Postage Stamp
CultureCanadian
Date1999
Dimensions4 x 3.5 cm (1 9/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
Object numberHF.2015.40.9.1
DescriptionA unused rectangular Canadian postage stamp with portrait orientation and perforated edges. The center of the stamp features an image of a three-masted ship in full sail on white capped waves. In the background along the horizon is a landmass with a lighthouse to the left of the ship. In the foreground to the right of the ship is a small dingy with three figures paddling towards the ship. Along the top of the stamp is printed “Canada 46” with “Marco Polo” in small font along the bottom right. Narrative
The Marco Polo stamp was released on March 19th, 1999, by Canada Post. The design of the stamp was based on a painting by marine artist J. Franklin Wright which shows the Marco Polo under full sail leaving Saint John. 46-cent and 85-cent stamps were issued as well as a two stamp souvenir sheet.
The Marco Polo, a three-masted clipper, was built and launched in 1851 at Saint John, New Brunswick by James Smith of Smith Ship Builders. The vessel was initially designed as a cargo ship. The construction and launch were blighted by misfortune which included a storm scattering the ship's frame and a launch ending with the Marco Polo on its side stuck in the mud.
Thankfully, the vessel's rough start did not affect the maiden voyage captained by William Thomas. The cargo of timber arrived successfully in Liverpool. The Marco Polo had a short life as a cargo ship, being sold in 1852 to James Baines for the Black Ball Line and converted for passenger service between England and Australia. During this service, the ship earned the title of "Fastest Ship in the World", after successfully completing a return trip from England to Australia in less than six months.
The clipper remained in passenger service until 1867, at which point the ship was converted back to cargo use. In 1874, the Marco Polo was altered to a barque rig. By the 1880s, the hull was deteriorating so badly that it was wrapped with chains for strength. During a cargo trip in July 1883, the vessel encountered a gale in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and began to take on water. Unable to keep the ship afloat, Captain A. Bull ran the ship aground on the soft sandy beaches off Cavendish, PEI to save the crew and the cargo. The cargo was salvaged and sold, leaving the Marco Polo to its fate.
