IAN KIMMERLY STAMPS
WEEKLY FEATURES

Weekly Feature #203

For the week of May 15th - 22nd, 2004

CANADA'S FIRST DAY COVER

On April 6, 1851 - by Proclamation of the Governor General, and according to terms passed in the Post Office Act of August 10, 1850 - control of the Post Office in Canada was transferred to the province. Prior to this date, Canadian mail was controlled by the French (1608 to 1763) and the British (1763 to 1851). Accordingly, April 6th is a milestone in terms of national self-determination and the significance of the date is difficult to overstate. New rates were established and 17 days later, on 23 April 1851, CanadaÕs first adhesive stamps were released to the public.
This particular item is one of two known covers to be date-stamped 6 AP 1851. Posted at West Troy, N.Y. on the 5th and received at Montreal, L.C. on the 6th, the cover literally straddles the transfer of postal authority from Britain to Canada. Had it arrived one-day earlier, the letter would have arrived under the auspices of the Imperial postal system.
The cancels are in red ink. As well, there is a red PAID hand-stamp and a manuscript Ô3,Õ indicating 3d postage, a new rate for a new postal arrangement.
The second cover known dated 6 April 1851 has been prominently displayed at the Canada National Postal Museum.
This cover has intrinsic value Ð its age, the enduring quality of the postmarks, etc. Ð but it is the date of delivery that makes it historically significant. The philatelic importance is obvious.

Our Price is:
WF203
CDN $4950
US$3560

[Home] [Boutique] [Credit Card Payments] [Features] [About Us, FAQs/Help] [Books]

Please direct comments about the format and functioning of these pages to our Site Administrator.
All other inquiries will be welcomed at the contact information below.
You can always reach us between 10-5:30p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Saturday.

Ian Kimmerly Stamps Copyright ©2000-2010