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Ponchon Mail Delivery

Methods of Mail Delivery

Stamp Info

Name Value
Date of Issue May 13, 2011
Year 2011
Quantity 750,000
Denomination
59¢
Perforation or Dimension 13+
Series Methods of Mail Delivery
Series Time Span 2011
Printer Lowe-Martin
Postal Administration Canada

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Stamp Price Values

Condition Name Avg Value
M-NH-VF
Mint - Never Hinged - Very Fine Only available to paid users
U-VF
Used - Very Fine Only available to paid users
* Notes about these prices:
  • They are not based on catalogue values but on current dealer and auction listings. The reason for this is that catalogues tend to over-value stamps.
  • They are average prices. The actual value of your stamp may be slightly above or below the listed value, depending on the overall condition of your stamp. Use these prices as a guide to determine the approximate value of your stamps.

Stamp Supplies on Amazon

Layouts

Pane of 16 stamps

Quantity Produced - 93,750
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $2.18
Perforation: 13+
Dimension: 40 mm x 32 mm (horizontal)
Printing Process: Lithography in 7 colours plus varnish
Gum Type: P.V.A.
Tagging: General, 3 sides
Paper: Tullis Russell
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OFDC

Quantity Produced - 14,000
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $2.18
Cancellation Location: Havre-Aubert, Quebec
Perforation: 13+
Dimension: 40 mm x 32 mm (horizontal)
Printing Process: Lithography in 7 colours plus varnish
Gum Type: P.V.A.
Tagging: General, 3 sides
Paper: Tullis Russell
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Official First Day Cover - Plate Block

Quantity Produced - Unknown
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About Stamp

Given Canada’s sometimes daunting landscapes and often extreme weather, delivering the mail has, at times, required a little ingenuity. This se-tenant stamp issue, issued in time for the 2011 Royal Philatelic Show, depicts two of the more unusual methods of mail delivery.

In the winter of 1910, a snapped telegraphic cable severed communications between the people the Magdalen Islands north of Cape Breton and the mainland. Faced with isolation, the leaders of the community rigged a ponchon—a large barrel used for transporting molasses—with a rudder and sail, marked with the inscription “WINTER MAGDELEN MAIL.”

After testing to ensure their jerry-rigged vessel was watertight, they piled in steel boxes filled with letters, including one explaining the situation and imploring the finder to mail the letters. Launched on February 2nd, the ponchon was found at Port Hastings, Nova Scotia, more than a week later, by Murdoch McIssac—who forwarded the letters as requested.

Prior to the air mail advances of World War I, the only reliable method of mail delivery in northern Canada in winter was by dog team, a practice that persisted in more remote regions until the early 1960s. Dog breeds and sledding equipment varied, depending on the terrain, climate and era. Today, every January, the Gold Rush Trail Dog Sled Mail Run allows mailers to have envelopes carried by dog team and delivered via Canada Post. The artwork for this stamp was unveiled earlier at this year’s edition, held January 21-23, 2011.

According to Stamp Design Manager Liz Wong, “these stamps honour Canada Post’s history and depict the role of mail delivery in the development of our nation.”

Creators

Design/Illustration: Karen Smith Design. Illustration: Janice Kun. Photography: Karen Smith Design; © Canadian Museum of Civilization; Claire Dufour, S2001-62666, S2001-8020; © iStockphoto.com / Ingmar Wesemann, SpxChrome, Ken Pilon, Linda Steward and Michelle Bennett; Mail courtesy of Kevin O’Reilly.

Similar Stamps

Reference

Canada's Stamp Details (Vol. XX No 2; April to June 2011)

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