Grana Blue Stamp Appraisal

Two Grana Blue Stamp of the Kingdom of Naples (1858)

This item is a postage stamp from the Neapolitan Provinces (Kingdom of Naples), issued in 1858 during the reign of Ferdinand II. The stamp is printed in a distinct slate blue ink on white to off-white paper. It features a rectangular frame with a central oval vignette. Contained within this oval is an embossed profile of King Ferdinand II facing right, which is somewhat faint in this specimen due to age or original strike pressure. The frame includes text: 'POSTE' at the top, 'BOLLO' on the right, 'FRANCO' on the left, and the denomination 'DUE GRANA' at the bottom. The corners are decorated with small crosses. This specific example is an imperforate stamp, showing white margins on all four sides, though they are somewhat unevenly cut, particularly close to the frame on the left side. The condition shows significant signs of age with toning to the paper and some ink fading or pigment loss in the central portrait area. There is no visible postmark (cancellation), suggesting it may be in unused condition, though further inspection of the gum on the reverse would be required for confirmation. These stamps were produced via a combination of engraving for the frames and embossing for the central bust, representing the high-quality philatelic craftsmanship of the mid-19th century Italian States.