Among the esteemed ranks of Linn’s Stamp News 2024 “Most Influential Companies in Philately,” four Canadian stamp firms proudly claim their place. Adding to the prestigious list of 14 auction houses, 53 dealers, and 10 postal administrations are Vance Auctions Ltd., New Brunswick’s Gary J. Lyon Philatelists / Eastern Auctions, Ottawa’s Christopher Green Ltd., and Canada Post.
Vance Carmichael expresses his deep honour at being chosen as one of North America’s foremost stamp companies. Founded in 1972, Vance Auctions has been a cornerstone of the industry, with Carmichael’s expertise honed through years spent in his father’s esteemed Toronto stamp and coin store. Continuing the family tradition, his son Chris joined the enterprise in 1996, marking the third generation of Carmichaels dedicated to the captivating pursuits of philately and numismatics. Nestled in Smithville, Ont., Vance Auctions boasts a team of 13 employees committed to upholding its legacy of excellence.
The company caters to stamp collectors, postal history collectors, and dealers, specializing in mail and internet-based auctions. Their expertise lies in offering a diverse range of material to suit the preferences of every collector. Despite witnessing significant changes over the years, their primary objective remains unchanged since its establishment – to furnish bidders with a consistent supply of material alongside exemplary customer service reminiscent of days gone by.
Beyond business, the Carmichaels actively foster the hobby’s growth by engaging with the community, including enlightening visits to schools where they share the joys of stamp collecting with eager students.
As Canada’s premier stamp auction firm, Gary Lyon Philatelists and Eastern Auctions Ltd. have had the honor of auctioning numerous significant collections, often regarded as the finest of their kind. With a focus on Canada, Newfoundland, and the provinces, along with regular presentations of British Commonwealth and worldwide stamps, they have established themselves as leaders in the field. Founded in 1978 by Gary Lyon, the Bathurst-based company has a team of 11 employees and actively supports various national stamp shows.
Christopher Green Ltd. extends its reach to a global audience through its retail gallery, online store, and participation in philatelic exhibitions. Offering a diverse range of quality stamps, postal history, and manuscripts, they cater to collectors worldwide. Situated in the historic Glebe neighborhood of central Ottawa, their retail store, Chris Green Stamps, stands as one of Canada’s scarce remaining brick-and-mortar stamp shops.