Map Stamp 1898

RE-ENTRIES.COM

THE MAP STAMP OF 1898

The First 'Unofficial' Christmas Stamp

Re-entries & Retouches

The Map Stamp is one of my all-time favourite stamps. Not only is it a goldmine for re-entry collectors, but also for different retouches and numerous other constant varieties, such as an incredible number of Red Plate varieties. It is quite a challenge to try to acquire a copy of each black plate variety, be it re-entry or retouch, in all of the ocean colours. Some specialists have actually assembled reconstructed sheets of each plate of 100. The Map Stamp was printed from 4 plates, numbered 1, 2, 3 & 5. A plate number 4 was created, but not officially used for printing stamps, due to poor condition. Indeed, it was uncertain for many years that a plate 4 even existed, but as my photo of a marvelous misplaced entry on a plate 4 stamp seen below proves, it did indeed exist and the Canadian Postal Archives has a full proof sheet of 100 from plate 4 in its collection. It was this sheet that I examined and photographed.

This page is dedicated to the late, great Whitney Bradley, the Dean of the 1898 Map Stamps.

Here are some of my favourites.

**NOW AVAILABLE** for Map Stamp enthusiasts, the most complete, detailed, valuable resource you could ever imagine!

Ken Kershaw (with Roger Boisclair) has just published his fourth book on PLATING THE CANADIAN XMAS STAMP OF 1898. The latest is on the mysterious Plate 4, but all four of his MAGNIFICENT books are now available for purchase individually, or in a COMPLETE SET OF FOUR (all 460 pages) in a 1.5 inch 3-ring binder, either in glorious colour or B&W.Click HERE for details and to see some Sample pages.

I cannot recommend this work highly enough! It is truly UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Return to Index     Return to Listings Page

*1

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

The Major Re-entry

Plate Position 5B91

This is probably my very favourite re-entry of all time. I can still remember the thrill of finding my first copy at the stamp counter in Eaton's in Yorkdale Mall many years ago. When showing a slide of this during my many talks at clubs and shows over the years, it never ceased to amaze me how many people could not see the re-entry until it was pointed out to them or they were shown a 'normal' copy. The 3-D effect of the doubling in 'CANADA' appears so natural that most observers thought that was how the design was engraved.

Note the doubling of the entire black plate design. This position also has the retouched base cable.For Red Plate variety enthusiasts, there is an extra island in the Pacific group between island #3 and #7.

On a heartbreaking note, you can see that my gorgeous MNH copy in a lower left corner block of four with full selvedge has discoloured over the years to this dreadful 'muddy waters' so-called variety. Believe me, this is NOT a valuable variety, but simply the result of oxidation or chemical reaction to the Lighthouse mount that my block has been kept in. In the second photo you can see part of the actual beautiful blue ocean colour before this disastrous change took place. It has been suggested recently that soaking the stamps in hydrogen peroxide might remove the oxidation, but of course this would also remove the beautiful original gum. From the look of it though, I am sorely tempted. I would rather have my lovely stamp back for the sake of a bit of gum.

*2
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 5B29

This re-entry is the second strongest one on Plate 5, showing virtually complete doubling of the entire black plate. It can also be distinguished by various red plate characteristics.

*3

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Misplaced Entry

Plate Position 4A43

Here is a stamp you will NEVER find! You see, this is from the ‘mythical’ Plate 4 that was never used. The diagonal dashes you see in the white bar below ‘CANADA’ are remnants of the top cable. Looking directly down below the first ‘A’ of CANADA you can see the right diagonal slash of the ‘A’. Part of the diagonal of the ‘N’ is found in the Arctic Ocean, as well as other tiny details. This errant entry was misplaced a full 3.0mm below where it should be. (This photo was taken by me of the Plate 4 Proof sheet in the Postal Archives in Ottawa.)

*4

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 1A89

Next to THE Major from 5B91, this must be the nicest of the Map re-entries showing in ‘CANADA’. This is one of only two re-entries to occur on Plate 1. Doubling occurs throughout the entire design, particularly in CANADA POSTAGE and the lower left corner, including the LNB and 2.

For Red Plate enthusiasts, island #3 is missing.

*5

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 1A3

This is the other re-entry from Plate 1, showing doubling in ‘CANADA POSTAGE’ as well as the entire left cable and both 2’s. This stamp can be found directly below the top left Imprint. Notice the 'hook' on the cable in the upper right.



