TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7,The extraordinary Progressive Die Proof that has graced some of the very best collections of the past; most features of the issued stamp are present, but it lacks the background etched lines in each corner surrounding the central vignette for a most dramatic effect, engraved and printed in black on india paper with large margins all around. This UNIQUE item is in our opinion on the short-list of the greatest proofs of Canada. An astonishing proof and a "must-have" for a world-class Canada collection, XF (Minuse & Pratt 7PX-A)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - British North America Part Three, H.R. Harmer, Inc., January 1970; Lot 851
Henry Gates (Part 1), Maresch Sale 124, March 1981; Lot 302
Sam Nickle Collection, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 29
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Literature: Exhibited at CAPEX '78 in the Gems of Canadian Philately Court of Honour.
Illustrated in Winthrop Boggs "The Postage Stamps and Postal History of Canada"
handbook on page 151 (Figure 19).
Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on page 57 (Figure 40).

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7,A spectacular Original Large Die Proof, engraved, printed in black on india paper 26 x 54mm, die sunk on slightly larger card 31 x 64mm, a highly desirable, important and UNIQUE die proof which only saw the light of day, nearly 140 years later, when offered for the first time at the ABNC sale in 1990 - the only time it has been offered publicly, VF (Minuse & Pratt unlisted)

Provenance: American Bank Note Company Archives, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, September 1990; Lot 1533
The "Lindemann" Collection - Canada Pence & Cents Issue (private treaty circa. 1997)

A REMARKABLE DIE PROOF IN ALL RESPECTS AND UNIQUE IN PRIVATE HANDS.

Acquired by the late Ian Bett ("Lindemann"), it was one of the highlights of his extensive holdings. Shortly after his untimely death in 1996, Ron Brigham was able to purchase it for his collection from Saskatoon Stamp Centre (private treaty, circa. 1997), where it has remained until now.

No other original die proof of the Ten pence Cartier is known in private hands. Although Boggs claims a die proof in blue and Robson Lowe adds dull red, we have been unable to confirm their existence. It is possible these two authors may have misidentified ABNC trade sample proofs, which comes in myriad colours on different papers.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7P & 8P,An outstanding American Bank Note Company se-tenant pair of engraved Trade Sample Proofs originating from a trade sample sheet. The ten pence stamp ideally printed in the closest colour to the issued stamp and of wonderful appeal on card mounted white bond paper. In pristine condition and remarkable in all respects, XF; rarely offered as an intact pair and perhaps one-of-a-kind in this highly attractive blue colour. (Minuse & Pratt PB-Ac)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection - Canada Pence & Cents Issue (private treaty circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7,ABNC trade sample proof, engraved, printed in blue - very similar impression and colour to the issued stamp, on thick white wove paper with vertical mesh, perforated and gummed. A remarkable and rare proof, F-VF OG

Provenance: Henry Gates (Part 1), Maresch Sale 124, March 1981; Lot 337
Maresch Private Treaty (Second Catalogue, 1982); item 91
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7,American Bank Note Company trade sample proof, engraved and printed in a striking apple green shade on white wove paper, perforated and gummed (lower half remains) by ABNC; a fabulous and rare proof, VF

Provenance: Maresch Private Treaty (Third Catalogue, 1983); item 125
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7,American Bank Note Company trade sample proof, engraved, printed in black on pink vertical laid paper, perforated and gummed with two pen lines applied by ABNC, rare and striking, VF OG (Minuse & Pratt P8-Bk)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7TC + varieties,A phenomenal trial colour plate proof block of eighteen printed in black on india paper (Positions 25-30 / 49-54 from the plate of 120 subjects), sheet margin at left and showing three prominent plate varieties - Major Re-entry at Position 29 plus other Strong Re-entries at Positions 52 & 53. The first and third positions are listed in Unitrade and both framed in red crayon by an engraver, probably for intended correction. A wonderful multiple that will stand out in anyone's collection. One of the largest blocks in private hands, VF and rare (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America Part One, November 1968; Lot 80 - offered then as a UL block of 30 from which this block originates.
Maresch Private Treaty (Second Catalogue, 1982); item 87
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7TCiii,Trial colour plate proof block of eight in orange yellow on card mounted india paper, clear at foot to ample margins including sheet margin at right, trivial natural paper inclusion on second proof in top row; very seldom encountered in such a large multiple, F-VF and attractive

Second proof in the lower row shows Strong Re-entry (Position 70) from pane of 120 subjects, with prominent doubling marks in oval at left, in some of the lettering, etc.

Provenance: The "Midland" Collection of Canada, Firby Auctions, January 2004; Lot 22

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7P,A choice plate proof block on india paper with sheet margin at right, scarcer than catalogue values indicate, VF

A strong vertical guideline running inside outer frameline shows on both right-hand proofs.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7Pi + variety,Plate proof block in issued colour in india paper (Positions 77-78 / 89-90) with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, noticeably shifted and positioned mostly in the margin between proofs and in side margins, unusual and appealing, VF (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs) ex. "Lindemann" (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Lower right proof shows Strong Re-entry (Position 90) on the plate of 120 subjects, with prominent doubling of vertical frameline at left, in "CANADA" lettering and surrounding oval, among other traits.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7a,A MAGNIFICENT MINT BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE TEN PENCE CARTIER.
ONE OF THE GREATEST SHOWPIECES IN ALL OF CANADIAN PHILATELY

The glorious "Gill" block - the largest known multiple in mint condition. In a remarkable state of preservation as fresh as the day it was printed more than 160 years ago! Surrounded by ample to large margins including sheet margin at foot. Exceptionally fresh colour and sharp impression on the unmistakable thicker wove paper; minute scuff on lower right stamp at lower right numeral. This UNIQUE block has graced the Brigham collection since the Weill Brother sale in 1989, retaining FULL ORIGINAL GUM - an impressive feat, the lower pair with minute moisture spot but essentially NEVER HINGED. One of the clear highlights of the entire Brigham Collection. A superb multiple of dazzling beauty, ranked by experts past and present as one of the most important items in Canadian Philately, Very Fine - Extremely Fine

Provenance: General Robert Gill, Robson Lowe Ltd., October 1965; Lot 33 - where, interestingly enough, it fetched the second highest realization, only surpassed by a mint pair of the 12 penny black. It was pictured on the front cover of this famous sale. Robson Lowe mentions in an article titled "Some Remarkable Stamps" published in 1965: "some of these unique unused blocks came from a collection found in the archives of a noble French family some 20 years ago. These were unearthed for the first time since the stamps had arrived in France. The blocks that are now in the Gill collection are the only ones that have ever been seen." This noble French family has been revealed as the Duc de Polignac who originally purchased these blocks from the post office at Montreal (around circa. 1859).
E. Carey Fox, First Portion, H.R. Harmer Inc., May 1968; Lot 316 - described as "one of the most outstanding Canadian pieces extant"
British Empire, Robson Lowe Ltd., September 1971; Lot 2096
Duane Hilmer, Sotheby Parke Bernet Stamp Auction, September 1977; Lot 92 - aptly described as "A Crown Jewel of Canadian Philately"
British America Sale, Sotheby Bernet Stamp Auction, May 1980; Lot 53
John Foxbridge (du Pont) Collection, Private Treaty 1988
Weill Brothers, Christie's Robson Lowe, November 1989; Lot 1569 - described as "The unique and phenomenal mint block of four in incredibly fine condition, being of pristine appearance and having 10mm sheet margin at foot"

Literature: Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on page 70 (Figure 50)
Displayed in Anphilex '96 exhibition book.

Illustrated and discussed in Robson Lowe lecture to Edmonton Stamp Club "Some
Remarkable Stamps", published in Canadian Philatelist, November - December 1965, Whole Number 91, Volume XVI, Number 6, pages 264-268.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7a,A fabulous block of four, superb fresh colour on pristine white wove paper, hardly discernible corner crease at top right, in an excellent state of preservation and very rare - THE FINER OF ONLY TWO KNOWN USED BLOCKS. Clear to large margins all around, tiny portion of neighbouring stamp shows at top, attractively cancelled by light and partially legible numeral grids '16' of Hamilton. An outstanding Pence multiple, VF

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 10 - Canada, H.R. Harmer, Inc, December 1970; Lot 257
British Empire Sale, Robson Lowe Ltd., September 1971; Lot 2097
Duane Hilmer, Sotheby Parke Bernet Stamp Auction, September 1977; Lot 101
John Foxbridge (du Pont) Collection, private treaty, 1988 - described as sound with original retail value then of US$40,000.
Weill Brothers, Christie's Robson Lowe, Zurich, November 1989; Lot 1572

Census: Only two used blocks exist:

1) The block offered here

2) Block of four with irregular margin touching lower right stamp at foot and light diagonal crease at upper right, ex. Sam Nickle.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 7,An impressive used horizontal strip of five of the distinctive early printing on thin paper (Positions 40-44 from the plate of 120-subjects), regarded as the largest surviving multiple (mint, used or on cover), smudge cancels, trivial flaws in no way detract, a Fine and very rare multiple.

Provenance: Dr. Leon van Straten, Robson Lowe Ltd., February 1965; Lot 124
E. Carey Fox, First Portion, H.R. Harmer Inc., May 1968; Lot 306

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 1859 (June 23) A fantastic legal envelope mailed registered from Ottawa to London, displaying one of the most impressive frankings of the entire Pence era consisting of a single 7½p green and a remarkably choice horizontal strip of three of the 10 pence dark blue on medium wove paper, all superbly struck with four-ring '27' cancellations in upright position; tiny tear on 7½p and cover restored at top well away from the franking. City of Ottawa Paid double arc dispatch datestamp in red, same-ink REGISTERED handstamp at top. The required 7½p registration fee was prepaid with the 7½p stamp (the procedure for registering a letter all the way to the U.K. started in April 1859), the strip prepays a Canadian Packet letter rate of 30 pence (quadruple Allan Line rate) carried on Allan Line steamer "North Briton" departing Québec on June 25 and arriving at Liverpool on July 5. Oval Registered London 6 JY 59 in black and London JY 6 Paid CDS in red receivers. A glorious cover of the highest order displaying an extraordinary and UNIQUE franking; one of the highest prepaid postal frankings mailed during the Canada Pence era to the United Kingdom, VF (Unitrade 7a, 9)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 101 - realized then the impressive sum of US$5,500 hammer at a time postal history was still in its infancy.
John Foxbridge (du Pont) Collection, private treaty, 1988
Bill Lea (private sale, 1998)

Literature: Illustrated in Winthrop Boggs "The Postage Stamps and Postal History of Canada" handbook on page 161.
Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on pages 273-274 (Figure 252) and also shown on Table 47. Registered Covers to the U.K. via Allan Line, Registered Prepaid, listed as Cover No. 3 and also mentioned as a footnote on Table 45. Four-Fold Allan Rate Covers to the U.K. (below Cover 1.)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 1856 (February 21) Blue envelope from the Rev. Dr Ryerson correspondence with red embossed Education Office "Crown" Upper Canada on backflap, endorsed "By US Mail Steamer" bearing a rare franking of a 6p dark grey on medium wove and a 10 pence blue on thin hard, crisp paper, both with ample margins, placed attractively side by side and tied by light concentric rings, large circular Toronto C.W. FEB 21 dispatch datestamp. Intended to pay the short-lived "Crimean War" rate of 16 pence via U.S. Collins Line to the UK (between January 1855 and January 1856). However, it was sent by the First Packet Principle and carried on the Cunard steamer "Europa" and deemed 6 pence overpaid (the rate was then 10 pence currency). Neat "tombstone" Pkt Letter Paid Liverpool 10 MR 1857 transit datestamp in red. Only six such frankings have been reported, three of which were mailed after the Crimean War period; a remarkable Pence cover that once graced the famous Caspary collection, VF (Unitrade 5b, 7)

Provenance: Alfred Caspary, Sale 5 - British North America, H.R. Harmer, Inc., New York, October 1956; Lot 99
Dave Roberts, Maresch Sale 315, March 1997; Lot 53

Literature: The Crimean War and the 16d U.S. Packet Rate, by George Arfken and Charles Firby, Canadian Philatelist, March - April 2005, pages 84-88, being Cover No. 16; and being one of only two covers listed in "Table 6. Cunard Packet Overpaid Covers, Post Crimean War Period".

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 1858 (December 20) Folded cover endorsed "Paid - Per Persia from New York" and mailed from Montreal to Selkirk, Scotland, bearing a single 10p blue on thicker white wove paper with clear to large margins except in outer fame at top left, exceptionally fresh with sharp impression, tied by 4-ring '21' cancel, Montreal dispatch datestamp at left, arriving on New Year's Day, 1858 at Liverpool with Br. Packet 1 JA 59 circular transit in red; central file fold, backstamped Selkirk JA 2 receiver. Pays the Ten-pence Cunard Line rate to Scotland, F-VF (Unitrade 7a)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19,A superb "Goodall" Die Proof, engraved, printed in bluish green on india paper 23 x 30mm die sunk on card 27 x 36mm; a remarkable coloured die proof in pristine condition, XF (Minuse & Pratt 19TC2g)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19,A lovely Engraved Trial Colour Die Proof IN BROWN, stamp size on india paper; minute nick at top and couple shallow india thins. Only three such proofs are recorded on Glen Lundeen's "BNA Proofs" listing, unrecorded in Minuse & Pratt "Essays and Proofs of British North America", VF

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19Pi + varieties,An impressive lower right margin plate proof block of twenty (4x5) on india with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, not readily discernible tear at lower right mostly confined to sheet margin. Shows the Major Re-entry variety (Position 100) with strong doubling of upper left vertical frameline, marks in "POSTAGE" and surrounding oval, etc. A very scarce specimen proof block showing the well-known plate variety, VF

Another Re-entry appears at Position 80 with doubling of outer oval at centre right and unerased engraver's guideline at right, the latter shows through all five proofs in the right column.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19Pii,Plate proof single in the issued colour on india paper with the elusive diagonal SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, large margined, VF

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19b,A magnificent imperforate block of four on wove paper from the upper right corner of the sheet; only one sheet was ever printed making this corner positional block UNIQUE. Its appeal is further enhanced by the presence of large margins on its other two sides and remarkably enough, FULL ORIGINAL GUM. Quite possibly the finest and most desirable of the very few surviving imperforate seventeen cent blocks, VF OG

Expertization: 1992 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 408
Henry Hussey, Sissons Sale 329, November 1973; Lot 152
Maresch Private Treaty (First Catalogue, 1977); item 83
"Midland" Collection of Canada, Firby Auctions (private treaty, October 1996; item 7)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19b,A superb block of four with characteristic colour and impression on the distinctive white wove paper, remarkably choice, exceptionally fresh and large margined, without gum as typically found, a rarely seen block in outstanding quality, XF

Expertization: 1987 Greene Foundation certificate, identified as old CS No. 17.

Provenance: Art Leggett Cents Issue Exhibit Collection (private sale)
Guilford Collection, Siegel, September 1994; Lot 2198

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19,The famous "Dale-Lichtenstein" mint block of six, sheet margin at left (Positions 31-33 / 41-43), displaying exceptionally rich colour on fresh paper, minor perf separation mentioned for the record, well centered for the issue and possessing an unusually large portion of its original gum. A glorious showpiece of the utmost rarity and desirability, F-VF OG

THE LARGEST EXISTING MINT BLOCK OF THE SEVENTEEN CENT JACQUES CARTIER.

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America, Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 403 - described as "indigo, rich colour" - Realized US$1,300 against a then catalogue value of $600.
Vincent Graves Greene Collection, Sissons Sale 347, February 1975; Lot 300
Art Leggett Cents Issue Exhibit Collection (private sale)
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19ii,A very scarce unused example of the sought-after Major Re-entry (Position 100) with prominent doubling of upper left vertical frameline - and ideally well clear of the perforations at its right side, numerous distinctive marks in "POSTAGE" and surrounding oval among other traits; reasonably centered with noticeably large margins and well clear of perforations of three sides; no doubt one of the finest examples of this well-known variety, rarely seen unused, F-VF (Unitrade cat. for fine centering only)

Expertization: 1990 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: John Siverts Part II, Maresch Sale 230, September 1989; Lot 152
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

The Unitrade specialized catalogue makes no attempt to allocate a catalogue value for a very fine centered stamp in unused condition; an indication that none has yet been found.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 19iii,A very scarce unused (regummed) example of the distinctive "Burr over Shoulder" plate variety (Position 7) which was very short-lived as it occurred just before the last printing order in February 1867. Only a miniscule number of unused examples exist, Fine (Unitrade cat. as fine)

Provenance: Vincent Graves Greene (Part One), Sissons Sale 347, February 1975; Lot 297
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Unitrade specialized catalogue makes no attempt to price an unused with very fine centering. It would seem fair to observe that an unused example of the Burr over Shoulder variety with Fine centering is, quite likely, the best grade one can hope to find.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 1863 (March 2) Large envelope bearing an extraordinary franking representing a four-fold Cunard Line rate (68 cents), plus the then current 12½ cents registration fee (in effect until January 1866) paid with stamps - a block of the 17c Prussian blue shade, perf 11¾, top right stamp is torn, and a single 12½c green tied by light Hamilton duplex datestamps, well-struck REGISTERED handstamp at top left; cover with couple sealed tears and slightly reduced at left. British "Crown" registered handstamp in red along with same-ink oval Registered 17 MR 63 London datestamp. The only known Decimal cover with such a franking and without question, among the most impressive 17 cent Cartier covers extant, Fine (Unitrade 18, 19i)

Provenance: Fred Jarrett Canada 1859-1864, Sissons Sale 169, December 1959; Lot 375
Charles deVolpi, Sissons Sale 239, October 1965; Lot 230
Specialized Collection of 1859s, Sissons Sale 450, January 1986; Lot 555 - sold for a hefty $4,250 hammer, the highest realization among the 167-lots of this impressive collection of Decimal series.
Art Leggett Cents Issue Exhibit Collection (private sale)
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in Arfken & Leggett "Canada's Decimal Era 1859-1868" handbook on page 178 (Figure 9). Listed as Cover No. 5 in Table 2. Cunard Packet 17¢ Rate, Registration 12½¢.

TEN PENCE AND SEVENTEEN CENTS 1864 (March) Small envelope franked with a well centered 17c blue, light perf toning, tied by partial duplex of unknown origin (British stamp affixed over the dater), pays the Cunard Line packet rate via New York to London, England; redirected on arrival to Lockerbie, Scotland with fee paid by a penny red tied by London duplex, couple small cover tears; on reverse two London MR 22 datestamps and Lockerby MR 23 receiver. Very few such redirected covers survive - in fact only two such franked covers have been tabulated in the Firby census, Fine (Unitrade 19)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS Prepared in 1851 by printer Ellis & Co. of Toronto and presented to Postmaster General James Morris, large margins all around, minute stain spot at top left, a wonderful 3p BEAVER ESSAY UNIQUE IN BLACK in private hands, VF

A 24-page booklet published by Charles Firby in 1996 gives a detailed historical account, with census and background information on other known examples - The 3p Venetian Red on Sir Sandford Fleming diary page (Eastern Auctions Ltd. March 2023; Lot 1 - sold for $475,000 hammer). Two examples reside in the permanent collections of Library and Archives Canada.

This Black Essay features design traits and characteristics different than the two known Red Essays (the Sir Sandford Fleming essay on diary page and the one in Library and Archives Canada). Furthermore, after careful examination, we are also of the opinion that the Essay in Black was engraved recess-printed and not by the lithographic process as initially observed. The revised edition of "The Postage Stamps and Postal History of Canada" by Winthrop Boggs (page 834) does state "engraved".

Provenance: Fred Jarrett, Sissons Sale 166, October 1959; Lot 3
Bill Lea Fine Stamps No. 8 private treaty catalogue (circa. 1988); item G1 stating "ex. Jarrett and Jephcott"
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Literature: Illustrated in Minuse & Pratt "The Essays and Proofs of British North America" handbook on page 7 and catalogued as "1E-A" and annotated "Designed by Sir Sanford Fleming, engraved by James Ellis".

Illustrated and discussed in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on pages 7-10 (Figure 4).

Article with historical context - "The 3 Pence Beaver Postage Stamp and the Search for a Printer", by Ken R. Johnson, Canadian Philatelist, Vol. 43, No. 5, September - October 1992, pages 400-408

Article in French, with interesting historical narrative leading to the essays and the issued stamp - "De La Rencontre de 3 Ecossais Naîtra le castor de 3-pence, le Premier Timbre - Poste Canadien", by Denis Masse, Canadian Philatelist, Vol. 37, No. 6, November - December 1986, pages 414-423

THE ONLY KNOWN THREE PENCE "ELLIS" ESSAY IN BLACK IN PRIVATE HANDS. AS FAR AS WE KNOW, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME OFFERED AT AUCTION SINCE THE FAMOUS JARRETT SALE IN 1959, OVER SIXTY YEARS AGO!

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS A fabulous group of thirteen original index cards from 3 pence of 1851 to 2 cents of 1864 (ex ½p & 1c), from American Bank Note archives, each measures about 228 x 152mm; characteristic handstamped "INDEX CARD" and typewritten notes on front and reverse, details on printing order dates and other specifications. All have a proof affixed (some with two or three different proofs), the earlier representing the original engraved Pence plate proofs produced from Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson Co. plates, then taken over and printed by ABNC (as of May 1, 1858) along with the Cents issues. An additional index card is included, allocated for the "1852 12 pence, same as 1851 issue", blank without a proof and without notations on back. To the best of our knowledge, each item is UNIQUE. An important assembly for anyone desiring to build a gold-medal collection on the early classic stamps of Canada.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS Printer's Ledger Sheet displaying all Pence and Cents printing orders made by the American Bank Note Company from the Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson engraved plates. Shown as samples are eleven different Pence & Cents proofs on india paper, two of which are overprinted specimen. It is interesting to note that only the June and July 1858 printings of the Pence issues were imperforates, all subsequent printings printed by ABNC were perforated to 1867. Certainly a one-of-a-kind item. A wonderful frontispiece to an important collection of the classic stamps of Canada, VF

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1P + variety,Plate proof block of twenty-five in issued colour on card mounted india paper (Pane A, Positions 51-55 / 91-95), lower left proof showing the constant Major Re-entry with numerous marks in "EE PEN" of "THREE PENCE", in "PO" of "POSTAGE" among other traits, a choice and attractive block, VF

Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - BNA Part Three, H.R. Harmer, Inc., New York, November 1968; Lot 572
Clayton Huff (Part 3), Maresch Sale 200, April 1987; Lot 511
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 66

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1TCi + varieties,A corner margin plate proof block of twenty-five in near issued colour on card mounted india paper (Pane A, Positions 56-60 / 96-100) with horizontal SPECIMEN overprint in dark green. No imprint denoting it was printed prior to 1856; shows the Major Re-entry (Pane A; Position 80) with very strong doubling in THREE CENTS and surrounding oval, also in both left "3s" among other traits. An attractive and very scarce specimen proof block, ideal for exhibition, VF

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - British North America Part Three, H.R. Harmer, Inc., January 1970; Lot 566
Clayton Huff (Part Two), Maresch Sale 195, February 1987; Lot 10
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 67

This block also shows the constant Short Entry variety at Position 88; the entire right outer frameline and other elements of the design are missing.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1TC + variety,A corner margin plate proof block of twenty-five (Pane B, Positions 1-5 / 41-45) in near issued colour on india paper with horizontal SPECIMEN overprint in carmine; light india wrinkling on three. No imprint, indicating it was printed prior to 1856; shows the Major Re-entry (Position 42) with notable doubling in various lettering, particularly in oval above "POSTAGE" and of the inner frameline in lower left, among other traits. A very rare, large specimen proof block, VF

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America, Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 5
Clayton Huff (Part 1), Maresch Sale 194, December 1986; Lot 1068
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 68

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1TCvi,A lovely trial colour plate proof block printed in orange yellow on india, showing nearly complete Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York imprint in right margin, VF

From Plate B, Positions 79-80 / 89-90, showing the "Double Crack" plate flaw above "R" of "V.R." on upper left proof, distinctive and different from the known "transfer" crack.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1a, 1iii,A fabulous used pair of Canada's first postage stamp, remarkably choice and surrounded by large margins with lovely bright colour on fresh paper displaying unusually prominent laid lines, attractively struck with ideal concentric rings cancels. Left-hand stamp has the most distinguishable plate variety to be found on the three pence - the Pane A Position 47 Major Re-entry with very strong doubling in "THREE PENCE" and the surrounding ovals, among other lettering and in three "3". Many traits are clear of the cancellations. A superb pair in all respects, quite possibly the finest extant of this important plate variety on the 1851 laid paper stamp, XF

Provenance: Fine BNA, Sissons Sale 341, October 1974; Lot 6
Dave Roberts, Maresch Sale 315, March 1997; Lot 5
The "Loch" Collection - Canadian Pence Issue, Firby Auctions, April 1999; Lot 51

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 4xi,A beautiful mint pair with large margins all around, excellent colour and bright impression on the distinctive thin paper; crease between stamps and two trivial gum creases of natural cause, all inconsequential for this fabulous mint pair which possesses unusually full original gum, rare, VF OG (Unitrade cat. $10,000)

Expertization: 1988 Greene Foundation certificate, identified as "Scott 4d (scarlet vermilion shade on thin paper)"

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 5 - British North America Part Two, H.R. Harmer Inc., May 1969; Lot 449 - sold for US$950 against a catalogue value of $450.
Sam Nickle Pence Issues, Firby Auctions, October 1988; Lot 215 - sold for US$3,250!
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 4c,A rarely seen mint pair of this distinctive printing, nice deep colour on characteristic fragile paper displaying minor flaws and slightly in outer frameline at two places, otherwise well clear to ample margins including large sheet margin at top, from Pane B, Positions 2 / 12, small portion of RAW(DON) imprint at top right, large part original gum. Despite the imperfections, very few mint multiples of this elusive printing exist in any condition, Fine appearance (Unitrade cat. $12,000)

Expertization: 1985 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Charles Lathrop Pack, Part II, Harmer, Rooke & Co., April 1945; Lot 80
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1851 (September 15) Clean, folded cover mailed from Hamilton to Vittoria, C.W. bearing a four margined 3 pence red on laid paper with lovely bright colour in flawless condition, tied by light concentric rings IN BLUE with same-ink Hamilton double arc dispatch datestamp, light Brantford transit in blue and neat Vittoria SP 16 51 receiver backstamps. A lovely cover in pristine condition, VF (Unitrade 1)

Provenance: Vincent Graves Greene Collection, Sissons Sale 346, February 1975; Lot 20 - with his backstamp.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1851 (July 11) Blue folded cover franked with a vertical pair of the 3 pence red on laid paper, just clear to large margins with visible laid lines, colour slightly oxidized, nicely tied by concentric rings, pair lifted for inspection and re-affixed in its original position, clear Montreal double arc dispatch in red - dated less than three months after issue with portion of Cobourg JUL 13 1851 double arc, red receiver backstamp. A very scarce double weight domestic mail franking, only twelve such letters bearing a pair of 3 pence Beaver on laid paper for domestic mail have been reported (Wayne Smith census as of January 2022), VF (Unitrade 1)

Expertization: 1982 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: The "Barclay" Collection of Canadian Pence Issues, Danam Stamp Auctions, February 1983; Lot 61
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1857 (September 18) Folded blue cover from Montreal to Quebec, bearing an impressive vertical strip of four of the 3p deep red on medium white wove paper, right margin skilfully added and barely discernible, tied by four-ring '21' cancellations, Montreal double arc dispatch at left, next-day Quebec SP 19 receiver backstamp, light file fold slightly touches one stamp. Pays an impressive four-fold domestic letter rate (up to 2 ounces). A very rare franking with excellent pedigree, VF (Unitrade 4i)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn (private sale, circa. 1980s)
Sam Nickle Collection, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 78 - according to Nickle album page (not present) - "quadruple domestic... only four such covers have been reported, three of which bearing pairs of the six pence stamp."
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 135

Literature: Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on page 109 (Figure 83)

Census: Pence Covers census compiled by Wayne Smith (as of January 2022) records three quadruple domestic letter rate covers franked solely with the 3-pence stamp (any printing).

(1) The cover offered here;
(2) Another cover bearing four examples on wove paper mailed as a Money Letter, the latter service paid in cash as customary;
(3) A third cover bearing four examples of the 1859 Perforated issue.

Based on these observations, this is THE ONLY KNOWN QUADRUPLE DOMESTIC - 12 PENCE LETTER RATE COVER FRANKED IMPERFORATE THREE PENCE BEAVER.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1857 (October 31) Cover endorsed "Per Mail Steamer Boston" with a remarkable franking consisting of two single ½p rose and three single 3p red stamps on wove paper, few sides slightly into frame otherwise with clear to large margins, cancelled or tied by rare four-ring '16' cancellations of Hamilton, clear double arc dispatch struck at left, London Paid NO 17 57 split ring receiver datestamp in red. A most unusual franking to correctly pay the then current 10-pence Cunard Line rate via the U.S. to the United Kingdom. Couple light file folds and stamps somewhat oxidized; right 3p stamp with minor flaws. One of only five such frankings to the UK reported, a Fine over of wonderful appeal. (Unitrade 4, 8)

The left half penny shows Major Re-entry Position 70 in the pane of 120 subjects.

