Letter Mail from and to the Old Italian States 1850 - 1870
by Mario Mentaschi & Thomas Mathà
1 - Domestic mail of the Old Italian States 5 frames
2 - Mail exchanged between the Old Italian States:
4 - Mail exchanged with the Kingdom of Italy and San Marino
5 - Emphasis is given to the illustration of mail from and to
the Old Italian States from and to the foreign countries.
France and Austria 7 frames
Switzerland 2 frames
UK and German States 6 frames
Belgium, Netherlands and Denmark 2 frames
Sweden, Norway and Russia 1 frame
Greece, Ionian island and Malta 2 frames
Spain, Canary islands, Portugal and Gibraltar 1 frame
Ottoman Empire 1 frame
USA and Canada 2 frame
Central America, South America 1 frame
Australasia 1 frame
Mail from and to the Italian States, from and to foreign countries
France
Lombardy-Venetia
Prior to December 1857 letters could be exchanged between France and Austria
either via Prussia or via Sardinia. The rates depended both on weight
and on distance. Letters from the Lombardy-Venetia were generally exchanged
via Sardinia. From January 1, 1858 a prepaid rate of 70 Austrian centesimi
(14 krCM), or of 60 centimes for letters posted in France, was introduced
for each 10 grams of weight. Unpaid letters were charged 95 Austrian
centesimi (19 krCM) or 80 centimes. From November 1, 1858 the single
rate of 70 centesimi was converted to 25 soldi (Nkr).
Extension of the Franco-Sardinian convention to Lombardy
Letters sent to France indicate that the Franco-Sardinian convention was
extended to Lombardy on July 20, 1859; prior to July 20 the Austrian
rate of 25 soldi, corresponding to 60 centesimi, was maintained.
Fig. 24 July 16, 1859, double-rate prepaid letter from Milan to Paris. Austrian rate of 50 soldi corresponding to 1.20 Italian lire. The circular datestamp AUTRICHE 3 / CULOZ impressed in Paris confirms that the rates of the Franco-Austrian convention were still in effect. The only double-rate letter among the few recorded letters with the Austrian rate.
Tuscany
The Franco-Tuscan convention effective on October 1, 1851 set a rate of
60 centesimi or 9 crazie for each 7.5 grams. The same rate applied to
unpaid letters; partially paid letters were considered fully unpaid.
Extension of the Franco-Sardinian convention to Tuscany
The letters sent to France indicate that the Franco-Sardinian convention
was extended to Tuscany on July 15-20, 1860. The last date recorded of
application of the Tuscan rate was July 17, 1860.
Modena and Parma
The Duchies of Modena and Parma were enabled to prepay letters to France
by the Sardinia-Modena and by the Sardinia-Parma postal conventions effective
on March 1, 1855. Before that date, letters to France had to be paid
to the ducal border. The Sardinian rates to France were extended to the
former Duchies in July 1859.
Papal States
Prior to the 1853 postal convention with France, letters were addressed
to France either with the Austrian or the Sardinian mediation.
French mediation
Effective October 1, 1853, the Franco-Papal agreement established, for
each 7.5 grams of weight a rate of 20 bajocchi, corresponding to 1 French
franc to be applied to prepaid or unpaid letters. Partial payment was
not allowed, partially paid letters were considered fully unpaid. The
printed-matter rate was set at 4 bajocchi or 20 centesimi. To enjoy the
reduced rate, printed matter had to be prepaid, while unpaid printed
matter was rated as letter.
Fig. 25 February 22, 1858, single-rate printed matter prepaid 4 bajocchi from Bologna to Lyon. Transit in closed mail through Tuscany and Sardinia; in Lyon the handstamp E. PONT. 2 / PONT DE BEAUVOISIN was impressed.
Effective September 1, 1866, the new Franco-Papal convention reduced the rate of prepaid letters to 10 soldi (50 centesimi) for each 10 grams of weight. The postage stamps denominated in bajocchi were converted into soldi. 1 bajocco = 1 soldo = 5 centesimi. Unpaid letters were rated 80 centesimi. The prepaid amount of insufficiently prepaid letters was deducted from the unpaid rate.
Sardinia
The Franco-Sardinian convention effective on July 1, 1851 set a rate of
50 centesimi for each 7.5 grams; the rate was reduced to 25 centesimi
for destinations at a distance of less than 30 km. The rate was increased
to 70 centesimi for letters sent "via mare." The same rate applied to
unpaid letters, partially paid letters were considered fully unpaid.
