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Lot #55: THE WORLD'S FIRST CHRISTMAS STAMP: Canada 2 Cent 1898 Xmas Blue Imperforate (Imperf) Christmas Stamp

Sold for

$260.00

Time Remaining:

Closed

End time:

Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 8:13:00 PM

THE WORLD'S FIRST CHRISTMAS STAMP

2 Cent, 1898, Canada. Of supreme importance, this imperforate error and superb condition make this particular stamp the perfect "gift for the Canadian who has everything."

The world's first Christmas stamp was issued in Canada on Dec. 7, 1898. This stamp marked the establishment of a single postal rate of 2 cents, effective from Dec. 25, 1898, for sending mail to several countries of the British Empire having chosen to adhere to this system. It includes a world map on a Mercator projection and the words X-Mas 1898. 

It shows in red the countries belonging to the British Empire at the time. The motto We hold a vaster Empire than has been! refers to a song by the poet Sir Lewis Morris (1833-1907), "A Song of Empire," composed on June 20, 1887, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria. The issue of this stamp marked the beginning of the Christmas stamp tradition. It was not until the 1960s that the Canadian Post Office regularly issued postage stamps celebrating this holiday.
 
The historical importance of this stamp cannot be understated. It is extremely rare, and while with any error, it is not easy to get a total count, it is thought that less than 600 pairs could have been created. 

The accolades this stamp carries for both philately and Canada includes, but is not limited to: 

* This is Canada's first multicolored stamp

* It is the world's first map stamp and the first Mercator projection of a map on a stamp.

* It is the first postage stamp to read 'Xmas'. 

* The stamp was issued Dec. 7, 1898, and the Official First Day Cover was on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1898

* Canada Post settled some debate with Denmark after it claimed it actually issued the first Christmas stamp.

* Canada Post released a centennial commemorative version of this stamp in 1998.

Kasimir Bileski Notes: 
135a
The Christmas imperforate in superb condition. Condition is important as the few that have got out imperforate were usually affixed in pairs or blocks to official postal notices advising postmasters and the public of the pending issue. Such were salvaged invariably by non-philatelic people by the simple process of ripping the stamps from the official notices. Result: There is hardly a pair or block in existence that is not damaged in some manner. 

The stamps Sir William Mulock had are obviously left-overs (sic) after using up what was necessary. These are in perfect condition. They come only without gum. 

Must revise my thinking on the blue one. In the auction I was forced to pay more for this one every time - as high as $270.00 a pair. I know it is the "commoner" but who know what has actually survived. Ritter had almost even quantities left and in past purchases of some 20 pairs I don't recall much more of one as compared to the other. One thing is certain, the blue ocean colored stamp is far more attractive. 
K.B.
 
This lot is among those sold into a collector's estate by Kasimir Bileski, the respected Canadian philatelist and stamp dealer. Known as K. Bileski, or Kas, (Sept. 14, 1908 Jan. 19, 2005) was based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was one of the best-known names in the stamp industry throughout North America for most of the 20th century. By age nine, he began collecting and selling stamps from classmates. Bileski started his stamp dealing business in 1921, at age 13 when he placed his first classified ad for mail-order customers. Bileski is best known for discovering and promoting the famous "Seaway Inverted" stamps of 1959. He was also involved in the holding of many of Canada's rare stamps and wrote widely on philatelic issues.Bileski was the ultimate expert on Canadian postal errors and the author of "Some Canadian Stamp Errors....and Other Possible Goodies." Select lots in this auction were procured by Bileski for this collector, who immigrated to the United States from Canada at the end of WWI. The collector was passionate about these stamps and was Bileski's customer for years. These were subsequently never taken out of the wrappings/envelope that Bileski mailed them in 50 years ago. Lot descriptions include Bileski's notes or letters when possible. All items are also guaranteed. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the items and lots in this special auction.

Unless otherwise noted, all lots are shipped within North America at $5 per lot.

no questions were asked

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Only Available Pickup Date/Time: Thu, December 28 2023 08:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Category A: 08:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Pickup Location:  Hembree Road, Alpharetta, GA, 30009 View Map (opens in new window)

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Bidding Starts:

Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 10:00:00 PM UTC

Bidding Ends:

Friday, December 22, 2023 between 1:00:00 AM and 1:49:00 AM UTC

See individual items for exact closing times.

Bid Date

Bid Amount

Dec 22, 2023, 1:04:39 AM

$260.00

Dec 22, 2023, 1:04:32 AM

$250.00

Dec 22, 2023, 1:04:32 AM

$242.00

Dec 22, 2023, 12:24:49 AM

$232.00

Dec 22, 2023, 12:24:49 AM

$222.00

Dec 21, 2023, 10:04:49 PM

$160.00

Dec 21, 2023, 10:04:49 PM

$150.00

Dec 21, 2023, 9:56:31 PM

$120.00

Dec 21, 2023, 9:56:31 PM

$110.00

Dec 21, 2023, 9:35:24 PM

$90.00

Dec 21, 2023, 9:35:24 PM

$85.00

Dec 21, 2023, 9:14:40 PM

$75.00

Dec 21, 2023, 9:14:40 PM

$70.00

Dec 21, 2023, 8:43:25 PM

$65.00

Dec 21, 2023, 7:47:57 PM

$60.00

Dec 18, 2023, 10:24:19 PM

$55.00

Dec 18, 2023, 10:24:19 PM

$50.00

Dec 18, 2023, 10:24:13 PM

$30.00

Dec 18, 2023, 10:24:13 PM

$27.00

Dec 15, 2023, 10:06:40 PM

$14.00

Dec 15, 2023, 10:06:40 PM

$11.00

Dec 15, 2023, 12:50:42 AM

$1.00

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