Presentation by Arnie Janson
1. Introduction
Stamp collectors often dream of uncovering elusive treasures hidden in everyday places. Arnie Janson’s recent presentation highlights one such phenomenon: Canadian stamps canceled before their official release date—most commonly discovered on Canadian Tire commercial covers. This post explains how these early cancellations happen, why Canadian Tire covers are so special, and what this means for collectors like you who want to delve deeper into philatelic mysteries.
2. Background: Canadian Tire Covers
Canadian Tire is a popular Canadian retail chain with roots in automotive supplies but now sells everything from gardening equipment to housewares. Like most large companies, Canadian Tire issues credit cards and sends out billing statements in pre-printed business envelopes. These envelopes, known as commercial covers, are used by customers to mail back their payments and checks—and occasionally feature stamps used days (or even weeks) before their official issue date.
Key Points:
- Canadian Tire covers were circulated widely across Canada.
- Customers would supply their own postage stamps, creating variety in what wound up on these mail pieces.
- The covers were processed through various postal machines, clearly stamping dates that predate the official first day of issue.
3. Notable Examples of Pre-Issue Cancellations
In his presentation, Arnie showcased numerous concrete examples of stamps canceled prematurely. Here are a few that stand out:
- One-Day Early
- A stamp officially released on June 28 was found canceled on June 27. While this might be chalked up to a minor slip at the post office, it marks the beginning of a bigger trend.
- A Week or More in Advance
- A Thomas Haliburton author stamp, issued on October 10, appeared on covers dated as early as September 26—a two-week gap. Postmarks proved these were genuine mail processing dates, not clerk errors.
- Cross-Province Coincidences
- Two covers from different locations in Quebec (separated by around 400 km) received time-stamped cancellations at nearly the exact same minute. This strongly suggests an automated system rather than a hoax or manipulated dates.
- Multiple Instances Across Canada
- Different locations such as Toronto, Sherbrooke, Regina, and Starbuck (Manitoba) show the same pattern of dates preceding official issuance by days or weeks. This points to a widespread phenomenon rather than an isolated, local mishap.
4. Possible Reasons Behind Early Cancellations
How did these stamps slip into circulation before their official release dates? Arnie proposed a plausible explanation:
- Stamps Delivered Early to Post Offices
Distributors often supply new issues to post offices in advance of the public release date. Clerks are instructed not to sell or use them early, yet occasionally they end up on mail too soon. - Large-Scale Processing Centers
High-volume businesses like Canadian Tire send out (and receive) massive amounts of mail. Automated systems can rapidly process thousands of envelopes, making it harder to spot stamps that technically aren’t valid yet. - Collector Vigilance
Many stamp enthusiasts never think to check postmarks for official issue dates. Arnie’s dedication to scrutinizing each envelope uncovered these rarities.
5. Unique Stamp Varieties and Oddities
Beyond the pre-issue cancellations, Arnie’s presentation touched upon other intriguing aspects:
- “Snow Storm” Effect: A printing quirk found on certain booklet stamps where ink transfers to the booklet cover, creating a mottled, snowy look on the stamp image.
- Counterfeit Use: Some covers had homemade or cut-out stamp images from product announcement cards. Although clearly not official postage, they still passed through the mail undetected.
- Way Mail Markings: A special mark signifying a private carrier (such as a merchant vessel) transported the mail to a central post office. This detail illustrates the variety of paths mail can take in rural or hard-to-access regions.
6. Tips for Collectors
If you’re itching to discover similar gems, consider these suggestions:
- Check the Postmarks
Always compare the cancellation date to the official release date of the stamp. You might stumble on a pre-issue usage without even realizing it. - Examine Bulk Lots
Arnie famously found a box of covers for just five dollars. These kinds of “mystery boxes” can hold significant surprises, so look for them at local stamp clubs, estate sales, or online auctions. - Verify Authenticity
If you suspect you’ve found an early cancellation, confirm it by referencing official Canada Post release schedules or a recognized stamp catalog. - Document Everything
Keep notes on when and where you acquired the cover. Detailed records lend credibility if you plan to exhibit your finds or share them with fellow philatelists.
7. Conclusion
Arnie Janson’s presentation offers a window into the hidden stories behind commercial covers from Canadian Tire. From stamps canceled days or weeks before their official release to unique varieties like the “snow storm” effect, it’s clear that curiosity and vigilance in the philatelic world can yield remarkable discoveries. Tara, if you’re passionate about stamp collecting—or simply love a good treasure hunt—keep your eyes peeled for the unexpected. You never know when a humble cover might reveal a brand-new twist in postal history.
