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Catalogue 280: The Ing. Pietro Provera Collection (part III)
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  • Lot# : 6501 Papal state

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    1852 (Jan): 6 baj. 'grigio verdastro', a fresh and fine single adhesive, tied by straight-line FOLIGNO handstamp, ASSICURATA handstamp in red alongside, on entire letter directed to Pergola. Reverse with "16 GIUGNO" arrival datestamp. Attractive, cert. Bottacchi (2003).
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 6502 Papal state

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    1852 (Jan): 7 baj. blue in a horizontal pair with gutter 'interspazio di gruppo' in between, in combination with 6 baj. greenish grey, fresh and fine adhesives with fair to large margins all round, tied by mute grill obliterator, "ROMA 29 MAR. 52" despatch cds alongside, on cover directed to Torrento. Reverse with Napoli datestamp in transit (March 31). Franked with 20 bajocchi, but taxed upon arrival with '24' grana. Attractive, rare and interesting, signed Avanzo; cert. A. Diena (1967) Sassone = € 3'600.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 340 CHF

    Lot# : 6503 Papal state

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    1852 (Jan): 8 baj. black on white, a single adhesive and two pairs with primarily fair to large margins, touched in two positions, cancelled by grill obliterator with "ROMA 19 AGO. 63" despatch cds, framed "P.P." and French "É.-PONT. MARSEILLE 22 AOUT 63" entry cds alongside, on double rate cover directed to Chambery. Reverse with French ambulant and arrival (Aug 23) cds's. An attractive envelope, the fine franking paying correctly twice the 20 bajocchi rate to France with a French vessel. Signed Avanzo; cert. Raybaudi (1989) Sassone = € 1'325.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 6504 Papal state

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    Falso dell'epoca 1855/57: 8 baj. black on white, type II, a superb falso with four enormous and complete margins 'otto filetti', tied by grill, "BOLOGNA 10 GEN. 55" despatch cds alongside on entire letter to Milano. Reverse with arrival cds of the next day. "Correctly franked" with 8 baj. for a letter within the third postal rayon with a distance of more than 20 Austrian miles. One of the most impressive falsi of the Papal States. Signed Em. Diena; certs. E. Diena (1990), Colla (1993) Sassone = € 16'000.rnProvenance: Collection Baron Rothschild.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6505 Papal state

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    Francobolli frazionati 1852 (Jan): 1 baj. 'verde grigiastro', two horizontally bisected adhesives of slightly different shade with fair to large margins, tied by one strike of grill obliterator to reverse of entire letter to Ripe with "SINIGAGLIA 3 SET 60" despatch cds on obverse. Correctly franked with 1 baj. for a letter within the same postal district, an exceptional combination. Signed A. Diena & Sorani; cert. E. Diena (1988) Sassone = € 4'000.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 6506 Papal state

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    Francobolli frazionati 1852 (Jan): 2 baj. 'verde oliva', the left part of a vertically bisected adhesive with large to enormous margins from the upper left sheet margin, the stamp shows at the upper left the typical plate flaw in this postion. The adhesive tied by grill obliterator to reverse of entire letter from Camerino to Gagliole with indistinct despatch cds (May 1, 58) on obverse. Correctly franked with 1 baj. for a letter within the same postal district. Cert. E. Diena (1991) Sassone = € 700.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 6507 Papal state

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    Francobolli frazionati 1852 (Jan): 4 baj. 'bruno grigio chiaro', the lower right half of a diagonnally bisected adhesive with huge corner sheet margins at base and right, tied by grill obliterator to reverse of entire letter from Macerata to San Ginesio. Correctly franked with 2 baj. for a letter between two neighbouring postal districts, in this case Tolentino and Macerata, a rare franking. Signed A. Diena & Colla; certs. Raybaudi (1981), E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 4'500.rnProvenance: Collection Vullo.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6508 Papal state

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    Francobolli frazionati 1852 (Jan): 6 baj. 'grigio verdastro', the left part of a vertically bisected adhesive with fair to huge margins and sheet margin at base, tied by grill obliterator, "SCHEGGIA 27 APR. 60" despatch cds alongside, on entire letter to Urbino. Correctly franked with 3 baj. for a letter with a weight of two sheets between two neighbouring postal districts, an exceptional franking. Signed Raybaudi; certs. A. Diena (1969), E. Diena (1988) Sassone = € 9'000.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 6509 Papal state

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    1867 (Sept): 2 c. 'verde giallo', a superb adhesive with vibrant colour and huge margins all round, tied by grill obliterator to cover directed to Perugia with clear "ROMA 27 GEN 68" despatch cds alongside. Reverse with Foligno transit (Jan 27) and arrival (Jan 28) cds's. Horizontal and vertical file folds well away from the adhesive and the postmarks, sideflaps missing, nevertheless a most attractive printed matter usage. Cert. E. Diena (1990) Sassone = € 1'800.rnProvenance: Collection Baron Rothschild.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 6510 Papal state

    1867 (Sept): 10 c. vermillion-orange, a funny adhesive with vibrant colour cut down to the design of the stamp, tied by grill obliterator to cover directed to Roma with "CIVITAVECCHIA 9 MAR 68" despatch cds alongside. Reverse with arrival cds of the following day. A most interesting item, the cutting maybe done to cover a postal fraud. Signed E. Diena.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 6511 Papal state

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    1867 (Sept): 80 c. 'rosa lilliaceo', a fine and fresh adhesive with good margins, sheet margin at left, tied by trattini lozenge to 1869 entire letter from Rome to Adria with indistinct despatch cds and "P.D." handstamp alongside. Reverse with Rovigo transit and Adria arrival (Jan 6) cds's. Horizontal and vertical file folds well away from the adhesive, nevertheless a most interesting quadruple rate usage from the Papal States to Italy. Signed A. Diena & Golinelli; cert. E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 3'500.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 6512 Papal state

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    1868 (March): 5 c., two adhesives with different shades and formats, one normal sized adhesive in the shade 'nero su azzuro verdastro' and a smaller adhesive with 14 instead of 15 perfs in the shade 'nero su celeste', both tied by grill obliterator to cover from Civitavecchia with despatch cds (Jan 19, 70) alongside. An unusual combination, signed Avanzo; cert. E. Diena (1998) Sassone = € 1'800.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 160 CHF

    Lot# : 6513 Papal state

    Official last day of usage 1868 (March): 20 c. 'solferino', a fresh and fine adhesive with deep vibrant colour and good perforation, tied by Italian-style rhomb obliterator to entire letter directed to Torino with clear Papal-style "ROMA 30 SET 70" despatch cds alongside. Reverse with Torino arrival (Oct 2) cds and distribution datestamp. Correct 20 c. rate from the Papal States to Italy which was identical to the inland rate within Italy. Signed E. Diena Sassone = € 1'800.rnNote: The adhesives of the Papal States had been officially valid in Lazio up to September 30, 1870. However, tolerated usage can be found until February 1871.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 6514 Papal state