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn (private sale, circa. 1980s)
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 136

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1854 (July 11) Dark blue embossed cameo of "Hugh Scobie, Bookseller & Stationer, Printing, Bookbinding, Engraving, Litho-graphing Envelope Dies" orange brown envelope, large "3" rate handstamp (to collect) mailed from Toronto to Stratford, clear JY 17 1854 arrival backstamp. A superb cameo advertising cover, VF

Hugh Scobie, lithographer of Toronto, may have played an instrumental part in the famous Sir Sandford Fleming 3p Venetian Red essay, which is attributed to printers Ellis of Toronto. The essay may have been prepared by Hugh Scobie, under the direction of Postmaster General Morris.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1856 (November 24) Dark blue cameo embossed C.H. Van Norman & Co. Watch Makers No. 3 James St. Hamilton C.W. advertising on orange envelope mailed to Gorham, Maine, U.S. franked with horizontal pair of 3p orange red on thin hard paper, barely touching at foot to large margins tied by unusual segmented cork cancels, Hamilton double arc dispatch (no "U.C." at foot of the hammer). Pays the 6-pence letter rate to the US, two line CANADA PAID 10Cts border exchange handstamp in red; no backstamp as customary. A lovely cork cancelled cameo advertising cover, among the earliest known cork cancels employed in Canada, F-VF (Unitrade 4ii)

Provenance: Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 160

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1857 (March 27) Blue folded cover from Guelph to Toronto franked with a 3p deep red on medium wove paper, clear margins to portion of sheet margin at foot, superbly struck by socked-on-nose four-ring '15' cancel, clear Guelph double arc dispatch at left, couple file folds away from the visually striking numeral cancelled 3-pence Beaver, VF cover with XF strike - the Earliest Recorded Date of this four-ring cancel on cover. A great item for the specialist. (Unitrade 4i)

Provenance: Sam Nickle Pence Issues, Firby Auctions, October 1988; Lot 268
Henry Lubke Jr. (Second Portion), Maresch Sale 268, October 1992; Lot 448

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1858 (January 7) Blue cover franked with a large margined imperforate 3p red on soft horizontally ribbed paper in choice condition and showing portion of adjoining stamp at foot, tied by light, partly legible, four-ring numeral "10" cancel of Cobourg, partial large circular Cobourg datestamp at left, same-day clearly struck large circular Port Hope 7 JAN 1858 receiver on back; minor cover creasing at left, otherwise a Fine cover with an XF stamp (Unitrade 4c)

Provenance: Sam Nickle Collection, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 72

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 12ii,A quite well centered unused single of this rarity showing the listed Major Re-entry (Pane A; Position 34) with prominent doubling throughout the lower part of the design including lettering, ovals and numerals. Hidden flaws and recut perforations on one side. Fine appearance and a very rarely seen plate variety on the perforated three pence in unused condition. (Unitrade cat. $12,000 as a normal stamp)

This Major Re-entry is listed but currently unpriced unused.

Expertization: 1988 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private sale, circa. 1997)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 12,A very rare used vertical strip of five (Pane A Positions 58 / 98), nearly complete (Rawdo)n, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York imprint captured in margin at foot, minor flaws on top and bottom stamps, pen cancel, Fine appearance with intact perforations; believed to be the largest known multiple on or off cover. An important Pence showpiece.

Position 88 - fourth stamp in the strip shows a prominent, constant Short Entry variety at right.

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 10 - Canada, H.R. Harmer, Inc., December 1970; Lot 319
Clayton Huff (Part 4), Maresch Sale 207, November 1987; Lot 71
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 244

Literature: Illustrated in Winthrop Boggs "The Postage Stamps and Postal History of Canada" handbook on page 170 (Figure 50).

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1859 (July 20) Pence Usage During Decimal Period, a folded entire from Montreal to Campbellton, New Brunswick, bearing a nicely centered 3p red perf 11¾ tied by indistinct cancel, large portion of Montreal double arc dispatch datestamp at lower left, clear Campbellton, NB JY 30 receiver backstamp; paying an elusive 3 pence (equivalent to 5 cents during this transitional period) interprovincial letter rate, rarely seen franked with a perforated 3p stamp, F-VF (Unitrade 12)

Census: The Wayne Smith Pence cover census (as of January 2022) reported only 3 covers franked with a perforated 3p to the Maritimes (as opposed to over 200 covers with this franking for domestic mail). Of the three reported covers, two are to New Brunswick and one to Nova Scotia.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1859 (July 25) Pence Usage During Decimal Period - Bartley & Guilbert St. Lawrence Engine Works Montreal albino embossed advert envelope mailed to New York, bearing two quite well centered single perforated 3p red tied by four-ring '21' cancels, clear Montreal JY 25 1859 double arc dispatch, blue ink mark top left. Mailed during the first month of Decimal stamps usage and available at post offices. The two pence stamps figured as 5 cents each for the then current 10 cent letter rate to the US, no backstamp as customary. A scarce multiple Pence franking to the US especially attractive on an embossed advertising cover mailed during the Decimal period, F-VF (Unitrade 12)

Provenance: William Moody III, British North America, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1951; Lot 104
Charles deVolpi, B.N.A. Covers, Sissons Sale 239, October 1965; Lot 77
Guilford Collection of Canada Pence Issues, Siegel, September 1994; Lot 2168 - shows his characteristic invisible ink "CdeV" owner's handstamp on back (visible under UV lamp)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15TCvii,An attractive and very rare trial colour plate proof block of nine printed in black on india paper. Originating from State 1 of the plate (Positions 74-76 x 94-96); very scarce - no proofs of the 5 cent in black were present in the 1990 ABNC sale. An exceptional block in flawless condition, XF

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15TCviii,An impressive trial colour plate proof block of twenty in orange yellow on india paper; originating from State 4 (Positions 4-7 / 44-47), flaws on lower right proof. Probably the largest surviving multiple in this distinctive orange yellow colour, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $12,000)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 10 - Canada, H.R. Harmer, Inc., December 1970; Lot 352 - for an irregular block of 72 from which this originates
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15TC,Corner margin trial colour plate proof block of twenty-five (Positions 51-55 / 91-95 from State 4, 1863) printed in orange vermilion, near issued colour, on india paper; without plate imprint and showing different plate flaws and re-entries not on the usual vermilion proofs originating from State 10. Minor faults on lower left proof, otherwise a very scarce proof block from this earlier State of the plate, F-VF (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

Position 64 & 65 shows documented plate scratches (Whitworth Plate Flaws 28a & 23a respectively)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - British North America Part Three, January 1970; Lot 973

Interestingly, this block lacks ABNC imprints, indicating that it originated
from a plate printed prior to October 1864. Imprints were added starting with the printing order of November 1864.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15TCiv,Trial colour plate proof block in brown red on india with horizontal SPECIMEN overprint in black, VF

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15,Mint block with rich colour (Positions 8-9 / 18-19, from State 6), minor flaws but with large part original gum, a rare mint block, Fine

Dale-Lichtenstein sale - lot description states: "Calder notes: 'This block proves that imprint was rolled on plate after the plate was used during this 12 x 12 period.'"

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - British North America Part Three, H.R Harmer, Inc., January 1970; Lot 979
Clayton Huff Cents Issue, Maresch Sale 207, November 1987; Lot 227

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15 + varieties,Mint vertical strip of four (Positions 55 / 85 from State 8) displaying Re-entries at Positions 55 & 75 (Whitworth Re-entries No. 31 and 18 respectively), former with strong doubling in "FIVE CENTS", left oval and frames; latter with prominent marks in oval below "FIVE" among other traits; minor flaws, possessing large part original gum and of Fine appearance; rarely seen plate varieties (Unitrade cat. $4,000 as normal fine OG mint singles)

Provenance: Clayton Huff Cents Issue, Maresch Sale 207, November 1987; Lot 227

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 15b, 17e,A very rare diagonally bisected 5 cent, perf 11¾ alongside a single early printing 10c deep reddish purple perf 11¾ combining for the required Allan Line packet rate of 12½ cents to the UK, tied to piece by four-ring '21' cancels. We are unaware of even one genuine cover showing a legitimate usage of a bisected 5 cent stamp. A great item for the specialist, F-VF

Provenance: T. Allworthy Collection, Robson Lowe Ltd., London, May 1951; Lot 89
E. Carey Fox (Second Portion), H.R. Harmer, Inc., October 1968; Lot 101
Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 288

Literature: Illustrated in Robson Lowe "The Encyclopaedia of British Empire Postage Stamps, Vol. V - British North America" on page 180.

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1860 (February 24) Cover from Montreal via Allan Line Canadian Packet to the UK, displaying an unusual franking of two single 5c and a 1c vertical strip of three, all perf 11¾ and tied by concentric rings; the required 12½ cents rate overpaid by a half cent for convenience, Montreal double arc dispatch and neat circular Paid Liverpool Col. Packet 8 MR 60 transit in red, the latter just ties the strip, partial Birkenhead receiver backstamp; overall cover ageing touching right 5 cent. An unusual franking - one of only five reported in the Firby Cents Issue census, Fine (Unitrade 14, 15)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1861 (June 25) Dark blue embossed "Engine Boilers James Currie, Boiler & Blacksmith Toronto" illustrated advertising on buff envelope from the Prosser correspondence, bearing a nicely centered vertical pair of 5c vermilion perf 11¾ tied by diamond grid cancels of Toronto, slight blurry split ring dispatch, paying the 10 cent letter rate to the US, attractive, VF (Unitrade 15)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1861 (November 22) Cover mailed from Caistorville, C.W. to Oakville, C.W. bearing 5c deep vermilion perf 11¾, unusually tied by scroll framed commercial handstamp - M.G. Scott / Dealer / in Dry Goods / Groceries / Caistorville, C.W. employed as a cancelling device, Caistorville split ring dispatch, two different backstamps, some cover soiling; highly unusual - we do not recall seeing a commercial handstamp utilized as a postal cancellation, Fine (Unitrade 15)

Cancelled by the postmaster's business stamp. M.G. Scott was postmaster from August 1857 until his death in May 1870.

Provenance: Sam Nickle, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 381

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1865 (December 13) Montreal Telegraph Company illustrated cover bearing a well centered 5c dull vermilion perf 12 tied by Simcoe split ring to Vittoria, C.W.; couple opening tears to cover, an appealing and scarce illustrated advertising cover, Fine appearance (Unitrade 15)

Provenance: Sam Nickle, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 422

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1865 (September 25) John Dougall & Co. Commission Merchants, Montreal yellow envelope from Montreal to Buxton, bearing horizontal pairs of 1c rose and 5c vermilion perf 12, both with tiny flaws on one stamp and tied by Montreal duplex, paying a double weight domestic letter rate plus 2 cents registration prepaid with stamps, light straightline REGISTERED handstamp at right; light cover fold at foot and slightly reduced at right; on reverse G.W.R. West, Chatham, Charing Cross and Buxton receiver backstamps, F-VF (Unitrade 14, 15)

THREE PENCE AND FIVE CENTS 1868 (July 6) "A. Ramsay & Son Importers of Window Glass, Oils, Paints & c." advertising cover mailed from Montreal to Detroit, bearing a mixed-issue franking of a 5c Beaver overlapping a 1c brown red Large Queen on medium wove paper, latter wrinkled from affixing to cover, tied by light Montreal duplex; horizontal file fold away from stamps. Pays the half ounce Dominion letter rate of 6 cents to the United States, Fine (Unitrade 15, 22)

Provenance: Sam Nickle, Christie's Robson Lowe, NY, March 1993; Lot 697

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2TCxiii,Trial colour plate proof block of fifteen (5x3) on card mounted india, printed in lilac with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in orange, sheet margin at left and clear to large margins on other sides; a scarce specimen block, F-VF

Interestingly enough, no orange specimen overprint on Six pence Consort was present in the 1990 ABNC sale, no doubt an indication of its scarcity.

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2TCxi,An impressive trial colour plate proof block of ten printed in a distinctive grey blue shade on card mounted india paper with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, sheet margin at right, ample to large margins on other sides. A very scarce specimen multiple and interestingly enough, the only one (6p proof in grey blue) from the 1990 ABNC sale. Quite likely the largest recorded multiple, VF

Provenance: American Bank Note Company Archives, Christie's Robson Lowe, September 1990; Lot 1519
"Midland" Collection of Canada, Firby Auctions, January 2004; Lot 14

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2TCvii,Trial colour plate proof block of eight in dark grey on card mounted india paper with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, large margined and choice, VF ex. "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2TC,A superb trial colour plate proof block of sixteen printed in red lilac on card mounted india, from the top left corner of the sheet showing two marginal imprints of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York. A beautiful proof block, VF+

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2TCii,An attractive trial colour plate proof block of four printed in orange yellow on card mounted india paper showing nearly complete plate imprint of (R)awdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York in margin at right, VF

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2TCiii,The rare trial colour plate proof in grey (no specimen) on india, in sound condition. It is believed a mere 10 examples exist, VF+

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 2,An outstanding used vertical strip of three with superb margins all around, likely originating from the first column of a sheet, fabulous colour and prominent laid lines, each stamp ideally struck with concentric rings. To the best of our knowledge, no blocks of the Six pence on laid paper exist. An amazing multiple of the Canada's first issue that might well be considered THE FINEST USED MULTIPLE attainable of this denomination, XF

Provenance: Bertram Collection of Canada, Shanahan's Auctions, February 1959; Lot 269
Duncan McLellan, Robson Lowe Ltd, April 1964; Lot 371 - aptly described as "an extraordinary vertical strip", sold for a hefty £725 hammer, the second highest realization of this 460-lot sale, only surpassed by an unused 12 penny (£1,600).
E. Carey Fox, First Portion, H.R. Harmer Inc., May 1968; Lot 222
Tomasini, British Empire Sale, Stanley Gibbons Auctions, September 1975; Lot 184
Maresch Private Treaty (First Catalogue, 1977); item 20
John Foxbridge (du Pont) Collection (private treaty 1988)
Bill Lea (private sale 1998)

Literature: Illustrated in Robson Lowe "Encyclopedia of British Empire Postage Stamps, Vol. V - British North America" on page 167

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 5i,A rare used single with quite prominent HORIZONTAL STITCH WATERMARK variety, clear at right to very large margins, great colour on fresh paper, light corner crease top right, a clear four-ring '21' cancel further adds to the appeal of this elusive watermarked stamp, Fine+ (Unitrade cat. $5,000 as VF)

Expertization: 2024 Greene Foundation certificate

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1851 (December 6) Clean blue folded lettersheet from the well-known Kennedy correspondence, bearing a choice 6 pence slate violet on handmade laid paper with prominent laid lines, displaying amazing colour and impression, cancelled by socked-on-nose concentric rings and attractively tied by the Montreal double arc dispatch in red with same-ink "CANADA" arc handstamp, straightline PAID in red denoting postage was paid for the required 6 pence rate to New York. As nice as they come, XF (Unitrade 2)

Provenance: Kasimir Bileski Pence Issue Collection, Eaton & Sons, June 1995; Lot 209

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1853 (September 8) Clean folded cover from Montreal to Saint John, New Brunswick, intact red wax seal on reverse, bearing a single 6p brown purple on laid paper, just touching frame at foot to large margins, cancelled by socked-on-nose concentric rings, bold Montreal double arc dispatch datestamp, St. John New Brunswick SP 13 1853 receiver backstamp, light horizontal file fold away from stamp. Pays a very elusive double Interprovincial letter rate - one of only three reported laid paper six pence covers to New Brunswick, Fine (Unitrade 2b)

Expertization: 1999 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Ed Richardson, Firby Auctions, November 1991; Lot 498
The "Harbour" Collection of Pence, Firby Auctions, May 1996; Lot 18

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 13,A very well centered mint example with fabulous rich colour, intact perforations except at foot which has been cleverly recut, large part original gum somewhat disturbed at top from previous mounting; still a lovely Fine example of this challenging classic stamp displaying superb colour and clear impression unlike many examples we have examined. 2012 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade cat. $37,500 as fine unused)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1859 (March 29) Cover from Montreal to Vermont, bearing an unusually well centered perforated 6p brown violet tied by four-ring '21' cancel, tiny tear at top, Montreal double arc dispatch, docketing at left by recipient, cover with light edge wrinkling; unusually struck across the border with large circular Rouse's Point, N.Y. MAR 30 backstamp. Of the thirty or so reported perforated 6 pence covers to the US, this bears one of best centered examples extant; a Fine cover with a VF centered stamp (Unitrade 13; cat. $12,000 for VF stamp alone)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 16TCiii,"Goodall" Die Proof, engraved, printed in greenish blue on india paper 20 x 31mm, die sunk on card measuring 30 x 33mm, faint wrinkle at top. A rare and striking coloured die proof, VF (Minuse & Pratt 16TC2g)

Provenance: Fred Goodhelpsen Collection (private sale)
Arthur Groten, Maresch Sale 133, September 1981; Lot 233
Art Leggett Cents Issue Exhibit Collection (private sale)
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

"Goodall" die proofs were printed in five colours - dark yellowish brown, brownish red greenish blue (offered here), bluish green and greyish black. Slight shades among these five colours are sometimes observed on other Decimal issues. Other colours and papers of the 10c come from the very rare Compound Die with the 12p Queen Victoria.

