Cusworth, Martyn (2005). Prince Edward Island Philately 1794-1873.

Martyn Cusworth’s PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PHILATELY 1794-1873 is the 35th book in BNAPS’ Exhibit Series. The result of nearly thirty years of collecting, started when Martyn was living and working in Montreal and continued avidly following his return to Great Britain, was first shown at BNAPEX 2001 in Ottawa where it received a Gold level medal. As it was Martyn’s first exhibit at a British North America Philatelic Society show, the exhibit also received the BNAPEX Novice Award. At BNAPEX 2004 in Baltimore a modified and enhanced 144-page exhibit received a Gold level medal and the Allan L. Steinhart Reserve Grand Award. The Baltimore exhibit, with 40 pages of additional material, is shown in this book.Until James Lehr brought it into a more prominent position in the 1980’s and early 90’s, Prince Edward Island was something of a backwater in British North America philately. Martyn Cusworth’s exhibit reveals the philatelic development of Canada’s smallest province from pre-stamp rates & markings through the stamps and postal history of the 1861 Pence issues and the short- lived 1872 Cents issues. The stamp issuing period is well represented with proofs, varieties and covers, many of which came from the Brassler, Carr, Caspary, Cornwallis, Dale-Lichtenstein, Lehr and Saint collections. In addition, an interesting assembly of incoming mail includes some attractive letters mailed from the USA, India and France to Prince Edward Island.Martyn Cusworth has been a regular contributor to Maple Leaves, the journal of the Canadian Philatelic Society of Great Britain, with an ongoing series of articles on various aspects of PEI philately. He and Mike Salmon have developed and are maintaining an Internet database of recorded PEI covers. He still collects post-confederation PEI material and intends to participate in future BNAPEX shows with some of this material. In addition to his PEI interest, Martyn has exhibited his ‘Condor-Lati Air Service to South America’ collection and is also a member of the Italy and Colonies Study Circle.