Spectacular 1918 Canadian Forces in North Russia covers

Spectacular 1918 Canadian Forces in North Russia covers

Cherry Stone Auctions has a trio of Canadian Forces covers that should generate interest from military collectors, especially those specializing in WW1 pieces. These are rare items. The 3 covers were mailed by members of the Canadian Military Expedition North Russia during Canada’s short-lived fight with the Red Army.  These types of covers don’t see the light of day often and are listed at a decent price of $500 (US). After watching so many stamp auctions since the pandemic hit, I’m betting they go for substantially less.

Screen capture of 3 postal covers sent from Siberia to Canada

1918-19 three covers to Canada, “Field Post Office 201” On Active Service endorsement

The covers appear in their December 15-16, 2020 auction and are set to sell on the first day. Cherry Stone has a full pdf catalogue you can download or, if you haven’t stripped Flash out of your computer yet, use their flip catalogue. You can find both on their home page at https://www.cherrystoneauctions.com/ However, you really need to remove Flash before the new year. I posted an article about the security issues surrounding Flash in Oct. Read it here -> Uninstall Adobe Flash Now

UPDATE – price realized

Updated Dec 30, 2020

I just checked and this lot sold for $450, slightly under the catalogue value.

About the North Russia Expedition

These Canadian Forces covers would be an extraordinary addition to any collection. Covers like these are rarely offered. The three have historical and military significance that goes beyond the Canadian Forces aspect. The North Russia Expedition is a little-known chapter in Canadian history, often neglected because of the larger battles being fought across Europe.  Ostensibly, the joint international expedition was to ensure no German troops landed in the Murmansk region, but it quickly turned into a fight between the Red and White armies, with international troops supporting the Czarist White Army.

Here’s a brief geography lesson. Murmansk (where Arkangel is located) is above the arctic circle, bordering Finland, hence the concern Germany might cut up through the area. Murmansk was of strategic importance to both the Germans and the allies because of the open port and abundance of minerals. When German troops arrived in Finland, alarms went off throughout the allied forces about the possibility of Germany seizing the Port of Murmansk and the rails used to move vital supplies. Canada sent 4,192 troops from the Canadian Field Artillery (67th and 68th Batteries of the 16th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery). They arrived in the fall of 1918 and withdrew June 1919. If you have information you’d like to add (or correct what I’ve written) feel free to leave it in the comments field below. Always happy to have more information on these posts.

Three Canadian Forces Covers

Each cover has a military cancel and marked “On Active Service” (OAS). The top left was sent Dec 8,1919 and backstamped Jan 10, 1920. This came from one of 53 soldiers transferred to British command when Canadian troops left Russia for home in June 1919. No mention of the soldier’s name, but a little research into which of the 53 were from New Brunswick might bear fruit.

The second, top right, was sent Nov 1918 to Markham Ontario. Markham, at the time, was a small agricultural township, and a search of Canadian records for soldiers from the Siberian Expedition might lead to a possible identify.

The bottom right cover was sent March 1919. It has a cancel from a Royal Army Medical Corps Hospital Ship anchored off Archangel. The address is here in the heart of Toronto, at near Wellesley Streets and Sherbourne. I did a quick record check for the recipient and came up empty. A deep dive into Toronto churches would be required to find more information.

Despite their obvious faults, these 3 covers are still highly collectable.

A few resources to check out

If you’d like to learn more about the North Russian Expedition aka the Siberian Expedition, hop over to the University of Victoria, BC website on this chapter of Canadian history. It’s titled Canada’s Siberian Expedition.

This brief trailer is also worth a look. It packs a lot of info into a short clip.

If you’re interested in Canadian military related stamps and covers, check out this article I published last month.

Amazing German FDC – Tag der Briefmarke 2020

As always, you can follow me with any of the social media links listed below. Cheers.

 

Essential stamp collecting tools PT 2 – free stamp catalogues

One of the most important tools for any collector is access to decent free stamp catalogues. Unfortunately, they can be expensive. Few of us have $600 to put down on the Scott 6 volume series. My favourite, Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamp Catalogue 1840-1970 is listed for $156.38 (Cdn) for the latest edition. Luckily, there are alternatives to new purchases.

Used stamp catalogues

One choice is to check your local library, thrift shop or second-hand bookstores for used copies. Older catalogues are excellent resources. I lurk around book sales and grab them whenever they are offered. Some of the 1930s and 40s editions have detailed information lacking in modern volumes. If you are lucky, you can pick them up for less than $5.