    1868 (March): 20 c. magenta and 40 c. yellow, two fine and fresh adhesives with vibrant colour and good perforation, tied by grill obliterator, "CIVITAVECCHIA 3 AGO. 69" despatch cds, framed PD and ASSICURATA handstamps alongside, on registered cover directed to Livorno. Reverse with indistinct arrival cds. Correctly franked with 20 c. for the postage to Italy and 40 c. registration fee, signed E. Diena & Avanzo.
    Starting bid : 75 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 6515 Romagna

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    1859 (Oct. 22): Unpaid cover from Faenza to Castel Bolognese, taxed on obverse with '1' bajocchi, bearing on reverse as due 1859 (Sept) ½ baj. 'giallo paglia', a superb vertical pair with good colour and large even margins all round, sheet margin at base, tied by grill obliterator. A fair "FAENZA 22 OTT 59" despatch cds was struck on obverse. One sideflap missing, nevertheless a most interesting item showing the usage of the Romagna adhesives as due, signed G. Bolaffi; cert. A. Diena (1972) Sassone = € 6'500.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6516 Romagna

    1859 (Sept): 1 baj. grey, a fresh and fine adhesive with good colour and good to large margins all round, tied by framed BONDENO handstamp (Sassone FE = 11 punti) to entire letter directed to Ferrara. Reverse with "FERRARA 5 DEC. 59" arrival cds. Lightest vertical and horizontal file folds well away from the franking, still a most attractive and correct franking for a letter written in the same postal district, signed Mondolfo Sassone = € 1'750 + 3'250.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 6517 Romagna

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    First day usage 1859 (Sept): 1 baj. brown grey, a fresh and fine adhesive with good colour and large even margins all round, tied by grill obliterator to underpaid cover directed to Piacenza. A clear "BOLOGNA 1 SET 59" despatch cds was struck alongside on the day of issuance of this iconic issue. Reverse with arrival cds of the next day. As the cover was underpaid by four bajocchi, it was taxed with '35' (centesimi) due upon arrival. Some aging present, nevertheless an important cover for an advanced collection, cert. E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 140'000.
    Starting bid : 10,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6518 Romagna

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    1859 (Sept): 2 baj. yellow-orange, a fine horizontal pair with fresh colour and large even margins all round, tied by mute grill obliterator to entire letter directed to Reggio di Modena. "FORLI 26 GEN. 60" despatch cds alongside, reverse with arrival cds of the next day. An attractive cover in the office to office rate of 20 centesimi, cert. E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 5'000.rnNote. On November 1st, 1859, the Lira Italiana was introduced in the Romagna as new currency with one old bajocco being equal to five new centesimi. For a rate of 20 centesimi between two offices the sender had therefore to pay 4 bajocchi.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6519 Romagna

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    1859 (Sept): 2 baj. yellow-orange in a horizontal pair on front and 5 baj. violet, a single example on reverse, fine and fresh adhesives with good to large margins all round, cancelled / tied by mute grill obliterator to registered cover from Ferrara to Massa Superiore in Venetia. The obverse is struck by "FERRARA 7 SET. 59" despatch cds and ASSICURATA handstamp, reverse with "S.M. MADDALENA 7 SETe" transita datestamp at the border and MASSA arrival cds of the next day. Backflap shortened and repaired, opened up for presentation purposes, nevertheless an exceptional item full of postal history content incl. a usage in the first week of the Romagna issue, a rare registered mailing to Venetia with 4 baj. for the postage and 5 baj. registration fee in a rate valid only for two months in September and October 1859. Certs. A. Diena (1969), E. Diena (1989) Sassone listed but unpriced.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6520 Romagna

    1859 (Sept): 3 baj. dark green, a fine single adhesive with fresh colour and good to large margins all round, tied by mute grill obliterator to entire letter directed to Bologna. "FORLI 21 SET. 59" despatch cds alongside, reverse with arrival cds of the next day. An attractive cover in the special rate to Bologna from the Romagna (between Faenza and Rimini), valid only in the two months of September and October 1859, signed Oliva Sassone = € 4'500.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 6521 Romagna

    1859 (Sept): 4 baj. 'fulvo', a fine single adhesive with fresh colour and good to large margins all round, tied by mute grill obliterator to cover directed to Milano. Fair "FERRARA 19 OTT. 59" despatch cds alongside, reverse with arrival cds (Oct 21). Franking paying the rate from the Romagna to Lombardy, valid only in the two months of September and October 1859, signed Grioni Sassone = € 1'500.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6522 Romagna

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    1859 (Sept): 8 baj. rose, a fine single adhesive with fresh colour and good to large margins all round, tied by mute grill obliterator to part paid double rate entire letter directed to Rovigo. "FERRARA 15 DEC. 59" despatch cds alongside, reverse with arrival cds of the next day. An attractive and most interesting entire with the 8 baj. franking paying twice 20 centesimi to the border to Venetia in the November 1859 rate while the addressee had to pay '10' soldi for a double rate letter in the first Austrian rayon. Signed Mondolfo & A. Bolaffi; certs. G. Bolaffi (1968), A. Diena (1968), E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 32'500.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6523 Romagna

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    Adhesives of the Papal States used in the Romagna, 1852 (Jan): ½ baj. grey in a horizontal pair, fine and fresh with good to large margins all round, cancelled by CODIGORO handstamp (Sassone FE = 7 punti), on reverse of cover directed to Ferrara, arrival cds (July 27, 59) aside the franking. Unfolded for presentation purposes, an attractive item. Signed Raybaudi; certs. A. Diena (1972), Sorani (1998) Sassone = € 7'000 + 600.rnNote: Between June 12, 1859, when the provisional government was proclaimed and August 31, 1859, the last day prior to the issuance of the Romagna definitives, adhesives of the Papal States were furtheron in use.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 6524 Romagna

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    Adhesives of the Papal States used in the Romagna, 1858: 4 baj. light yellow, the lower right half of a diagonally bisected example, fine and fresh, tied by mute grill obliterator to reverse of double rate entire letter directed to Porretta, "BOLOGNA 19 LUG. 59" despatch cds on obverse. Unfolded for presentation purposes, an attractive item showing the 2 baj. rate for a double rate cover within the same district. Cert. E. Diena (1995) Sassone = € 13'000.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6525 Sardinia

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    'Cavallini' di Sardegna 1820 (Jan): Entire letter from Alba to Torino, internally dated '24 Marzo 1829', embossed with the second type of the 'Cavallo con corno' 25 centesimi, no postmarks at all. Used in the period of its validity between 1820 and 1836. Signed E. Diena; cert. Colla (1997) Sassone = € 3'000.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 6526 Sardinia

