Cambi Auction House is pleased to present the auction dedicated to “Philately and Postal History,” which will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at its headquarters in Via San Marco 22, Milan, and will consist of two rounds: the first at 11 a.m. (lots 1-144) and the second at 3 p.m. (lots 145-431).

Among the many pieces of exceptional historical and philatelic value, some rarities stand out that are bound to arouse great interest.

Lot 50, an extraordinary postal forgery from the Kingdom of Naples in 1860, reproduces the iconic 20 grana carmine lilac stamp with the coat of arms of the Two Sicilies. Its uniqueness lies in its double-glazed paper, a feature that makes it probably the only known specimen. In excellent condition, with intense color and accompanied by prestigious certifications, it is estimated at between 6,000 and 7,000 euros.

Lot 60 offers a letter sent from Naples to Smyrna in 1862 via French postal steamers. This tricolor franking, composed of two horizontal pairs of the 1 grain black, 5 grain vermilion and 10 grain orange, represents a rare example of philatelic use in the Neapolitan Provinces. Certified Fabris and Cardillo, the estimate for this piece is between 3,500 and 3,800 euros.

Among the Sicilian rarities, lot 123 features a magnificent block of six examples of the 5 grana blood red stamp issued in 1859. With intact original gum for a specimen and exceptional freshness, this block is considered the best known of its type. Accompanied by certificates from Emilio Diena, Enzo Diena and Fabris, the estimated value is 5,500-5,800 euros.

Lot 125 offers an insured letter sent from Burgio to Palermo on May 18, 1859. Franked with a rare horizontal pair of the 5 grana blood red of the first plate, this correspondence is distinguished by the splendid oval cancellation of Burgio. With Avanzo, Emilio Diena and Fabris certificates, it is estimated at between 17,000 and 19,000 euros.

Particularly fascinating is lot 126, a letter sent from Messina to Naples on March 12, 1860. Franked with a harmonious tricolor composition, it features 1 grain dark olive green, 5 grain bright vermilion, and 10 grain indigo black stamps. Certified Em.Diena, Colla and Fabris, the exceptional quality of this piece justifies its estimate of between 14,000 and 16,000 euros.

Another noteworthy piece is lot 172, a sheet dated July 13, 1866 containing eight proofs on watermarked paper with “WISE” overprinting of De La Rue stamps. This document, sent to the Officine Carte Valori in Turin, has unique historical significance for the Kingdom of Italy.

Finally, lot 227 includes a rare variety of Zeppelin Cruise stamps from 1933: an upright, center-notched pair of 20 lire red-brown and light blue. With intact gum and G.Bolaffi and Fabris certification, it is estimated at between 2,200 and 2,500 euros.

Also worth mentioning is lot 283, a 50-cent violet “Imperial” with red overprint of Badoglio's signature. This unissued stamp, produced by Stabilimento Raimondi in Naples and rarely surviving incineration, is estimated at between 1,400 and 1,600 euros.