Fig. 26 December 6, 1854, single-rate letter prepaid 50 centesimi from Chambery to Valence.
Two Sicilies
The Franco-Bourbon postal treaty effective January 1, 1854 allowed prepaying
postage to France. For each 7.5 grams, the rate to Marseille was 29 grana;
the rate beyond Marseille was 35 grana.
Extension of the Franco-Sardinian convention to the Kingdom of the
Two Sicilies
The Franco-Sardinian convention was extended to the Kingdom of the Two
Sicilies on October 1, 1861. Prior to that date the rates of the Franco-Bourbon
convention were in effect.
Fig. 27 September 18, 1861, triple-rate prepaid letter from Naples to Paris. Bourbon rate of 105 grana (3 x 35 grana). The circular datestamp D-SICILIES / MARSEILLE confirms that the Franco-Bourbon treaty was still in effect. Only 3 letters recorded with a pair of the 50 grana postage stamp.
Austria
Lombardy-Venetia
Lombardy until July 1859 and Venetia until October 1866 formed part of
the Austrian Empire. Mail could therefore be exchanged with Austria and
the other Provinces of the Empire on the basis of the Austrian domestic
rates.
Rates to Austria after the Sardinian occupation
Prior to September 15, 1859, letters had to be carried via Switzerland;
thereafter they had to be prepaid to the Austro-Sardinian border.
Tuscany
From April 1, 1851 mail could be exchanged with Austria on the basis of
the Austro-Italian convention (see that chapter).
Rates to Austria after the formation of the Provisional Government
of Tuscany in 1859
Due to the war it was not possible to exchange mail bags directly with
Austria. Mail could be addressed to Austrian territories via Switzerland.
Fig. 28 November 26, 1859, single-rate letter from Florence to Padua, carried via Switzerland and prepaid to destination in accordance with the Swiss-Sardinian postal convention at the rate of 9 crazie corresponding to 60 centesimi. The letter was charged on arrival 15 soldi because Austria did not recognize the extension to Tuscany of the provisions of the Swiss-Sardinian convention. On the reverse of the letter there is an indication that 15 Nkr was credited by the Swiss postal administration to the Austrian postal administration for a single-rate letter with an Austrian destination more than 20 Austrian leagues from the Swiss border.
From January 1, 1860 letters had to be paid to the Austrian border, the Sardinian rate being 20 centesimi for each 10 grams of weight.
Modena and Parma
From June 1, 1852 mail could be exchanged with Austria on the basis of
the Austro-Italian convention (see that chapter).
Rates to Austria after the formation of the Provisional Governments
Prior to September 15, letters had to be carried via Switzerland; afterwards
they had to be prepaid to the Austro-Sardinian border.
Papal States
From October 1, 1852, until June 1859 mail rates to Austria were set by
the Austro-Italian postal treaty. In June 1859 Romagne formed a Provisional
Government, later on Romagne were annexed to the Sardinian kingdom. Before
September 1860, when Marche and Umbria were occupied by the Sardinian
army, letter could be paid to a destination in Austria via Ancona and
Trieste. Until September 1, 1861 letter could be exchanged with the Tuscan
mediation paid to the Austrian border. The Austro-Italian postal treaty
effective May 15, 1862 allowed sending fully paid letter from Austria
to the Papal States at a rate of 23 Nkr each 17, grams of weight. It
was possible to send registered letters. The Austro-Italian treaty effective
October 1, 1867 reduced the prepaid rate to the Papal States to 16 Nkr
each 10 grams; the rate was reduced to 15 Nkr from April 23, 1868.
Sardinia
The Austro-Sardinian postal treaty effective January 1, 1854 established
rates based on weight and distance, as previously described.
Two Sicilies
Letters to and from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies were mainly carried
with Papal mediation, on the reverse they carried the handstamp Transito
/ per lo Stato Pontificio.
From October 1861, Italian rates to Austria were extended to the former Bourbon domains.