    1851 (Jan): 20 c. blue, a fresh and fine adhesive with good to huge margins all round, cancelled by Rombi mute obliterator with "GASALE 4 OTT 51" despatch cds in black (Sassone AL = 7 punti) alongside, on cover. Attractive, signed A. Diena Sassone = € 1'650 + 600.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6527 Sardinia

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    1851 (Jan): 20 c. light blue from the first print run, a fresh and fine adhesive with good to huge margins all round including parts of the lower neighbouring stamp, sheet margin at top, tied by Rombi mute obliterator with "GATTINARA 31 LUG 51" despatch cds in black (Sassone VC = 12 punti) alongside, on entire letter to Romagnano. Reverse with arrival cds of the same day. An exceptional combination of extremely rare shade and cancellation, cert. E. Diena (1981) Sassone = € 18'000 + 5'500.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,800 CHF

    Lot# : 6528 Sardinia

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    1851 (Jan): 20 c. blue in a very rare horizontal pair, the right stamp with plate flaw in 'B' of 'Bollo', a fresh and fine multiple in a deep shade with good to huge margins all round, tied by Rombi mute obliterator with "TORINO 13 MAG 53 3 S" despatch cds in black alongside, on double rate entire letter to Vercelli. Reverse with arrival cds of the following day. Light horizontal file fold just mentioned for accuracy, nevertheless an exceptional franking to pay the 40 centesimi double rate, signed A. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 11'000.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6529 Sardinia

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    1851 (Jan): 40 c. 'rosa lilla', a fresh and fine right marginal adhesive with good to huge margins all round, tied by Rombi mute obliterator with light  "SESTRI PONENTE 31 LUG 53" despatch cds in black (Sassone GE = 10 punti) alongside, on entire letter to Codogno in Lombardo-Veneto. Reverse with Genova transit (Aug 1) and two-line CODOGNO arrival (Aug 3) datestamps. A very attractive usage of this sought after adhesive on an entire from the second Sardian to the first Austrian rayon. Signed A. Diena; certs. G. Bolaffi (1968), Bottacchi (1996), Colla (1996) with shade indication Sassone = € 40'000 + 2'100.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6530 Sardinia

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    1853 (Oct): 5 c. green in a horizontal pair, a superb multiple with good to large margins and the upper left sheet corner, cancelled attractively and full of contrast with a crisp central strike of the "SCOPA 29 GEN. 55" cds in black (Sassone NO = 6 punti). A marvelous item for a connoisseur, cert. E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 5'250 + 90.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 6531 Sardinia

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    1853 (Oct): 5 c. green in a vertical pair and 40 c. light rose, fresh and fine adhesives with good to large margins, the pair with sheet margin at base, tied by light "NIZZA MARITTa 6 GEN 54" cds in black to envelope directed to Vendôme. Obverse struck with French "SARDAIGNE ANTIBES 7 JANV. 54" entry cds and "P.D." handstamp, both in red, reverse with Paris transit (Jan 10) and arrival (Jan 11) cds's. The pair with minor scuff at left due to its position at the cover edge, nevertheless an appealing cover with the 50 c. rate to France. Cert. E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 21'500.rnNote: From the post office in Nizza Maritima there are also covers to France known which show an insufficient franking of only 45 centesimi, presumably an activity to defraud the postal service by a postal officer himself.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6532 Sardinia

    1853 (Oct): 20 c. blue, a superb example with enormous margins all round and the sheet margin at left, cancelled attractively and full of contrast with a crisp central strike of the "OCCIMIANO 5 NOV 55" cds in black (Sassone AL = 8 punti). A beauty, signed E. Diena Sassone = € 400+ 250.
    Starting bid : 75 CHF
    Hammer price : 160 CHF

    Lot# : 6533 Sardinia

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    1853 (Oct): 20 c. blue, a superb adhesive with enormous margins and the lower right sheet corner, extremely well embossed, tied full of contrast with a crisp "ARONA 19 MAG 54" cds in black to entire letter to Pallanza. Reverse with arrival cds of the same day. A gorgeous fresh entire, signed Em. Diena & A. Bolaffi; certs. G. Bolaffi (1976), E. Diena (1987).rnProvenance: Collection Gerli; collection Bianchi.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 6534 Sardinia

    1853 (Oct): 20 c. blue, a fresh and fine adhesive with large margins, well embossed, tied by crisp "MONGRANDO 21 GIU 57" cds in black (Sassone VC = 7 punti) to entire letter to Torino. Reverse with Biella transit and arrival cds's of the same day, also distribution handstamp in red. A very late usage of this adhesive of the second issue, while the fourth issue was already in use for two years, signed A. Diena. Sassone = € 1'200
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 6535 Sardinia

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    1853 (Oct): 40 c. light-rose, a fresh and fine example with good margins all round, tied by clear "OCCIMIANO 4 GIU 57" cds in black (Sassone AL = 6 punti) to piece. Attractive late usage, signed A. & E. Diena; cert Raybaudi (1982) Sassone = € 1'950 + 90.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 6536 Sardinia

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    1853 (Oct): 40 c. light rose in mixed issue franking with 1855 5 c. 'verde smeraldo scuro' in a horizontal pair, fresh adhesives with overall good to large margins, the 40 c. touched in the SE corner, light marginal precut in the NW corner, all well embossed, tied by light "ONEGLIA 8 AGO. 56" cds in black to small envelope to Brignolles, "P.D." handstamp and French "SARD. DRAGUIGNAN 10 AOUT 56" entry cds, both in red alongside. Reverse with "NIZZA MARTTa" transit (Aug 9) and arrival cds (Aug 11). Lightest vertical file fold just mentioned for accuracy, a very rare franking to pay the letter rate to France, also very attractive. Signed Grioni; certs. Fulpius (1951), E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 37'500.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6537 Sardinia

    1854: 5 c. green-yellow, a fresh and fine adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by clear "CASALE 16 NOV 55 5 S" cds in black, a crisp information strike alongside, on printed matter cover directed to Frassineto del Po. Signed A. Diena Sassone = € 4'750
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 6538 Sardinia

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    1854: 5 c. green-yellow, a fresh and fine adhesive with large margins from the top right sheet corner, well embossed, tied by crisp "ASTI 2 SET 55 10 M" cds in black, on entire letter within the city. Signed A. Diena & R. Mondolfo; cert. E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 4'750.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 6539 Sardinia

