Rare "Under Cover" Memorial Cover - Queen Victoria's Death (Jan 22, 1901)

The Historical Significance:

This cover was canceled in Victoria, B.C. on January 22, 1901—the exact day Queen Victoria passed away at Osborne House. It features a portrait of the Queen set within a green maple leaf, accompanied by a brief biography of her passing.

The "Under Cover" Provenance (Backstrike):

The reverse of the envelope features a highly desirable strike: "Posted At Albany Oregon Under Cover to The POSTMASTER at Victoria B.C." This indicates that a dedicated collector in Oregon mailed this inside a separate envelope to the Postmaster in Victoria, specifically requesting that it be canceled on this historic date.

Condition & Technical Specs:

Stamp: Canada 1898 3¢ Carmine "Maple Leaf" Issue (Scott #69).

Postmark: Sharp CDS from Victoria, B.C. dated JAN 22, 01.

Address: Handwritten to J. J. Shaw in Utica, N.Y.

State: Clean, no significant tears, minor age-toning.