From publicity envelopes to franked lettercards
For the former, we have all three types available of those used in 1877, complete with series number. This is the version with the 5 centesimi and the two versions franked with the 20 centesimi in light blue or orange.
The n°1 in Sassone, series 25, bears an additional franking for a further 15 centesimi and travelled from Naples to Salza Irpina. It’s lot 696, which is offered at a base price of 35 thousand euros, against a catalogue evaluation of 80,000 euros – which does not, however, take into account the additional franking.
The n°2, series 8, was sent from Ascoli Piceno to Riolo di Romagna. It is lot number 697, with a starting price of 10,000 euros – and a catalogue evaluation of 57,500 euros.
There is no catalogue evaluation for n° 3, of which just one piece is known. The piece, in fact, which Zanaria Aste is offering as lot number 698 at 50,000 euros. It belongs to series 45 and travelled from Bergamo to Como.
There is a more numerous range of franked lettercards on offer – around fifteen, from lot 699 to 711. They are new and used, and in any case are all applied to special forms.
The most exciting item is the 708, which has a starting price of 35 thousand euros. It is so rare that not even Sassone mentions it. It’s the orange 20 centesimi, used on a document that is still whole, and which was sent from Rome to Scandriglia in 1887. Like all franked lettercards, it is perforated with the actual sale value (“C18”, meaning 18 centesimi). This is less than the face value, because it was only to be used on items with advertising. However, what makes this piece so distinctive is the fact that the sequence of punched holes is symmetrical and upside down.
Overall, the lots cover all areas of Italian production, from the Italian States to the Colonies, with further areas for foreign stamps, lots and collections. The catalogue is online, but those who prefer a hard copy can request one by phoning +39 02.805.24.27, sending a fax (+39 02.805.11.86) or an e-mail (aste@zanaria.com). The lots will be available for viewing from March 16th – 26th at the shop in Via Santa Margherita 6, Milan. The shop will be closed from March 27th – 29th, during which time the lots will be on view directly at the Zanaria stand. Should you need to contact Zanaria Aste by phone during this time, please call +39 339 5647442.
We all know that advertising is the soul of commerce, now as ever. It’s no coincidence that our grandparents even used the postal system itself for advertising books, hotels, bed linen, beds, non-prescription drugs and confectionery. Nevertheless, this choice was not without its critics, as proven by the demise of advertising stamps in 1925. Cast aside, invalidated, some of them made fun of (such as the “Have you tried it?” on the Abrador, instinctively associated with the stony profile of Victor Emanuel III) or never used in the postal service (such as the express stamp for the scandalous “Baci” chocolates by Perugina). A full series of this issue, new and almost entirely intact (lot 716), is to be auctioned at a starting price of 6500 euros in the public sale that Zanaria Aste is organising on March 28th in the “green” hall of Milanofil (Fiera Milano city, entrance on Via Gattamelata 5, first session for the Italian States at 2.30pm, second session with the rest of the material at 5pm).
But the vast majority of the sale, when it comes to advertising handled by the postman, is made up of envelopes printed with advertisements, and franked lettercards.For the former, we have all three types available of those used in 1877, complete with series number. This is the version with the 5 centesimi and the two versions franked with the 20 centesimi in light blue or orange.
The n°1 in Sassone, series 25, bears an additional franking for a further 15 centesimi and travelled from Naples to Salza Irpina. It’s lot 696, which is offered at a base price of 35 thousand euros, against a catalogue evaluation of 80,000 euros – which does not, however, take into account the additional franking.
The n°2, series 8, was sent from Ascoli Piceno to Riolo di Romagna. It is lot number 697, with a starting price of 10,000 euros – and a catalogue evaluation of 57,500 euros.
There is no catalogue evaluation for n° 3, of which just one piece is known. The piece, in fact, which Zanaria Aste is offering as lot number 698 at 50,000 euros. It belongs to series 45 and travelled from Bergamo to Como.
There is a more numerous range of franked lettercards on offer – around fifteen, from lot 699 to 711. They are new and used, and in any case are all applied to special forms.
The most exciting item is the 708, which has a starting price of 35 thousand euros. It is so rare that not even Sassone mentions it. It’s the orange 20 centesimi, used on a document that is still whole, and which was sent from Rome to Scandriglia in 1887. Like all franked lettercards, it is perforated with the actual sale value (“C18”, meaning 18 centesimi). This is less than the face value, because it was only to be used on items with advertising. However, what makes this piece so distinctive is the fact that the sequence of punched holes is symmetrical and upside down.
Overall, the lots cover all areas of Italian production, from the Italian States to the Colonies, with further areas for foreign stamps, lots and collections. The catalogue is online, but those who prefer a hard copy can request one by phoning +39 02.805.24.27, sending a fax (+39 02.805.11.86) or an e-mail (aste@zanaria.com). The lots will be available for viewing from March 16th – 26th at the shop in Via Santa Margherita 6, Milan. The shop will be closed from March 27th – 29th, during which time the lots will be on view directly at the Zanaria stand. Should you need to contact Zanaria Aste by phone during this time, please call +39 339 5647442.