Decoding the Attributes of the 1972-1978 Caricature Issue Booklets in Canada

Within the realm of Canadian philately, the study of booklets holds a unique place. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of the 1972-1978 Caricature Issue booklets of Canada, focusing on three key booklets: BK74, BK75, and BK76. These booklets present a variety of attributes, including stamp composition, pane widths, fluorescence, sealing compounds, and shades of color. By developing an overall nomenclature, we can better understand and appreciate the nuances of these captivating philatelic artifacts.

BK74 comprises six stamps that commemorate Sir John A. Macdonald, Lester Pearson and Queen Elizabeth II. The booklet includes three 1c Sir John A Macdonald stamps, a 6c Lester Pearson stamp, and two 8c Queen Elizabeth II stamps. Notably, these booklets exhibit variations in paper fluorescence, with panes being found with all different levels of fluorescence as discussed below, as well as the covers themselves. The panes' lengths in BK74 vary from 70 mm to 76 mm as discussed below also.  Additionally, the sealing compound used varies, with some booklets featuring self-sealer and others with clear sealer. Self Sealer was a glue that was appled in a wide strip and usually appears brown now. Clear sealer is a thin bead of glue that usually still appears clear, though it can brown with age. But the amount of glue is the key difference between the two types. 

In BK75 the stamp composition expands to a total of 18 stamps. It contains six 1c Sir John A Macdonald stamps, a 6c Lester Pearson stamp, and eleven 8c Queen Elizabeth II stamps. Unlike BK74, the fluorescence of both the paper and cover stock appears to be much more limited, with the covers generally always being dull, and the panes being either LF or MF.  However, the length of the panes in BK75 is consistent, maintaining a uniform appearance. The sealing compounds used on these booklets exhibit the same variation seen in BK74, though McCann makes no mention of this.

BK76 includes four 10c Queen Elizabeth II stamps, four 2c Wilfred Laurier stamps, and two 1c Sir John A Macdonald stamps. While the stamp composition differs from the previous booklets, the variation in fluorescence, and pane widths, remains consistent.

In all three booklets, the shades of color of the stamps themselves vary, adding an additional layer of complexity and intrigue.

Developing an Overall Nomenclature

To better understand and catalog these booklets, we can establish an overall nomenclature system. Here's a suggested approach:

1. Booklet Code:

   • BK74: Booklet containing 1c Macdonald, 6c Pearson, and 8c Queen Elizabeth II stamps.
   • BK75: Booklet with 1c Macdonald, 6c Pearson, and 8c Queen Elizabeth II stamps, in addition to a higher quantity of 8c Queen Elizabeth II stamps.
   • BK76: Booklet featuring 10c Queen Elizabeth II, 2c Wilfred Laurier, and 1c Macdonald stamps.

2. Pane and Cover Fluorescence:

   • Non-Fluorescent (NF)
   • Dull fluorescent (DF)
   • Low fluorescent (LF)
   • Medium fluorescent (MF)
   • High fluorescent (HF)
   • Hibrite (HB)
   • Any of the above with "fl" appended to indicate that fluorescent fibres are also present in the paper, and alter the perceived fluorescence. 

3. Pane Length:

   • BK74 - 70 mm, 72 mm, 74 mm and 76 mm.
   • BK75 - no significant variation.
   • BK76 - 108-109 mm and 111-112 mm.

4. Sealing Compound:

   • Self-Sealer: BK74 and BK75
   • Clear Sealer: BK74, BK75 and BK76

5. Stamp Color:

   • Normal colours: colours of normal intensity: orange for the 1c Macdonald; green for the 2c Laurier; red for the 6c Pearson; ultramarine for the 8c Queen and dark carmine for the 10c Queen. 
   • Deeper, brighter colours.
   • Pale colours
6. Paper texture:

• Smooth.
• Horizontal ribbed.
• Vertical ribbed, but smooth on the gummed side.
• Vertical ribbed on both sides.

Pane and Cover Fluorescence

The levels of fluorescence found are non-fluorescent (NF), dull fluorescent (DF), low fluorescent (LF), medium fluorescent (MF), high fluorescent (HF) and hibrite (HB). One of the complicating factors in examining the fluorescence of the booklet panes is that the fluorescence level on the front of the pane can be different under UV light from what is seen on the back of the pane. Also, a particular paper can derive its overall fluorescence from the presence of tiny fluorescent fibres. The number of fibres present and the brightness of those fibres can elevate the perceived fluorescence significantly, so that a pane which appears LF overall, may actually be NF, but contain, say a sparse concentration of MF fibres in the paper that make the whole pane appear LF overall. Finally, a particular fluorescence level can appear different colours under log-wave ultraviolet light. Blue and bluish white are the commonly seen colours of the paper under UV on this issue, but cream, grey and blue grey can be found also.

The following pictures taken under long-wave UV light show some of these variations in fluorescence for both the panes and covers:

A group of BK74's with self sealer, from the top: NF, DF, LF, MF and HF

Three BK76's two with wavy lines inside the cover and one without. Here the fluorescence levels are DF-fl and HF

A group of BK74 covers, with HB at the top left and progressing down to NF on the bottom.