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 16TCiii,A fabulous "Goodall" Die Proof, engraved, printed in blackish brown on very thin, greyish, hard bond paper (0.0025" thick) measuring 30 x 35mm; originating from the Compound Die. Couple natural pre-printing wrinkles. A rare die proof printed in a colour closely resembling that of the first printing, VF (Minuse & Pratt 16TC1d)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 16Pi + variety,A plate proof block of six with sheet margin at left on india with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine (Positions 51-52 / 71-72), showing the elusive "Double Epaulette" plate variety (Position 61) on left proof in centre row; couple inconsequential bends. A desirable proof block with the listed plate variety, VF (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

This block also shows a known Re-entry plate variety (listed in Unitrade) at Position 51.

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 16Pii,Horizontal plate proof pair in the colour of the first printing on card mounted india paper with diagonal SPECIMEN overprint in carmine; a scarce pair, F-VF

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 16TCi + variety,Trial colour plate proof in black on india, diagonal SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, shows both a natural pre-printing paper fold and the "Double Epaulette" plate variety (Position 61). An elusive combination of the plate variety in a sought-after colour, VF

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 16TCi,Trial colour plate proof in black on india with diagonal SPECIMEN in carmine, VF

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 17TCi + varieties,A plate imprint proof block of sixteen printed in brownish purple on card mounted india paper (Positions 51-54 / 81-84) showing full ABNC imprint in left margin, also plate varieties - "Double Epaulette" variety at Position 61 and Re-entry at Position 51, large margins except at lower left, scissor cuts between proofs in lower row, F-VF (Unitrade cat. as twelve normal proofs)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 17e,A beautiful, exceptionally fresh unused example of this early shade originating from the second printing order, seldom seen unused in sound condition, Fine+

Expertization: 2024 Greene Foundation certificate

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 17b,An elusive mint example in a distinctive shade on bright fresh paper, couple shortish perfs, full original gum, Fine+

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1859 (August 15) Orange envelope from Brantford to Washington, bearing a fabulous pair of 10c black brown, perf 11¾ in the unmistakable shade associated with this key Printing Order 1A; displaying true rich colour and sharp impression and in flawless condition, tied by light, legible four-ring '5' numeral cancels, Brantford split ring dispatch below; cover reduced at right and horizontal file fold well away from franking. Pays the double-weight letter rate to the United States, clear double ring border exchange Pension Office AUG 18 1859 datestamp - US transit struck on front are not often seen on covers from this era. A remarkable usage of this sought-after First Printing on cover. Very few multiples of this stamp exist, especially so on cover, a showpiece of the utmost rarity, F-VF (Unitrade 16)

Expertization: 2014 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Bill Lea Pence and Cents Exhibit Collection (private sale)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1862 (December 22) Blue folded cover endorsed "p. Steamer via Boston & Halifax" to Newfoundland, franked with two single 10c dark yellowish brown perf 11¾ Printing Order 9A, tied by Montreal duplex, cover tear at top and central file fold away from stamps; St. John's Newfoundland DE 30 1862 double arc receiver backstamp. A rare Decimal Issue cover to Newfoundland - the second earliest recorded; interestingly enough, no cover to Newfoundland bearing Pence stamps is known. Only about a half dozen such frankings are known paying the 20 cent per half ounce rate in effect from July 1st, 1859 to December 31, 1864; valid until January 1, 1865 when postal rate was reduced to 12½ cents, VF (Unitrade 17b)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn Cents Issue Collection, Robson Lowe Toronto, November 1983; Lot 164
Art Leggett Cents Issue Collection Exhibit collection (private sale)
George Arfken, Firby Auctions, May 1997; Lot 1171

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in Arfken & Leggett "Canada's Decimal Era 1859-1868" handbook on page 241 (Figure 1). Listed as Cover No. 2 in Table 1. Decimal covers to Newfoundland.

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1863 (September) Large piece mailed from Toronto to Clinton, C.W. bearing a vertical strip of four of 10c sepia perf 12x11¾ (Printing Order 11A) and a single 5c vermilion tied by diamond grid cancels of Toronto, legible docketing "Answred 26 Sep / 63". Pays a nine-fold 45 cents (5 cent per half ounce) domestic letter rate, highly unusual and very scarce, Fine (Unitrade 15, 17)

Provenance: Specialized Beaver Collection, Maresch Sale 322, October 1997; Lot 342

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1863 (December 18) Large part cover endorsed "Parcel Post" franked with pair of 10c sepia perf 12x11¾ (Printing Order 11B) tied by Guelph duplex, addressed to Osgoode Hall, Toronto, bottom 10 cent with small repair at corner; a very scarce 25 cent parcel post rate (per pound; up to 3lbs.) - one of only two such Parcel Post frankings reported in the Firby Cents issue census, Fine (Unitrade 15, 17)

Provenance: John Siverts, Part I, Maresch Sale 225, May 1989; Lot 604

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS Circa. January 1866 Large envelope mailed to Brandenburg, Kentucky, franked with a horizontal strip of three of 10c violet, perf 12, left stamp shows part ABNC imprint, tied by indistinct cancels, minor flaws, cover faulty; indistinct origin - only trace of dispatch datestamp is shown at left. Despite the imperfections, the cover pays a rare triple letter rate to the United States, Fine (Unitrade 17)

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in Arfken & Leggett "Canada's Decimal Era 1859-1868" handbook on page 84 (Figure 5). Listed as Cover 2. in Table 1. Three- and Four-fold Rate Covers to the U.S. This being one of two known bearing this franking to the United States.

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1860 (November 15) Dark blue embossed cameo "Bartley & Gilbert St. Lawrence Engine Works, Montreal" advertising on clean orange envelope, portion of backflap missing, bearing a quite well centered 10c brownish purple, perf 11¾ (Printing Order 4C) tied by light Montreal duplex, addressed to New York, no backstamp as customary for mail to the US, attractive, VF (Unitrade 17 early printing)

Provenance: Vincent Graves Greene Collection, Sissons Sale 352, July 1975; Lot 185 - with his handstamp on back

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1861 (May 16) Dark blue cameo embossed Engine Boilers, James Currie, Boiler & Blacksmith, Toronto advertising on manila envelope, franked with 10c purple brown (PO 5A) perf 11¾, tied by two strikes of diamond grid cancels of Toronto with clear split ring dispatch, addressed to New York, no backstamp as customary for mail to the US, F-VF (Unitrade 17 early printing)

SIX PENCE AND TEN CENTS 1866 (July 23) St. Lawrence Hall Montreal illustrated envelope bearing a nicely centered 10c dull purple perf 12 (Printing Order 21B) neatly tied by Montreal duplex to Baltimore, Maryland, no backstamp as customary for mail to the US, F-VF (Unitrade 17)

Provenance: Sam Nickle, Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, March 1993; Lot 524

TWELVE PENCE 3TC,Engraved "Goodall" Die Proof, printed in brownish red on india paper 24 x 29mm; die sunk on original card measuring 30 x 34 mm with distinctive engraver's etched marks at top left, showing the characteristic scar at "CE" of "PENCE". A fabulous proof in remarkably choice condition and in one of the original five colours associated with "Goodall" die proofs (not from the compound die). A great proof - gracing the Brigham collection for 30 years, XF (Minuse & Pratt 3TC3g)

Provenance: Guilford Collection of Pence Issues, Siegel, September 1994; Lot 2007

TWELVE PENCE 3TC,A superb and very attractive "Goodall" Die Proof, engraved, printed in bluish black on yellowish, thin hard bond paper 29 x 35mm, engraver's etched marks at top left; originating from the Compound Die with characteristic scar in "CE" of "PENCE", the distinctive mark associated with "Goodall" proofs; faint diagonal crease in margin at foot hardly detracts, an outstanding coloured die proof, VF (Minuse & Pratt 3TC1c)

Provenance: G.W. Dent, Phillips Auctions, London, April 2001; Lot 258

TWELVE PENCE 3TC,"Goodall" Die Proof, engraved, printed in dark violet brown on thin greyish hard bond paper 29 x 35mm, couple extraneous ink mark along with distinctive etched marks at top left and displaying the "scarred" die mark in "PE" of "PENCE". Originating from the Compound Die and very seldom seen in this colour closely resembling the issued stamp, VF (Minuse & Pratt 3TC1d)

TWELVE PENCE 3Piii,Plate proof single in the issued colour on india paper with very scarce vertical SPECIMEN overprint IN GREEN, ample to large margins; ink number on reverse slightly shows, otherwise devoid of the usual flaws found on this fragile paper. A sought-after proof and one of the key plate proofs of the Pence era, VF (Unitrade cat. $7,500)

TWELVE PENCE Engraved vignette in black on card mounted india paper, measuring 55 x 73mm; "THE QUEEN", "British American Bank Note Co. Montreal & Ottawa" and "No. 1" imprints at foot, most attractive, VF

Produced by the engravers of BABN, taken from the full-length Queen's portrait engraving of Alfred Jones.

TWELVE PENCE 3,A highly desirable unused example of Canada's most famous classic stamp, great impression and strong deep colour, showing clear laid lines including a horizontal vergé line associated with this handmade paper. Just in outer frameline at sides, large margins top and bottom. A sound example of this very scarce and most prized stamp in all of Canadian philately, Fine to Very Fine

Expertization: 1953 PF and 2001 Greene Foundation certificates

Provenance: William L. Moody III, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1951; Lot 32
Duncan McLellan, Robson Lowe Ltd., April 1964; Lot 382
Important Canada Pence issues, Sissons, Sale 288, February 1970; Lot 35
Guilford Collection of Pence Issues, Siegel, September 1994; Lot 2039
Warren Wilkinson, H.R. Harmer, Inc. December 1997; Lot 614
The "Montclair" Collection of Canadian Postage Stamps, Eastern Auctions, May 2014; Lot 3

A SOUND EXAMPLE OF THIS WELL DOCUMENTED CLASSIC STAMP WITH EXCELLENT PEDIGREE. THE 1851 TWELVE PENNY BLACK RANKS AMONG THE MOST FAMOUS RARITIES IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.

TWELVE PENCE 3,A four margined used example of Canada's most sought-after stamp displaying a central, well-struck concentric rings cancellation in black; skilfully repaired at top left and sealed tear at right but of Fine appearance. An affordable way to proudly own an example of Canada's most famous classic stamp. (Unitrade cat. $80,000 as fine)

Expertization: 2012 Greene Foundation certificate

TWELVE PENCE 1856 (September 1) Folded entire lettersheet from William Footner at Hamilton to his sister Mrs. Bevis of Gosport, England, bearing a very rare usage of the Twelve pence black on laid paper, tied by two concentric rings cancellations; stamp has been lifted for analysis, horizontal ridge shows through stamp and envelope toned and stained, showing Hamilton double arc dispatch datestamp at foot and "tombstone" Paid SP 15 1856 datestamp in red, likely at London in transit, Gosport SP 15 receiver backstamp. Writer William Footner, a grocer in Hamilton, discusses family and business matters and the pressures that kept him from visiting his family in England. Cover and stamp were subject of a detailed multi-page analysis from the Ontario Research Foundation (enclosed). Overpays by 2 pence the then current 10 pence Cunard Line rate. Allan Steinhart, a well-known postal history expert, comments and observes in a letter to John Jamieson dated April 1996 (enclosed) that this cover was carried by Cunard steamer "Africa" on her return sailing from New York; proper rate was 10d cy or 8d sterling. An important and rare cover, Fine (Unitrade 3)

Expertization: 1978 Greene Foundation certificate and 1978 Ontario Research Foundation forensic paper on ink analysis and authentication of the cover.

Provenance: Bevis Family correspondence (circa. 1970s)
Offered on behalf of Mrs. Bevis' great grand-daughter, Robson Lowe, Pall Mall London Auction, September 1978; Lot 532
Unknown provenance, Robson Lowe Toronto, November 1983; Lot 302
The Weill Brothers, Christie's Robson Lowe, Zurich, November 1989; Lot 1524
G.D. Mass Canada Collection, Saskatoon Stamp Centre, Catalogue No. 188; item 003, private treaty, 1996

Literature: Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on pages 228-229 (Figure 211).
Illustrated in Charles Firby & George Arfken "The Twelve-Penny Black Covers" article, BNA Topics, Whole No. 521, Volume 66, No. 4, October - December 2009, page 18 (figure 9).

Census: Of the eight known genuine covers, two have not been seen since 1911 & 1925 respectively while one resides in the Royal Collection of His Majesty, King Charles III. See "Twelve-Penny Black covers" by Charles Firby & George Arfken,
BNA Topics, Whole 521, Volume 66, Number 4, October - December 2009, pages 8-20. This cover listed as No. 8 is THE ONLY KNOWN TWELVE PENCE FRANKING on a trans-Atlantic mailing to the United Kingdom.

TWELVE PENCE Sixteen items displayed on three exhibit pages. Consisting of nine proofs with either specimen removed or rebacked with fake laid lines, plus two fake covers; an engraved Oneglia forgery, a facsimile "die proof" and Peter Winter blocks of four (3), two of which are tête-bêche printed on cream wove paper. Seven items with certificates; excellent reference on one of Canada's most famous stamp.

