Lot 619 Canada #E1 1898 10c Blue Green Special Delivery First Day Cover, tied by JUL.1.1898 5pm Montréal Bickerdike flag cancel (very uncommon on special delivery mail) on 2c green Queen Victoria stationery envelope (Webb EN9) paying the 2c drop letter rate plus 10c special delivery fee, fresh and very fine. July 1, 1898 was the first day the Special Delivery was offered in 14 Canadian cities, including Montréal. The sender of this cover obviously recognized the importance of this occasion by preparing the two covers offered in this sale (see previous lot for the other one). Prior to the discovery of the two covers offered in this sale, the earliest recorded use of this stamp was July 2, 1898. An exceptionally rare and important early first day cover, offered to the market for the first time 125 years after its date of issue. Estimate C$500, sold for C$3,000.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
A Traditional Philatelic Auction House — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
