The World’s First Christmas Postage Stamp: Canada's 1898 Map Stamp.

Two, unissued versions of the Canada 1898 Xmas Stamp.

Philately is brimming with captivating stories, rare artifacts, and significant historical moments. One such treasure is Canada's first Christmas postage stamp, issued in 1898. This stamp, known as the "Map Stamp," holds a special place in both Canadian history and the history of global postal services. Its issuance marked a unique moment, blending politics, geography, and the holiday spirit. This is the fascinating story behind this stamp, its origins, design, and lasting legacy.

The Background of the 1898 Christmas Stamp

The late 19th century was a period of significant change and development for Canada. The country was still in its infancy, having only confederated in 1867, and it was eager to establish its identity and presence on the world stage. One way to achieve this was through the issuance of postage stamps, which were not only functional but also a means of showcasing national pride and achievements.

The idea of a Christmas stamp was proposed by William Mulock, then Canada's Postmaster General. Mulock was a visionary who understood the power of postage stamps as tools for communication and national representation. He sought to create a stamp that would celebrate Canada's role in the British Empire and the festive season simultaneously.

Design and Symbolism

The design of the 1898 Christmas stamp is rich with symbolism. Known as the "Map Stamp," it features a striking map of the world, highlighting the vast expanse of the British Empire. The British territories are colored in bright red, emphasizing the global reach and power of the empire at that time. Below the map is a banner that reads, "XMAS 1898," marking the stamp's connection to the Christmas season.

One of the most interesting aspects of the stamp's design is the bold statement it makes about the British Empire. Underneath Xmas 1898 is the line. “We Hold A Vaster Empire Than Has Been”. By showcasing the empire's global dominance, the stamp was not just a piece of postage but also a political statement. It reflected Canada's pride in being part of such a vast and influential empire, while also subtly asserting its own growing importance within that structure.

The Political Context

The issuance of the 1898 Christmas stamp cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the political context of the time. The late 19th century was a period of imperial competition and expansion. The British Empire was at its zenith, and there was a strong sense of nationalism and pride in being part of such a powerful entity.

For Canada, issuing a stamp that celebrated the British Empire was a way to reinforce its own identity and loyalty to the Crown. It also served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the various British territories, emphasizing the idea of a global community united under the empire.

However, the stamp's issuance was not without controversy. There were debates about the appropriateness of using a Christmas stamp to make a political statement. Critics argued that the holiday season should be a time of peace and goodwill, free from political overtones. Despite these criticisms, the stamp was issued and quickly became popular among collectors and the general public.

Technical Aspects and Production

The production of the 1898 Christmas stamp was a technical achievement in itself. The stamp was printed by the American Bank Note Company in Ottawa, a company known for its high-quality printing and intricate designs. The use of color to differentiate the British territories was a particularly challenging aspect of the production process.

The stamp was issued in two denominations: 2 cents and 7 cents. The 2-cent stamp was intended for domestic mail, while the 7-cent stamp was used for international correspondence. This differentiation reflected the growing importance of international mail and Canada's role in global communication networks.

Public Reception and Impact

When the 1898 Christmas stamp was issued, it was met with enthusiasm by the public. Collectors and ordinary citizens alike were captivated by its unique design and the powerful message it conveyed. The stamp quickly became a popular item, both for its practical use in mailing letters and as a collectible artifact.

The stamp's issuance also had a significant impact on the world of philately. It was one of the first stamps to explicitly reference Christmas, setting a precedent for future holiday-themed stamps. Other countries soon followed Canada's example, issuing their own Christmas stamps in the years that followed.

The Legacy of the 1898 Christmas Stamp

The legacy of the 1898 Christmas stamp extends far beyond its initial issuance. It remains a highly sought-after item among collectors, and its historical significance continues to be recognized. The stamp is a testament to the power of postage stamps as tools for communication, political expression, and cultural representation.

In addition to its philatelic value, the stamp also holds a special place in Canadian history. It represents a moment when Canada asserted its identity on the world stage, using a small piece of paper to make a bold statement about its place within the British Empire.

Interesting Facts

Mulock's Midnight Deadline: Postmaster General William Mulock intended the stamp to be dated "XMAS 1899," but due to a miscommunication, it ended up being "XMAS 1898." Mulock reportedly decided on this after a midnight deadline, believing it would add a special charm to the stamp.

