is free. Available at participating post offi ces or From Canada or the U.S. From other countries canadapost.ca/shop 1 800 565-4362 902 863-6550 FIND DEALERS YOU CAN TRUST! These dealers are members of the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association. They have subscribed to a high standard of business ethics. When buying or selling, looking for our logo will ensure you are dealing with a professional member of our association. For further information on our members, code of ethics, and other Association information, please visit our web site www.csdaonline.com or contact us for a Membership Directory. While there, be sure to visit the Classified Ads section for great deals from our members. ALBERTA ONTARIO Ottawa Stamp Auctions Ottawa City Stamp Montreal Montreal R.D. 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