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,American Bank Note Company trade sample proof, engraved, printed in dull yellow green on white wove paper, perforated and gummed by ABNC, VF OG

Provenance: Dr. Lewis L. Reford, Part Two, Harmer, Rooke & Co., October 1950; Lot 272
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,American Bank Note Company trade sample proof, LITHOGRAPHED, printed in garnet red on white wove paper with horizontal mesh, perforated and gummed by ABNC, visually striking and rare, F-VF OG

Provenance: Henry Hussey, Sissons Sale 329, November 1973; Lot 121

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,Queen Victoria American Bank Note trade sample proof, engraved, printed in black on thick yellow vertical laid paper, light crease; pen lined, perforated and gummed (overall disturbed) by ABNC, rare, VF OG

Provenance: Vincent Graves Greene Collection, Sissons Sale 346, February 1975; Lot 172

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,American Bank Note Company trade sample proof, engraved, printed in greyish brown on yellowish wove paper with vertical mesh and gummed by ABNC. An attractive and very scarce proof, VF OG

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,American Bank Note Co. trade sample proofs in two shades of rose, both engraved on white wove paper with vertical mesh (0.003" thick), both impression and paper distinctively different from the issued stamp. An attractive duo for the advanced collector, VF

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,Trial colour plate proof block (Positions 69-70 / 81-82) printed in brown on india with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, minor mount mark at top; shows Major Re-entry (Position 70 in the untrimmed plate of 120 subjects) on upper right proof with very prominent doubling of horizontal framelines in all corners, VF (Unitrade 8TCiii + variety; cat. as normal proofs)

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 8,A corner margin plate proof block of sixteen (Positions 9-12 / 45-48 from the plate of 120-subjects) in the issued colour on card mounted india paper, vertical SPECIMEN overprint in dark green, complete Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York imprints on both sides; shows documented Major Re-entries at Position 22 & 46. An attractive block, VF (Unitrade 8Pi + varieties; cat. as normal proofs)

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 1858 (January) Printed folded circular bearing a ½p rose imperforate on medium wove paper, ample to large margins and tied by diamond grid cancellation of Toronto, mailed to Hawick, Scotland; on reverse clear Hawick JA 26 58 duplex struck on arrival. Very rare - in fact one of only two circulars reported to the United Kingdom (the other to Ireland; both shortpaid by a half penny). Rated due "1" penny in black ink denoting underpayment of a half penny plus a half penny penalty. An attractive non-letter mail Pence franked circular to the UK, VF (Unitrade 8)

Expertization: 1972 BPA certificate

Provenance: Bill Lea Exhibit Collection of Canada Pence & Cents Postal History (private sale)

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on page 275 (Figure 254)

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 1858 (October 21) Envelope mailed locally at Owen Sound bearing a large margined imperforate ½p rose on medium wove paper tied by diamond grids, clear Owen Sound OC 21 1858 receiver backstamp; then interestingly "turned" and posted again at Owen Sound with DE 9 1859 clear double arc dispatch and "PAID 6" handstamp (paid in cash), border exchange "CANADA / PAID 10cts" handstamp in red and addressed to Wells River, Vermont. A highly unusual "turned" cover in an excellent state of preservation, VF (Unitrade 8)

The letter enclosure (included) from McNab inquires as to the whereabouts of his brother.

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 5 - British North America, Part Two, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1969; Lot 516

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 1858 (October 26) Blue folded cover paying local drop letter rate with an imperforate ½p rose, slightly touching at foot to large margins on other sides and colour oxidized, tied by light four-ring '51' cancellation, partially legible Brockville double arc CDS, Fine (Unitrade 8)

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 11,An exceptional used pair of Canada's First Perforated issue, displaying superior centering, unusually intact perforations and bright colour on fresh paper, devoid of the usual flaws so prevalent on this challenging classic stamp, light diamond grid cancels. A highly desirable pair with seldom seen attributes, VF+

Provenance: Vincent Graves Greene Collection, Sissons Sale 346, February 1975; Lot 177

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 1859 (June 28) Blue cover mailed three days prior to the change over to Decimal currency, endorsed "printed circular" and franked with a single ½p rose perf 11¾ tied by partly distinct four-ring numeral cancel (should be '46'), Stratford JU 28 59 split ring dispatch below, central vertical cover fold; sent at half penny unsealed circular rate to Fullarton, C.W., redirected to Carlingford, with Sebringville, U.C. transit backstamp, Fine+ (Unitrade 11)

Provenance: Dr. Lewis L. Reford, Part One, Harmer, Rooke & Co., March 1950; Lot 332
Henry Lubke Jr. (Second Portion), Maresch Sale 268, October 1992; Lot 514
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Literature: Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on page 96 (Figure 73).

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 14-20,A phenomenal COMPLETE set of six "Goodall" Die Proofs printed IN BLACK, each on india paper die sunk on original cards measuring 29-38 x 27-47mm; the one cent with characteristic engraver's lines surrounding the design. An outstanding and remarkably choice set especially desirable in black, very rare, VF-XF (Minuse & Pratt 14TC2g - 20TC2g)

Provenance: All six proofs from the famous "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)
The 10 cent proof also ex. "Scenic" Collection of Proofs & Essays (Sam Nickle), Robson Lowe, Zurich, November 1982; Lot 2066
The 2 cent proof also ex. Dr. Lewis L. Reford, Part One, Harmer, Rooke & Co., March 1950; Lot 471

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 14P,A corner margin plate proof block of twenty-five (Positions 51-55 / 91-95) in a deep rich shade on card mounted india, showing American Bank Note Co. New York imprint on two sides; an attractive and choice multiple, VF

Position 51 - the upper left proof shows a Re-entry with doubling of upper left frameline, above "PO" of POSTAGE, etc.

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 14,A very scarce mint block of six in a bright shade on fresh paper, nearly full original gum. Multiples larger than blocks of four are rarely seen, Fine (Unitrade cat. $4,500 as fine OG singles)

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 14,An extremely well centered mint single with bright fresh colour; scarce with such superior centering and overall freshness, XF H; 2024 Greene Foundation cert.

HALF PENNY AND ONE CENT 1863 (March 13) Military Concessionary rate cover to Dublin, Ireland from the well-known Chambers correspondence "From 2nd Class Army Schoolmaster J. Chambers Sco. Fus. Guards" countersigned by Commander Officer, bearing a horizontal pair of 1c rose perf 12x11¾, tied by Montreal duplex, Dublin MR 26 split ring backstamp. Pays the 2 cent Soldier's Concessionary letter rate to the UK. In an excellent state of preservation and unusual as such, VF (Unitrade 14viii)

Provenance: William Hinde, Robson Lowe Ltd., March 1958; Lot 218
E. Carey Fox, Second Portion, H.R. Harmer, Inc., October 1968; Lot 91

Literature: This is Cover No. 19 listed in Table 1 " 2¢ Soldier's Letters to the U.K." in Arfken & Leggett "Canada's Decimal Era 1859-1868" handbook on page 187.

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 9,"Goodall" Die Essay of the "Chalon" portrait, engraved, showing oval and inscriptions surrounded by cross-hatched lines, printed in dull brown on card mounted india paper measuring 31 x 40mm, brown ink smearing around the cross-hatch lines from "wiping" process, trivial foxing mostly clear of image. A beautiful essay, very few exist in this colour, VF (Minuse & Pratt 9Eb)

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 9P + variety,A corner margin plate proof block of twelve in the issued colour on card mounted india, showing complete plate imprint above Positions 9 & 10 (from the plate of 120-subjects). The Major Re-entry (Position 7) is shown on upper left proof with doubling marks in several of the letters in surrounded oval among other traits, VF and choice (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 9,A superlative mint example boasting full sheet margin at left and ample to enormous margins on other sides, bright fresh colour and sharp impression on fresh paper, light natural gum crease mainly confined to margin. Remarkably enough this beautiful classic stamp still retains unusually full original gum that has been lightly hinged. A superb stamp, noticeably superior to many examples we have had the privilege to offer over the years, XF LH

Expertization: 1982 Greene Foundation certificate (as O.G., N.H.)

Provenance: General Robert Gill, Robson Lowe, October 1965; Lot 43
The Ferranti British North America, Harmer Rooke & Co., Inc., April 1968; Lot 76
British Empire Sale, Robson Lowe, January 1970; Lot 58
Maresch Private Treaty (Second Catalogue, 1982); item 113
Arthur Leggett Select Offerings (1980s), illustrated on front cover
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Literature: Illustrated on front cover of Art Leggett's "Canada Selected Offerings"

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 1858 (June 12) Small cover from Goderich to East Kilbridge, Scotland bearing a 7½p dark green on medium wove paper, good margins except just in at lower right, superbly tied by socked-on-nose four-ring '14' cancellation, clear Goderich double arc dispatch below, paying the Allan Line Canadian Packet rate to the UK, straightline REGISTERED in red with British "Crown" REGISTERED handstamp in red, rated "6" (pence sterling; 7½ pence currency) for registration fee to be collected from the recipient; sealed cover tear at left well away from stamp. Backstamped Hamilton JU 15, two-line "BY CANADIAN PACKET" instructional marking, "tombstone" Pkt. Letter Liverpool JY 1 58 and Glasgow JY 1 58 transits. Pays a very rare 7½ pence + 7½p registration fee collect to the UK - only one other such cover has been reported (also to Scotland). Stated to be the earliest 15 pence registered cover to the UK. A remarkable four-ring numeral cancelled cover of tremendous appeal, VF (Unitrade 9a)

As no procedure for registering a letter to the United Kingdom was in place before April 1859, covers were registered in Canada for a 1 penny fee (paid in cash) and then re-registered in the UK, due 6 pence sterling.

Provenance: Henry Lubke Jr. Second Portion, Maresch Sale 268, October 1992; Lot 495
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

Literature: Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby, Steinhart "Canada's Pence Era - The Pence Stamps and the Canadian Mail 1851-1859" handbook on pages 272-273 (Figure 250). Also in Table 46. Registered Covers to the U.K. via Allan Line, Registered Collect. Listed as Cover No. 2 (Cover No. 1 is stampless).

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 1859 (February 25) Board of Arts and Manufactures for Lower Canada cover franked with a single 7½p yellowish green on medium wove paper, a choice example with ample to large margins and bright fresh colour, tied by two strikes of four-ring '21' numeral cancel, mostly clear Montreal FE 25 1859 double arc dispatch; couple repaired cover tears at top and backflap, horizontal folds near foot of cover. Pays the 7½ pence Allan Line Canadian Packet letter rate to Edinburgh, Scotland. A rare Trans-Atlantic advertising cover mailed during the Pence era; a Fine cover bearing a VF stamp. (Unitrade 9)

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18Pi,Plate proof block of nine in the issued colour on india paper with vertical SPECIMEN overprint in carmine, sheet margin at foot, VF and attractive

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18Pii,Upper left corner margin plate proof block in the issued colour on india, vertical SPECIMEN overprint in black, VF

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18b,A very scarce imperforate block of four, characteristic colour and impression associated with the imperforates on wove paper, close to slightly touching outer frameline at right and lower left, otherwise sound with ample to large margins, without gum as normally encountered, Fine

Expertization: 1985 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Charles Lathrop Pack, Part I, Harmer, Rooke & Co., December 1944; Lot 155
David Melat Commonwealth Collection, Feldman Auctions, November 1985; Lot 30732

Literature: Illustrated in Winthrop Boggs "The Postage Stamps and Postal History of Canada" handbook on page 185.

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18b,An elusive large margined pair displaying the characteristic colour and impression associated with these imperforates on wove paper; faint crease not visible from the front. A very attractive pair with seldom seen large margins, without gum as normally encountered; pencil signed by expert Herbert Bloch on reverse, VF

Expertization: 1988 BPA certificate

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18 early printing,An extraordinary and rarely seen mint block of four of an early printing displaying beautiful, superb rich colour on fresh paper, above average centering for the issue, intact perforations with some uncleared perf discs and possessing unusually full original gum, very lightly hinged - great attributes that are seldom seen on this classic stamp and especially so in a block, Fine+ OG

Expertization: 1992 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997). Both "Lindemann" and Brigham original exhibit album pages state "ex. Dale-Lichtenstein" but after examination of our references, we are unable to verify this statement.

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18,A lovely mint example, quite well centered for this particularly difficult stamp, bright fresh colour, intact perforations and large part original gum. Much nicer than normally encountered, VF OG

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18ii,A superior mint example of this challenging stamp, exceptional centering for this with excellent colour and bright impression on fresh paper, minute surface scuff, part original gum. One of the choicest mint examples one can hope to find, in fact, Julian Smith a discriminating collector of early issues of Canada, once owned this stamp, proof of its desirability, XF OG

Expertization: clear 1986 Greene Foundation certificate (as Scott 18a)

Provenance: Julian C. Smith, Maresch Sale 191, October 1986; Lot 60 - described as "ex. Firth, Kanee, Jephcott"

SEVEN AND ONE HALF PENCE AND TWELVE AND ONE HALF CENTS 18a,An attractive fault-free unused example in a scarcer shade, Fine+

Shows a plate flaw with constant large dot below "C" of "CANADA", smaller mark above the Queen's eyebrow at right (Position 22).

TWO CENTS 20,"Goodall" Die Proof, engraved, printed in brownish red on india paper 23 x 27mm, one of the very few that exist in this colour, VF (Minuse & Pratt 20TC2g)

From the original dies of the Cents issue, proofs of each denomination were printed in five distinctive colours - black, brownish red, brown, greenish blue and bluish green. Three to five of each colour were produced, with slight shades known, on a distinctive small piece of india paper, die sunk on slightly larger card. Over the last 140+ years, many have been separated from the card (as the one offered here).

TWO CENTS 20TCii,Upper Right plate proof block of twenty-five, printed in dark green on card mounted india paper, full ABNC plate imprint on both sides. Sixteen positions show the Dash in lower right "2" variety, six show the Extended Frameline variety (Pos. 16, 19, 20, 27, 38, 48). An attractive and striking proof multiple, VF (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

Provenance: The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

TWO CENTS 20TC,Upper Right plate proof block of twenty-five in near issued colour on card mounted india, full ABNC plate imprint on both sides. Sixteen positions shows the Dash in lower right "2" variety, six show the Extended Frameline variety (Pos. 16, 19, 20, 27, 38, 48). A beautiful proof block in choice condition, VF (Unitrade cat. as normal proofs)

TWO CENTS 20b,An imperforate block in the distinctive shade on wove paper, large margined on three sides and just touching outer frameline at lower right, faint horizontal margin crease at top, ungummed as normally encountered. A very scarce imperforate block from the sole sheet printed, we believe a maximum of six exist, Fine+

Provenance: The "Midland" Canada Stamp Collection, Firby private treaty October 1996; item 9

TWO CENTS 20a,A fresh mint single with original gum partly disturbed from hinge removal, lovely bright colour, Fine+ OG

TWO CENTS 1867 (March 4) J.O. Miller, Copland & Co. General Shipping and Commission Merchants and Dealers, COAL in all Kinds & Sizes, Montreal (with annotated list of products) yellow cover mailed from Montreal to Lanark, C.W., bearing two single 2c carmine red and one 1c rose perf 12 tied by clear Montreal duplex and paying the 5c domestic letter rate; cover slightly reduced at right, an attractive advertising cover (about a dozen recorded), F-VF (Unitrade 14, 20)

TWO CENTS F1,Plate Essay printed in black on vermilion glazed-surface coloured paper 65 x 22mm, rouletted on two sides, numbered "81" on both stamp and label, the former gummed leaving right label ungummed. According to Horace Harrison this so-called "Final Form" of the registered essays was probably prepared by John Ellis & Co. of Toronto. Fewer than six examples exist, VF and rare (Minuse & Pratt E-B, page 71)

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS A very rare Die Essay, engraved, printed in orange red on white bond paper with very large margins, faint ageing mentioned for the record, affixed to small ledger piece. Very few die essays (in any colour) exist, VF (Unlisted in Minuse & Pratt and Glen Lundeen BNA proofs website)

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS An exceptional Printer's Sample card measuring 150 x 50mm with albino embossed scroll "Brad(bury, Wilkin)son & Co Banknote Engravers, London Specimen" imprint at top over six engraved, plate (or die) essays of the One penny Queen Victoria Head affixed - in blue, rose, green, dark purple, brown and orange red on bond paper, each well margined. A marvelous item, believed to be the only recorded embossed imprint sample card; VF (Minuse & Pratt E-Bc)

Provenance: Dr. Lewis L. Reford, Part One, Harmer, Rooke & Co., February 1950; Lot 64
B.N.A. Essays & Proofs, Robson Lowe Ltd., London, June 1963; Lot 101

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS An attractive plate essay block of four, printed in brown on white bond paper (0.0035" thick), faint wrinkle at top, sheet margin at foot, seldom seen, VF (Minuse & Pratt E-Bb)

Provenance: S.J. Menich Canada Large Queens, Firby Auctions, February 1997; Lot 781

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS A visually striking plate essay block of four, printed in a lovely bright blue colour on white bond paper (0.0035" thick), superb and very scarce in a block, XF (Minuse & Pratt E-Bb)

Provenance: "Carrington" Collection, Matthew Bennett Auctions, June 2002; Lot 3005

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS An extraordinary Large Die Essay, LITHOGRAPHED, printed in green on horizontal mesh white wove paper 46 x 48mm (0.004" thick). Exceptionally rare and a fabulous showpiece, VF (Minuse & Pratt E-C, unlisted as die essay)

Provenance: Dr. Leon van Straten, Robson Lowe Ltd., February 1965; Lot 174
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS An impressive corner margin plate essay block printed in light blue on vertical mesh white wove paper (0.0035" thick). Very scarce in this colour especially as a block, superb choice condition, XF (Minuse & Pratt E-Ca)

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS Engraved plate essay with sheet margin at top, printed in black on distinctive yellowish thick card, VF (Minuse & Pratt E-C unlisted on card)

Provenance: Sam Nickle, Firby Auctions, October 1988; Lot 8
The "Lindemann" Collection (private treaty, circa. 1997)

BRADBURY WILKINSON ESSAYS Engraved plate essay, printed in dark brown on horizontal mesh white wove paper (0.004" thick), exceptionally fresh with large margins, very scarce in this colour, XF (Minuse & Pratt E-Ca) ex. S. J. Menich (February 1997; Lot 775)

COLLECTION BALANCES Group of 61 Pence era proofs from singles to blocks of four or larger; plus 1p Charles Dickens' head plate essays with two singles and a block; mixed condition. Also an engraved portrait of Cartier (of unknown origin) and a 10p similitude "die" proof in black. Three items with certificates

COLLECTION BALANCES Group of 69 Cents era proofs from singles to blocks of four or larger in mixed condition.

COLLECTION BALANCES Group of 18 Pence and 53 Cents, some of the latter in multiples; mint, unused or used in mixed condition; 15 items have certificates

COLLECTION BALANCES Five covers - noting 3p on small cover, 6p on wove paying double domestic letter rate (2023 Greene cert.), 10p to England, ½p rates (2) - circular to USA and one shortpaid rated "3" to Stratford. Mixed condition.

COLLECTION BALANCES 12 covers (and two fronts) of which four were mailed registered. Noted five covers showing advertising. Various rates and frankings; in mixed condition.

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1,An elusive classic stamp in the distinctive shade only found on the imperforate, clear margins, ungummed; strip of paper adhering at top on back of stamp, a Fine and collectable example of this rare stamp. (Unitrade cat. $12,000)

Expertization: 2024 Greene Foundation certificate

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 2a,An attractive positional mint pair, quite well centered for the issue with perforations well clear of design on three sides, slight horizontal crease not readily visible, portion of "HALFPENNY" imprint in part sheet margin at top, full original gum, relatively lightly hinged. A scarce imprint pair in a beautiful shade, VF (Unitrade cat. $3,000 as singles) ex. Stuart Johnstone (April 1972; Lot 566)

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 2,A mint single in a noticeably deeper shade than normally encountered, above average centering for the issue with portion of its characteristic thin, dull original gum, Fine

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 3,A rare mint single of this sought-after classic stamp, small margins at top and bottom, barely touching left frame and part sheet margin at right, faint trace of soiling. Only a few mint examples of this key stamp exist, in any condition, Fine OG. (Unitrade cat. $50,000)

Expertization: clear 2000 & 2024 Greene Foundation certificates

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 4,An exceptionally mint single, as fresh as the day it was printed nearly 165 years ago, well clear to large margins for the issue, superb colour and in flawless condition, possessing full immaculate, dull white original gum characteristic of early DLR printings, showing only the barest trace of a hinge mark - the nicest original gum we ever recall seeing on an 1865 imperforate, VF VLH

Expertization: 1973 BPA certificate

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 4,An attractive used example, lovely and fresh with good to large margins, portion of large oval "Post Office / PAID / Victoria, Vancouver Island" (R. Lowe HS-05) cancel in blue; backstamped Georg Buhler with his 1982 certificate, VF

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 5-6,Two fresh mint singles with decent centering for the issue, post office fresh colour with intact perforations and large part OG; a nice duo, Fine+

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 6,A used single with bright colour and large part of long oval "Post Office / PAID / Victoria, Vancouver Island" cancel in blue, appealing, F-VF

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver Island 1865-1868 A visually striking yellow envelope bearing the most impressive and spectacular imperforate 5c rose stamp we recall seeing, boasting very large to massive margins all around including part of adjacent stamps at top and at foot, incredibly rich colour on pristine fresh paper - a flawless and record setting stamp! Attractively tied by a complete and very clear large oval "Post Office / PAID / Victoria, Vancouver Island" cancel (R. Lowe HS-5) mailed to New Westminster, British Columbia Mainland. An extraordinary cover that will stand out in anyone's collection - one of the great highlights of this collection, XF (Unitrade 3)

Expertization: 2024 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, H.R. Harmer LLC, May 2004; Lot 187 - sold for US$28,000 hammer - aptly described as: "A magnificent cover in all respects and in our opinion, the finest extant."

WE ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE DALE-LICHTENSTEIN SALE OBSERVATION THAT THIS COVER BEARING THE RARE VANCOUVER ISLAND 5 CENT IMPERFORATE IS THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA Circa.1867 British Columbia United Colony, Paid Dietz & Nelsons British Columbia & Victoria Express "scroll" printed frank paste-up envelope. Addressed side to H.P.P. Crease, New Westminster has been subsequently removed as is often the case with these. In an excellent state of preservation with a single V.I. 5c rose perf 14 tied by both oval "PAID" (R.Lowe HS-30) in blue and a neat double ring Dietz & Nelson's B.C. & V. / Express handstamp (R. Lowe HS-29) in greenish blue, paying British Columbia government postage. A rare intact paste-up express cover in selected quality, VF (Unitrade 5)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn, Eaton & Sons, October 1988; Lot 1205

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1866 Small envelope mailed to Government House, New Westminster, bearing a 5c rose perf 14 nicely tied by complete large oval "Post Office / PAID / Victoria, Vancouver Island" cancel in blue, pays the Colonial 5 cent letter rate to the British Columbia Mainland, very attractive, VF (Unitrade 5)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn, Eaton & Sons, October 1988; Lot 1181

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA Undated (1865-1868) Cover from Victoria to Fort Yale, in pristine fresh condition with intact red seal on reverse and bearing a 10c blue perf 14, posted on steamer and tied by bold PAID handstamp on its way to New Westminster. A fabulous Vancouver Island Colony 10 cent single-franking; extremely rare based on Wellburn's remark, VF (Unitrade 6)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn, Eaton & Sons, October 1988; Lot 1184 - with his original album page on which he states: "This is the only recorded example of a single Ten Cents used on a cover."

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1868 (August 7) Cover front mailed from Victoria to Tavistock, Devon, England, bearing a horizontal strip of four of 3p blue with unusually deep colour, some nibbed perfs, neatly tied by large oval "Post Office / PAID / Victoria, Vancouver Island" (R. Lowe HS-5) in dark blue, light Victoria AUG 7 1868 dispatch CDS at left. Provisional usage of the 3p (equaled to 6¼ cents each) and generally in use for England until the arrival of the 25 cent stamp (Scott 16) in March of 1869. Contrary to postal regulations at that time, the letter was charged "7" (pence sterling) on delivery - the full letter rate from Britain to British Columbia. An interesting item displaying a very scarce franking to the U.K., Fine (Unitrade 7)

Provenance: Dr. Lewis L. Reford, Part One, Harmer, Rooke & Co., February 1950; Lot 32
Carnegie Institute, Siegel, May 1981; Lot 190

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 8-13,The complete set of six, the 2c unused and toned (not counted), the 5c to $1 are all selected mint examples with bright colours and better centering than typically encountered, remarkably full dull streaky original gum that has been lightly hinged. Tough to find stamps in well-above average condition, Fine+ LH

The 2 cent was issued in January 1868 for the intended newspaper rate. While the 5c, 25c & 50c came into circulation, the perf 12½ stamps of the same series were exhausted between May 1869 and June 1871. The 10c & $1 perf 14 stamps were never issued.

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 11,Used single with rich colour and partly legible Barnard's Express double circle handstamp (R. Lowe HS-22), not often seen, Fine+

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 12i,A fresh mint single with inverted watermark variety, large part dull, streaky original gum of DLR, signed twice on reverse, Fine and scarce.

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 12,A very scarce used single, short-lived - from late February to early June 1871; centrally struck grid '22' cancellation of Van Winkle. It is estimated that only 480 stamps were used during this period of less than four months, Fine

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 14-18,An exceptional mint set of five, each carefully hand-picked for overall freshness, centering and full original gum. A superb set of these challenging stamps, one of the choicest sets one can hope to find, VF-XF LH

Expertization: 1990 BPA certificates for the key 5c and the 25c stamps.

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 14,An unusually well centered used example of this difficult stamp, a few uncleared perf discs as often with the 1869 Issue, portion of Victoria CDS postmark partly overstruck by a segmented cork cancel likely of US origin; rarely seen with such precise centering and attractively used, VF

Expertization: 1963 RPS of London certificate

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 18,A reasonably well centered unused example with nice bright colour; pencil signed by expert Herbert Bloch on reverse, Fine+

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1869 (May 21) Orange cover front bearing a well centered pair of 25c orange perf 12½ centrally struck by superb strike of grid '35' cancellation in blue, Victoria MAY 21 1869 CDS at left, addressed to William's Creek in the Interior of the British Columbia Mainland; although a front, this is a rare franking that paid a double letter rate to the Interior, F-VF (Unitrade 16) ex. Carnegie Institute (May 1981; Lot 199)

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1869 (August 11) Red envelope bearing a nice 25c orange perf 14 tied by superb grid '35' cancellation in blue in upright position, pays the colonial rate to the UK, further tied on arrival with London PAID 11 SP 69 datestamp in red; on reverse clear postmarks of Victoria AUG 11 1869 and London SP 11 receiver; typewritten opinion by H.C. Hitt on piece of paper partly affixed to back, light folds away from stamp, a beautiful cover - one of (if not) the earliest known bearing the 25 cent perf 14, VF (Unitrade 11)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, H.R. Harmer LLC, May 2004; Lot 226

The first shipment of the 25c Coat of Arms perf 14 was delivered to the Victoria post office on August 7, 1869. This cover is dated August 11, only four days later.

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1870 (February 22) Wells, Fargo & Co. printed frank in black on US 10c green on white entire; in January 1870 the USA-UK rate dropped to 6 cents allowing a reduced letter rate via Wells, Fargo instead of the ongoing 25 cent colonial letter rate through the post office. A 5 cent perf 14 stamp is tied by neat grid '35' cancel in blue, pays the required colonial postage for outgoing mail and US 10 cent overpays for convenience the US 6 cents for the letter rate to the UK (quite likely the new 6c postal envelope had not arrived yet in the Colony). Oval Wells, Fargo & Co. FEB 22 Victoria handstamp (R. Lowe HS-34) struck in blue at left, light New York MAR 19 transit CDS in red and clear London PAID MR 30 70 CDS in red along with London MR 30 70 CDS backstamp struck on arrival; light central fold and slight ageing, otherwise in nice shape for this well-travelled and very scarce express cover, F-VF; pencil signed by expert Herbert Bloch. (Unitrade 9)

DENNINGER - BRITISH COLUMBIA 1871 (July 10) Mourning envelope in pristine condition, bearing a fresh 5c bright red perf 14 nicely tied by clear grid '35' cancel in black, well-struck double oval Victoria, B.C. JUL 10 1871 "Money Order" postmark in blue (R. Lowe HS-14) addressed to Government House, New Westminster. Mailed only days before British Columbia joined Confederation. A beautiful cover, VF+ (Unitrade 9)

Provenance: Gerald Wellburn, Eaton & Sons, October 1988; Lot 1360 with his original album page.

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1a,A superb large margined example tied to small piece by oval numeral grid cancel, distinctive rich colour and showing portion of adjacent stamps on two sides, XF; 1980 RPS of London certificate (as SG 1 "bright red")

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 2,A fabulous unused example of this challenging and rarely offered classic stamp, in sound unused condition, surrounded by ample to uncharacteristically large margins, superb bright colour with strong well-etched impression on pristine blue wove paper. Easily one of the scarcest stamps of British North America to locate in sound unused condition, VF

Expertization: 1957 RPS of London certificate (stamp was submitted by well-known expert and author Nicholas Argenti)

Provenance: Hiroyuki Kanai, Specialized New Brunswick, Harmers of New York, October 1986; Lot 2031 - pictured on the inside front cover of this advanced collection.

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 2a,An extraordinary used example with impressive oversized margins all around, in flawless condition with bright colour and well-etched impression on immaculate fresh paper, centrally struck with oval grid '28' cancellation of St. George. As nice as they come, XF GEM; 2024 Greene Foundation certificates

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 2d,The elusive, distinctive shade, a choice used example with ample to large margins, amazing bold colour and sharp impression readily distinguishable from other known shades, central oval grid cancellation. A challenging stamp to find, VF; 1990 BPA certificate

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 3,A seldom encountered mint example of this noteworthy classic stamp, small margin at left, otherwise full margined and displaying exceptionally true rich colour still retaining its original "bloom" as the day it was printed, remarkably retaining large part original gum; pencil signed by expert A. Diena on reverse. A beautiful, post office fresh mint example of the One shilling Heraldic, F-VF OG

Expertization: 2019 Greene Foundation and 1962 Alberto Diena certificates

Provenance: Maurice Burrus, Robson Lowe Ltd., November 1962; Lot 1071 - described as "exceptionally fine with large part original gum."
Highlands British North America, Part Three, Eastern Auctions, June 2019; Lot 37

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 4,An immensely rare mint single - easily one of the most difficult classic stamps of British North America to find in mint condition, displaying the unmistakable shade and impression; small to full margins all around and part original gum - a very rare occurrence. An extremely rare mint stamp that is missing from virtually all collections, F-VF OG

Expertization: 1961 Philatelic Foundation & 1996 H. Richter certificates

Nicholas Argenti, one of the foremost authorities on New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, considered unused Pence issues to be amongst the world's most sought after rarities and rightfully so. Several of the great collections lacked them, for example, there was no unused New Brunswick one shilling (any shade) in the legendary Alfred H. Caspary collection.

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 3,An attractive used example with ample to large margins, lovely colour and in flawless condition, central oval numeral grid cancellation in blue; pencil signed by expert A. Diena on reverse, VF

Although the numeral within the cancellation is not clear, blue ink is only found at Chatham (grid '8').

