Collectors of Canadian and Newfoundland philately will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity this month as Eastern Auctions continues the dispersal of The Camellia Collections with two major public auctions featuring some of the most celebrated stamps, covers and historical documents in British North America philately.
Scheduled for June 19 and 20, the sales showcase material spanning the classic issues of Canada and Newfoundland, from iconic stamps and exhibition-calibre postal history to unique proofs, essays and archival documents.
The June 19 auction, Canada Part II, is anchored by the famed “Caspary” example of the 1851 12-penny black, one of the most coveted stamps in Canadian philately. The stamp’s exceptional state of preservation, full original gum and distinguished pedigree have made it one of the hobby’s most admired examples. It will be offered publicly for only the second time in nearly 70 years.
Another standout item is the original 1851 contract for the production of Canada’s first postage stamps. Signed by provincial postmaster general James Morris and representatives of the New York engraving firm Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson, the seven-page handwritten agreement established the terms for producing Canada’s first three postage stamps and provides a direct link to the birth of Canadian philately.
Among the most intriguing pieces in the sale is the unique five-cent Large Queen progressive die proof, the only recorded example of its kind from the entire Large Queen series. The proof offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the design process behind one of Canada’s most studied classic issues.
The auction also includes an extensive selection of Pence, Cents and Large Queen postal history, proofs and specialized material, much of it originating from some of the most respected collections ever assembled.
Attention then turns to Newfoundland on June 20 with the first major instalment devoted to that province.
Leading the sale is the legendary “Galway” cover, widely regarded as one of the crown jewels of Newfoundland postal history. Mailed from St. John’s to England in 1859, it bears a unique strip of three of the famous two-pence scarlet vermilion Pence issue, the largest recorded multiple of the stamp on or off cover. Over the decades, the cover has passed through a succession of renowned collections and has become one of the most recognizable items in British North America philately.
Another historic offering is the William Solomon Postmaster General letter, an important document from Newfoundland’s early postal administration. Few surviving pieces provide such a direct connection to the operation and development of the colony’s postal system.
Beyond these headline attractions, the Newfoundland sale features an impressive range of classic Pence issues, provisional essays and errors, pioneer airmail material and items connected with the celebrated Hawker and Martinsyde flights.
Taken together, the two Camellia auctions represent a remarkable cross-section of British North America philately. From Canada’s iconic 12-penny black and the contract that launched its first stamps to Newfoundland’s celebrated Galway cover and early postal documents, the sales offer collectors a chance to study — and perhaps acquire — pieces that have helped define the hobby for generations.
To view all the lots, visit the auction website.