Canada, along with Newfoundland, holds the distinction of issuing what may be the most beautifully designed official seal ever released. The first four seal issues were used by the Dead Letter Office and apparently were not used to repair damaged mails. They are scarce on cover. The later issues are generally simple text-only designs, and covers are much less difficult to find.
Catalog: Drummond OSD1, Unitrade OX1
Date issued: 1879
Printing: Brown
Perforation: 12
Inscription: "POST OFFICE CANADA / OFFICIALLY SEALED / DEAD LETTER OFFICE" within fancy scrollwork frame
Control Number: none
Description: 1884 cover from Benton Falls, ME to Stellarton, Nova Scotia that was "not called for". First type Canadian Dead Letter Office seal was applied after envelope was opened to search for sender's address.
Courtesy of Jim Kotanchik by permission.
Catalog: Drummond OSD3, Unitrade OX2
Date issued: 1902
Printing: Black on thick blue paper
Perforation: 12
Inscription: "OFFICIALLY SEALED / CANADA / DEAD LETTER / OFFICE"
Control Number: none
Description: Queen Victoria's portrait. The blue paper DLO seal of 1902 is more scarce than the same design on white paper issued in 1907. Premier example of engraver's art.
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- Buying, Selling, & Trading Officially Sealed Mails of the World - |
by T. Hirn
E-mail:thirn@poseal.com
Updated October 21, 2007