Switzerland
Lombardy-Venetia
Prior to October 1852, the weight progression for letters was half a lot (8.75
grams), and the rate for letters exchanged between locations more than
75 km distant: 60 Austrian centesimi (12 krCM) or 50 rappen which had the
value of the Italian centesimi. After October 1852, new rates were introduced
with a progression of 1 lot (17.5 grams)
Fig. 29 January 14, 1855, single-rate letter from Como to Riva S. Vitale, prepaid 15 centesimi for a destination less than 37.5 km distant. Only few letters are known with the 15-centesimi rate.
Modena and Parma
From June 1, 1852 the Austro-Italian convention allowed to exchange letters
with Switzerland paid to destination. The same rate applied to unpaid
letters. Letters could also be paid to the Swiss border.
Tuscany
From April 1, 1851 the Austro-Tuscan convention allowed to exchange letters
with Switzerland paid to destination. The same rate was applied to unpaid
letters. From November 1, 1859 the rates of the Sardinian-Swiss convention
were extended to Tuscany.
Papal States
Austrian Mediation
Prior to October 1, 1852 letters to Switzerland had to be paid 5 bajocchi
each 6 denari of weight (7.1 grams) to the Papal Border. After October
1, 1852 the Austrian mediation allowed, for each 17.5 grams of weight,
either to send letter paid 8 bajocchi to the Swiss border, or to pay to
destination: 10 bajocchi for Swiss destination less than 75 km from the
border (50 rappen for letter originating in Switzerland) or 12 bajocchi
for all other destinations (60 rappen for letters originating in Switzerland).
The same rate was applied to unpaid letters.
French mediation
The Franco-Papal convention effective from October 1, 1853 set a rate of
18 bajocchi, corresponding to 90 centesimi for each 7.5 grams of weight
for letters sent prepaid or unpaid exchanged with Switzerland. Partial
payment was not permitted, insufficiently prepaid letters were considered
fully unpaid.
The more expensive French mediation was in use after June 1859 when it was no longer possible to send letters with the Austro-Italian mediation. The new Franco-Papal treaty, effective from September 1, 1866, reduced the rate of prepaid letters to Switzerland to 55 centesimi (11 soldi) for each 7.5 grams.
Sardinian/Italian mediation
From 1860 it was also possible to send letters to Switzerland, paid to
the Papal border with the Sardinian-Italian mediation.
Sardinia
The Swiss-Sardinian convention, effective from August 1, 1851, established
for each 7.5 grams of weight a rate of 40 centesimi or rappen for prepaid
or unpaid letters exchanged by the two countries. The rate was reduced
to 20 centesimi for locations less than 30 km distant.
Two Sicilies
Papal States mediation
Prior to January 1, 1854, letters were exchanged with Switzerland with
the Papal mediation.
French mediation
The Franco-Bourbon postal treaty effective from January 1, 1854 set a rate
of 22 grana for each 7.5 grams of weight for letters prepaid to Switzerland;
the same rate applied to unpaid letters received from Switzerland.
United Kingdom
Lombardy-Venetia
Sardinia mediation
From February 1, 1858 the direct British Sardinian convention set a rate
of 8d each ½ ounce for prepaid letters addressed to Lombardy-Venetia,
the rate was 11d for unpaid letters to the UK via Sardinia. Probably in
July the rates of the British-Sardinian convention were extended to occupied
Lombardy: 6d or 60 centesimi (25 soldi in Lombardy until December 31, 1859)
for each ½ ounce.
Prussian mediation
From August 1, 1852 the Prussian British convention set, for each ½
ounce or German lot (16.7 grams) a rate of 10d or 8½ Sgr
for prepaid or unpaid letter sent to Lombardy-Venetia.
From February 10, 1860 the rate of prepaid letter was reduced to 6d corresponding
to 5 Sgr and to 25 Nkr (new Austrian kreuzer).
Tuscany
French mediation
The Franco-Tuscan convention effective on October 1, 1851, for each 6 denari
(7.1grams) set a rate of 17 crazie for prepaid letter to the UK, the same
rate was set for unpaid letters originating in the UK, and the progression
from the UK was ¼ ounce (7.1 grams). A new article of the Franco-Tuscan
convention reduced from January 1, 1857 the single-letter rate to 12 crazie
while the weight progression remained unchanged.
Extension to Tuscany of the British Sardinian convention
From November 1859 the rates of the British-Sardinian convention were extended
to Tuscany. The rate was set at 9 crazie for each 7.5 grams or ¼
ounce.