*6

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Misplaced Entry

Plate Position 2A84

This is one of the most unusual of the Map re-entries. Note the oddly irregular marks above ‘POSTAGE’. Both vertical cables also extend up into the top margin.

*7

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 3A47

Tomlinson identified only one re-entry on Plate 3, which is seen here. Note the strong doubling of the lower left corner, including the 2¢, extensions of the horizontal lines to the left, and the corner of the cable. Despite Tomlinson's claim of one re-entry on this plate, there is another one below.

Red Plate Note: There are 3 extra islands in the Pacific group: a large one touching island #1 and two small ones on either side of #3.

*8
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 3A20

This stamp has not only the retouched cable on the right and at the top, but also a very clear re-entry in the upper portion of the design. Tomlinson noted this doubling, but some strange reason did not identify this position as a re-entry.

Red Plate Note: Small extra island below #1 in Pacific group.

Note:
Stamps from the 7th column of Plate 2 in 2A7, 2A17, 2A27, 2A37 & 2A47 all have a distinctive line of re-entry in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN," along with other re-entry details making each position quite unique. These are all illustrated below.

*9
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Misplaced Entry

Plate Position 2A7

This stamp shows portions of the design shifted upwards. The main feature is the line of dots in the top margin above the central crown. There are also marks in CANADA POSTAGE, XMAS, the 2's, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*10
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A17

This stamp shows markings in CANADA POSTAGE, especially notable in the 'T,' doubling of the left cable, both 2's, a series of 'hooks' below the left numeral box, XMAS, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*11
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A27

This stamp shows doubling of the entire right cable as a vertical line of dots in the outer margin, the 'GE' of POSTAGE, the right 2, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*12
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A37

This stamp shows a distinctive mark inside the upper left corner, marks in the 'G' of POSTAGE, doubling of both 2's, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*13
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Plate Position 2A47

Strong Re-entry

This stamp shows a mark in the inside upper left corner very similar to the last stamp, doubling in the lower right '2' with spurs on the outer right cable opposite the ¢ sign, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN." It can be distinguished from 2A37 by the red island varieties.

Note:
Stamps from the 9th column of Plate 2 in 2A9, 2A19, 2A29 & 2A39 all have a distinctive line of re-entry in the upper half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN," along with other re-entry details making each position quite unique. These are all illustrated below.

*14
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A9

This stamp shows markings in CANADA POSTAGE, especially the 'GE' and above, the upper left cable, both 2's, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*15
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A19

This stamp shows a small distinctive mark in the 'C' of CANADA, doubling of the 'E' of POSTAGE, both 2's, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*16
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A29

This stamp shows an extremely distinctive curved mark in the lower right '¢' along with marks inside and outside the lower right corner cable, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

*17
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Major Re-entry

Plate Position 2A39

This stamp shows evidence of doubling throughout CANADA POSTAGE, especially noted in the 'E,' both 2's, most of the cable at left-centre, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."

SCROLL DOWN FOR PLATE FLAWS & RECUTS

*18
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

*19
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp
Still to come, all 30 of the Base Cable Retouches on Plates 2, 3 & 5, along with the 10 Right Cable Retouches of Plate 3.

*20
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

PLATE FLAWS & RECUTS

*21
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Constant Flaw

Plate Position 1A93

This stamp shows two diagonal slashes to the upper left of the left numeral box.

*22
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Constant Flaw

Plate Position 1A95

This stamp shows a heavy dash into the top centre of the left numeral box. There are also two light dashes to the upper left of the numeral box similar to 1A93.

*23
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Recut Cable Links

Plate Position 2A5

This stamp shows 9 recut links to the left of the numeral box.

*24
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Recut Cable Links

Plate Position 2A60

This stamp shows 9 recut links to the left of the numeral box that are obviously different from 2A5, above.

*25
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Recut Cable Links

Plate Position 2A78

This stamp shows 8 recut links below the left numeral box.

*26
Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Recut Cable Links

Plate Position 2A80

This stamp shows 18 recut links to the left and below the numeral box.