A group of BK76 booklets showing HB, NF, MF and HF

As we continue to delve into the captivating world of the 1972-1978 Caricature Issue booklets of Canada, we uncover yet another intriguing aspect of these booklets. Both BK74 and BK76 feature aircraft designs on their covers, making them visually distinctive. Furthermore, the aircraft designs themselves offer a wide array of variations, with up to ten different types showcased across the booklets. When combined with the diverse range of other attributes, such as variations in fluorescence levels, pane widths, and sealing compounds, the potential for an extensive and fascinating collection becomes apparent.

The inclusion of aircraft designs on the covers of BK74 and BK76 adds an aesthetic and thematic element to these booklets. These aircraft designs are a captivating representation of aviation history and showcase the technological advancements of their time. With up to ten different types of aircraft displayed across these booklets, collectors are presented with a unique opportunity to assemble a comprehensive collection encompassing various aircraft models.

Pane Lengths

The panes included in BK74 and BK76 also vary in length. McCann lists 70mm, 72 mm, 74 mm and 76 mm lengths for BK74, with 70mm being the most common by far, and with the other widths being quite scarce. BK76 panes also vary, though curiously McCann does not discuss this. We have found that most panes measure between 108 mm and 110 mm with 111-112 mm being scarcer. 

The understanding of pane length variations opens up avenues for collectors to delve deeper into the Caricature Issue booklets, while presenting opportunities to appreciate the craftsmanship and intricacy of the printing and production process.

Paper Texture

We have made fascinating discoveries regarding the subtle variations in paper texture. While Unitrade has traditionally listed only the horizontal ribbed paper for BK74, further exploration has revealed additional nuances. We have identified vertically ribbed paper with a smooth gummed side, as well as vertically ribbed paper displaying very fine vertical ribbing on the gum. Notably, this type of paper has also been encountered in certain printings of the 1977-1982 floral issue, indicating a potential correlation between the two. By discerning these paper texture variations, collectors can deepen their understanding of the production process and gain insights into the chronology of these booklets. I

Introduction: As collectors delve deeper into the world of the 1972-1978 Caricature Issue booklets of Canada, they begin to unravel intriguing patterns of scarcity. While traditional pricing references may not explicitly differentiate among the various combinations, seasoned collectors have observed distinct trends emerging over time. Here, we shed light on these patterns, focusing on the cover and pane combinations that dominate the booklets and identifying the rarer variations. By understanding these scarcity patterns, collectors can refine their pursuit and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique attributes within the Caricature Issue booklets.

BK74 Scarcity Patterns

In the case of BK74 booklets, there are clear patterns that emerge with regard to cover and pane combinations. The majority of BK74 booklets feature dull fluorescent (DF) or non-fluorescent (NF) covers, combined with DF or low fluorescent (LF) panes. This combination constitutes the most commonly encountered configuration. However, booklets with fluorescent covers, as well as panes with fluorescence levels higher than LF, are scarcer and considered more sought-after by collectors. This differentiation in scarcity highlights the desirability of booklets featuring covers and panes with higher fluorescence levels.

BK76 Scarcity Patterns:

Similar scarcity patterns can be observed in BK76 booklets, with some variations depending on the presence of wavy lines on the covers. Initially, the earliest BK76 booklets without wavy lines inside exhibit a prevalence of high fluorescent (HF) and hibrite (HB) covers, coupled with dull fluorescent (DF) or low fluorescent (LF) panes. Covers duller than HF and panes with fluorescence levels higher than LF are considered scarcer in this context. However, as the wavy line covers start to appear, a reversal in the trend occurs. Dull fluorescent (DF) and non-fluorescent (NF) covers become the norm, with brighter covers becoming scarcer. Similarly, low fluorescent (LF) panes become the norm, while panes with higher fluorescence levels become scarcer.

Implications for Collectors:

Recognizing the scarcity patterns in cover and pane combinations allows collectors to refine their strategies and focus on acquiring the rarer variations. Collectors can seek out booklets with fluorescent covers or panes exhibiting fluorescence levels higher than LF to add unique and sought-after pieces to their collections. Additionally, the emergence of wavy line covers presents an opportunity for collectors to track down booklets with duller or brighter covers, depending on their personal collecting preferences.

Conclusion: Overall Implications of Complexity To The Collector

Given the multitude of attributes present in these booklets, collectors can embark on a remarkable journey of collecting and categorizing. The combination of aircraft designs, fluorescence variations, pane widths, sealing compounds, and other factors offers an abundance of possibilities. Each unique combination becomes a distinct booklet variation, expanding the scope of a collector's pursuit. Considering all of them together, it becomes evident that the possibilities for collecting these booklets can quickly multiply. Collectors can amass a comprehensive assortment, potentially acquiring numerous booklets to capture the full range of variations. This level of depth and breadth adds excitement and depth to the collecting experience.