Some of my used finds include:

  • Sanabria North American airmail 1944
  • Sanabria World airmail 1970
  • Stanley Gibbons British Commonwealth 2 volume set
  • Scott 6 volume set 2008
  • Scott Standard set worldwide 1959 1 volume
  • Scott USA, British Commonwealth and Latin America 1960
  • Circle Squared cancels – Canada
  • Canadian Revenue Stamp Catalogue 25th Anniversary Edition
  • Stanley Gibbons Specialised – QV, KG, QEII all hard cover editions for $2 a piece
  • British External Airmails Until 1934

I have 2 shelves filled with older volumes and find them as useful today as the original owner did when they were new. It isn’t necessary to have the latest catalogue. If you are interested in current stamp values, the internet fills that gap nicely. Just search philately stores for their latest prices.

If you purchase a used book online, be wary. Check shipping costs carefully. I’ve seen some sellers charge up to $30 for a small, light pamphlet.

Photo of some of my stamp catalogues and albums

My messy desk is under there somewhere

Single country/topic volumes

If you specialise, individual country catalogues are better than larger books covering world stamps. Each of the major catalogue companies offer specialised books focusing on a specific topic or country. The 2021 Unitrade Specialised Catalogue of Canadian Stamps currently sells for $56 (Cdn). I purchase a new one every 5 or 6 years. Little of the information changes over the years and the only reason I update is to get detailed information for newer stamps.

All catalogues are not created equal. I prefer the Unitrade because it lists all the semi-official airmails. Scott and SG list official airmails only, so airmail collectors will find them frustrating. It pays off to do some basic research before committing to a specialised catalogue. Make sure it offers the level of details you need.

Catalogues in eBook format

Not everyone wants to look at the computer screen when playing around with their stamp collection. But for some of us, stamp catalogues in eBook form, are a great option.

Pros Cons
Portable Not always easy to set up to access your laptop/tablet
Digital catalogues are in full colour Most digital stamp catalogues are subscription only, so you need to be online to use them
Easy to zoom in and see details  
Less expensive than print versions  

I bought the Scott Canada online catalogue last year for $14.99. I can access it via my tablet anywhere I have internet access.  I wish I could download a copy, but I understand why they don’t allow it – too easy to pirate the edition.  Stanley Gibbons, Michels and other stamp publishers offer the same options. I especially like the ability to blow up the images full screen size to see all the detail.

Free on-line stamp catalogues

It’s surprising how many free catalogues are online. You don’t need to lay out cash to access excellent information on your stamps. It takes a bit of hunting, but there are hundreds of quality sites out there.

Start with post offices. A number have basic catalogues of their products free to use on-line. India Post is a good example.  The pre-independence issues don’t have any numbers or info, but still useful if you are trying to identify a stamp. The site excels in newer issues. It offers both clear images and downloadable brochures of each stamp. The brochures offer info on topics, designer, and quantities, downloadable in pdf format. It’s ideal for collectors. If you are like me, you’ll download them and keep them on file for future reference.  When I save the pdfs, I rename them like this: India_2020_Sept. If it has an aviation topic, I’ll include a keyword in the file name as well. You can access their catalogue here -> https://www.indiapost.gov.in/Philately/Pages/Content/Stamps.aspx. I am currently searching for all such Post Office related catalogues as part of a spreadsheet I’m working on. I’m about 1/2 way through listing all post offices and when completed, will post it.

Another option is Colnet – a massive online stamp database. It’s searchable by topic, year, country, type, format, perforations, colours, year issued and face value. The best part of the Colnet system, is it allows you to focus on specific catalogue numbering systems. If I want to look at Canadian stamps, all the major numbers are listed.

Here’s an example:

A sample from Colnet.com's website information on stamps

Snapshot of type of info offered

Sample of photo of stamps available at Colnet

Canadian Airmail – allegory of flight

Keep in mind, Colnet is a work in progress. Some issues may be missing. This site is powered by the work of stamp collectors who contribute information. It’s free, and easy to use. Sign up for an account and get started https://colnect.com/en/stamps.

Specialty websites

If you are looking for detailed information not available in a basic catalogue, you can dig deeper into specialised websites. If you are an Indian airmail collector, for example, try https://www.indianairmails.com/. It offers info on covers, stamps, airplanes, routes, and airlines.

Canadian cancel hounds should bookmark Postal History Society of Canada’s website https://www.postalhistorycanada.net/php/postmarks.php for its in-depth explanation of types of cancels found on early Canadian mail.

These are just two samples of online resources put together by collectors for collectors. Google is your friend when it comes to stamps.

Next article in this series will cover how to use image searches to identify stamps. Check out Part one of this series below:

What are your essential stamp collecting tools?