*

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Return to Index     Return to Listings Page

Ralph E. Trimble

Specialist in BNA Re-entries
retrimble@rogers.com

RE-ENTRIES.COM THE MAP STAMP OF 1898 The First 'Unofficial' Christmas Stamp Re-entries & Retouches The Map Stamp is one of my all-time favourite stamps. Not only is it a goldmine for re-entry collectors, but also for different retouches and numerous other constant varieties, such as an incredible number of Red Plate varieties. It is quite a challenge to try to acquire a copy of each black plate variety, be it re-entry or retouch, in all of the ocean colours. Some specialists have actually assembled reconstructed sheets of each plate of 100. The Map Stamp was printed from 4 plates, numbered 1, 2, 3 & 5. A plate number 4 was created, but not officially used for printing stamps, due to poor condition. Indeed, it was uncertain for many years that a plate 4 even existed, but as my photo of a marvelous misplaced entry on a plate 4 stamp seen below proves, it did indeed exist and the Canadian Postal Archives has a full proof sheet of 100 from plate 4 in its collection. It was this sheet that I examined and photographed. This page is dedicated to the late, great Whitney Bradley, the Dean of the 1898 Map Stamps. Here are some of my favourites. NOW AVAILABLE for Map Stamp enthusiasts, the most complete, detailed, valuable resource you could ever imagine! Ken Kershaw (with Roger Boisclair) has just published his fourth book on PLATING THE CANADIAN XMAS STAMP OF 1898. The latest is on the mysterious Plate 4, but all four of his MAGNIFICENT books are now available for purchase individually, or in a COMPLETE SET OF FOUR (all 460 pages) in a 1.5 inch 3-ring binder, either in glorious colour or B&W.Click HERE for details and to see some Sample pages. I cannot recommend this work highly enough! It is truly UNBELIEVABLE!!!
		Return to Index Return to Listings Page
*1	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp The Major Re-entry Plate Position 5B91 This is probably my very favourite re-entry of all time. I can still remember the thrill of finding my first copy at the stamp counter in Eaton's in Yorkdale Mall many years ago. When showing a slide of this during my many talks at clubs and shows over the years, it never ceased to amaze me how many people could not see the re-entry until it was pointed out to them or they were shown a 'normal' copy. The 3-D effect of the doubling in 'CANADA' appears so natural that most observers thought that was how the design was engraved. Note the doubling of the entire black plate design. This position also has the retouched base cable.For Red Plate variety enthusiasts, there is an extra island in the Pacific group between island #3 and #7. On a heartbreaking note, you can see that my gorgeous MNH copy in a lower left corner block of four with full selvedge has discoloured over the years to this dreadful 'muddy waters' so-called variety. Believe me, this is NOT a valuable variety, but simply the result of oxidation or chemical reaction to the Lighthouse mount that my block has been kept in. In the second photo you can see part of the actual beautiful blue ocean colour before this disastrous change took place. It has been suggested recently that soaking the stamps in hydrogen peroxide might remove the oxidation, but of course this would also remove the beautiful original gum. From the look of it though, I am sorely tempted. I would rather have my lovely stamp back for the sake of a bit of gum.
*2	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 5B29 This re-entry is the second strongest one on Plate 5, showing virtually complete doubling of the entire black plate. It can also be distinguished by various red plate characteristics.
*3	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Misplaced Entry Plate Position 4A43 Here is a stamp you will NEVER find! You see, this is from the ‘mythical’ Plate 4 that was never used. The diagonal dashes you see in the white bar below ‘CANADA’ are remnants of the top cable. Looking directly down below the first ‘A’ of CANADA you can see the right diagonal slash of the ‘A’. Part of the diagonal of the ‘N’ is found in the Arctic Ocean, as well as other tiny details. This errant entry was misplaced a full 3.0mm below where it should be. (This photo was taken by me of the Plate 4 Proof sheet in the Postal Archives in Ottawa.)
*4	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 1A89 Next to THE Major from 5B91, this must be the nicest of the Map re-entries showing in ‘CANADA’. This is one of only two re-entries to occur on Plate 1. Doubling occurs throughout the entire design, particularly in CANADA POSTAGE and the lower left corner, including the LNB and 2. For Red Plate enthusiasts, island #3 is missing.
*5	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 1A3 This is the other re-entry from Plate 1, showing doubling in ‘CANADA POSTAGE’ as well as the entire left cable and both 2’s. This stamp can be found directly below the top left Imprint. Notice the 'hook' on the cable in the upper right.
*6	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Misplaced Entry Plate Position 2A84 This is one of the most unusual of the Map re-entries. Note the oddly irregular marks above ‘POSTAGE’. Both vertical cables also extend up into the top margin.
