Canadian Definitive Series Expanded
Centennial Definitive Series 1967-1973
D. Robin Harris' now widely recognized Canadian Definitives Series has reached seven remarkable volumes. The latest from Harris' research is the most extensive at 436 pages in an eight by 11 inch format. Centennial Definitive Series 1967-1973 (Saskatoon Stamp Centre, P.O. Box 1870, Saskatoon SK S7K 3S2 - $54.95) is an exhaustive compilation of information, charts, tables, and illustrations ranging through the low to values, the coils, booklets and cello-paqs.
Harris thoroughly explores the background on the Centennials, examines the literature which assisted in the research and outlines all the Centennial definitives with issue dates, cancellations, plate layouts, imprints, stamp sizes, printers, paper, paper texture, gum, perforations, tagging, straight edges, and many other characteristics. Then, he traces each stamp from a microscopic analysis.
Some never-before reported information relating to the Centennial definitives adds greater significance to Centennial Definitive Series 1967-1973. It includes the constant OP-2 tagging on the one-cent Dog Sled, plating of the two-cent Totem Pole 'blinky' varieties, tag spacing varieties in booklet panes, the different setting placements of the lower right one-cent design on booklet pane BK69, and the newly discovered constant plate varieties on the five-cent, the six-cent black, and seven-cent values. There are illustrations for all of the latter.
What has to be considered a highlight for Centennial Definitive Series 1967-1973 is an excellent essay prepared especially for the book by Leopold Beaudet. Beaudet "reveals many hitherto unknown facts, some of which contradict long-held theories." This information is based on Beaudet's research of the National Archives of Canada material on the Centennial stamps. The article also has extensive information "about the Centennial die and plate proofs." As well, Leopold takes special measures to explain the plate manufacturing process and other techniques used by Canadian Bank Note Company and British American Bank Note Company. Beaudet's references and illustrations clearly reveal his dedicated research. Unfortunately, the Beaudet essay is located in Harris' background material. It might have served the work better as an appendix or guest introduction.
Centennial Definitive Series 1967-1973 is another fine example of the importance of literature on contemporary stamp issues. Research and collection no longer has to concentrate on the so-called classics of the hobby. There is much to gain from collecting, studying and exhibiting more recent material.
What Harris does exceptionally well is create an awareness of the endless possibilities for a collection of the Centennial definitives. Centennial Definitive Series 1967-1973 and the other six titles in the Canadian Definitives Series have to be considered a must for the reference library of all serious collectors.
Silent Precancels
David W. Smith's Silent Precancels: A Catalog of Lines Bars, and Designs on 19th and 20th Century Stamps Used Postally in the United States (The Precancel Stamp Society, P.O. Box 4072, Missoula, MT 59806-4072 USA - $20 U.S.) is an important little handbook for the specialist collector.
Silent precancels are those which do not contain the town name in the imprint of the stamp. Often called Bar Types, these precancels reached their peak in the United States in the 1890s. The only silent precancels found after the First World War were on a provisional basis. Some post offices, for example, used precancels at Christmas time.
Silent Precancels attempts to list and describe all known silent precancels including printed, handstamp, envelope, pen, crayon, and pencil cancels. Smith's introductory material cites changes to the Hoover Catalog (1940) listings, post cancels commonly mistaken for precancels, and the 40 most common silent cancel towns and types of cancel. He then provides an index by listing and an index by dimension.
The depth of the title, however, focuses on the silent precancel listing in alphabetical order by state. His Key to Listings section enables users to have a clear understanding of each item. All of them are illustrated.
Silent Precancels expands the previous information about these sometimes curious stamps. Its usefulness is appreciated in the listings and discussion of cancels commonly mistaken for precancels, and the several pages of unidentified silent precancels present a true challenge. The listings are also comprehensive which is important to the advanced collector.
Collectors of United States precancels will benefit greatly from Smith's work. It updates previous research and creates a forum whereby collectors can voice added or new information. The several pages of unidentified silent precancels are a true challenge for the ardent collector, but their accurate identification will provide new information for future editions.
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