Controversial Colors: The use of red to mark British territories on the map was not just a design choice but a deliberate political statement. It emphasized the vastness of the British Empire, which covered a significant portion of the globe.

Limited Edition: While millions of these stamps were produced, their unique historical context and design have made them highly collectible. Stamps in pristine condition can fetch significant sums at auctions today.

First of Its Kind: This was the world's first Christmas-themed stamp, paving the way for other countries to issue their own holiday stamps. Today, Christmas stamps are a beloved tradition in many countries around the world.

Design Inspiration: The map design was inspired by contemporary world maps used in classrooms and atlases, making it instantly recognizable to the public at the time.

Printing Challenges: The multi-colored printing process was a technical challenge, especially in ensuring the red ink used for British territories did not bleed into other areas of the stamp.

Global Influence: The stamp's issuance underscored Canada's growing role in global affairs and its connection to international postal networks, reflecting the broader trends of globalization at the turn of the century.

Collecting the 1898 Christmas Stamp

For stamp collectors, the 1898 Christmas stamp is a prized possession. Its historical significance, unique design, and the story behind its creation make it a valuable addition to any collection. Collectors often seek stamps in mint condition, but even used stamps can be valuable due to their rarity and historical importance.

When collecting the 1898 Christmas stamp, it's essential to be aware of the various factors that can affect its value. These include the stamp's condition, any cancellations or markings, and whether it has been preserved properly over the years. Collectors should also be cautious of forgeries, as the stamp's popularity has made it a target for counterfeiters.

The Different Blue Versions of the 1898 Christmas Stamp

The 1898 Christmas stamp, also known as the "Map Stamp," was primarily issued in blue and lavender colors with red highlights. However, within the blue color category, there are several variations that have intrigued philatelists over the years. These variations are due to differences in the printing process, the ink batches used, and other factors that influenced the final appearance of the stamps. Here are some of the different blue versions of the 1898 Christmas stamp in detail.

The Main Variants

Blue and Carmine

Pale Blue and Carmine

Deep Blue and Carmine

Gray Blue and Carmine

Each of these variations reflects slight differences in the color tones used during the printing process.

Blue and Carmine

This is the most common version of the 1898 Christmas stamp. It features a blue map of the world with British territories highlighted in bright carmine red. The blue color in this version is a standard medium blue, providing a clear and striking contrast with the red.

Characteristics: Medium blue map with carmine red British territories.

Rarity: Common.

Value: Generally lower in value compared to rarer variations.

Pale Blue and Carmine

The pale blue and carmine version of the stamp is characterized by a lighter shade of blue. This lighter hue can be attributed to variations in the ink or differences in the printing process.

Characteristics: Light blue map with carmine red British territories.

Rarity: Less common than the standard blue and carmine.

Value: Higher value due to its relative rarity.

Deep Blue and Carmine

In contrast to the pale blue version, the deep blue and carmine stamp features a much darker shade of blue. This deeper color makes the red highlights stand out even more dramatically.

Characteristics: Dark blue map with carmine red British territories.

Rarity: Relatively rare.

Value: Higher value due to the depth of color and its relative scarcity.

Gray Blue and Carmine

The gray blue and carmine variation has a more muted, grayish-blue hue. This version is particularly prized by collectors because of its distinct and unusual color.

Characteristics: Grayish-blue map with carmine red British territories.

Rarity: Quite rare.

Value: Among the highest due to its rarity and unique color.

Causes of Color Variations

The different blue versions of the 1898 Christmas stamp can be attributed to several factors:

Ink Batches: Differences in the batches of ink used during the printing process could result in variations in the shade of blue.

Printing Runs: Multiple printing runs with slight adjustments in the ink mixture or printing conditions could produce different shades.

Environmental Factors: Conditions such as humidity and temperature during printing could also affect the final color of the ink.

Aging: Over time, exposure to light, air, and other environmental factors can cause the colors of the stamps to change, leading to variations in the appearance of stamps that were originally the same color

They are definitely pretty stamps and I will be on the lookout to add some of the different color variations to add to my collection. I also am interested to add some of the the other country first Christmas stamps to the collection. Always another stamp…