Lot
294 
1879 (Mar. 7) Bahamas to Halifax N.S., cover bearing Bahamas 4d dull rose, perf 14 (18b) tied by oval grid cancel, Bahamas (3.7) origin backstamp, "New York F.D. Mar 12" backstamp and matching "NY/T" due handstamp with blue crayon "10" updated to "5¢", reverse with Montreal (3.13) transit and Halifax (3.15) arrival cds; small edge faults and light soiling, F.-V.F. Estimate $500 - 750.
Canada joined the General Postal Union technically on July 1st 1878. However, Canada did not adhere to the postal union rates and regulations until August 1st, 1878. The official Postal Guide, normally published in July, was delayed until August in order to present the new rates and regulations. From August 1st 1878 until March 30th 1879, the GPU rates and regulations governed with the Universal Postal Union becoming effective on April 1st 1879. Quite a few countries in the West Indies joined the UPU later or enjoyed transition rates.
The Bahamas did not join the UPU until July 1st 1880. Shown here is an example of mail from a non-UPU member to UPU-member Canada.
Realized: $400