Papal States
French mediation
Prior to the Franco-Papal treaty, until September 30, 1853, letters to
the UK had to be paid to the Papal border, and then they were carried to
the UK with the Sardinian and French mediation. The Franco-Papal convention,
effective on October 1, 1853, set a prepaid rate to the UK of 26 bajocchi
for each 7.5 grams of weight; this rate was applied also to unpaid letters
originating in the UK. The prepaid rate from England via France was 1s
4d for each ¼ ounce (7.1 grams). From January 1, 1855 the single-letter
prepaid rate to the Papal States was reduced to 1s 1d. A new article of
the Franco-Papal convention, effective from April 1, 1855, reduced the
single-letter rate to 22 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams. The rate from the
UK to the Papal States was reduced to 11d for each ¼ ounce from
January 1, 1857. From September 1, 1866 the rate for prepaid letters to
the UK was set at 55 centesimi; the rate for unpaid letters was set at
65 centesimi. From June 1866 the Italian lira was introduced in the Papal
States, the value of the postage stamp in bajocchi was set at the exchange
rate of 1 bajocco = 5 centesimi or 1 soldo. From December 1, 1866 the single
rate for prepaid letters originating from the UK was reduced to 8d; the
same rate applied to unpaid letters received in the UK, the rate was reduced
to 6d from February 15, 1867, the other conditions remained unchanged.
Insufficiently prepaid letters were considered as unpaid.
Prussian mediation
On request, letters from the UK could be sent via Belgium and Prussia.
The rate of letters paid to the Papal border was 11d for each ½ ounce,
in the Papal States the letters were charged 5 bajocchi for each 6 denari
(7.1 grams).
North-German Union (NGU) mediation
The NGU Papal convention effective on June 1, 1869 set a prepaid rate to
the UK of 75 centesimi for each 15 grams; the rate for unpaid letters
was 85 centesimi. From July 21, 1870 the rate was reduced to 40 centesimi.
Fig. 30 June 10, 1870, single-rate letter from Rome to Newton Stewart, insufficiently prepaid 65 centesimi instead of 75 centesimi, hence the manuscript AFFRANCHISEMENT INSUFFISANT. The red marking, 25, refers to 25 centesimi credited to the NGU by the Papal States, corresponding to 2 Sgr. Prussia debited the UK 1½ Sgr or 2d. In the UK the oval MORE TO PAY was impressed and 5½ pence, inclusive of 3½ d fee for underpayment, were charged on arrival.
The prepaid rate from the UK was set from June 21, 1869 at 8d each ½ ounce, a fee of 3 ½ d per ½ ounce had to be added to unpaid letters. The prepaid rate was reduced to 5d from July 1, 1870.
Sardinia
French mediation
Prior to the British-Sardinian convention effective February 1, 1858, letters
were exchanged with the UK on the basis of the Franco-Sardinian convention
effective from July 1, 1851. The rate of prepaid letters to the UK was
set at 1 lira every 7.5 grams. The same rate was applied to letters received
unpaid. Until December 31, 1854 the single-rate letter (¼ ounce)
from the UK via France was set at 1s 1d; the same rate applied to unpaid
letters received from the Papal States. From January 1, 1855 the single-letter
rate was reduced to 10d, the other conditions remained unchanged. From
January 1, 1857 the rate was further reduced to 6d.
British Sardinian convention from February 1, 1858
The Franco-British contract allowed for the carriage of mail from Sardinia
through France in closed mail. The rate of prepaid letters was set at
60 centesimi or 6d for each 7.5 grams or ¼ ounce. Unpaid letters
were charged an extra fixed amount of 6d.
Two Sicilies
Before the effect of the Franco-Bourbon convention, letters had to be paid
to the Bourbon border and they could be sent to the UK either with the
Papal mediation or "via mare" to Marseille.
Franco-Bourbon convention from January 1, 1854
From January, 1, 1854 the rate of prepaid letters to the UK was set at
26 grana for each 7.5 grams; the same rate was charged to unpaid letters.
From January 1854 the rate of prepaid letters from the UK or of unpaid
letters received in the UK was set at 1s 4d for each ¼ ounce.
The rate was reduced to 1s 1d from January 1, 1855 and to 11d from January
1, 1857, the other conditions remaining unchanged.
