been
included in the regular series.

[Illustration]

These new 20c and 50c labels were issued on February 17th, 1893, and
while alike in design, except as regards the denotation of value, they
are quite dissimilar from any of the previously issued postage stamps of
the Dominion both as regards size and design. The portrait shows Queen
Victoria in her widow's weeds and is similar to that shown on the Bill
stamps which were first issued in 1868. Above the portrait CANADA
POSTAGE is curved, and on straight labels at the foot is the value in
words, while between this inscription and the lower part of the
medallion are figures of value.

The stamps were, as usual, produced by the line-engraved process, and
they were printed in sheets of 100 at the Ottawa establishment of the
British American Bank Note Company. The manufacturer's imprint was shown
twice on each sheet--in the centre of the upper and lower margins. This
imprint consisted of the words "British American Bank Note Co. Ottawa,"
on a strip of solid color measuring 38 mm. in length and 2-1/2 mm. in
height. This colored strip has square ends and is enclosed within a
pearled border.

Both values were printed on the wove paper used for the other
denominations then current and the perforation was the usual 12 made by
single-line machines.

Evidently these values were but sparingly used, for Mr. Howes tells
us:--

Both were ordered to the number of half a million copies in 1893,
and in 1895 25,000 more of the 20 cent and 30,000 more of the 50
cent were delivered, with a final 200 copies in 1896. These
quantities were sufficient to last until the 20 cent was superseded
by the newer type in 1901, and the 50 cent by the King's head stamp
in 1908. Some 1500 of the 20 cent were returned for destruction and
about 10,000 of the 50 cent.

It seems hardly possible that but 200 copies of each were supplied in
1896--_i.e._ two sheets of each value--if they were the normal
perforated stamps. Possibly this small supply consisted of the
imperforates--both values being known in this condition--and if so they
may have been printed to fill a special requisition. The imperforate 20c
is on the normal shade but the 50c is, as Mr. Howes observes, in a
"peculiar black blue" shade. There are no marked varieties in shade as
can easily be understood from the few printings which took place.

_Reference List._

1893. Engraved and Printed by the B