Québec City D.L.O. Postmark Collection, with 8 items mounted and well described on exhibit pages, dating 1909 to 1945. We note examples of the 2 oval types (one on an ambulance cover); one double D.L.O (Winnipeg and Quebéc); an eye-catching Elma (Ontario) to Quebéc “Unclaimed” cover open on 3 sides for display, etc. Both strikes and covers are in fine-very fine condition, and all are scanned online. (Image)

Est $ 150

Halifax D.L.O. Postmark Collection, with 16 items mounted and well described on exhibit pages ranging from 1902 to 1947. Includes early DLO cds, DLO HALIFAX BRANCH, various types of purple ovals, auxiliary markings, 2 types of VANCOUVER BC DLO ovals (purple and green) + HALIFAX type; scarce DEAD LETTER OFFICE / CLERK IN CHARGE on ambulance cover dated 1934; etc. Strikes and covers are in generally fine to very fine condition for these. All are scanned online. (Image)

Est $ 200

Empress of Ireland Wrecked and Recovered Cover, dated Montréal (May 26, 1914) addressed to England with auxiliary marking “Recovered by divers from the wreck of the Empress of Ireland” in green with Ottawa D.L.O. oval postmark on back. Stamp fallen due to immersion. Accompanied by a vintage used picture postcard of the Empress, plus a modern postcard. (Image)

Est $ 300

1829 Québec City Dead Letter Office Stampless Letter dated Alnham (England) May 23, 1829 and addressed to "James Marshall, Sainte Rose Isle Jésus, care of Mr. Alexander Shaw, Innkeeper, Montréal, North America". The long message relates to the addressee's family matters in England and Scotland, weather, agriculture, and current social issues in the British Isles (transcription accompanies this lot). Probably carried by favor, the cover entered the mail at Québec (Red Fleuron Type cds dated Aug 22, 1829) and forwarded from there to Montréal (9 pence rate) along with Montréal cds receiver on Aug. 25. Manuscript mention on back: “Not Called for” the letter is then returned to Quebéc City where the mention “Dead Letter Office Quebéc 15 Oct 1829” has been written in red ink by the clerk. According to literature, Dead Letter Office was established in Canada in the fall of 1829. This letter could be the first known Canadian Dead Letter Office usage. Transcription of the letter and full research accompanies this lot. A very rare and important part of British North American postal history. (Image)

Est $ 400

Early Québec Dead Letter Returned Official Wrapper dated March 19, 1835 (red double circle) sent PAID to a local addressee (it returned a fully prepaid letter that had failed delivery - not included in this lot), with pre-printed message inside explaining why the letter was returned, signed by Stayner (pre-printed signature). Described on an exhibit page. Very fine condition and a seldom seen item. (Image)

Est $ 250

Early Toronto Dead Letter Returned Stampless Wrapper addressed to Quebéc (rated 4 pence), with red Québec receiver dated MAY.20.1852. The message inside reads: "The enclosed letter has been opened by the proper Office appointed for that purpose, and is returned to you as the writer thereof, for the reason assigned – J. Morris, Postmaster General”. Described on exhibit page. Soiled, still a scarce and desirable item. (Image)

Est $ 200

Early Montréal Dead Letter Returned Stampless Wrapper mailed from Montréal on AUG.28.1850, rated 4½p. and addressed locally. According to docketing, it was received the same day it was mailed. Well described on an exhibit page. Vertical fold and a bit soiled but a seldom seen item. (Image)

Est $ 200

Regina and Moose Jaw D.L.O. Postmarks Collection described on exhibit pages with 14 items for Regina (1915-1943) and 2 items for Moose Jaw. We note two scarce (1947 in purple and 1948 in blue green) Moose Jaw District Director of Postal Services cds (#MOO3a-a1) on a letter from Prince Albert, various cds, oval marks and other auxiliary markings. All pages are scanned online. A few faults, still overall very fine strikes and items. (Image)

Est $ 250

Maritime Provinces D.L.O. Collection, with 12 items in all, mounted and well described on exhibit pages. Includes St. John, New Brunswick (7 various types and color oval DLO handstamps dated 1909 to 1922); 2 Newfoundland covers (1906 and 1945); and 3 Charlottetown, P.E.I. items. Strikes and covers in overall fine-very fine condition for these. All are scanned online. (Image)

Est $ 200

Calgary D.L.O. Postmarks Collection, well described and mounted on 6 exhibit pages, with a total of 5 covers/cards and 1 piece, all dated between 1931 to 1942. Of note, a 1945 ambulance cover with scarce “District Director of Postal Service” rubber handstamp. All 6 pages are scanned online. Overall, both strikes and covers are in fine condition. (Image)