Extension to the former Bourbon territories of the Franco-Sardinian
convention
Only from October 1, 1861 the Franco-Sardinian convention was extended
to the former Bourbon provinces; prior to that date the rates of the Franco-Bourbon
convention were in effect.
Fig. 31 June 23, 1861, triple-rate letter (Bourbon rate of 3.45 Italian lire) from Messina to London, carried by a French packet to Marseille, it arrived in London where the red marking indicating full payment of the postage was impressed. Although the 3 lire postage stamp is seriously defective, this letter is the only known to England and one of the three known with the 3 lire postage stamp of the few recorded letters rated in accordance with the Franco-Bourbon postal treaty.
Prussia and Old German States
Lombardy-Venetia
The rates of the German Austrian Postal Union (GAPU)
On June 1, 1850, when the GAPU rates for letters exchanged between the
member States came into effect, the following States were members: Austria,
Bavaria, Mecklenburg, Prussia, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. As soon they
issued postage stamps, also the other German States joined the GAPU. The
issue of postage stamps was a prerequisite to join the Union.
The rates for prepaid letters, for each German lot (16.7 grams) or for each Austrian lot (17.5 grams), were as follows:
1 Sgr or 3 krCM or 3 Rhkr for distances of less than 10 miles (75 km)
2 Sgr or 6 krCM or 6 Rhkr for distances from 10 to 20 miles (75-150 km)
3 Sgr or 9 krCM or 9 Rhkr for distances over 20 miles (150 km)
From 1856 unpaid letters had to pay a fee in addition to the prepaid rates. Postage of prepaid letters was entirely kept by the sending State; the other States granted free passage. Printed-matter rate, per each lot, was ⅓ Sgr or 1 KrCm or 1Rhkr irrespective from distance. To enjoy the reduced rate, printed matter had to be prepaid, whereas unpaid printed matter was rated as a letter.
Fig. 32 September 16, 1852, single-rate printed matter prepaid 1 Rhkr from Straubing (Bavaria) to Gavardo (Lombardy). The Innsbruck transit marking and the arrival marking of Gavardo are on the reverse.
When letters addressed to Lombardy-Venetia were carried in closed mail through Switzerland, another 1 Sgr or 3 krCM was added to pay for the Swiss transit.
Extension of the Sardinian rates to Lombardy
From July 1859, as a consequence of the Sardinian occupation, it was no
longer possible to exchange mails with the German States on the basis
of the GAPU. Initially, letters to Germany had to be sent via Switzerland.
Tuscany
Austrian mediation
The Austro-Tuscan convention set a rate of 10 crazie or 15krCM for each
lot for prepaid letters exchanged with the GAPU. 2 crazie or 2 krCM had
to be added for letters carried in closed mail through Switzerland.
Extension of the Sardinian rates to Tuscany
From April 28, 1859, as a consequence of the proclamation of the Provisional
Government of Tuscany, it was no longer possible to exchange mails with
the German States on the basis of the GAPU. Initially, letters to Germany
had to be sent via Switzerland.
Papal States
Before the effect of the Austro-Papal treaty on October 1, 1852, letters
from the Papal States to the German States had to be paid to the border
(impostazione), carried via Lombardy-Venetia; on arrival the letters
were charged the rates of the GAPU.
Austrian mediation after October 1, 1852
The Austro-Papal convention set a rate of 13 bajocchi or 5½ Sgr
or 15krCM for each lot for prepaid letters exchanged with the GAPU.
Italian mediation
After the 1859 loss of Romagne and the 1860 occupation of Marche and Umbria,
the Papal States were limited to the territories of "Patrimonio di San
Pietro." Letters to Germany had to go through Italy. Letters originating
from or received in the Papal States were charged 5 bajocchi (25 centesimi
from June 1866).
French mediation
The Franco-Papal convention effective from October 1, 1853 established
a prepaid rate of 18 or 22 bajocchi, depending on the German destination,
for each 7.5 grams. These rates were also applied to unpaid letters.
Registered letters were charged double the postage. The new convention,
from September 1, 1866, set a prepaid rate to all German States of 55
centesimi (11 soldi) for each 7.5 grams. The rate for unpaid letters
was set at 65 centesimi.
North German Union (NGU) convention
The Papal-NGU convention effective on June 1, 1869 set a prepaid rate of
40 centesimi for each 15 grams. The rate of unpaid letters was set at
60 centesimi.
