Admirals (philately)

Admirals are a series of definitive postage stamps issued by Canada between 1911 and 1925. Named for the portrait of King George V in naval uniform which served as their design, these stamps were issued in a wide range of denominations and colors to meet postal needs during the period.

The Admiral series replaced the preceding Edward VII stamps and was designed by several artists, including Bertram Mackennal. The engraving and printing were handled by the British American Bank Note Company. The designs are characterized by their relatively simple but elegant appearance, featuring a central portrait of the King surrounded by a frame indicating the denomination and the word "CANADA".

Variations within the Admiral series are numerous and have been a significant area of study for philatelists. These variations include differences in paper, perforation, shades, and plate flaws. Watermarks also play a crucial role in identifying different printings and varieties. Some of the more notable variations are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity.

The Admiral series was eventually superseded by the pictorial stamps of 1926, but they remain an important and popular part of Canadian philatelic history. Specialized catalogues dedicated to Canadian stamps often devote considerable detail to the Admiral issues, providing comprehensive listings of all known varieties and their corresponding values. Collectors specializing in Canadian philately frequently focus their efforts on acquiring a complete or near-complete collection of the Admiral series, including its many challenging and rewarding variations.