The first postage stamps of Naples, issued on January 1, 1858, are among the most iconic in Italian philately. Representing the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, these stamps were intricately designed and reflect the history of a unified Naples and Sicily under King Ferdinand II. Known for their artistic and historical significance, these imperforate stamps continue to fascinate collectors worldwide.
Historical Context
- Kingdom of the Two Sicilies: Established in 1816, uniting the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily under a single monarchy.
- Currency Conversion: 200 Tornesi = 100 Grano = 1 Ducato.
- Reign of Ferdinand II: These stamps were issued during the rule of King Ferdinand II (1830–1859), symbolizing the unity and power of the kingdom.
The stamps feature the Arms of the Two Sicilies, which include:
- A horse for Naples.
- The Trinacria (three legs with the head of Medusa) for Sicily.
- Three fleur-de-lis for the Bourbon dynasty.
Design and Production
- Designer: G. Masini, with recess engraving by G. de Maja.
- Layout: Printed in sheets of 200 stamps, 40 times the design repeated.
- Imperforate Format: No perforations; collectors must separate the stamps manually.
- watermark – N1
Each value includes a secret mark, a letter of G. Masini’s name, hidden in the outer border. The stamps were printed in various shapes and frames, making them unique to their era.
Catalogue of First Issues
First Printing (1858)
- ½ Grano Rose (1A)
- Valuation: £3250 unused, £700 used.
- 1 Grano Rose (2A)
- Valuation: £800 unused, £70 used.
- Printed on both sides: £2000 unused.
- 2 Grano Rose (3A)
- Valuation: £600 unused, £32 used.
- Printed on both sides: £2250 unused.
- Printed “1 Grano” on back: £2500 unused.
- 5 Grano Rose (4A)
- Valuation: £7000 unused, £275 used.
- Printed on both sides: £7000 unused.
- 10 Grano Rose (5A)
- Valuation: £8000 unused, £425 used.
- Printed on both sides: £22,000 unused.
- 20 Grano Rose (6A)
- Valuation: £11,000 unused, £1500 used.
- 50 Grano Rose (7A)
- Valuation: £17,000 unused, £4000 used.
Second Printing
The second printing of these stamps introduced a lake-coloured variation, replacing the rose shades of the first printing.
- ½ Grano Lake (1B)
- Valuation: £2750 unused, £400 used.
- 1 Grano Lake (2B)
- Valuation: £1300 unused, £750 used.
- 2 Grano Lake (3B)
- Valuation: £600 unused, £26 used.
- 5 Grano Lake (4B)
- Valuation: £3500 unused, £80 used.
- 10 Grano Lake (5B)
- Valuation: £7500 unused, £375 used.
- 20 Grano Lake (6B)
- Valuation: £8000 unused, £1600 used.
Forgery and Reprints
Forgeries
Several values, especially the 2 Grano, 10 Grano, and 20 Grano, were heavily forged. These counterfeits often mimic genuine postal obliterations, but they lack the precision and authenticity of original stamps.
check StampForgeries page for more details on the forgeries and how to identify them.
Reprints
In 1898, all values (except the 2 Grano) were reprinted on thick white wove unwatermarked paper. These reprints are identifiable by their pale to bright pink shades, and impressions are much clearer compared to the originals.
Additional Notes for Collectors
- Bisected Usage: The ½ Grano Lake (1B) was known to have been bisected in 1861, with usage documented in Chieti and Campobasso.
- Secret Marks: Each value includes a hidden letter from G. Masini’s name, allowing philatelists to authenticate and study them.
- Scarcity: The 5 Grano and 10 Grano values are particularly rare in unused condition, commanding high market values.
Why Collect Naples Stamps?
The first issues of Naples are not just postage stamps but a vivid piece of history. They showcase the artistry and political significance of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, making them a must-have for collectors of Italian and classical stamps.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, these stamps offer a glimpse into the rich history of Italy’s philatelic past.