Sardinia
Swiss mediation
The Swiss-Sardinian convention set the rate of prepaid letters to the German
States at 60 centesimi for each 10 grams of weight. The rate of prepaid
letters from the German States was rated in the different currencies: 4½ Sgr
in Prussia and other Northern States, 15 Rhkr in Bavaria, Baden and Wurttemberg.
The same rates applied to unpaid letters.
French mediation
The Franco-Sardinian convention effective July 1, 1851, set a prepaid rate
to the German States of 60 centesimi for each 7.5 grams of weight. The
same rates were charged to unpaid inward letters from the German States.
Two Sicilies
French mediation
The Franco-Bourbon convention effective on January 1, 1854 indicated, for
each 7.5 grams of weight different prepaid rates:
22 bajocchi to Bavaria, Baden and Wurttemberg
27 bajocchi to Prussia and most of the German States
32 bajocchi to Saxony, Mecklenburg, Brunswick and Oldenburg.
The same rates applied to unpaid letters received in the Bourbon domains. The 1858 Franco-Prussian convention indicated a rate of 6½ Sgr to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The rate applied both to prepaid or unpaid letters. Sardinian rates were extended to the former Bourbon Provinces from October 1, 1861.
Belgium
Papal States
French mediation
The Franco-Papal convention effective October 1, 1853, set a rate of 22
bajocchi each 7.5 grams for prepaid letters to Belgium, or for unpaid letters
received from Belgium. The rate of prepaid letters from Belgium, or of
unpaid letters to Belgium, for each 7.5 grams was set at 1.10 Belgian francs
which had the same value of the French franc. From January 1, 1858 the
single letter-rate was reduced to 1 Belgian franc. From September 1, 1866
the prepaid rate to Belgium was set at 55 centesimi (11 soldi) for each
7.5 grams; unpaid letters originating in Belgium were charged 65 centesimi
(13 soldi). The Franco-Belgian convention, effective January 1, 1866, reduced
the rate of prepaid letters to the Papal States, or of unpaid letters received
from the Papal States, to 70 centimes for each 7.5 grams.
Sardinian transit
Letters sent from Belgium in closed mail through France on the basis of
the direct Belgian-Sardinian convention were charged on arrival 28 bajocchi
for each 6 denari (7.1 grams) as indicated by the 1844 Tosti rates for
letters coming from Belgium.
GAPU mediation
From October 1, 1852, as confirmed by the Belgian "recuil" 172 dated October
18, 1852, letters could be sent to Belgium with the Austro-Italian and
the GAPU mediation. Rates of prepaid letters sent to Belgium, or of unpaid
letters received from Belgium, were set at 18 bajocchi for each 15 grams
of weight.
NGU mediation
The Papal-NGU convention, effective June 1, 1869, set rates to Belgium,
for each 15 grams of weight, at 50 centesimi for prepaid letters, and
at 70 centesimi for unpaid letters.
Fig. 33 September 23, 1869, single-rate letter from Subiaco to Tubize (Belgium). It was insufficiently prepaid 40 centesimi instead of the required 50 centesimi, hence 30 centimes were charged on arrival; the difference to the 70 centesimi required for an unpaid letter. On the front the indication of the total amount paid of 40 centesimi and the 25 centesimi credited to the NGU, corresponding to 2 Sgr. The 55 centesimi (in blue) due beyond the Papal States, amount that decreased by the 25 centesimi credited by the Papal States totals 30 centesimi paid by the addressee.
The prepaid rate from Belgium was set by the NGU-Belgian convention at 40 centimes for each 15 grams.
Sardinia
The Sardo- Belgian convention, effective January 1, 1859 set the prepaid
letter rate to Belgium at 60 centesimi for each 7,5 grams of weight.
The rate from Belgium was 60 centimes for each 7, 5 grams. The same rate
was charged to unpaid letters. Partial payment was not allowed, partially
paid letters were considered fully unpaid. Letters were carried in closed
mail through France therefore no French markings appear on the mail.
Holland
Lombardy-Venetia
From January 1, the GAPU mediation enabled to prepay letters to Holland,
for each 17.5 grams, at a rate of 60 centesimi (12 krCM) if sent to a
Dutch destination within 30 km from the Prussian border, of 75 centesimi
(15 krCM) to all other destinations. 15 centesimi, corresponding to 3
krCM, were added for letters carried in closed mail through Switzerland.