Est $ 100

Ottawa D.L.O. Postmarks Collection, all neatly mounted and described on album and exhibit pages (with Plain catalogue #s) with 61 items covering the period 1902 – 1947, with a great variety of types and usages. We note a nice DEAD LETTER BRANCH / CHIEF SUPT oval mark (#OTT2f-a2) on an 1899 cover with previously used stamp (2c Leaf cancelled LINDSAY Squared circle); a 1917 cover to Australia with mention “Deceased” bearing OTT2d-a1 Type; A 1919 cover from Vancouver to an American serviceman in France received after the Armistice and returned to the D.L.O.; 1919 cover from Nanaimo, B.C. to an Internee in Vernon Camp bearing scarce repatriated postmark (OTT4a-d1) with contents handstamped with VERNON CAMP censor; A 1941 Vancouver to China registered censored cover with MAIL SERVICE SUSPENDED handstamp and many more interesting and unusual items, including ambulance covers, a great variety of DLO cds, auxiliary markings, and much more. A fabulous collection and viewing is strongly recommended to better appreciate the quality and interest of this collection. A few faults, still overall fine or better strikes and covers. (Image)

Est $ 600

Winnipeg D.L.O. Postmark Collection, all neatly mounted and described on album and exhibit pages (with Plain catalogue #s) with 35 items covering the period 1899 - 1945, with a great variety of types and usages. Of note is a 1915 D.L.O. WINNIPEG BRANCH (#WIN1-a1) on censored cover; a 1916 RETURNED FOR WAR TAX postcard and many more interesting and unusual items, including Ambulance covers, great variety of DLO cds, auxiliary markings, and much more. A few faults, but overall both strikes and covers in fine condition for these. (Image)

Est $ 300

Victoria D.L.O. Postmarks Exhibit. A lovely single frame (16 pages) exhibit collection untitled “The Rise and Fall of the Dead Letter Office in Victoria B.C.” with 24 covers or postcards starting with an 1874 DLO cds (#DLOS-11) on the reverse of a wrapper forwarding a package of undeliverable mail to the D.L.O. in Ottawa, carried on the steamer Prince Alfred to San Francisco (Unique); An 1885 registered cover sent to Soda Creek held for 6 weeks and Not Called For and returned (170 days in transit); An 1888 Victoria to Vancouver cover with HELD FOR POSTAGE and Inspector’s markings; A 1918 Victoria to Maywood (now Burnaby) not called for cover with exclusive pointing finger auxiliary mark; A 1901 VICTORIA DLO cds on back of undeliverable cover from DAWSON CITY, YUKON etc. This collection also contains Ambulance covers and many other various postmarks and fascinating usages plus a few added items at the end. Overall fine or better strikes and covers, all pages are scanned online. (Image)

Est $ 500

Dead Letter Office Stationery Collection, with 53 items, for the most part being Official Ambulance cover usages, ranging from 1869 to the 1960’s. We a note a large 7c Admiral franking cover from the Vancouver D.L.O.; A nice 1910 Ottawa DLO wax seal on reverse of an Ambulance cover and another one dated 1916 from Halifax. Also of note: some early 19th century stationery with different rates; many usages and various D.L.O. postmarks from Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, Regina, Halifax, Victoria, many with Postage Due stamps. Some seldom seem items here with most being well described on page and some loose. Mixed condition, with some roughly opened, but majority is fine or better for these. (Image)

Est $ 400

D.L.O. / U.M.O. “Special Situations” Collection consisting of 24 covers, 1 stamp and 2 pieces. All have been assembled for their unusual aspects, in one way or another. We note: 4 x DLO branch wax seals (one from Winnipeg on back of a 1919 ambulance envelope); one from Vancouver (1908 faulty cover) and 2 on pieces: Calgary and Toronto Branch; A scarce Ottawa 1875 Registered returned Dead Letter envelope with Post Office Dept Canada wax seal on back; An 1896 cover from River Denis, N.S. franked 1c Small Queen enclosing a returned form accompanied by 2 x 10c pieces (no longer there), although unsealed, the cover was closed with a pin; A 1902 Official Dead letter Branch cover addressed to Wales franked with a 2c Numeral; 2 x Prohibited Mail covers (addressed to Quebéc City (1935) and Toronto (1939)) with appropriate auxiliary markings; 3x ADDRESS AMENDED auxiliary markings; A #46 (20c Vermilion cancelled with very rare SHERBROOKE Local Dead Letter Office oval cds); etc. All pages are scanned online. Few faults but overall both strikes and covers in fine condition for these. Many seldom seen items here, and a great lot for the specialist or reseller. (Image)

Est $ 400

Group of Dead Letter Office and U.M.O. Forms and Documents, a fascinating group consisting of many seldom seen items, with about 45 documents in all. We note: An early 1889 Form (D.53) from Ottawa; a 1907 Form from the local Quebéc city DLO signed by the Clerk in charge; 6x 16 D.L. or 17 D.L. Forms all bearing an oval postmark (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, London, and Charlottetown), all dated between 1912 and 1917; An unused MacDonald Hotel (Edmonton) illustrated stationery; and many other documents, labels, tags, DLO favor postmarks. Some seldom seem items here with most well described on page and some loose. Mixed condition, but most are fine or better. (Image)