Expertization: 1966 Alberto Diena certificate

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1859 (April 4) An appealing cover from the well-known Miss Smith correspondence, mailed from Saint John, endorsed "By Steamer via Halifax NS" at left, bearing two singles and a diagonal bisect of the 3p red, all with clear to large margins, one slightly overlapping the other, tied by light oval grid '1' cancellations; St. John NB AP 4 1859 PAID double arc dispatch at left and dispatch datestamp struck on reverse. A beautiful cover displaying a very scarce franking which pays the 7½p letter rate to United Kingdom with small London AP 19 59 CDS receiver, VF (Unitrade 1, 1b)

Expertization: 1957 Philatelic Foundation certificate, submitted by Nicholas Argenti

Provenance: Nicholas Argenti Collection, Harmer, Rooke & Co., November 1963; Lot 106
An Important New Brunswick Collection, SG Auctions, November 1980; Lot 43

Census: Only ten such bisect frankings are reported in Arfken & Firby "The Pence Covers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 1851-1860". This example is particularly attractive on a small cover and in sound condition.

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1857 (December 1) Small envelope in pristine condition franked with a choice diagonally bisected 6p orange yellow to pay the 3 pence domestic letter rate, tied by partially legible oval grid numeral cancellation to Hampton Ferry, light St. Stephen DE 1 1857 dispatch on back; pencil signed by Enzo Diena, "W.H.C." (Warren H. Colson) backstamp. One of most attractive and finest 6p bisect covers extant, XF; 2024 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade 2b; cat. $5,000+)

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1860 (January 27) Small blue envelope in choice condition bearing an equally select diagonal bisect of the six pence olive yellow tied by a well-struck oval grid '1' cancel, St. John double arc dispatch on back along with Dorchester JA 28 receiver. A superior bisect cover paying the 3 pence domestic letter rate, XF (Unitrade 2b; cat $5,000+)

Expertization: 1956 Philatelic Foundation certificate

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1853 (August 1) Small envelope of wonderful appeal bearing an extraordinarily large margined 6p olive yellow, clear margins to showing portion of adjacent stamps, prepays the required 6 pence rate to Boston; inconsequential light folds and traces of toning. Letter was handed directly to the steamboat letter carrier who then applied a superb circular "Express Mail St. John AUG 1" marking (JGY Type 166), second strike at left. Carried via US steamboat service on the St. John - Portland - Boston route (from July 23 1853 to around early 1856). A fabulous cover that has graced some of the most important BNA collections of the past, VF (Unitrade 2)

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 465
Hiroyuki Kanai Specialized New Brunswick, Harmers of New York, October 1986; Lot 2045
Koh Seow Chuan Grand Prix Collection, Spink America, April 1999; Lot 53
Warren Wilkinson Collection, Feldman, New York, March 2011; Lot 1087

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1860 (April 16) Manila envelope from the "Miss Smith" correspondence displaying one of the most outstanding Pence era frankings known from New Brunswick to the United Kingdom, consisting of a single 6p olive yellow Heraldic together with an extremely rare QUADRISECT employed as 1½p for the required 7½p packet letter rate to the U.K., both nicely tied by an oval grid '1' cancel and lightly creased, St. John, NB AP 16 Paid double arc dispatch in red and split ring Paid London 30 AP 60 receiver at left; inconsequential edge wear and wrinkling, small portion of backflap missing. A spectacular cover of the highest order - the EARLIEST REPORTED OF ONLY TWO KNOWN SIX PENCE QUADRISECT COVERS in private hands - a fantastic showpiece, Fine+ (Unitrade 2c; cat. $60,000)

Expertization: 1999 BPA certificate

Provenance: Carnegie Institute, Siegel, May 1981; Lot 243
Bill Lea Fine Stamps No. 8 private treaty catalogue (circa. 1988) item I34
Koh Seow Chuan Grand Prix Collection of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Spink America, April 1999; Lot 70 - sold for an impressive US$39,000 hammer
Warren Wilkinson Collection, Feldman, New York, March 2011; Lot 1101 - sold for US$23,000 and described as: "this rarity is greatly undercatalogued".

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in article by Arfken & Firby "The Miss Smith Correspondence, bisects and quadrisects" Maple Leaves October 2003 on pages 136-137 (Figure 3)

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1854 (August) Brown cover from Richibucto to St. Andrews, stained with edge wear and creasing not affecting the superb and extremely striking 1sh bright red violet QUADRISECT paying the 3 pence domestic letter rate, tied by light oval grids; reverse with light to clear Richibucto (date unclear) dispatch, St. John AU 18 transit and St. Andrews AU 19 backstamps. Despite the cover flaws, the quadrisect is in choice VF condition and is the EARLIEST KNOWN USAGE. (Unitrade 3b; cat. $60,000)

Expertization: 1956 Philatelic Foundation certificate (submitted by Nicholas Argenti, as Scott 3b)

Provenance: Nicholas Argenti Collection, Harmer, Rooke & Co., November 1963; Lot 96 - described as "1/- dull mauve quartered... this usage is naturally very rare and this is a superb example nicely tied with grid cancel... one of the most intriguing covers in the collection." Neither the certificate nor lot description mention anything about the quality of the cover itself.
Claude Cartier, Part I, SG Auctions, April 1977; Lot 56 - bought then an impressive £13,000 hammer.
David Melat, Feldman Auction, November 1985; Lot 32288A

Census: According to Arfken & Firby "The Pence Covers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 1851-1860" four New Brunswick covers bear a quartered 1sh Heraldic. Of these, three pay a 3 pence domestic letter rate; the other pays a 3p rate to Canada. This cover is the Earliest Reported Date of the quadrisect One shilling Heraldic (others are dated March or April 1860).

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1858 (April 7) Folded cover in an excellent state of preservation franked with a choice diagonal bisect of the One shilling bright red violet Heraldic, used for a double domestic letter rate; the rare bisected stamp with fabulous colour, clear to very large margins including small portion of neighbouring stamp at one side and tied by blue oval grid '8' cancellation of Chatham, mailed to Dorchester, central fold, on reverse clear Chatham AP 7 1858 dispatch in blue, Richibucto AP 7 1858, Bend of Petitcodiac AP 8 transits and faint AP 10 receiver. An extremely fine cover with a choice bisect usage, without a doubt THE FINEST KNOWN of the mere three reported; an outstanding cover, XF (Unitrade 3a; cat. $30,000+)

Expertization: 1999 BPA certificate

Provenance: Nicholas Argenti Collection, Harmer, Rooke & Co., November 1963; Lot 105 - aptly described as: "in brilliant condition and an outstanding example of this rare and interesting rate". Realized £2,000 hammer, the highest result among the 700-lots (even surpassing by a fair margin) featured in this pre-eminent sale of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Claude Cartier, SG Auctions, April 1977; Lot 58 - realized then an impressive £21,000 hammer.
John Foxbridge (du Pont) Collection (private treaty 1988)
Weill Brothers, Christie's Robson Lowe, Zurich, November 1989; Lot 1609
The "Samos" Collection, Ivy, Shreve & Mader, June 1991; Lot 722
"November" Collection, Christie's New York, February 1994; Lot 236
Koh Seow Chuan Grand Prix Collection of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Spink America, April 1999; Lot 81

Census: One of only three recorded domestic One shilling bisect usages, one of which resides in His Majesty King Charles III collection.

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in article by Arfken & Firby "New Brunswick and Nova Scotia One shilling bisects and quadrisects on cover" on pages 228-229 (Figure 2).

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 5TCi,A visually striking "Goodall" Compound Die Essay, engraved and printed in blue violet on card mounted india paper 54 x 25mm; faint crease not readily discernible; rarely seen intact - a fabulous item ideal for an advanced collection, VF (Unitrade cat. $9,000; Minuse & Pratt 5E-A + 9TC1)

Provenance: Manuel Galvez Collection of Proofs & Essays, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1960; Lot1482
Dr. R.V.C. Carr New Brunswick Collection, Siegel, October 1987; Lot 877
Sir Gawaine Baillie, Volume VII - British North America, Sotheby's, May 2006; Lot 37

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 5,A desirable example of this famous stamp in well above average condition, depicting the portrait of New Brunswick's Postmaster General - a major "faux-pas" which resulted in his resignation. Unusually well centered for this notoriously difficult stamp with characteristic colour and impression, minute corner crease and a few perfs slightly clipped at foot, still considerably much nicer than normally seen with part original gum. A particularly attractive mint example, VF OG (Unitrade cat. $40,000)

Expertization: 1944 RPS of London and 2024 Greene Foundation certificates

Provenance: Specialized New Brunswick, World Stamps Expo '89 Washington, SG Auctions, November 1989; Lot 123

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 6a,An unusually well centered, fresh mint single with large margins, deep colour and full pristine original gum, very scarce this nice, VF+ NH

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 6b,Horizontal pair imperforate vertically in error, typical centering, with lower right corner and possibly the only known such positional pair, ungummed as are all known, Fine

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 7a,Well centered vertical pair, imperforate horizontally in error, fresh and choice, ungummed as are all known, VF

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 10,A selected mint example, very well centered with sheet margin at foot and full original gum, VF+ NH

DENNINGER - NEW BRUNSWICK 1863 (May 26) Blue folded lettersheet from the well-known Boyd correspondence, mailed from Chatham to St. John's Newfoundland, with a striking franking of a vertical strip of four of the 1c brown lilac and a 10c vermilion, central fold through second stamp, cancelled or tied by oval mute grids, prepaid the 14 cent letter rate, red crayon "4" denoting packet rate (4d sterling or 8 cents currency) credit - Halifax to Newfoundland; on reverse Chatham MY 20, Sackville MY 27 and St. John's JU 15 receiver. According to Argenti "two or possibly three such covers in existence", VF (Unitrade 6a, 9)

This franking to Newfoundland is far rarer than the usual franking to Newfoundland consisting of a 10c and pair of 2c. Based on our extensive research, perhaps less than a half-dozen such frankings to Newfoundland exist.

Provenance: Maurice Burrus, Robson Lowe Ltd., London, November 1962; Lot 1126

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1,An incredible mint example displaying full pristine original gum, NEVER HINGED, even margins all around and with nice bright colour. An impressive stamp - the first NH example we recall seeing and very rare thus, VF NH; 2024 Greene Foundation cert. (Unitrade cat. $6,000 as hinged)

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1,A magnificent mint example surrounded by incredibly large margins for this stamp, notoriously known for its tightly spaced margins, large portion of sheet margin at right and neighbouring stamp visible at top, faint horizontal bend entirely confined to top margin, inconsequential for this extraordinary stamp, possessing full original gum, lightly hinged; pencil signed by expert A. Diena on reverse. Without a doubt one of the most remarkable mint examples extant, XF LH; 2024 Greene Foundation cert.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1,An attractive, brilliant fresh used example with adequate to large margins for this particular stamp, as fresh as the day it was printed and showing ideal light grid cancel, a lovely stamp, VF

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 2i,A spectacular mint block of six, sheet margin at top and small to large margins on other sides, exceptional colour and large part original gum, trivial flaws including pressed creases between columns and near right edge. Despite the minor imperfections, a rare and attractive mint multiple of VF appearance; 2005 Eichele cert. (Unitrade cat. $21,600) ex. Fred Jarrett (November 1960; Lot 1132)

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 2b,An impressive mint corner margin pair, clear to ample margins on other two sides, light crease hardly visible from the front, possessing large part original gum; distinctive small purple "trefoil" handstamp of Ferrary on reverse, F-VF; 2003 Eichele cert. (Unitrade cat. $4,800) ex. Siegmund Adler (March 1961; Lot 346), John C. Chapin (June 2003; Lot 609)

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 3,A selected mint example with good margins, true rich colour and bold impression, showing unusually full original gum; a difficult stamp to find, VF LH; 2024 Greene Foundation cert.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 3,A superb, large margined example, lovely deep colour on pristine fresh paper, ideal light mute grid cancel, as nice as they come, XF GEM; 1983 BPA cert.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 4,A very scarce mint example of this classic stamp, displaying ample to large margins, bright colour and part original gum. A challenging stamp to find in sound mint condition, F-VF OG; 2004 BPA certificate stating "traces of original gum". ex. Koh Seow Chuan (April 1999; Lot 155)

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 4,A remarkable strip of three in sound used condition, devoid of any flaws one would expect to see on such a multiple, which is very rare in any condition. Ample to very large margins all around, bright colour on pristine paper and oval mute grid cancels. An appealing exhibit-worthy multiple, VF

Expertization: 2024 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Consul Weinberger, Harmers of London, June 1997; Lot 237
Frederick Mayer Nova Scotia Collection, H.R. Harmer, May 2004; Lot 524

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 4,A beautiful, choice used example, exceptionally fresh colour with bright impression on pristine paper, unobtrusive grid cancel, VF+

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 5,A rare unused (regummed) single of this very difficult stamp, large margins for the issue, faint soiling at left side; a very collectable example, VF (Unitrade cat. $12,500 as unused)

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 5,An attractive, sound example of this tough stamp, fabulous rich colour, margins well clear all around along with a centrally struck oval mute grid cancel, F-VF; 2024 Greene Foundation cert.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 7,An extraordinary mint example of this very rare classic stamp, displaying the unmistakable bright colour and impression associated with the elusive first printing order of the One shilling, large even margins all around and remarkably retaining a large portion of its original gum, traits combined are very seldom encountered on this valuable stamp. According to Nicholas Argenti: "There may be less than a dozen copies of cold violet unused in existence." A fabulous stamp of the utmost rarity and desirability, missing from even the most advanced collections, XF OG

Expertization: 2004 Eichele certificate

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 6i,The famous "Dale-Lichtenstein" mint single, surrounded by oversized margins and showing a large portion of papermaker's watermark letter "A" of "T.H. SAUNDERS", fabulous fresh colour and bright impression on immaculate fresh paper possessing small part original gum. Superior physical traits very rarely seen on this key classic stamp, let alone with the WATERMARK. This stamp boasts the largest margins of any known mint or unused example we have seen and is without question one of the very finest in existence; an outstanding stamp for the connoisseur, XF OG GEM

Expertization: 2004 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Alfred Lichtenstein, H.R. Harmer, Inc., April 1956; Lot 997
The "Provenance" Collection of British North America, Harmers of New York, January 1983; Lot 2053 - realized an impressive US$20,000 hammer, tied for second place for the highest realization in this important sale featuring stamps in the highest quality attainable. It was only surpassed by a right margin mint Canada 12 penny black!
Frederick R. Mayer, H.R. Harmer, May 2004; Lot 562 - stating stamp emanated as well from the "Jephcott collection".

A FABULOUS MINT EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-SHILLING REDDISH PURPLE WITH PAPERMAKER'S WATERMARK. AFTER LENGTHY RESEARCH THROUGH DECADES OF PAST AUCTION "NAME" SALES WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND ANY EXAMPLE THAT CAN COMPARE TO THE ONE OFFERED HERE. A SUPERLATIVE MINT STAMP WORTHY OF THE FINEST COLLECTION.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 6,A fabulous unused example of this sought-after classic, displaying exceptionally fresh colour and in flawless condition, clear margin on one side to noticeably large margins on others. Sound unused examples of the One shilling are well-known rarities; an especially desirable example with superior overall freshness, F-VF

Expertization: 1986 BPA certificate

Provenance: Edward Tresoldi Granger British North America, H.R. Harmer Ltd., London, October 1958; Lot 416 - described as "unused, slightly deepish shade... very fine".

