One of the headline features in the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News (Vol. 51 No. 5), released June 2, is our in-depth preview of Eastern Auctions’ landmark Camellia Collections sale of Newfoundland philately.
The June 20 auction, titled Pence to Airmails Newfoundland – Part I, is expected to rank among the most important Newfoundland sales of the modern era. Eastern Auctions describes the Camellia holdings as “the greatest Newfoundland collection ever formed,” with material ranging from classic Pence issues to some of the rarest pioneer airmails ever offered at public auction.
Among the highlights is the legendary “Galway” cover, regarded by many collectors as Newfoundland’s most important cover. Estimated at $250,000, it bears the unique largest-known multiple of the famous 1857 two-pence scarlet vermilion Pence issue on cover and boasts a pedigree that includes some of philately’s most celebrated collections.
The sale also features the historic William Solomon Postmaster General letter, written just one week after Newfoundland’s first stamps were issued in January 1857. Described as one of the great items of British North America philately, the document includes seven different Pence issue stamps affixed directly to the folded letter and is estimated at $100,000.
Collectors of Newfoundland airmails will find plenty to admire as well, including the famous Hawker flight trial overprint block of 12 and the unique two-cent “Martinsyde” attempted flight cover, both considered among the greatest rarities of Newfoundland aviation philately.
This feature is just one of many highlights in the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News. Readers will also find our detailed coverage of Canadians competing and participating at Boston 2026, held May 23-30, along with the latest developments from across the philatelic world.