The first of the stamp handbooks to be issued, The First Cents Issue,1859-1868 is written by the specialist collector Geoffrey Whitworth, author of the definitive work The First Decimal Issue of Canada , 1859-1868. The handbook is printed on durable, quality paper and contains: information on the technical aspects of the 1859 stamp issue including the designs, plates, imprint, gum, papers, watermarks and perforations; a separate listing of the main varieties and their locations; and a comprehensive listing (using the primary Scott numbers) of the regular stmps and varieties including shades, re-entries and plate flaws. The detailed nature of this latter listing can be illustrated by reference to the 10 cent value. Not only are the 26 major shades of the value included but also their perforations, the printing orders and the quantity of sheets printed in each order. Major re-entries and flaws are then noted to conclude the listing for this value. The comprehensive listing of the stamps is followed by six pages of illustrations using half-tone plates to clearly depict the major re-entries and plate flaws noted in the listing above. The handbook concludes with a useful page for notes so the collector can make any additions he desires to the existing fund of information. The handbook sells for $2.95 while a matching binder for the series is available for $9.95. All orders and enquiries should be addressed to the publisher:
UNITRADE ASSOCIATES,
99 FLORAL PARKWAY,
TORONTO, ONTARIO M6L 2C4
Website: http://www.unitradeassoc.com
Email: unitrade@unitradeassoc.com
I welcome your comments and suggestions regarding errors, omissions and corrections which might be made to future reprints of any of the Canadian Stamp Handbooks. If you are willing to contribute, or know of anyone who might be willing to contribute his or her expertise to this effort, please contact the publisher, or myself at the following address:
