Lot 40101 - 1859 2 Gr. Plate I, blue (azzurro), comprising two horizontal strips of five and a single, positions 51–55 on the front, positions 91–95 on the reverse, and single position 8, displaying a total of seven recorded retouch

The largest known franking of the 2 Grana plate I

1859 2 Gr. Plate I, blue (azzurro), multiple franking on 2 JUL 60 entire letter from Messina to Genova comprising of two horizontal strips of five and a single, positions 51–55 on the front, positions 91–95 on the reverse, and single position 8, displaying a total of seven recorded retouches. The strip on the front has four margins, while that on the reverse just cut-in in places, tied by Messina despatch cds, with three-line red French maritime handstamp.
An extraordinary and highly important postal history item, bearing eleven examples of the 2 Grana value and an exceptional concentration of retouched positions. Of outstanding significance for the study of the issue and a remarkable exhibition showpiece of the highest calibre.

Expertise: Signed E.Diena, A.Diena, Cert. Giacomo Bottacchi, AIEP. (2026).