Lot 60503 - 1943, military stamp proof, 50 centesimi purple imperforated, on envelope.

1943, military stamp proof, 50 centesimi purple imperforated, without watermark (design not adopted). On envelope from Ministero delle Comunicazioni to the Allied Control Commission in Brindisi. Stamp cancelled 21.12 1943 Posta Militare n. 151.

The unique envelope is from Lieutenant Commander Bruce S. Old, who met with Italian interim Prime Minister Marshal Pietro Badoglio while on a secret mission for US President Eisenhower. Since Old was a stamp enthusiast, it was suggested he meet with Postmaster General Fano whom he asked to have a proof stamp to mail a letter. Once the stamp had been cancelled by the military post, he asked Marshal Badoglio and Postmaster General Fano for their signatures on the envelope. With detailed certificate Dr. Giorgio Colla (2017), noting this is the only envelope signed by Badoglio with this imperforate proof from the Badoglio series of 1944, 50 centesimi type (cat. Sassone n. 515Eb).