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 7,A remarkably choice used example of the sought-after first printing, surrounded by mostly large margins, exceptional true colour as the day it was printed on immaculate fresh bluish wove paper, devoid of the myriad flaws often found on this particularly difficult stamp, light centrally struck oval mute grid cancellation further adds to its wonderful appeal. A superior stamp, VF+

Expertization: 1987 Alcuri certificate and backstamped twice by the expert.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 6,A phenomenal used example of this classic stamp, especially difficult to obtain in such flawless condition and with huge margins, a great stamp that would please a collector who is only seeking the very finest stamps. Fabulous deep rich colour on pristine fresh paper, light oval grid cancel; small guarantee "Köhler" handstamp on back. A superb stamp in all respects - virtually impossible to improve upon, XF GEM

Expertization: 1990 BPA certificate (identified as deep purple; SG 7c)

Provenance: George Asch Collection, Ivy & Mader, September 1994; Lot 2293 - described as "a gem of highest quality and simply superb."

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 6,A nice used example with deep rich colour, large margined except clear of design at lower right, oval mute grid cancel, F-VF; 1989 H. Richter cert.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1855 (May 7) Blue cover from Halifax to New York via Boston with an exceptional three colour franking, prepays a very rare double port-to-port British Packet rate of 10 pence with side-by-side single 1p, 3p dark blue shade and 6p yellow green, 3p with right margin barely touching, otherwise all with ample to large margins and bright fresh colours, tied by light oval mute grid cancels to clean folded cover, Halifax MY 7 1855 dispatch on back, large circular Br. Packet Boston 9 MAY datestamp and rate "10" handstamp denoting an additional 10 cents U.S. due from the recipient. A spectacular cover in all respects and rightfully so, gracing some of the most important British North America collections of the past, VF (Unitrade 1, 3, 4)

Expertization: 2004 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 2 - British North America, Part One, H.R. Harmer, Inc., November 1968; Lot 749 - aptly described then as: "A glorious cover" which sold for an impressive US$6,500 hammer at that time!
Tomasini Classics of the British Empire, SG Auctions, October 1973; Lot 97
John Foxbridge (du Pont) Collection (private treaty 1988)
Frederick Mayer Nova Scotia Collection, H.R. Harmer LLC, May 2004; Lot 650

Census: Arfken & Firby "The Pence Cover of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 1851-1860" handbook, only three double British Port-to-Port Packet Letter Rate (10 pence + 10 cents due) have been reported. This cover here is the Earliest Known Dated cover (May 7, 1855) and predates the second earliest (Feb. 13 1857) by more than 21 months!

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1856 (April 22) Blue folded cover from the Ratchford correspondence, mailed from Pugwash to Liverpool, England, franked with a diagonal bisect and two single 3p deep blue on bluish wove paper, all well tied by oval mute grid cancels; pays the required 7½ pence letter rate to the UK (rate reduction from 15 pence to 7½ pence effective as of August 1st, 1854); left stamp touches at left, otherwise with well clear to huge margins; neat "5" handstamp in red struck left of bisect denoting British claim for 5 pence sterling, clear tombstone "Pkt Letter Liverpool 7 MY 56" in red further tied both 3p stamps on arrival; on reverse Pugwash AP 22 double arc dispatch and oval "H" (Halifax) AP 24 transit. A clean cover with horizontal file fold at foot well away from the beautiful and well tied franking, most unusual as such, VF (Unitrade 3a, 3; cat. $6,000+)

It is interesting to note that almost all Ratchford covers have a file fold affecting the adhesives; this beautiful cover luckily escaped such a fate and is remarkably choice.

Expertization: 2019 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: W.H. Brouse (privately sold during the 1920s) with his customary backstamps.
Senator J.A. Calder, H.R. Harmer, Inc., February 1958; Lot 422
Highlands Collection of British North America, Part Three, Eastern Auctions, June 2019; Lot 57

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1858 (August) Blue envelope to London, England bearing a pair and diagonal bisect of the 3p deep blue on blue wove paper with well clear to large margins, tied by light oval mute grids for the required trans-Atlantic packet letter rate to the UK (rate was reduced from 15 pence to 7½ pence on August 1st, 1854). Adhesives further tied on arrival with light circular receiver 27 AU 1858 in red alongside manuscript "5" in red ink for British claim (5d sterling). No dispatch datestamp on back but likely originated from Halifax. An attractive franking in sound, well-above average condition, VF (Unitrade 3a; cat. $6,000)

Expertization: 1988 BPA certificate

Unlisted in the Arfken & Firby census book "The Pence Issues of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 1851-1860". This is now the EARLIEST RECORDED COVER TO SCOTLAND with this particular franking.

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1859 (October 20) Cover endorsed "Immediate" and "Oct. 20th 1859" bearing a very scarce franking of a 6p dark green and a diagonally bisected 3 pence in the elusive pale blue shade, both touched by light file fold, displaying mostly large margins and tied by light oval mute grids, small piece of backflap missing, shows portion of Halifax OC 20 1859 dispatch and Leicester OC 31 59 arrival CDS. Pays the required 7½ pence letter rate to the UK,, F-VF (Unitrade 2c, 5; former is listed but still unpriced)

Expertization: 1961 Philatelic Foundation certificate

Provenance: Frederick Mayer Nova Scotia, H.R. Harmer LLC, May 2004; Lot 695

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1859 (August 5) Orange envelope a bearing a rare, sound example of a diagonally bisected 6p dark green on blue wove paper, large margins on both sides and ideally tied by oval mute grid cancellation, used to pay the 3 pence domestic letter rate from Wilmot to Annapolis; on reverse light dispatch datestamp and a clear large double arc receiver. Certainly one of the finest known examples of this elusive bisected stamp on cover; pencil signed by expert Herbert Bloch, VF (Unitrade 5a; cat. $8,000)

Expertization: 1968 Friedl certificate signed by Herbert Bloch

Provenance: Edward Tresoldi Granger, British North America, H.R. Harmer Ltd., London, October 1958; Lot 412

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1860 (April 3) Folded cover in an excellent state of preservation bearing a remarkably choice diagonally bisected 6 pence dark green with large margins on both sides, attractive tied by oval mute grid of Whycogomagh with light double arc dispatch struck on reverse along, clear same-day Baddeck AP 3 1860 receiver; mailed within Cape Breton Island. An exceptional 6 pence dark green bisect cover, proven by the fact it once graced some of the most illustrious British North America collections of the past, VF+ (Unitrade 5a; cat. $8,000+)

Expertization: 1970 RPS of London certificate

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 - British North America Part Three, H.R. Harmer, Inc., January 1970; Lot 486 - described as "6p dark green, diagonal bisect, superb well tied by grid to neat folded cover... Lovely cover."
Frederick Mayer Nova Scotia Collection, H.R. Harmer LLC, May 2004; Lot 704

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1855 (December 1) A very attractive small envelope addressed to Philadelphia bearing a lovely four-margined 6p yellow green nicely tied by oval mute grid cancel of Bridgetown with clear dispatch datestamp, partial Annapolis transit and clear St. John, NB DE 4, light blue New Brunswick exchange office along with red PAID 10 CENTS markings. A beautifully franked cover for the 6 pence letter rate to the US, VF (Unitrade 4)

Expertization: 1974 BPA certificate

Provenance: Edward Tresoldi Granger British North America, H.R. Harmer Ltd., London, October 1958; Lot 407
E. Carey Fox, First Portion, H.R. Harmer, Inc., May 1968; Lot 179
Frederick Mayer Nova Scotia Collection, H.R. Harmer LLC, May 2004; Lot 655

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1856 (September 10) Folded cover mailed from McNairs Cove to Arichat, Cape Breton, bearing a selected 6p yellow green with ample margins tied by mute grid cancels, neat McNairs Cove, NS double arc dispatch on reverse with partially legible Plaister Cove, CB; obverse with manuscript "More to Pay" and handstamped "3" in black alongside Arichat SP 12 datestamp, a remarkable double weight shortpaid (deemed triple weight) letter to Cape Breton, VF (Unitrade 4)

Expertization: 1977 Georg Buhler certificate

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1859 (August 18) Small manila envelope from Halifax to Winchendon, Massachusetts bearing an unusually choice example of the Six pence dark green on blue wove paper, remarkably large margined and tied by light unobtrusive grid, carried overland via New Brunswick at the 6 pence letter rate to the US. Exchange office circular Paid 10 in red, partial Halifax AU 18 1859 dispatch CDS on back. Cover pencil signed by expert Giulio Bolaffi and A. Bolaffi guarantee mark; slight foxing to cover not touching the stamp; forwarded to Wilbraham, Mass. with manuscript "Ford 3" (3 cents to be collected by recipient), a Fine cover ideally franked with a VF example of the difficult Six pence dark green. (Unitrade 5)

Expertization: 1980 BPA and 2019 Greene Foundation certificates

Provenance: Nicholas Argenti Collection, Harmer & Rooke, Inc, November 1963; Lot 487
Highlands Collection of British North America, Part Two, Eastern Auctions, February 2019; Lot 70

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA Undated large piece bearing a 1sh reddish purple and 6p yellow green plus single and two diagonally bisected 1p red brown placed together, all tied by light oval grid cancels; the first three stamps further tied by different partial London CDS transits in red and the 1sh further tied by a partial French CDS transit (appears to be Calais) in black. The 6p & 1sh are touched on one side, latter with diagonal cut at foot mostly confined to margin. A visually striking and highly unusual franking, including an extremely rare display of two bisected one penny stamps (only two covers are known, both to U.K.); purportedly prepaid a double weight letter (up to one ounce) to France, Fine (Unitrade 1, 1a, 4, 6)

Expertization: 1994 Peter Holcombe certificate

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 8c,A well centered mint pair imperforate vertically in error, minor gum bend, sheet margin at top, hinged in selvedge only leaving the pair NH, VF

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1864 (January 27) An attractive small envelope bearing a choice and desirable franking - horizontal pair of 2c lilac along with a diagonally bisected single, nicely centered with large margins and, neatly tied by oval mute grid cancels and mailed from Windsor to Beaver Harbour, Halifax County; on reverse light Windsor dispatch, bold oval "H" (Halifax) JA 27 1864 transit. A rare provisional usage of the bisected 2 cent for the five cent domestic letter rate - certainly one of the choicest examples that survived, VF+ (Unitrade 9 + 9b; cat. $5,000+)

Expertization: 1963 Philatelic Foundation certificate

Provenance: British North America Sale, Harmer Rooke of London, June 1965; Lot 638
Hiroyuki Kanai Specialized Nova Scotia, Harmers of New York, October 1985; Lot 1116

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1861 (December 13) Blue envelope from Halifax bearing an 8½c green superbly tied by oval grid "H" cancel, mostly clear Halifax, Nova Scotia DE 13 1861 double arc dispatch on reverse, mailed to New York with neat Boston Br. Pkt DEC 17 "5" circular datestamp, denoting 5 cent U.S. postage to be collected from the recipient; slightly reduced at right and part of right backflap missing, a clean and rare cover displaying the short-lived packet rate valid for just 19 months (ending April 1862), F-VF (Unitrade 11) ex. Koh Seow Chuan (April 1999; Lot 276)

DENNINGER - NOVA SCOTIA 1865 (January 5) Cover to Southampton, England bearing a 12½c black on yellowish wove tied by segmented cork cancel of Halifax (Macdonald Type 295) with Halifax JA 5 _5 split ring and Southampton JA 17 65 CDS receiver backstamps, F-VF (Unitrade 13)

J.J. Macdonald observes in his "The Nova Scotia Post" handbook on page 214, this segmented cork cancel (we believe only one type existed during the Colonial period) was "used from January to June 1865". This cover may well be the earliest known example showing this cancel.

DENNINGER - PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 1-3,A select used set of three with better centering than normally encountered, each with central barred grid cancel; trivial perf flaws and soiling on 6 pence. A challenging used set of this colony's first issues, F-VF (Unitrade cat. $2,485)

DENNINGER - PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 1,An outstanding mint example, well centered within noticeably large margins, brilliant fresh colour and showing unusually large part original gum. Among the toughest stamps of British North America to find in such premium quality, VF OG GEM

Expertization: 2007 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Warren Wilkinson Prince Edward Island Collection, Firby, December 2009; Lot 29

DENNINGER - PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 1b,The famous rarity of Prince Edward Island, an attractive used single with full intact rouletting all around, signed by renowned dealer "C.J. Phillips" on reverse, remarkably well centered with neat barred grid cancel; two thin spots, small tear at foot and minor soiling. These imperfections are inconsequential as all of the six known examples have faults. The first example was discovered in 1888 by Donald King and was the subject of a lengthy article (Stanley Gibbons Montreal Journal, April 30, 1895; photocopy of article enclosed). Of the five other examples that exist, one resides in the Tapling Collection at the British Library and one graces the collection of His Majesty's King Charles III. One of the great rarities of British North America. VF appearance (Unitrade cat. $40,000; SG 5 £25,000)

Expertization: 1969 Philatelic Foundation, 1999 RPS of London and 2012 BPA certificates

Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 5 - British North America, Part Two, May 1969; Lot 992
Dr. R.V.C. Carr Prince Edward Island Collection, Firby, February 1999; Lot 340
Alan Griffiths Prince Edward Island Collection, Spink, April 2012; Lot 736

Literature: Illustrated in Capex '96 Gems of Canadian Philately handbook on page 251

Census: We were able to locate only six genuine examples, all used, five of which were discovered between 1888 and 1895.

(1) a single in the permanent Royal Collection of His Majesty King Charles III;
(2) one in the Tapling collection (British Library);
(3) the example offered here;
(4) an example ex. Tomlinson collection (privately acquired in the early 1980s), Highlands British North America (Part Two, February 2019; Lot 86 - sold for $34,365 inclusive of buyer's premium) had imperfections and off-centre.
(5) one example ex. Dale-Lichtenstein, Sale 7 (January 1970; Lot 554), Martyn Cusworth (March 2005; Lot 1127), David Pitts (July 2018; Lot 146 - where it last sold for £20,000 hammer. Claiming to be superior to the other examples in private hands, it has two thins, a corner crease and is centered to bottom right.
(6) a single noticeably off-centre ex. Tomlinson (private sale), Melat (November 1985; Lot 32811) has light creases, roulette cutting design at top

THE MOST ELUSIVE STAMP OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. THIS EXAMPLE SHOWS SUPERIOR CENTERING COMPARED TO THE OTHER THREE EXAMPLES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

DENNINGER - PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 2b,The stunning DOUBLE IMPRESSION ERROR, a well centered mint single, couple shortish perfs and tiny thin but overall in excellent condition for this rarity displaying full brownish original gum; small area of gum with adhesion. The most recognizable variety of all Prince Edward Island stamps. A mere few exist, VF OG (Unitrade cat. $12,000)

Expertization: 2024 Greene Foundation certificate

Provenance: Dr. R.V.C. Carr, Firby Auctions, February 1999; Lot 344