If you are interested in stamp related merchandise, stop by my store and see if there’s something that tweaks your interest. A percentage of all sales go directly to Bitter Grounds Magazine. I’m hoping to spend more time writing, in the new year, and less time on the road fixing computers. Hopefully, the store will help towards that goal. Check out BitterGrounds.redbubble.com

Screen capture of a notebook for sale at Red Bubble

New items will appear each month.

In the meantime, follow on Twitter, FB, Flipboard. LinkedIn and Instagram (links below).

 
 
Austrian stamp, Covid 2020 & a sense of humour

Austrian stamp, Covid 2020 & a sense of humour

The Austrian post office outdid themselves in October with a stamp that perfectly symbolizes Covid 2020.

An Austrian stamp - showing a cartoon baby elefant printed on toilet paper for Covid

Remember – stay one baby elephant away

That is a piece of toilet paper and it’s a legitimate Austrian stamp.  The design perfectly describes what all of us think about the year so far. In case you are struggling with the stamp, the point is to emphasis distances. It’s a little reminder to stay 1 meter or 1 baby elephant away from others to help prevent the spread of Covid.

It isn’t marked as sold out on the Austrian Post website, so if you are interested, you can still buy it here.  If you are looking for out-of-the-box designs this is a find. It’s a semi-postal block, screen printed on toilet paper. It’s currently selling for €5.50 and is one of those stamps that makes me wonder if it will become a hot collectable in the future.  It certainly is fascinating, from both a design and historical perspective.

Marion Füllerer, designer Oct. 2020 Austrian stamp

The designer, Marion Füllerer  describes the stamp on her website:

Im Auftrag der Österreichischen Post AG entstand dieser Briefmarkenblock auf Klopapier um die besondere Corona-Zeit fest zu halten. Klopapier wurde in Österreich zu Beginn der Pandemie zur Mangelware. Der Babyelefant ist das österreichische Symbol für den Sicherheitsabstand

 

On behalf of the Austrian Post AG, this stamp block was created on toilet paper to capture the special Corona period. At the beginning of the pandemic, toilet paper became a scarce commodity in Austria. The baby elephant is the Austrian symbol for the safety distance.
Marion Füllerer Wir Gestalten

Stamps have been printed on a variety of materials over the years, but this is the first on toilet paper. It is symbolic, as many countries experienced an irrational run on items like toilet paper at the start of the pandemic. The stamp takes a lighthearted poke at the initial panic when Covid-19 hit yet still maintains a serious “be safe” tone.

The designer was quite brave in using toilet paper for this Austrian stamp. I’ve read a few criticisms about it, calling it in bad taste, but it isn’t. It’s the stamp for Covid-19. It’s been a tough year all around and an injection of humour certainly helps. As well, this simple, clean design is soothing. Lots of white space, clear symbols, easy to understand and amusing. I love it.

I’m going to keep an eye open for future stamps by Marion Füllerer and have added her to my spreadsheet of stamp designers to watch. The spreadsheet is coming along slowly and when I get it a bit more organized, I’ll share it with you.

I’ve included this post in both the Design and Stamp categories. The more I explore who designs the stamps, the greater my appreciation has been of the incredible tiny works of art produced by unsung heroes of philately. So many of us collect stamps but rarely give pause to the people who put their heart and souls into creating them. Hence the slight shift in some of my articles in putting a light on the creators, not just the topic.

Don’t forget, like this page on Facebook or Twitter (links below) if you want to see the latest articles as they are published. I will be publishing a list of all post offices in the world along with links to their stores and in some cases, their online catalogues made available to the public. I’m about 1/3 of the way through the list. It takes a lot of time to find working links because not all post offices make it easy to find newsletters and lists of available stamps. I’m aiming to have it up, in spreadsheet format, by the end of this week.

In the meantime, later everyone. Let me know if you managed to buy this Austrian stamp.

 
 
 
Delightful Deutsche Post Christmas stamp

Delightful Deutsche Post Christmas stamp

The 2020 Deutsche Post Christmas stamp is now available!  This release includes single self-adhesives, booklets, souvenir sheets, and greeting cards.

