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.

***Due to popular demand I am planning to add at least one additional page to my Map Stamp section to include scans of all of the base cable retouches and right cable retouches.

While these are obviously not re-entries, they are important criteria when plating some Map varieties, as well as some of the re-entries themselves that occurred along with the retouches.***

 

 

  

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*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.

Note: I always figured it must exist, and now I can show you the proof...The Major Re-entry can also be found on the very scarce imperf Proof sheets! Scroll down and you will see a beautiful corner proof block of 4 with 5R91.

Courtesy of Eastern Auctions Ltd.

(Now in my collection. Scroll down.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^     An extremely rare Plate Proof LL corner block with selvedge showing THE Major Re-entry in the LL.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

v  An extremely rare Plate Proof LL corner strip of three with selvedge showing THE Major Re-entry in the bottom position.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

*2

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.

UPDATE: An imperf pair has come to light of this major r-entry and is shown as the upper stamp of a beautiful pair. Scroll down to see it.

May 2013 - Acquired a MNH lower right corner block of 4 with full selvedge, with 1A89 in the upper left corner. Below the block is a scan of the stamp itself.  (RET)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^      A position corner block with full selvedge showing the major re-entry from 1A89 in the UL corner.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^                                The UL stamp of the position block above.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

^ Courtesy of Anonymous ^ A very rare imperf Plate Proof pair showing this major re-entry in the upper position.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^        Another block of 4 showing this major re-entry in the LL position.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^                         The LL stamp from the above block of 4.

^ From the RETrimble Collection ^        A close-up of the doubling in CANADA of 1A89, the above stamp.

*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.)

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^ Courtesy of Archives Canada ^

*4

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

*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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

*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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

*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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
  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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

 
  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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
   

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.

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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.

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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.

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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.

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*25

Scott #85/86

2¢ Map Stamp

Recut Cable Links

Plate Position 2A78

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

 

 

 

 

 

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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^
*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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^ From the RETrimble Collection ^

 

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Ralph E. Trimble

Specialist in BNA Re-entries
[email protected]