Tuscan provinces
French mediation
From July 1860 the Sardinian rates were extended to the Tuscan provinces:
- 40 Dutch cents for each 7, 5 grams for prepaid letters from Holland
or unpaid letters from the Tuscan provinces,
- 70 centesimi for each 7,5 grams for prepaid letter from the Tuscan provinces
or unpaid letters from Holland.
Papal States
Austrian and GAPU mediation
Before October 1, 1852 letters from the Papal States had to be prepaid
to the Papal border. From October 1, 1852, letters could be sent prepaid
or received unpaid from Holland at a rate of 16 or 18 bajocchi, for each
15 denari (17.6 grams) of weight, depending on the distance from the Dutch
border of the location of origin or destination in Holland. The rates in
Holland, as confirmed by the Dutch circular 470, dated October 30, 1852
were: 40 or 45 Dutch cents (Dcents) for each Dutch lot (15 grams).
Fig. 34 March 19, 1860, double-rate (8 grams) registered letter from Amsterdam, via France, to Ancona, prepaid 220 Dcent, as per handwritten indication on the reverse, corresponding to 88 bajocchi. The letter entered France at Valenciennes as per PAYS-BAS / 2 VALnes impressed in Paris, then it was carried from Marseille by the French packet Pausillippe to Civitavecchia, and from there to Ancona.
French mediation
The Franco-Papal convention effective October 1, 1853, set a rate of 22
bajocchi, for each 7.5 grams, for prepaid letters sent to Holland, or
for unpaid letters received from Holland. Rates from Holland were set
at 55 Dcents for each 7.5 grams for prepaid or unpaid letters. It was
possible to sent registered letters, and postage had to be prepaid at
double the letter rate. A Papal notification dated July 9, 1867 reduced
the rate of prepaid letters to Holland to 65 centesimi (13 soldi); this
rate was also applied to unpaid letters received from Holland. In 1867
the rate of prepaid letters from Holland was reduced to 45 Dcents, it
was further reduced to 40 Dcents by the new Franco-Dutch convention effective
April 1, 1868. The rate for unpaid letters to Holland was set at 60 Dcents.
Denmark
Papal States
Prior to the Austro-Papal treaty effective October 1, 1852, letters from
Denmark could be paid to the Papal border; they were charged on arrival
in accordance with the high Tosti rates of 1844.
Fig. 35 December 20, 1851, single-rate registered letter from Copenhagen to Rome, paid to the Papal border. On the front the Danish NB indicates a registered letter as confirmed by the boxed Prussian Recomandirt. On the front the boxed Aus Daenemark / d. Mecklenburg, indicating via Wismar as per endorsement confirmed by the blue transit marking on the back. 37 rigsbankskilling, corresponding to 8½ Sgr, was prepaid by the sender as per the manuscript indication on the right, on the front the 5½ Sgr credited to Prussia by Denmark, the 2½ Sgr credited beyond Prussia, corresponding to 9 krCM as per indication on the top. On arrival, the letter was charged 90 bajocchi in accordance with the Tosti rate of 1844: 30 bajocchi for a letter coming from Denmark increased by 60 bajocchi (double the letter rate) to account for the registration fee.
From October 1, 1852, the rates of the Austro-Italian league and of the GAPU were applied.
Two Sicilies
French mediation
From January 1, 1854, the Franco-Bourbon convention set a rate of 40 grana
for each 7.5 grams for prepaid letters sent to Denmark, or for unpaid letters
received from Denmark.
Sweden
Tuscany
GAPU mediation
Fig. 36 March 22, 1856, single-rate printed matter from Leghorn paid to Gefle in Sweden. The rate of 5 soldi, corresponding to 3 crazie, was divided as follows: 1 soldo to Tuscany, 1 soldo to Austro-German league, Hamburg credited 3 skilling banko (skb): 1 skb to Denmark, 2 skb to Sweden (1 skb = 1soldo).
Letters sent with the Italian-Austrian and GAPU had to pay 10 crazie (4cr to Tuscany, 6 cr GAPU transit), corresponding to 15 krCM or 5Sgr for each 17.5 grams, to which another 4½ Sgr or 5 Sgr depending on the routing chosen had to be added for transit beyond the GAPU. The Austro-Italian convention permitted sending printed matter that had to be paid to destination to enjoy the reduced rate. The printed-matter prepaid rate from Tuscany to Sweden was set at 5 soldi (corresponding to 3 crazie) for each 17.5 grams.