Est $ 300

Edmonton D.L.O. Postmarks Collection described on 18 pages with a total of 19 covers/cards and 1 piece, all dated between 1911 to 1945. We note a 1945 cover with scarce EDMONTON BRANCH cds without indicia (the only known example according to owner); a 1914 ambulance cover with 2c Postage due stamp; various cds, oval and other auxiliary markings. Few faults, but overall both strikes and covers in fine condition. (Image)

Est $ 200

Vancouver U.M.O. Postmarks Collection, on 44 pages, with a total of 59 covers and some pieces or documents, covering the 1950s-1970s. Most of these Undeliverable Mail Office related items are well described on pages and we note a great variety of usages, cancels and numerous postmarks, as well as many ambulance covers, some postmarks on piece and a few related documents. A great collection. Please see scans to have a better idea of the content. Overall fine to very condition. (Image)

Est $ 250

Toronto U.M.O. Postmark Collection, on 33 pages, with a total of 42 items (mostly covers but also a few pieces and documents), covering the period 1960’s-1990’s. Most of these Undeliverable Mail Office related items are well described on pages and we note a great variety of usages, cancels and numerous postmarks, many ambulance covers, some postmarks on piece and a few related documents. A very nice collection. Please see scans to have a better idea of the content. Overall fine to very condition. (Image)

Est $ 200

Montréal U.M.O. Postmark Collection on 15 pages, with a total of 25 covers, covering the period 1950’s-1990’s. Most of these Undeliverable Mail Office related items are well described on pages (a few are waiting to be mounted and described) and we note a great variety of usages, cancels and numerous postmarks, and a few ambulance covers. Great variety of postmarks here. Please see scans to have a better idea of the content. Overall fine to very condition. (Image)

Est $ 150

Collection of Various U.M.O. Postmarks, with a total of about 50 items (covers; documents and pieces) covering the period 1950’s-1990’s (almost 2/3 are dated 1980’s - on) with items from: Ottawa, Hamilton, North Sidney and Scarborough. Some of these Undeliverable Mail Office related items are well described on pages but other are still unmounted, and we note a great variety of usages, cancels and numerous postmarks, and a few ambulance covers. Please see scans to have a better idea of the content. Overall fine to very condition. (Image)

Est $ 150

Vancouver D.L.O. Postmark Collection with 48 items in all, dated from 1904 to 1954. All are well described on pages. We note: WW1 RETURNED FOR WAR TAX postcards; A 1908 document used by the clerk in charge (with oval postmark); Returned For Postage insufficiently prepaid cover mailed on CPR train; A 1938 Los Angeles cover addressed to a passenger on board, unable to locate and sent to the DLO; A 1954 T.C.A crash cover with its ambulance envelope, and many other various usages and postmarks used in the period. A fascinating collection. Overall both strikes and covers are in fine condition. (Image)

Est $ 600

Dead Letter Office / CANADA CDS Specialized Collection, 1874-1898, well mounted and described on album / exhibit pages with 42 items in all (mostly Small Queen covers, few letter cards and 3 pieces) arranged by c.d.s. type. We note a #DLOS-4 with “W” in the year date on an 1881 cover; A #DLO2f-1 Type (Dead Letter Branch Superintendent oval on a 3c Small Queen returned cover with manuscript mention: “Stamp previously used”; earliest reported dated date of #1DLO1-15 on 19 Dec. 1882 cover; #DLO01-6 and -9 on 1897 cover; A #OX1 with a partial strike of the DLO3c-1 cds (stamp with no crease but a small thin), and more. A few faults, but overall both strikes and covers in fine condition. (Image)

Est $ 750

Montréal D.L.O. Postmarks Collection, well mounted and described on album / exhibit pages (with Plain Catalogue #s) with a total of 80 covers or cards covering the period 1903-1950’s (a few later). We note many Oval types used in different colors (including a scarce 1920 BRANCH DEAD LETTER OFFICE G. #MON2b-b7a); Some RETURNED FOR WAR TAX Postcards; Some unusual association of types; Ambulance covers; various DLO c.d.s., auxiliary markings, etc. A fabulous collection and viewing is strongly recommended to better appreciate the quality and interest of this collection. A few faults but overall both strikes and covers are in fine condition. (Image)

Est $ 800

Toronto D.L.O. Postmark Collection, mounted and described on album / exhibit pages (with Plain Catalogue #s). A total of 66 items covering the period 1901-1952, with a great variety of types and usages. We note 2 x #TOR1-a1 usages on isolated stamp and piece (2c Leaf and 2c Edward which are according to the owner the only 2 examples known); #TOR2b-a3 on 1917 cover; A #TOR-4b-a1 usage on 1932 cover; Some unusual association of types; Ambulance covers; Great variety of DLO c.d.s., auxiliary markings, and much more. Viewing is strongly recommended to better appreciate the quality, development and interest of this collection. A few faults, but overall both strikes and covers are in fine condition. (Image)

Est $ 600