Canada's New Braille Stamp

The April 25th Toronto Sun (page 26 - click on the article above for a larger version) shows an enlargement of Canada's first braille stamp. The stamp shows a lady from the waist down, holding a handle on a guide dog's harness. Though the dog is now famous, the article tells us that the dog never passed the rigorous training to be a guide dog. So, we now have a guide dog stamp showing a non-guide dog!! I think the dog should get a second chance to pass the tests!

2006 Canada Post Snowbirds Souvenir Sheet

In 2006 Canada Post issued a pair of stamps plus a souvenir sheet for Canadian Forces Snowbirds (See Unitrade #2159b and #2158-59) If you check the thematic collections list on page 517 of the current Unitrade, they list no. 147 as Snowbirds Stamp and Coin Set - listed at $120.00. The souvenir sheet has a special overprint "Flown by the Snowbirds on 2006-03-27" Only about 25,555 were flown and overprinted like this. One will be sold in our April 2008 sale.

David Wilson Reading at the Brazen Head Pub

Last night Jean and I attended a reading of David Wilson at the Brazen Head Pub in downtown Toronto. David was reading from his new book Thomas D'Arcy McGee. Below is a picture of Jean and I with David Wilson, Professor Mairin Nic Dhiarmada, and a University of Toronto student.

80c Peary Caribou Stamp - Scarce Perf.

Unitrade #1180c - 80c Peary Caribou - the sheet stamp comes in two different perfs. The scarcer perf. is 14.4 X 13.8 and if you have one of the 1991 Jan/June stamp packs from Canada Post, you should find an example in the pack.

John Talman
jtalman@interlog.com

www.talmanstamps.com

Unitrade #BK88b - New Variety?

The 1985 34c Parliament Buildings 50c Booklet has shown up with what I think is a new variety. These booklets normally have 37 vertical perfs. and are usually 69 ½ cm high. A number exist 72 cm long and while they still have 37 vertical perfs, there is room for at least one more perf. at the bottom on the larger panes. Without the perf. the pane looks partially imperf. at bottom. Differences in pane sizes are noted on Unitrade #BK78a and 78b and 80f but not noted on #BK88b. We are selling these for $15.00 per booklet, plus shipping and taxes (for buyers in Canada)

Foreign Stamps Wanted!

We have many buyers worldwide looking for foreign stamps. Our regular buyers at this time are especially looking for German collections and better items. During the past two years we have sold a major holding of Thailand and Spanish stamps which was very successful for all involved. Let us know what you have and we will be pleased to advise you on its sale. jtalman@interlog.com

Queen Elizabeth on Stamps

Near the end of December 2007, Queen Elizabeth II became our oldest ever monarch. By the time you read this, her eldest son Charles will hold the record for the longest wait by an heir to the throne. Victoria's son King Edward VII had held the previous record of waiting, which was 59 years and two months!

The first stamp issued for HRH Elizabeth was Newfoundland Scott #192 issued in 1932. Canada also issued stamps during the 1930s showing Princess Elizabeth. These were a 1c stamp for the 1935 King George V Silver Jubilee issue of six stamps and the 1939 1c Royal Visit stamp which also showed her sister Margaret. In 1947 Princess Elizabeth was featured on a small Canadian stamp #276 for the Royal Wedding to Philip Mountbatten. He would not be featured on a stamp until 1951 when he and Princess Elizabeth appeared on Scott #315. By the way, one f my favourite Canadian Queen Elizabeth stamps is the 1959 Royal Visit stamp #386. From a painting by Pietro Annigoni, it is a beauty!

Many of these stamps are usually in stock in mint and used singles, some in blocks, plate blocks, sheets and some first day covers. Send us your want list - jtalman@interlog.com