Markenset “Frohes Fest” / “Happy Feast” – festive decorations

Das festliche Dekorieren des Hauses oder der Wohnung in den Farben Grün, Rot und Weiß, Silber und Gold ist Teil des weihnachtlichen Brauchtums. Beliebter Weihnachtsschmuck sind der Adventskranz und der Adventskalender sowie die ursprünglich aus dem Erzgebirge stammenden Schwibbögen und die Weihnachtspyramiden, die mit ihrem Licht für Behaglichkeit sorgen. Den Mittelpunkt der Weihnachtsstimmung bilden die mit bunten Glaskugeln, Kerzen oder elektrischen Lichterketten, aus Holz oder Metall gefertigten Formen und Figuren, Strohsternen und Lametta geschmückten Tannenbäume und die kunstvoll gestalteten Weihnachtskrippen.
Deutsche Post 

Deutsche Post Christmas Stamp - decorations including a prancing deer

Stamp designed by Thomas Steinacker

The stamp highlights popular Christmas decorations like bulbs, Advent calendars, fir branches, and stars. Designer Thomas Steinacker also created the Jan 2020 stamp issued to commemorate Beethoven’s 250th birthday.

Deutsche Post Christmas stamp – booklets & s/s

Deutsche Post Christmas Stamp - decorations full booklet

Christmas decorations available in 10 stamp booklet

Souvenir sheet of German Christmas stamps

Souvenir sheets

The Christmas motif self-adhesive is also available in booklets of 10 stamps and a souvenir sheet.

Grußkarten-Set “Weihnachten 2020” / Christmas stamps Greeting Card Set

Photo of a Christmas set of greeting cards

5 different greeting cards and 10 stamps

If you enjoy sending traditional Christmas cards, the Germany Post Office sells a set of 10 greeting cards, with 5 unique designs, plus envelopes and 10 self-adhesive stamps. The German post office does Christmas up with panache.

Don’t forget to follow Bitter Grounds via any of the links just below this article.

 

Awesome Canada 2021 stamps & covers

Canada Post released the topics for 2021 Canadian stamps, with some exciting 100th anniversary celebrations in the mix. The list is a selection of Canadian achievements and multicultural events.

Commemorative 2021 Canadian stamp issues

Big celebrations are in store for stamp collectors, including a new Bluenose stamp. 

  • the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.
  • five mammals that turn white in winter.
  • two legends of Canadian ballet.
  • the 100th anniversary of the launch of the legendary schooner Bluenose.
  • the three First World War heroes from Winnipeg’s Valour Road.

Reoccurring themes for 2021 Canadian stamps

As expected, Canada Post will highlight several popular themes used in past years.

  • spring flower stamps this year will be crab-apples blossoms.
  • the Chinese Lunar New Year will feature a multi-stamp look at past issues in the series.
  • Black History Month will honour pioneering settlements in Amber Valley, Alberta, and Willow Grove, New Brunswick.
  • a stamp honouring the Canada Post Community Foundation, which supports a number of schools, charities, and children’s organizations.
  • Eid, Diwali, and Hanukkah stamps.
  • and of course, the yearly Christmas stamps which will have an angel and some as yet unannounced, classic Christmas characters.

Lots to look forward to in the new year. I’m eager to see who the designers are as well. I started a small database tracking modern designer and their stamps. If I ever complete it, I’ll share it, but don’t hold your breath. So many stamps to write about, so little time to spare.

What are your picks?

I’m not sure which of Canada’s ballet legends will be honoured but I’m betting it’ll be Rex Harrington and Evelyn Hart. I’m not a major fan of ballet, so I’m likely off on these, but with Canada’s rich ballet history there are plenty of choices.

The mammals of winter will be fun. My picks are the artic hare, arctic fox, Peary caribou, arctic wolf, and harp seal.

It’s hard to imagine a world without insulin, but the discovery is only 100 years old. Read more on it here 100 Years of Insulin: Accelerating Canadian Discoveries to Defeat Diabetes. Previous stamps highlighting insulin included the 50th anniversary issue 1971, 1990 physician’s series, and 1999 millennium issue.

And the beloved Bluenose!

Scan of Bluenose 1929 stamp. Look for it on 2021 Canadian stamps

1929 Bluenose stamp from my collection

The Bluenose has appeared on 4 Canadian stamps, 1929, 1982, 1988 and 1998. The classic 1929 issue appeared on the 82 and 98 stamps. It’s hard to beat the iconic 1929 issue for power and grace. Of all the new releases, this one creates the greatest interest. I’d love to see a photo of the Bluenose incorporated into the design this time around.

The Valour Road stamps will honour 3 WW1 Canadian soldiers who lived on the same street in Winnipeg. Corporal Leo Clarke, Sergeant-Major Frederick William Hall, and Lieutenant Robert Shankland each won the Victoria Cross, prompting Pine Street to be renamed Valour Road in 1925.

Cancels

I’m trying to find good clean cancels for each stamp. Canada Post doesn’t do a good job at promoting them, so it’ll take a while to get them. They should take lessons from other post offices in promoting postmarks. 