*7	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 3A47 Tomlinson identified only one re-entry on Plate 3, which is seen here. Note the strong doubling of the lower left corner, including the 2¢, extensions of the horizontal lines to the left, and the corner of the cable. Despite Tomlinson's claim of one re-entry on this plate, there is another one below. Red Plate Note: There are 3 extra islands in the Pacific group: a large one touching island #1 and two small ones on either side of #3.
*8	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 3A20 This stamp has not only the retouched cable on the right and at the top, but also a very clear re-entry in the upper portion of the design. Tomlinson noted this doubling, but some strange reason did not identify this position as a re-entry. Red Plate Note: Small extra island below #1 in Pacific group.
	Note:	Stamps from the 7th column of Plate 2 in 2A7, 2A17, 2A27, 2A37 & 2A47 all have a distinctive line of re-entry in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN," along with other re-entry details making each position quite unique. These are all illustrated below.
*9	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Misplaced Entry Plate Position 2A7 This stamp shows portions of the design shifted upwards. The main feature is the line of dots in the top margin above the central crown. There are also marks in CANADA POSTAGE, XMAS, the 2's, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*10	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A17 This stamp shows markings in CANADA POSTAGE, especially notable in the 'T,' doubling of the left cable, both 2's, a series of 'hooks' below the left numeral box, XMAS, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*11	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A27 This stamp shows doubling of the entire right cable as a vertical line of dots in the outer margin, the 'GE' of POSTAGE, the right 2, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*12	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A37 This stamp shows a distinctive mark inside the upper left corner, marks in the 'G' of POSTAGE, doubling of both 2's, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*13	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Plate Position 2A47 Strong Re-entry This stamp shows a mark in the inside upper left corner very similar to the last stamp, doubling in the lower right '2' with spurs on the outer right cable opposite the ¢ sign, and the distinctive column 7 re-entry line in the lower half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN." It can be distinguished from 2A37 by the red island varieties.
	Note:	Stamps from the 9th column of Plate 2 in 2A9, 2A19, 2A29 & 2A39 all have a distinctive line of re-entry in the upper half of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN," along with other re-entry details making each position quite unique. These are all illustrated below.
*14	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A9 This stamp shows markings in CANADA POSTAGE, especially the 'GE' and above, the upper left cable, both 2's, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*15	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A19 This stamp shows a small distinctive mark in the 'C' of CANADA, doubling of the 'E' of POSTAGE, both 2's, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*16	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A29 This stamp shows an extremely distinctive curved mark in the lower right '¢' along with marks inside and outside the lower right corner cable, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
*17	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Major Re-entry Plate Position 2A39 This stamp shows evidence of doubling throughout CANADA POSTAGE, especially noted in the 'E,' both 2's, most of the cable at left-centre, and the distinctive column 9 re-entry line in the upper portion of "WE HOLD A VASTER EMPIRE THAN HAS BEEN."
		SCROLL DOWN FOR PLATE FLAWS & RECUTS
*18	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp
*19	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp	Still to come, all 30 of the Base Cable Retouches on Plates 2, 3 & 5, along with the 10 Right Cable Retouches of Plate 3.
*20	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp
		PLATE FLAWS & RECUTS
*21	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Constant Flaw Plate Position 1A93 This stamp shows two diagonal slashes to the upper left of the left numeral box.
*22	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Constant Flaw Plate Position 1A95 This stamp shows a heavy dash into the top centre of the left numeral box. There are also two light dashes to the upper left of the numeral box similar to 1A93.
*23	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Recut Cable Links Plate Position 2A5 This stamp shows 9 recut links to the left of the numeral box.
*24	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Recut Cable Links Plate Position 2A60 This stamp shows 9 recut links to the left of the numeral box that are obviously different from 2A5, above.
*25	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Recut Cable Links Plate Position 2A78 This stamp shows 8 recut links below the left numeral box.
*26	Scott #85/86 2¢ Map Stamp Recut Cable Links Plate Position 2A80 This stamp shows 18 recut links to the left and below the numeral box.
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Return to Index Return to Listings Page Ralph E. Trimble Specialist in BNA Re-entries retrimble@rogers.com