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    1854: 5 c. green-yellow in a horizontal pair in combination with 40 c. brick-red, fresh and fine adhesives with good to large margins, the pair with sheet margin at base, well embossed, tied by light "NIZZA MARITTa 21 APR 55" cds in black on small envelope to Paris, "P.D." handstamp and French "SARDAIGNE ANTIBES 21 APR 55" entry cds, both in red alongside. Reverse with arrival cds (April 23). A rare franking to pay the letter rate to France, of utmost attractiveness. Signed Em. Diena; certs. A. Diena (1969), E. Diena (1982) Sassone = € 27'500.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6540 Sardinia

    1854: 20 c. blue, a fresh and fine adhesive with good to large margins and enormous sheet corner margins at top (4 mm.) and left, well embossed, tied by light "NOVARA 2 OTT 54 7 S" cds in black on entire letter to Carpignano. Reverse with arrival cds of the next day, returned to sender with Novara (Oct 6) arrival cds on obverse. Signed Raybaudi Sassone = € 1'200
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 6541 Sardinia

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    1854: 20 c. in the rare shade 'celeste', a fresh and fine adhesive with good to large margins and sheet corner margins at top and left, well embossed, tied by light "CORTEMIGLIA 31 LUG 55" cds in black (Sassone CN = 7 punti) to entire letter to Genova. Reverse with Alba transit (July 31), Torino-Genova ambulant (Aug 1) and arrival (Aug 1) cds's. An attractive entire with this extremely rare shade, signed A. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1991) Sassone = € 15'000 + 600.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6542 Sardinia

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    1854: 20 c. indigo in a horizontal pair, a fresh and fine multiple with good to large margins and sheet margin at left, well embossed, tied by light "GENOVA 11 GIU 55 4 S" cds in black on double rate entire letter to Torino. Reverse with arrival cds of the same day. Pre-use cut in the margin between the two adhesives, some aging and horizontal file folds at base of the entire, still an attractive entire. Signed A. Diena, Raybaudi & Grioni; cert. E. Diena (1990) Sassone = € 6'750.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6543 Sardinia

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    1857/58: 5 c. 'verde mirto', a fresh and fine adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, cancelled by "TORINO 3 GIUG. 57 2 S" cds in black to small entire letter within the city. Reverse with arrival cds of the same day. An attractive local entire. Signed A. Diena with shade indication 'verde mirto scuro'; cert.E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 3'500.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6544 Sardinia

    1857/58: 5 c. 'verde giallo' from the defective print run, a fresh and fine adhesive with large to huge margins, well embossed, tied by light "DOMODOSSOLA 12 LUG. 58" cds to local entire letter. Lightest file fold below the adhesive, an interesting and appealing usage of this very rare print run. Signed Mondolfo and A. Diena with shade indication Sassone = € 6'500.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6545 Sardinia

    1859: 5 c. 'verde giallo (III)' , a fresh and fine adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by centric "TORINO 3 MARZ. 59 1 S" cds to printed matter cover, directed to Voghera. Reverse with ALESSANDRIA transit cds of the same day. Sideflaps missing, minute vertical file fold well away from the franking, an attractive usage. Signed Avanzo, Mondolfo and Colla with shade indication Sassone = € 1'600.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 120 CHF

    Lot# : 6546 Sardinia

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    1855: 5 c. 'verde smeraldo' in combination with 20 c. 'cobalto scuro', fresh adhesives with good to large margins, both well embossed, cancelled by clear "CASATISMA 17 MAR. 57" cds in black to small cover to Milano, "P.D." handstamp in black alongside. Reverse with Casteggio transit (March 17) and arrival cds (March 18). An attractive cover from the first Sardinian to the first Austrian rayon, completely prepaid, interesting in addition. Signed A. Diena; cert. Bottacchi (2000) Sassone = € 4'150.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 6547 Sardinia

    1857/58: 5 c. 'verde giallo' in combination with 20 c. 'azzuro grigiatro', two fresh adhesives with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by superb and centric "SERRAVALLE 26 MAG. 58" cds, information strike and "P.D.", both in black alongside, on small envelope to Pavia. Reverse with Torino-Genova ambulant (May 26) and arrival (May 27) datestamps. An attractive cover from the first Sardinian to the first Austrian rayon, completely prepaid. Signed Vaccari & Raybaudi with shade indication Sassone = € 1'500.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 6548 Sardinia

    1857/58: 5 c. 'verde mirto' (2) and 40 c. 'rosso scarlatto', three fresh and fine adhesives with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by clear "St. JEAN DE MAURe 10 FEV. 57" cds to part cover directed to Draguignan. Reverse with French ambulant and Lyon transit cds (Feb 12). Sideflaps and lower backflap missing, horizontal file fold affecting the middle adhesive, still an appealing franking to pay the 50 c. rate from this small office in Savoy to France. Signed G. Bolaffi (1946) and A. Bolaffi (1967) Sassone = € 7'500 on complete cover.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 6549 Sardinia

    Second War of Italian Independence 1859, incoming: Entire letter written in Grand-Bornand, Savoy and despatched from Thones, directed to a serviceman in the 2nd grenadiers regiment to Piemont in the Italian campaign, bearing Sardinia 1859 10 c. 'bruno violaceo', a fine and fresh adhesive with large even margins, well embossed, tied by indistinct "THONES 9 .. .." cds (Sassone CH = 6 punti). Reverse with Annecy transit, indistinct Sardinian ambulant and "R. POSTA MILe. SARDA (N. 1) 13 LUG 59" Fieldpost arrival cds's. An appealing and interesting entire written at about the time of the preliminary peace contract of Villafranca, franked in the military concessionary rate. Signed Calves Sassone = € 3'600 + 350.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6550 Sardinia

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    Second War of Italian Independence 1859, outgoing: Entire letter written by two servicemen in Lonato, Lombardy to another serviceman in Casale, bearing Sardinia 1859 10 c. 'bruno chiaro rosaceo', a fine and fresh adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by indistinct Austrian-style "LONATO 25 DIC." datestamp (Sassone BS = 7 punti). Reverse with arrival cds of the next day. An appealing and interesting entire written at about the time of the preliminary peace contract of Villafranca, franked in the military concessionary rate. Signed A. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 6'500 + 800.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6551 Sardinia

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    1859: 10 c. 'bruno violaceo' and 10 c. 'bruno grigio olivastro', two fine adhesives with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by light "PALAZZAGO 10 NOV. 60" cds (Sassone BG = 10 punti) on entire letter to Desenzano. Reverse  with Austrian-style Bergamo transit (Nov. 11) and Desenzano-Milano ambulant cds of the same day as well as indistinct Desenzano arrival cds in blue (Nov 11). Adhesives show ink traces from reverse, presumably from an earlier usage, an interesting usage after the adhesion of Lombardy to the Sardinian Kingdom. Sassone = € 2'300 + 2'100.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 6552 Sardinia

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    1860: 10 c. 'bruno grigio olivastro', two fine adhesives with large margins, well embossed, cancelled by superb "CASTELNUOVO - BOCCA D'ADDA 25 FEB. 61" cds (Sassone MI = 10 punti) on entire letter to Cremona. A perfect strike of this rare cancellation, only weeks prior to the proclamation of the Regno d'Italia, cert E. Diena (1994) Sassone = € 1'000 + 2'100.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 6553 Sardinia

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    1858: 10 c. 'terra d'ombra chiaro' in combination with 1857 40 c. 'rosso scarlatto chairo', two fine and fresh adhesives with good to large margins, well embossed, cancelled by fair "NIZZA MARa 9 SET 58 3 S" cds, information strike and French "SARDAIGNE - ANTIBES / A M F 10 SEPT 58" entry cds and PD, both in red alongside, on envelope to Paris, French ambulant on reverse. Cover slightly tatty and aged, nevertheless an interesting combination of different print runs to pay the 50 c. rate to France. Signed A. Diena & G. Bolaffi; cert E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 3'100.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 6554 Sardinia

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    1855 (July): 20 c. cobalt, a fine adhesive with large to huge margins, well embossed, tied by clear "TORINO 8 OTT. 55" cds on cover to Viu, reverse with arrival cds (Oct 10). Light vertical fold just mentioned for accuracy, an early usage of this definitive issue, certs. Sorani (1998), Bottacchi (2001) Sassone = € 2'750 for an October usage.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6555 Sardinia

    1855 (July): 20 c. 'cobalto latteo chiaro', a fine adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by light "CUNEO 2 AGO. 55" cds to entire letter to Torino, reverse with arrival cds of the same day. Attractive item, a very early usage from the second month of this definitive issue, signed Emilio, Alberto & Rafaele Diena Sassone = € 16'000 for an August usage.rnProvenance: Collection Bianchi.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6556 Sardinia

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    1855 (July): 20 c. 'cobalto latteo chiaro', a fine adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by clear "MAGGIORA 28 APR 57" cds in blue (Sassone NO = 8 punti) with "BORGOMANERO 28 APR 57" cds alongside, on cover to Genova. Reverse with Novara transit (April 28), Torino-Genova ambulant (April 29) and arrival (April 29) cds's. Attractive cover, signed Raybaudi; cert E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 1'200 + 1'000.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 6557 Sardinia

    1855 (July): 20 c. 'celeste latteo vivace', a fine adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by light "CASALE 23 MAG. 56" cds to entire letter to Novara, reverse with arrival cds of the next day. Rare shade, signed Sorani with shade indication Sassone = € 2'400.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 6558 Sardinia

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    1859: 20 c. 'cobalto oltramare', a fine and fresh adhesive with good to enormous margins, well embossed, tied by clear Austrian-style "Lecco 8 AGO NOTTE" datestamp (Sassone CO = 8 punti) to entire letter to Salo. Reverse with Austrian-style SALO arrival (Aug 11) cds. Attractive and most interesting usage, signed Alberto Diena; cert. Vaccari (2003).rnNote: This cover was despatched after the end of the hostilities of the Second Italian War of Independence after the preliminary peace treaty of Villafrance (July 11, 1859) but before the final peace treaty of Zürich (Nov 10, 1859). While Sardinian adhesives had been in use in Lombardy immedeately, the Austrian datestamps were used much longer and later on replaced by Sardinian ones. The "Lecco Notte" datestamp was in use until March 1860.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 6559 Sardinia

    1859: 20 c. 'indaco oltremare', a fine and fresh adhesive with good to huge margins, well embossed, tied by "POSTE AMBi. TRA TORINO E GENOVA (N.2) 17 APR 59" ambulant cds to cover to Torino, crisp information strike and Genova straight line handstamp (Sassone = 4 punti) alongside. Reverse with arrival cds of the same day. Interesting cancellation, applied on bord of the train to Torino while in the station of Genova, signed Vaccari.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6560 Sardinia

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    1859: 20 c. dark blue with extremely rare variety: inverted embossing of the King's head 'effigie capovolta', a superb adhesive with good to large margins, the inverted head very well embossed and only lightly tied by "MILANO 12 SET. 60" cds, on entire letter to Verona, a crisp information strike alongside, reverse with wreathed VERONA arrival cds of the next day. Between June 1859 and February 1862 mail between Sardinia and Venetia and vice versa could only be prepaid to the respective border station while the receiver had to pay the residual journey upon receipt. In this case '5' soldi had to be paid for the first Austrian rayon. Light horizontal file fold well away from the adhesive just mentioned for accuracy, a most attractive cover with this sought after rarity, in addition on an entire sent to Venetia. Signed Raybaudi; certs. A. Diena (1958), E. Diena (1990), Colla (1992) Sassone = € 37'500.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,800 CHF

    Lot# : 6561 Sardinia

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    1860: 20 c. blue, a fine and fresh adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by handwritten "Castel Ponzone 8/12 60" (Sassone CR = 13 punti) to cover directed to Casalmaggiore. Reverse with arrival cds of the same day. An extremely rare provisional cancellation in manuscript, in use in the small village Castelponzo between July 1860 and May 1861, only few are known. Cert. E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 12'000.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6562 Sardinia

    Last Day of the Kingdom of Sardinia 1860: 20 c. blue, a fine and fresh adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by clear "GROSIO 16 MAR. 61" cds (Sassone SO = 5 punti), clear information strike alongside, on entire letter directed to Rodolo via Morbegno. Reverse with Sondrio transit cds of the same day. An entire despatched one day before the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in Torino on March 17, 1861. 
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 6563 Sardinia

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    Second War of Italian Independence 1859, outgoing: Envelope written presumably in Mola da Gaeta, bearing Sardinia 1860 20 c. blue-grey, a fine and fresh corner marginal adhesive with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by "R. POST. MILe SARDA (N. 1) 5 FEB. 61" Fieldpost cds (Sassone = 12 punti), a clear information strike alongside. Reverse with arrival (Feb 9) cds. An appealing cover, interestingly franked in the civilian 20 centesimi not the military 10 centesimi concessionary rate. Signed Em. Diena & Zanaria; cert. A. Diena (1976) Sassone = € 900 + 5'500.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 6564 Sardinia

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    1860: 20 c. dark blue, two fine and fresh adhesives with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by straight-line MATELICA handstamp introduced by the postal administration of the Papal States (Sassone MC = R1), "CAMERINO 12 NOV" (1860) cds alongside, on cover directed to Montesanto. Reverse with "15 NOVEMBRE" arrival datestamp. A rare cancellation on a double rate usage in the Marche region, briefly after the inclusion into the Kingdom of Sardinia. Signed Em. & A. Diena, R. Mondolfo; cert. E. Diena (1982) Sassone = € 16'500.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6565 Sardinia

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    1860: 20 c. blue-grey in a horizontal pair, a fine and fresh multiple with good to enormous margins, sheet margin at right, well embossed, tied by "MILANO 8 GEN. 61" type 2 cds in red (Sassone = 7 punti), information strike and ASSICURATO handstamp in red alongside, on part paid registered cover directed to Genova. Reverse with arrival cds of the next day. A splendid cover of utmost attractiveness full of postal history content. Cert. E. Diena (1992).rnNote: The franking on this cover paid the registration fee which had to be paid using adhesives. The postage for this item with a weight of 'g12' should have been 40 centesimi too, however only '20' centesimi were noted on the obverse to be paid in cash.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 6566 Sardinia

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    1855 (July): 20 c. 'cobalto verdastro' in combination with 40 c. 'vermiglio tenue', two fine and fresh adhesives with good to large margins, well embossed, tied by light "CASALE 5 FEB. 57" cds to envelope to Rome. Reverse with Novara transit (Feb 5) and ROMA arrival (Feb 10) cds's. Attractive franking to pay the 60 c. rate to the Papal States, signed Emilio & Alberto Diena; cert. E. Diena (1984) Sassone = € 5'800.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 6567 Sardinia

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    1860: 20 c. dark-blue and 80 c. 'giallo arancio scuro', two fresh adhesives with fair to large margins, well embossed, tied by light "FIRENZE 25 GEN 61" cds, framed PD alongside, on envelope to St. Petersburg. Reverse with Milano transit (Jan 26), Chur - St. Gallen ambulant (Jan 28), Leipzig - Berlin ambulant (Jan 30) and St. Petersburg arrival (Jan 23, julian) datestamps and handwritten 'wfr 3' (silbergroschen) credited for the journey beyond Prussia. Due to small envelope size the two adhesives are glued at or over the edge of the cover, nevertheless an attractive and interesting franking paying correctly the 100 c. single rate to Russia via the German-Austrian Postal Union, in this case from the Toscana prior to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy. Cert. E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 4'680.rnNote: The cover is directed to Adelaide Ristori, Marquisa del Grillo (1822-1906) at the Imperial Theater in St. Petersbug . Ristori was an actress known worldwide in the second half of the 19th century.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 6568 Sardinia

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    1855 (July): 40 c. vermillion, a fine and fresh adhesive with large even margins, well embossed, tied by clear "STRADELLA 15 OTT. 57" cds (Sassone AL/PV = 3 punti), "P.D." in red alongside, on entire letter directed to Modena. Reverse with Voghera border transit (Oct 15) and blue arrival (Oct 17) cds's. A most attractive entire with the 40 c. rate from the first Sardinian rayon to the other Italian states. Cert. Raybaudi (1978) Sassone = € 2'800.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 220 CHF

    Lot# : 6569 Sardinia

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    1860: 80 c. 'giallo arancio chiaro', three fine and fresh adhesives with large to enormous margins, well embossed, each adhesive tied centrally by clear "GENOVA 2 LUG 60 4 S" cds, on triple rate cover, endorsed "Via d'Inghilterra" and directed to New York. Obverse is struck with "P.D.", two French entry cds's (July 4) added in Paris, one with "SARDAIGNE CULOZ", the other erroneously "ESPAGNE St. JEAN-DE-LUZ", an indistinct NEW YORK cds, and framed "Br. SERVICE" handstamp, all in red. Reverse with Paris - Calais ambulant cds (July 4) in black. The fragile cover paper was split and stabilized with Japan paper from the inside, some aging present, nevertheless a most interesting usage and a rare franking for a cover of more than 15 gram to the United States via France and British vessel. Cert. E. Diena (1989), Sorani (2004) Sassone = € 13'500.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6570 Sicily

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    1859: ½ gr. orange plate I, three single adhesives in combination with ½ gr. light yellow plate I, a single example, all four fresh and fine adhesives with vivid colour and good to huge margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "MESa 1850 / 4 MAGO" despatch handstamp alongside, on entire letter from Messina to Girgenti. An attractive combination of same denomination but different shades to pay the 2 grana rate for a letter from office to office. Signed Em. Diena, Mondolfo & Avanzo; cert. E. Diena (1987) Sassone = € 53'750.
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6571 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. in the rare shade 'bruno oliva grigiastro' from plate I, state II, a fresh and fine horizontal pair of the positions 44-45 with good to huge margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 19 FEB. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Calatafimi. An elusive pair in this rare shade to pay the 2 grana rate from office to office. Signed Em. & A. Diena, G. & A. Bolaffi; cert. E. Diena (1995) Sassone = € 32'500 for two single adhesives on cover.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 6572 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. 'bruno ruggine' from plate I, a fresh and fine corner marginal horizontal strip of three of the positions 1-3 with good to huge margins all round, tied by two crisp strikes of the 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to cover, light oval CASTELVETRANO despatch handstamp in red and "PALERMO ARRIVA 23 SET. 59" arrival cds alongside. Some aging of the cover, nevertheless a stunning multiple paying the 3 grana rate for a letter of 1½ sheets from office to office, a gem for a most advanced collection. Signed A. Diena, G. & A. Bolaffi, Russo; certs. E. Diena (1985), Colla (2004) Sassone = € 62'500.
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6573 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. in the rare shade 'bruno olivastro' from plate I, state II, position 29 in combination with 1 gr. 'verde oliva scuro' from plate III, position 16, two fresh and fine examples with good to huge margins all round, tied by clear strikes of 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 11 GIUG. 59" despatch cds and oval ASSICURATA handstamp alongside, on local registered cover within Palermo. A very rare combination of same face value but different plates and shades, correctly paying the rare 1 grano local rate, doubled by registration. Signed Raybaudi & Golinelli; certs. Sorani (1994), Colla (1994) Sassone = € 75'000 for an isolated non-registered local usage with a 1 grana from plate I.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6574 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. 'bruno ruggine intenso' from plate I, state I, position 70 in combination with 2 gr. azzuro, plate I, two fresh and fine adhesives with good to huge margins all round, tied by two light strikes of the 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 23 MAR. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Napoli. Horizontal file fold well away from the franking, nevertheless attractive paying the 3 grana rate for a letter of 1½ sheets from office to office. Signed A. Diena & Grioni; certs. Colla (2001) Sassone = € 10'875.rnProvenance: Collection Mondolfo.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,900 CHF