UPDATED Feb. 15, 2021

Canada Post released the next two issues in the 2021 series. Feb. 15 saw 5 stamps in the Snow Mammals releases. My original guess was artic hare, arctic fox, Peary caribou, arctic wolf, and harp seal. I got three out of the five correct. 

The annual spring flower stamps will be released Mar 1, with pre-ordering available now. This year features two crab apple blossoms.

 I’ve rearranged this article to align it with the basic design format for other 2021 country releases. When I originally set the page up, I wasn’t planning to chase down so many country issues. The 2021 Countries Stamps project is both fun and challenging and I hope you are enjoying. 


January

Lunar New Year Cycle

2021 Canadian stamps Canada Post's Lunar New Year stamps  2021 Canadian stamps Scan of Canada 2021 Lunar New Year Stamps showing 12 years worth of stamps

12 stamps, booklets, uncut press sheets, souvenir sheet, framed pane.

Completion of current Lunar New Year series that started in 2009. Each design is based on a previously released stamp.

Designer: Paprika Design
Previously designed stamps included 2018 QEII, and 2017 Formula 1 Drivers.

Release date: January 15, 2021


Black History Month

Black history month Postage stamp showing settlers above the town of Amber Valley, Alberta

Image of the stamp booklet for Black History month

Celebrating two communities settled by Black Americans in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Amber Valley, Alberta & Willow Grove, NB. Amber Valley was founded around 1910. Willow Grove was founded in 1817 by a group of Black refugees from the War of 1812 (most formerly enslaved in the United States).

2 stamps in this series, booklets, souvenir sheets, FDC, cancels

The residents of Willow Grove and Amber Valley faced the challenges of poor farming land and harsh weather conditions. They also faced continued prejudice and discrimination, including from local and federal governments. Despite the hostility of their environments, these communities grew, and their descendants have enriched Canadian society and culture. Black History Month | Canada Post

Designer: Lime Design
Previously designed includes 2018 Canadian Illustrators, 2012 Guardian of English Bay Joe Fortes, 2011 Black History Month featuring Fergie Jenkins,

Release date: January 22, 2021

Willow Grove was founded in 1817 by a group of Black refugees from the War of 1812 (most formerly enslaved in the United States).FDC for Amber Valley was founded around 1910

Read more about Amber Valley here:

Canada Post’s 2021 Black History month issues – Amber Valley

Read more about Willow Grove here:

Black History Month 2021- Willow Grove NB stamp

 


February

Snow Mammals

Canadian stamp showing Perry CaribouPhoto of a snowshoe harePhoto of a white ermine

photo of a snow foxPhoto of an arctic lemming

404161145 e1616868384130

FDC with souvenir sheet of white coated mammals

5 stamps, souvenir sheet, booklets of 10, FDC, cancel

  • ermine
  • snowshoe hare
  • Arctic fox
  • Peary caribou
  • northern collared lemming.

POSTMARK PLACE: Snow Lake MB

Each stamp has animal tracks printed in florescent ink. You need an ultraviolet light to see them

Designer: Adrian Horvath 
Previous designs by Horvath include 2019 Endangered turtles, co-designing the 2017 Star Trek and Birds of Canada series.

Release date: February 16, 2021


March

Crab apple Blossoms
Part of the Yearly Flowers series

2 stamps showing pink and white blossoms

Souvenir sheet of two crabapple stamps

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, coils, strips of 4

Canadian crab apple cultivars – the pink Malus ‘Rosseau’ bred by Isabella Preston in 1928 and the white dwarf Malus ‘Maybride’ bred by Preston’s successors, Daniel Foster Cameron and Dexter Reid Sampson, in 1973.
Canada Post 

Designer: Sputnik Design Partners Inc.
Previous designs include 2016 Hydrangeas and 2012 150th Anniversary of the Military in Canada,  

Release date: March 1, 2021


Concordia University of Edmonton, 100th Anniversary
Commemorative Cover

Concordia University of Edmonton, 100th Anniversary cover

1 cover

Release date: March 7, 2021


April 

JUNO Awards 50th Anniversary

Juno awards single stampJuno booklet cover

Juno booklet

1 stamp, booklet of 5

Illustrator: Amanda Arlotta|
Designer: Paprika

Release date: April 8, 2021


100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin

stamp showing early insulin vial and a sample of Dr. Frederick Banting’s notes

Stamp booklet cover showing insulin bottleStamp booklet for insulin stamp

1 stamp, booklet of 10

Designer: Subplot Design Inc.

