Italy Kingdom year 1863/75 stamps King Victor Emmanuel Used

Italy Kingdom year 1863/75 stamps King Victor Emmanuel ☀ Used

That timeframe, 1863 to 1875, covers a significant and distinctive period for the postage stamps of the Kingdom of Italy featuring King Victor Emmanuel II.

This era primarily includes the definitive series known as the De La Rue Issue (or Serie De La Rue in Italian) and related printings, which became the standard for the unified Kingdom.

👑 The 1863 De La Rue Issue (and subsequent printings)

• Portrait: The stamps feature a profile portrait of King Victor Emmanuel II looking to the left, within an oval frame. The exception is the lowest denominations (1 and 2 centesimi), which only show a large numeral or cifra.
• Printer: The initial set, issued starting December 1, 1863, was printed by the renowned British firm De La Rue in London.
• Inscription: The inscription at the top reads “POSTE ITALIANE” (Italian Post).
• Watermark: A key feature for collectors is the presence of the Crown Watermark (known as Filigrana Corona).
• Perforation: They were generally perforated 14, a change from earlier Sardinian issues.
• Denominations and Colors (1863 initial set): The series included denominations from 1 centesimo to 2 Lira, such as:
  • 1 c. green
  • 2 c. brick red/rose
  • 5 c. grey/green
  • 10 c. ochre
  • 15 c. light blue
  • 30 c. brown
  • 40 c. rose/carmine
  • 60 c. lilac
  • 2 Lira scarlet

🇮🇹 Turin Printings

• In 1866, the printing plates were moved to Turin, and subsequent stamps of the same design were printed there. Distinguishing between the London (De La Rue) and Turin printings can be difficult without specific references or dated postmarks, as they used the same plates.

📝 Other Issues in the Period

• 15 Centesimi Lithographed (1863): A short-lived, hastily produced 15 centesimi stamp was issued earlier in 1863, produced by lithography by Matraire in Turin, featuring the King’s portrait and the inscription “POSTALE ITALIANO.” This issue has different varieties (Type I and Type II) and is generally imperforate.
• Surcharges (e.g., 1865): The 15c light blue stamp was later surcharged to 20 centesimi (e.g., “20 c. on 15 c.”).
• “Vittorio Riquadrato” (1867): A new design for the 20 centesimi value was introduced, with the King’s effigy in a more square (or “riquadrato”) frame, also known as the “Vittorio Emmanuele II in the Frame” issue.