The second issue of Naples, released during the significant historical period of King Francis II’s reign and the Garibaldi régime, represents a fascinating chapter in Italian philately. These stamps were issued between November and December 1860, reflecting the political transitions as the Kingdom of Naples joined the Kingdom of Sardinia, ultimately leading to the unification of Italy.
Historical Context
- King Francis II: Reigned from May 22, 1859, to September 7, 1860.
- His rule ended when Garibaldi and his redshirts landed in Sicily on May 11, 1860, capturing Naples by September 7, 1860.
- Garibaldi’s Régime: Governed from September 7 to November 7, 1860, during which Naples and Sicily voted by plebiscite to join the Kingdom of Sardinia as part of a united Italy.
- Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia was declared king on October 26, 1860, and he entered Naples on November 7, 1860.
- The final stamp of Naples, issued under Sardinian authority, still bore the inscription “Posta Napoletana”, making it a historically significant philatelic artifact.
Designs and Production
The second issue of Naples features two primary designs:
- Arms under Bourbon Dynasty (SG 8): Reflecting the royal legacy.
- Cross of Savoy (SG 9): Symbolizing the Sardinian monarchy and transition of power.
Both stamps were produced using recess engraving and are imperforate. The stamps exhibit remarkable artistry and are known for their production complexities and varieties.
Catalogue of Second Issues
First Stamp: ½ Grano Blue (November 6, 1860)
- Design: Features the Arms under the Bourbon Dynasty.
- Catalogue Number: SG 8.
- Value:
- Unused: £270,000.
- Used: £14,000.
Notable Features:
- Printed from the ½ Grano Plate II, with the ‘G’ on each stamp altered to a ‘T’ by Gennariello de Maja.
- Each stamp on the plate was altered by hand, resulting in 100 varieties, making it one of the most diverse stamps from this issue.
Second Stamp: ½ Grano Pale Blue (December 6, 1860)
- Design: Features the Cross of Savoy, a nod to the Kingdom of Sardinia.
- Catalogue Number: SG 9.
- Value:
- Unused: £54,000.
- Used: £4,750.
Notable Features:
- Printed from the same Plate II of the ½ Grano, with significant re-engraving.
- After the centre of each stamp was removed and re-engraved, this stamp resulted in 100 varieties, much like its predecessor.
- Includes a deep blue variety, also catalogued at £54,000 unused and £4,750 used.
Philatelic Importance
The second issue of Naples is a collector’s delight for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: These stamps mark the final chapter of the independent Kingdom of Naples before its incorporation into a unified Italy.
- Production Intricacies: The labour-intensive process of altering plates by hand produced 100 distinct varieties for each stamp, offering a treasure trove of study for philatelists.
- Transition of Power: The designs reflect the political transformation, from the Bourbon dynasty to Sardinian authority.
Forgery and Rarity
- These two stamps are among the rarest Italian stamps, particularly in unused condition.
- Genuine postal obliterations are critical for authentication, as numerous forgeries exist.
- The rarity of these stamps is compounded by the hand-altered plates, which make each variety unique.
Final Notes for Collectors
- Authentication: Look for the hand-altered details in the ‘G’ and ‘T’ letters to identify genuine varieties.
- Historical Context: Understand the political transition of Naples and Sicily during the Garibaldi régime to appreciate the significance of these stamps.
- Investing in Rarity: These stamps are highly valuable, with unused examples commanding six-figure prices.
The second issue of Naples provides a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in Italian history, combining artistry, rarity, and historical significance. Whether you’re a novice collector or an experienced philatelist, these stamps represent a cornerstone of Italian philately.