Release date: April 15, 2021


Eid-al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

2021 Canadian stamps EID stamp 2021

Eid-al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha bookletEid-al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha open booklet

1 stamp, booklet of 10

Designer: Lionel Gadoury, Andrew Conlon, Brad Pyne, Context Creative

Release date: April 22, 2021


Legends of Canadian Ballet – Karen Kain & Fernand Nault

2021 Canadian stamps Legends of Canadian Ballet Karen Kain stamp showing Kain dancing2021 Canadian stamps Legends of Canadian Ballet Fernand Naut single stamp showing Naut dancing

Legends of Canadian Ballet Karen Kain booklet of stampsLegends of Canadian Ballet Fernand Naut booklet of stamps

Legends of Canadian Ballet Karen Kain sheet of 6Legends of Canadian Ballet Fernand Naut sheet of stamps

Legends of Canadian Ballet Karen Kain FDC 2021 Canadian stampsLegends of Canadian Ballet Fernand Naut FDC 2021 Canadian stamps

2 stamps, 2 mini sheets of 6, 2 booklets of 6, 2 FDCs, cancel

Designer: Stéphane Huot
Photos: Karen Kain – Andrew Oxenham | Fernand Nault – Bibliothèque de la danse Vincent-Warren; courtesy of the Fernand Nault estate

Release date: April 29, 2021


June 

Right Honourable John Turner (1929-2020)

Right Honourable John Turner (1929-2020) postmark 

Right Honourable John Turner (1929-2020) single stamp 

Right Honourable John Turner (1929-2020) booklet of 10 inside Right Honourable John Turner (1929-2020) booklet cover 

Right Honourable John Turner (1929-2020) FDC

1 stamp, booklet of 10, 

John Turner was the 17th Prime Minister of Canada.

Designer: Paprika  

Release date: June 7, 2021


12e Régiment blindé du Canada

12e Régiment blindé du Canada

1 pre- stamped commemorative envelope, cancel
POSTMARK PLACE: Trois-Rivières

12e Régiment blindé du Canada – Canada.ca

Release date: June 12, 2021


Bluenose, 100th Anniversary

 Bluenose, 100th Anniversary  pair of stamps

Bluenose, 100th Anniversary booklet stamp coverBluenose, 100th Anniversary inside bookletBluenose, 100th Anniversary  souvenir sheet

Bluenose, 100th Anniversary FDCBluenose UncutBluenose, 100th Anniversary framed sheet

2 stamps, FDC, cancel, booklet of 5, souvenir sheet, uncut sheet of 12, framed uncut sheet of 12

Designers: Dennis Page and Oliver Hill

Release date: June 29, 2021


July 

Stan Rogers (1949 – 1983)

Stan Rogers postmark

Stan Rogers stamp 

FDC

 Stan Rogers FDC 

Booklets

Stan Rogers booklet of 10 stamps Stan Rogers booklet cover

Framed stamp enlargement and Official First Day Cover

Framed stamp Stan Rogers

1 stamp, booklet of 10, FDC, cancel

Stan Rogers was one of my favourite musicians. Friends and I would sing along to his records when we got together for a pint and a laugh. His songs were memorable and he was one of the greats. He’s still missed by all of us. To this day, I still break out into a smile when I listen to Roger’s sing. 

 

If you get the chance, look up Garnet Rogers, Stan’s equally talented brother. He wrote a book about his life and travels with Stan Night Driver: Travels With my Brother. 

“So, here it is folks.

Stories about how Stan and I grew up together, discovered music together, and learned to play in a band and travel together. How the songs got written and recorded. What life was like on the road before there was an independent music scene.

And nearly every stupid, inexplicable and bizarre thing that could happen to a pair of young idiots who were naive enough to think they could play folk music for a living back in the mid- 70’s and early 80’s.

The bar fights and the bike gangs, The police chases and the arrests. And a thousand gigs in every corner of North America. It’s all here. At least most of it…” Press (garnetrogers.com)

LOL, there’s a reason Stan Rogers is a legend in Hamilton. He cast a huge shadow. 

You can catch more of Garnet’s music and find links to his book on his website Garnet Rogers — Canadian Singer-Songwriter

Designer: Steven Slipp

The stamp is cancelled in Rogers’ birthplace of Hamilton, Ontario. The cancellation mark is a line drawing of the guitar that was custom built for him in 1977 by renowned luthier and musician William “Grit” Laskin. 

Release date: July 21, 2021


September 

Community Foundation

Community Foundation 

Community Foundation exploded Community Foundation booklet cover

Community Foundation FDC

1 stamp, booklet of 10, FDC, cancel

Support children and youth in our communities. .10c from every stamp purchase goes to support Canada Post Community Foundation which helps fund local and national non-profits.