    Lot# : 6575 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. in the rare shade 'bruno oliva grigiastro' from plate I, state II in combination with 5 gr. 'rosa carminio' from plate I, a left marginal example from position 91, two fresh and fine examples with good to huge margins all round, tied by one superb horizontally placed strike of the 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, the upper 5 gr. stamp tied in addition by oval VALLELUNGA despatch handstamp in blue, on registered cover directed to Palermo. Obverse with oval ASSICURATA handstamp in blue and "PALERMO ARRIVO 7 GEN. 59" arrival cds. A splendid ensemble from the first week of the Ferdinando definitives, a beautiful franking with the rare 1 gr. shade shade paying the 3 grana rate for 1½ sheets from office to office, doubled by registration. Signed Em. Diena & Golinelli; cert. Colla (1994) Sassone = € 26'000.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6576 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. 'bruno oliva scuro' and 1 gr. 'bruno oliva', both from plate II, two fresh and fine examples with good to huge margins all round, tied by light strikes of 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, indistinct "PALERMO PARTENZA .. GIU. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Siracusa. Appealing shade combination to pay the 2 grana rate from office to office. Cert. E. Diena (1988).
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6577 Sicily

    1859: 1 gr. olive plate II in ahorizontal pair, a fresh and fine multiple with good to huge margins all round, tied by clear strikes of 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, oval MISTRETTA despatch handstamp alongside, on entire letter to Messina, dated internally "Mistretta 19. Marzo 1859". Attractive usage, signed A. & E. Diena Sassone = € 1'800+.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 6578 Sicily

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    1859: 1 gr. 'bruno oliva', three single examples from plate II, carta di Napoli in combination with  1 gr. 'verde oliva chiaro', a single adhesive from plate III, carta di Palermo, four fresh and fine examples with good to huge margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 18 GIU. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Grigenti. Double rate letter for two sheets between two offices, an exceptional usage of adhesives from different plates. Signed R. Mondolfo; cert. E. Diena (1989).
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6579 Sicily

    1859: 1 gr. brown-olive, carta di Napoli and 2 gr. blue, carta di Palermo, both from plate II, two fresh and fine examples with good to huge margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 29 OTT. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Marsala. 3 grana rate for a letter of 1½ sheets from office to office. Sassone = € 2'000
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 6580 Sicily

    1859: 2 gr. 'cobalto scuro' carta di Napoli, from plate I showing the characteristic retouche of position 57 in the 'G' of 'GR.', a fresh and fine example with good to huge margins all round, tied to cover by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, oval MAZZARA despatch handstamp in red and "PALERMO ARRIVA 30 MAR. 59" arrival cds alongside. Appealing usage of a rare shade in combination with this retouche. Signed Raybaudi with shade and retouche indication Sassone = € 3'500+.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6581 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. in the extremely rare shade 'azzuro oltramare', carta di Napoli, from plate I showing the characteristic retouche of position 71 in the ciuffo of King Ferdinando, a fine example with fair to good margins, large sheet margin (8 mm.) with 'doppia linea di riquadro' at left, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 12 MAR. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Leonforte. An exceptional combination of this extremely rare shade with sheet margin and retouche, for an advanced collection. Photostat of a sheet of the 2 gr. plate I with position indication is part of the lot. Signed Grioni; cert E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 40'000+.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6582 Sicily

    1859: 2 gr. light blue, carta di Napoli, from plate I, a fine and fresh horizontal pair of positions 17-18 with fair to good margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, oval CALTAGIRONE despatch cds alongside, on cover to Aidone. Appealing cover franked for the 2 sheet-weight. Signed Bottacchi with shade indication Sassone = € 4'800 for two single adhesives on cover.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 6583 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. 'azzuro vivo', carta di Napoli, from plate I in a horizontal pair in combination with a single example of 10 gr. 'azzuro cupo', all fine and fresh with fair to good margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, on cover directed to Genova, endorsed "Co vapri Comle". Obverse struck by crisp wreathed "TRAPANI 19 - 7 59" despatch cds in red, "PALERMO ARRIVO 20 LUG. 59" transit cds and two-line "VIA DI SARZANA" routing handstamp. Reverse with "GENOVA ARRIVO 26 LUG 59" datestamp in red and distribution handstamp. Taxed for the Sardinian part of the journey a very attractive cover, signed A. Diena & Russo; cert E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 10'250+.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 6584 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. in the rare shade 'azzuro oltremare', on carta di Napoli, position 15 from plate II, a fine and fresh example with vibrant colour, good to large margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 16 MAR. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Napoli. Attractive rare shade, signed Em. & A. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 9'000.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 6585 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. 'azzuro vivo', carta di Napoli, position 90 from plate II, a fine and fresh example with fair to good margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 25 MAR. 59" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Mazzarino. Minor toning at right, horizontal file fold well away from the adhesive, nevertheless an attractive cover with a rare shade usage, signed Sorani; cert. Bottacchi (2006) Sassone = € 4'500.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 6586 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. light-blue, carta di Palermo, from plate II, a fine and fresh example with good to enormous margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to underpaid cover to Napoli. Obverse struck with wreathed "TRAPANI 21 - 8 59" despatch cds in red, "PALERMO ARRIVO 22 AGO. 59" transit cds and indistinct due handstamp. The correct 'via die mare' rate was five grana with a governmental vessel and 10 grana with a commercial steamer. Signed A. Diena; cert E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 1'100.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 6587 Sicily

    1859: 2 gr. blue in a horizontal pair, carta di Palermo, positions 25-26 from plate II, a fine and fresh multiple with fair to good margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, "PALERMO PARTENZA 30 MAR. 60" despatch cds alongside, on cover to Siracusa. Attractive triple rate cover, signed Em. & E. Diena, Fulpius, Mondolfo Sassone = € 2'750.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 6588 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. 'azzuro scurissimo', carta di Napoli, position 98 from plate III, a fine and fresh example with good to enormous margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to entire letter from Trapani to Mazara, wreathed despatch cds (May 24, 59) in red alongside. Attractive, signed A. Diena, Avanzo, Raybaudi, R. Mondolfo & Russo; cert E. Diena (1985) Sassone = € 2'400.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 6589 Sicily

    1859: 2 gr. 'azzuro verdastro', carta di Napoli, position 69 from plate III, a fine and fresh example with good to large margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to entire official letter from Palermo to Napoli, despatch cds (June 22, 59) and arrival "NAPOLI REAL SERVIZIO" cds (June 24) in red alongside. Attractive franking paying the reduced rate for official letters, signed E. Diena & Raybaudi with colour indication Sassone = € 1'000.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 240 CHF

    Lot# : 6590 Sicily

    1859: 2 gr. blue, carta di Palermo, position 47 from plate III, a fine and fresh example with good to enormous margins, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to cover, oval MARSALA despatch cds (Sasasone TP = 10 punti) and "PALERMO 18 NOV 59" arrival cds alongside. Appealing and rare, signed A. Diena & Russo Sassone = € 875 + 2'100.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 6591 Sicily

