On June 27, 1917, Italy made postal history by issuing the world’s first airmail stamp. This was a special delivery stamp overprinted with three lines to commemorate an experimental flight between Rome and Turin. The 25-centesimi special delivery stamp featured the image of King Victor Emmanuel III on the left and the word “EXPRESSO” on the right.
The three-line overprint on the stamp read:
“Esperimento Posta Aerea/Maggio 1917/Torino-Roma-Roma-Torino”
(“Experimental Aerial Post/May 1917/Turin-Rome-Rome-Turin”)
The Historical Context
Early in 1917, Italy began exploring the possibility of using airplanes to deliver mail between major cities. The 400-mile route between Turin and Rome was selected for this ambitious project. Although the first flight was scheduled for May 20, adverse weather conditions delayed the inaugural journey until May 27.
The Inaugural Flight
For the historic event, 200,000 stamps with the special overprint were prepared. The inaugural flight carried over 180 kilograms of mail and 200 newspapers. This marked a significant step in the evolution of postal services, paving the way for modern airmail systems worldwide.
Legacy
This pioneering initiative not only showcased the potential of aviation in postal services but also left an enduring legacy in philately. Collectors highly value these stamps today for their historical significance and unique design.
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