Designer: Subplot Design Inc
Artist: Kim Smith

Release date: September 20, 2021


October

Legendary Editorial Cartoonists

2021 Canadian stamps Serge Chapleau cancel 2021 Canadian stamps Brian Gable cancel

2021 Canadian stamps Terry Mosher cancel 2021 Canadian stamps Duncan Macpherson cancel  

Bruce MacKinnon cancel

    2021 Canadian stamps Serge Chapleau stamp2021 Canadian stamps Brian Gable stamp 

2021 Canadian stamps Terry Mosher stamp2021 Canadian stamps2021 Canadian stamps Duncan Macpherson stamp 

Bruce Mackinnon stamp

 

2021 Canadian stamps Serge Chapleau FDC front 2021 Canadian stamps Serge Chapleau FDC back

2021 Canadian stamps Brian Gable FDC front 2021 Canadian stamps Brian Gable FDC back

2021 Canadian stamps Terry Mosher FDC front2021 Canadian stamps Terry Mosher FDC back 

2021 Canadian stamps Duncan Macpherson FDC front 2021 Canadian stamps Duncan Macpherson FDC back

Bruce MacKinnon FDC front Bruce MacKinnon FDC back

5 stamps, 5 cancels, 5 FDCs

  • Serge Chapleau – Chapleau created some of the best political cartoons expressing the tensions between Anglo & Quebecois cultures. He drew over 7,000 cartoons, won 8 National Newspaper Awards and is a Member of the Order of Canada (2015). 
  • Brian Gable – Has won 7 National Newspaper Awards for his editorial cartoons and became a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018. His Canadian flag waving beaver, beer in hand, has become one of the most loved cartoons portraying the average Canadian.
  • Terry Mosher – Under the pen name Aislin, Mosher created about 14,000 cartoons. The Russian Bear vs Canadian Beaver hockey stamp, is considered  an iconic images of the Canada vs USSR hockey matchups in 1972 (which will be celebrated with a stamp next year). Mosher has also written/contributed to 51 books, including one celebrating Duncan Macpherson. Winner of 2 National Newspaper Awards plus gold National Magazine Award and a member of the Canadian Cartoonist’s Hall of Fame, Mosher was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003.
  • Duncan Macpherson – Macpherson described himself as a “heckler”, which was reflected in his style. 6 time winner of the National Newspaper Awards, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts medal winner, member of the News Hall of Fame (1976) and Order of Canada( 1987), Macpherson’s often biting political editorials stung more than one Federal politician. 
  • Bruce MacKinnon – Winner of 6 National Newspaper Awards, the 2014 World Press Freedom Award, the 2017 Townsie Award and Member of the Order of Canada (2016).  His sharp and poignant editorial cartoons reflect a deep concern for the often forgotten or under threat people of the world. His work reflects a global concern, not just a Canadian one. His Lady Justice, produced after Brett Kavanaugh’s hearings, became a powerful viral image that is as powerful today as it was the day he published it. 

Designer: Réjean Myette, using artwork from each of the artists
Myette leads the graphic design group, Fugazi. They have been responsible for   9 stamps, including the 2020 Remembrance Day set featuring Mary Riter Hamilton’s artwork and the now classic 2010 $10 Blue Whale stamp.

Release date: October 8, 2021


Christopher Plummer (1929 – 2021)

Christopher Plummer stamp 

Christopher Plummer booklet Christopher Plumber exploded booklet

1 stamp, booklet of 10

Designer: Steven Slipp
Illustrator: Spooky Pooka

Release date: October 14, 2021


Diwali

Diwali cancel 

Diwali stamp Canada 2021 

Diwali 2021 Canada stamps exploded booklet Diwali 2021 Canada stamps booklet cover 

Diwali 2021 Canada stamps FDC

1 stamp, booklet of 10, FDC, cancel

Designer Seung Jai Paek layered the Rangoli pattern featured on this stamp with meaning. A lotus flower, symbolic of new beginnings, forms both the outline and inset; a ring of heart-shaped diyas expresses love and gratitude; and the Indian spice box (called a masala dabba) in the centre of the design alludes to the food shared during Diwali.  Intricate pattern on new Diwali stamp welcomes good fortune | Canada Post (canadapost-postescanada.ca)

Designer: Seung Jai Paek
Paek co-designed the 2019 Year of the Pig (Pigsy) set with Albert Ng. 

