The Backward Flag - Canadian 1934 Commemorative Issue

The 150th anniversary of the founding of the Province of New Brunswick by King George III in 1784, was commemorated in 1934 by the issuance of a special 2-cent stamp. This stamp issue was released on 16th August, 1934.

The Latin inscription, SIGILL PROVINCIA NOV" BRUNS on this stamp means, "Seal of the Province of New Brunswick." The motto, SPEM REDUXIT, "It brings back hope."

I study stamps daily and have for years. I recently became aware of another stamp that was catapulted to "error" status when someone noticed that the flag was "flying" against the wind.

For some reason, I recalled that I had seen one of my stamps in the private family collection that looked the same way - and according to how the other sailing ships have been represented, this flag on this Canadian stamp is also flying backwards against the wind. From what I have studied, the flag should be flying (flowing) in the direction that the sails are bellowed.

There were 5 050 000 stamps Printed by British American Bank Note Company. It is unknown if the flag issue has been noted by anyone of public notoriety to date.

I like finding unusual or "error" stamps along with finding stamps of unusual cancellation or marks, such as the grill stamps. I guess it's the thrill of the hunt ;)