Lot 2292, 1896 Montreal F1-1 flag cancel on 3c Small Queen CPR cover to Vancouver, sold for $2,185.

A new record realization for the rare Montreal F1-1 flag cancel. This cover last sold at auction in 2011 for C$948.75 ($825+15%).

Lot 2292 Montreal 1896 F1-1 flag cancel on 3c Small Queen CPR cover to Vancouver, sold for $2,185.Lot 2292 Montreal 1-1 Imperial Ensign flag cancel, ideal MAR.21.1896 impression, ties 3c Small Queen to a fresh CPR cover mailed to Vancouver with backstamp receiver. This cancel is only known used at Montreal on Saturday evening March 21 and from 10am to 11am on Monday March 23, before being replaced by a M2 machine cancel. It is the key to any flag cancel exhibit/collection as it was used on the first day that machine flag cancels were used in Canada. Its rarity, especially on cover, is attested to by the fact that neither the Lingard ORAPEX Grand Award flag cancel exhibit nor the Sessions BNAPEX Grand Award flag cancel exhibit had an example on cover. Also, this cover would be a choice edition to a Small Queen exhibit to show a great use of this stamp. There is a repaired tear to the upper left of the dater hub and on the back flap, but these do not detract from this elusive flag cancel, which seldom comes to market. Langford’s 2008 catalogue value for use on cover is US$1,500 or about C$2,000. Estimate $1,800, sold for C$1,900 plus buyer’s premium.