Release date: October 19, 2021


The Soldiers of Valour Road

The Soldiers of Valour Road single stamp with 3 head profiles 

Valour Road sheet  

The Soldiers of Valour Road Robert Shankland FDC The Soldiers of Valour Road FDC back

The Soldiers of Valour Road The Soldiers of Valour Road FDC backside 

The Soldiers of Valour Road FDC rederick William Hall The Soldiers of Valour Road FDC back 

Valour Road booklet cover Valour Road Booklet Valour road booklet back Valour Road Booklet The Soldiers of Valour Road framed sheet

1 stamp, booklet of 10, 3 FDCs, 1 cancel, souvenir sheet, framed souvenir sheet

  • Lionel (Leo) Clarke, VC (1892-1916)
  • Robert Shankland, VC, DCM (1887-1968)
  • Frederick William Hall, VC (1885-1915)

Winnipeg’s Valour Road – VALOUR CANADA

Designer: Soapbox Design
Illustrator: Richard Nalli-Petta

Release date: October 21, 2021


Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary

Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary single stamp 

Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary booklet cover Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary open booklet

Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary FDC Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary FDC back  

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, booklet of 10

Designer: Blair Thomson, Believe in

Release date: October 29, 2021


November

Hanukkah (2021)

Hanukkah (2021) 

Hanukkah (2021) booklet coverHanukkah (2021) open booklet 

1 stamp, booklet of 10

Designer: Joseph Gault, Avi Dunkelman

Release date: November 8, 2021


Christmas

Angels

Christmas (2021), Angels single stamp 

Christmas (2021), Angels booklet  Christmas (2021), Angels booklet inside

 

Christmas (2021), Angels FDC 

1 stamp, booklet of 10, FDC, cancel

Designer: Stéphane Huot
Illustrator: Luc Melanson

Release date: November 1, 2021


Holiday Portraits

Holiday Portraits - Santa Holiday Portraits - Reindeer Holiday Portraits - Elf 

Holiday Portraits - Santa booklet cover Holiday Portraits - Reindeer booklet cover Holiday Portraits - Elf booklet cover 

Holiday Portraits - Santa booklet inside Holiday Portraits - Reindeer booklet insideHoliday Portraits - Elf booket inside 

Holiday Portraits souvenir sheet 

Holiday Portraits FDC

3 stamps, 3 booklets of 12 (Santa) and 6, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel

Stamp Designers: Larry Burke, Anna Stredulinsky | Burke & Burke
Illustrator: Geneviève Godbout

Release date: November 1, 2021


Buffy Sainte-Marie

 Buffy Sainte-Marie Stamp 400P

Buffy Sainte-Marie OFDC  Buffy Sainte-Marie FDC

Buffy Sainte-Marie Booklet Buffy Sainte-Marie Booklet Cover Buffy Sainte-Marie Booklet Cover BackBuffy Sainte-Marie Frame

1 stamp in booklet of 10, FDC, cancel, framed stamp & FDC

Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on either side of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

In 2017’s climate of damaging #fakenews and toxic hubris, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s incisive honesty, clarity, and intelligent compassion stand out in sharp relief.

There’s still work to be done, and that work is Medicine Songs.
BIOGRAPHY – Buffy Sainte-Marie

Designer: Paprika Designs
Stamp photographer: Simon Fowler from album Coincidence and Likely Stories
Booklet  cover: courtesy of Ovation Guitars/GEWA Music

Release date: November 19, 2021


Margaret Atwood

ATWOOD stamp ART_100_WG5_02

ATWOOD stamp ART_100_WG5_02

Atwood Booklet Cover_MR_05 Atwood bklt stampside_MR_00 Margaret Atwood Frame

 

 

Atwood_2021_OFDC ART_01Atwood_2021_OFDC ART_01

 

1 stamp in booklet of 10, FDC, cancel, framed stamp & FDC

Margaret Atwood

[Winner of] Giller Prize, the Man Booker Prize, two Governor General’s Awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Franz Kafka International Literary Prize and the PEN Pinter Award. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres du France, an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and, in 1981, she was named a Companion of the Order of Canada. Margaret Atwood: Permanent<sup>TM</sup> domestic rate stamps – booklet of 10 – Canada Post (canadapost-postescanada.ca)

Designer: Steven Slipp

Release date: November 25, 2021


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I want to thank everyone who has dropped me a note and still visited the site, despite the lack of fun content. It's been a bit of a hard slog on this end and the double vision really makes things a bit rough. However, it looks like a diagnosis is on the horizon which means treatment. 

In the meantime, I'm going to try and write. If I get things a little wonky, just sigh with me. Its hard to take life seriously when everything is blurry and doubled. 

Thank you. Thank you so much. 
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