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    1859: 2 gr. light blue in a horizontal strip of four, carta di Palermo, positions 31-34 from plate III, a fine and fresh multiple with fair to good margins, large sheet margin (9 mm.) at left, tied to registered cover by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, oval VALLELUNGA despatch handstamp (Sassone = R1), oval ASSICURTA, both in bluish black as well as "PALERMO ARRIVO 6 GEN. 60" arrival cds alongside. Attractive triple rate cover, the 4 grana rate doubled for registration, an extremely rare franking and despatch post office. Signed Grioni; cert. E. Diena (1983) Sassone = € 30'000 + 16'500.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6592 Sicily

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    1859: 5 gr. rose-carmine in a horizontal pair, positions 46-47 from plate I, pos. 46 with retouche, a fine and fresh multiple with good to large margins, tied by one clear central strike of 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to cover from Palermo to Genova, despatch cds (Nov 9, 59) alongside. Reverse with Napoli transit (Nov. 10) cds and Genova arrival (Nov. 15) handstamp, both in red. Interesting and attractive, underpaid and therefore taxed, a very rare franking. Signed Grioni & Mondolfo; cert E. Diena (1984) Sassone = € 29'750.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6593 Sicily

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    1859: 5 gr. in the extremely rare 'vermiglio vivo' shade in combination with 1 gr. 'verde oliva grigiastro', carta di Palermo, both from plate II, two fresh and fine examples with good to huge margins all round, tied by one clear strike of the 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp, oval ASSICURATA and PALERMO 23 GEN. 60" despatch cds alongside, on registered cover directed to S. Stefano di Camastra. Minor toning of the cover, nevertheless a most beautiful franking with this 5 gr. shade paying 3 grana for 1½ sheets from office to office, doubled by registration. Signed Em. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 45'900.rnProvenance: Collection Rothschild.
    Starting bid : 3,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,500 CHF

    Lot# : 6594 Sicily

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    1859: 10 gr. 'azzuro cupo' in a horizontal pair, a fresh and fine multiple with fair to huge margins all round, in a deep shade, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to registered entire letter from Palermo to Girgenti. Despatch datestamp (June 7, 1859) and oval ASSICURATA alongside. File folds just mentioned for accuracy, an exceptional franking paying the rate for a heavy letter of five sheets, doubled due to the registration. Signed Mondolfo & Grioni; certs. A. Diena (1970), E. Diena (1982) Sassone = € 24'500.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6595 Sicily

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    1859: 10 gr. indigo and horizontal pair of 2 gr. blue-ultramarine, carta di Napoli, plate II, positions 3 and 83-84 of the respective plates, fresh and fine adhesives with fair to huge margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to cover from Palermo to Genova. Despatch datestamp (March 14, 1859) and "VIA DI MARE (E)" handstamp in red alongside, reverse with arrival datestamp (March 22). Taxed with '15 cmi' handstamp for the Sardinian part of the journey. A very rare franking paying correctly the 14 grana rate to Sardinia. Signed Em. Diena & Mondolfo; certs. A. Diena (1972), E. Diena (1984) Sassone = € 24'250.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6596 Sicily

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    1859: 20 gr. 'grigio ardesia' and 2 gr. 'azzuro chiaro', carta di Palermo, plate III, fresh and fine adhesives with fair to large margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to cover from Messina to Genova, endorsed "Col Vapore postale francese". Despatch datestamp (Jan 16, 1860) and "PIROSCAFI POSTALI FRANCESI" handstamp in red alongside, reverse with arrival datestamp (Jan 20). Taxed with '2' (decesimi) handstamp for the Sardinian part of the journey. Attractive franking paying correctly the 22 grana rate for a letter with 1½ sheets to Sardinia. Signed Em. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 12'375.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6597 Sicily

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    1859: 20 gr. 'grigio ardesia' in combination with 10 gr. 'azzuro cupo' and horizontal pair of 2 gr. 'azzuro chiaro', carta di Napoli, plate I, fresh and fine adhesives with fair to large margins all round, tied by 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to cover from Palermo to Amsterdam. Despatch datestamp (July 27, 59) as well as framed "P.D." and French "SICILE MARSEILLE 1 AOUT 59" entry cds, both in red alongside. Reverse with Lyon - Paris ambulant, Paris transit and AMSTERDAM arrival (Aug 4) cds's. An impressive franking, correctly paying the 34 grana rate from Sicily to places in the second Dutch rayon in the Franco-Bourbon convention of January 1854, the cover made its journey on board of the vessel 'Hermus' of the Messageries Imperiales. The Netherlands being a very rare destination from Sicily. Certs. A. Diena (1972), E. Diena (1984) Sassone = € 22'550+.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,200 CHF

    Lot# : 6598 Sicily

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    1859: 20 gr. 'grigio ardesia' in combination with 10 gr. 'azzuro cupo' and 5 gr. 'carminio scuro' from plate I, the positions 92, 21 with retouche and 21 from the respective plates, three superb examples with fair to huge margins all round, all in a deep vivid shade, tied by clear strikes of the 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp to entire letter from Messina to Paris with 'direct' vessel. Despatch datestamp (May 15, 1859) and boxed "P.D." as well as indistinct Marseille entry cds in red alongside. Reverse with French ambulant and Paris arrival (May 20) cds's. A gorgeous franking, correctly paying the 35 grana rate from Sicily to places in France beyond Marseille in the Franco-Bourbon convention of January 1854, the cover made its journey on board of the vessel 'Meandre' of the Messageries Imperiales. Signed Mondolfo, Raybaudi & Avanzo; cert. E. Diena (1986) Sassone = € 30'250.rnProvenance: Collection 'Scilla e Cariddi' di Napoli et Sicilia, Giacomo Avanzo sale (Feb. 1989), lot 359.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 17,000 CHF

    Lot# : 6599 Sicily

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    Bourbon cancellations on Sardinian adhesives 1861 (May 30): Sardegna 1861 10 c. 'oliva grigio verdastro', two fresh adhesives with fair to large margins all round, slightly affected by underlying file fold, tied by bourbon-style oval ACIREALE handstamp (Sassone  CT = 12 punti) to entire letter to Torino. Reverse with PALERMO transit and TORINO arrival (June 7) cds's. Cert. Colla (2021) Sassone = € 5'500.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 6600 Sicily

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    Bourbon cancellations on Sardinian adhesives 1861 (May 16): Sardegna 1861 10 c. 'bruno grigio olivastro', a fresh adhesive with large to enormous margins all round incl. parts of the lower neighbouring stamp, tied by bourbon-style 'ferro di cavallo' handstamp with "CALTANISETTA 16 - 5 61" cds (Sassone  CL = 12 punti) alongside, on cover to Palermo. Reverse with arrival (May 17) cds. 10 centesimi special rate in the Napoletan provinces, first month of usage of Sardinian stamps in Sicily. Signed Em. & A. Diena; cert. E. Diena (1987) Sassone = € 5'500.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF
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