Postage Due Cover

Here is a Newfoundland cover from 1940 that I recently traded for at a show. Newfoundland 2 cent #245 (fairly common) but with a 2 cent postage due stamp (Scott J2).

What is sort of a puzzle is why this local St Johns to St Johns cover needed the postage due. The rate was 2cent and there was no shortage.

Further of interest is the NSSC catalog has a photo of almost the same cover from 1940, with the T2 writing and local use. Why?

The NSSC has a value of $100 for use on cover, but for some reason the dealer thought it was uncommon use and worth $300+.

I like it because I don't see many postage dues on covers. But I can't help but wonder if anyone thinks this is somehow unique.

Or, how about sharing images of other Canadian postage due covers?

Just a few thoughts based on my experience with Canadian postage due covers.

It does not appear as if the due's cancellation is tied to the cover.
It would be a simple matter to fabricate this cover using a pencil and a used postage due.

For the amount the dealer thought this cover was worth there would have to be a lot more going for it.

I agree with lorddenning on the possibility of fabrication on the postage due. It just does not look right. Of course, it might have weighed more than one ounce? I am trying to accumulate Newfoundland covers, but have not run into a postage due, yet.

Just a thought perhaps this letter was delivered to the address and following day refused by the receiver ( given back to the letter carrier and redelivered to the sender ( hence T2 code and 2 cent postage due) . If this is what happened the cancel on the due stamp may be a hand applied cancel(not the machine cancel like the original stamp . Also fabrication is a strong possibility . Also the letter could have been needed to be re-directed and redelivered to another location in St johns .

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http://www.imaginaire.com/indexv2.j...TI&langue=fr br /

The above link is to a Canadian Postage Due Catalog describing the uses .

As an aside, a few additional aspects--but thank you to all for comments. keep them coming.

I have a certificate for it, so its genuine.

I just received this from a respected unrelated dealer in Canada who I sent the image to: Apparently, the local rate in Newfoundland increased to 3 cents on July 3, 1940 and many covers (like this one in Sept) were caught with a 1 cent short plus 1 cent penalty (ie, the 2 cent postage due). So, an isolated period of time with an unknown limited set of 2 cent covers from this era exist. (just like the image in the NSSC page, if any of you have that catalog)

Tommy

I Did the dealer who pronounced it genuine ever have physical possession of the cover? You might want to send it to the Vincent Greene foundation for certification.

Yes, he has owned it for many years in his collection and bought it from a dealer in SF many years ago (and has the provenance from that purchase).
I believe it is genuine and the cancel clearly crosses over to the envelope.
Also, I paid $25 and traded for it

Tommy

When I commented earlier I had assumed that you were familiar with Newfoundland rates. Apparently you aren't. One of the first things to do when collecting postal history is to obtain the rates for the period you are interested in.

Rate information provides a framework for cover collecting. Start digging!

Seems you answered your own question eh?

Hi Tommy
Extract from Robson Lowe's Encyclopedia of North American Stamps:
"1918, 17 May. Internal letter rate 3 cents (2 cents + 1 cent War Tax). One extra cent postage on every prepaid letter or letter packet posted in the Colony. After June 1 1918 all letters not bearing the extra postage were charged an additional 2 cents on delivery."

From his tables, it appears that the 3 cent rate was not in effect until 1947 (exact date not stated)

GJP

Thanks to all.

Yes, I am an idiot and need to dig more in the history so I don't embarrass myself....but if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?

Gportch: having expressed my ignorance--I am not sure that that source (Lowe?) is relevant to Newfoundland, as I am now led to believe that 2 cent was the internal letter rate there until 1940. but clearly, I need to go to school...so just unsure of that table you refer to.

but I sure appreciate all the information.

anybody have some other postage due covers to share??

No need to be hard on yourself. You posted here to obtain information. I constantly struggle with rates - especially postage dues to foreign destinations.

One of the most challenging aspects of postal history is obtaining rate information. You would be doing other collectors an invaluable service if you were to delve into this issue. Since you posted initially I have tried to obtain rate info but have been unsuccessful. I hope you continue pursuing Newfoundland postal history.

Have you considered becoming a member of the Canadian Postal History Society? An on-line membership is only $15/year. aGreat information is available.

http://www.postalhistorycanada.net/php/

Lorddenning,

I will delve/dig into this a little more (only Newfoundland because that is all I collect) and come back with whatever I find.
Seems like it would be fun and informative to do so...especially because I am almost only buying covers now (my wife jokes that I never met a cover I didnt like..)

I've considered BNAPS, but not the CPHS. Thanks for the suggestion, I will read it....But I'm ambivalent about membership, like Groucho Marks said : "I would not want to join any club that would have me as a member..."

Tommy

I share your feelings. At one time I have been a member of the APS, Royal, BNAPS, Postal History Society of Canada.

The only group that works for me is the Postal History Society of Canada. The organization knows how to use the internet and its members are passionate about the hobby. You will not go wrong joining this group for $15. You are ready to bump up to a higher collecting level and I don't mean financially. You have done very well going it alone but it's time for you to take the plunge. You can tell your wife and friends that you are a member of the Postal History Society of Canada. It has a nice ring to it!

I don't recommend BNAPS for you. If you would like to discuss this privately contact me through my email address at Postal History Corner:

http://postalhistorycorner.blogspot.ca

Tommy, you are ready!

Where lorddenning does not recommend BNAPS, I'd be happy to discuss the MANY reasons that I like, support and volunteer for BNAPS. To each their own, of course, and I'm also a member of the PHSC (Postal History Society of Canada, btw) and other societies that suit my personal collecting interests and further my knowledge through research, publication and social philately.

I'm also a BIG fan of lorddenning's website, and he knows that as well. I find positives everywhere I look. I just try to overlook/avoid drama and politics in my hobbies and volunteer efforts.

Oh, and to the point at hand: the study of rates is fascinating and has kept me very busy the past couple of years. It has allowed me to explore vast new layers of my collecting interests, often at very reasonable prices like the example you have shown. Thanks for sharing it.

Petermac

BNAPS, APS and the Royal are all excellent organizations. If I offended you or any other member of BNAPS regarding my suggestion to Tommy then I apologize. BNAPS offers a great deal to its over 1000 members. I hope that my comments have not dissuaded others from considering membership in BNAPS or any other philatelic organization.