Papal States
French mediation
From September 1, 1866 the Franco-Papal convention set the prepaid rate
to Sweden at 95 centesimi (19 soldi) for each 10 grams of weight.
Fig. 37 June 15, 1869, single-rate letter from Rome to Christiania. Insufficiently prepaid 60 centesimi as per Papal Insufficiente. In red, the Papal indication of the 60 centesimi paid. Total due in Norway for a single-rate unpaid letter was 20 Norway skilling species (Nsk), corresponding to 7.5 gr (groschen): 3 gr to Norway and 4.5 gr foreign transit. The NGU office indicated the 2.5 gr credited by the Papal States and debited the 2 gr balance, corresponding to 5.5 Nsk to Norway which added the 3 gr, corresponding to 8.5 Nsk, for domestic rate to total the 14 Nsk charged to the addressee.
Norway
Papal States
NGU mediation
The NGU Papal convention effective on April 1, 1869 set a rate of 75 centesimi
for each 15 grams of weight for prepaid letters to Norway; the rate was
decreased to 65 centesimi from September 16, 1869. The single letter unpaid
rate was set at 1 Italian lira decreased to 90 centesimi from September
16, 1869.
Russia
Lombardy-Venetia
Letters were exchanged with Russia on the basis of the Austro-Russian convention
effective on January 13, 1855 which established rates based on distance
for each 17.5 grams of weight from 30 centesimi (6 krCM or 7 kopeks)
for letters exchanged from the 1st Austrian distance and the 1st Russian
distance to 90 centesimi (18 krCM or 21 kopeks) for letters exchanged
from the 3rd Austrian distance and the 2nd Russian distance. In November
the rates were denominated in Nkr or soldi: 30 centesimi = 10 Nkr, 90
centesimi = 30 Nkr.
Tuscany
Austro-Italian mediation
The Austro-Tuscan postal treaty effective from April 1, 1851, set for each
15 denari (17.6 grams) a rate of 11 or 15 crazie to Russia (inclusive of
3 crazie to Tuscany), depending on the distance of the destination in Russia
from the Austrian border. This rate applied to prepaid and unpaid letters.
Papal States
Austrian mediation
The Austro-Papal postal treaty, effective October 1, 1852, set a prepaid
rate of 10 bajocchi or of 16 bajocchi for each 15 denari (17.6 grams) for
prepaid letters to Russia, depending on the distance of the destination
from the Austrian border. These rates applied also to unpaid letters received
in the Papal States. It is worth while noting that no Papal transit fee
was charged. Rates in Russia were 14 and 21 kopeks, respectively.
Sardinian/Italian mediation and Austrian transit
From July 1859 it was no longer possible to send letters to Russia with
the direct Austrian mediation, letters from the Papal States had to be
paid to the Papal border, and the addressee in Russia had also to pay
the Italian transit.
Sardinian-Italian and Swiss transit and Prussian mediation
From July 1859 letters could be also sent via Sardinia, Switzerland and
Wurttemberg on the basis of the Prussian-Russian convention.
Sardinia
French mediation
Letters sent from Russia could be carried via France, rated 1.40 Italian
lire for each 7.5 grams of weight, as set by the Franco-Sardinian convention
effective from July 1, 1851.
Two Sicilies
Fig. 38 May 1858, single-rate printed matter from Naples to St. Petersburg, paid 3 grana to the Franco-Prussian border. On the front, the boxed PD impressed in Naples, indicating payment to the French border, the red stamp impressed by the French exchange office of Marseille, and the 1 Sgr indicated by Prussia (½ Sgr to AGU and ½ Sgr to Russia) corresponding to 3 kopeks.
French mediation
The Franco-Bourbon convention effective from January 1, 1854 set the rate
of prepaid letters to Russia at 41 grana for each 7.5 grams; the same
rate applied to letters received unpaid from Russia. To enjoy the reduced
rate, printed matter had to be prepaid 3 grana for each 45 grams of weight
to the Franco-Prussian border. The addressee in Russia was charged with
the Prussian transit and the Russian internal rate.
Greece
Tuscany
Carriage by the French Packets
From October 1, 1851, letters could be carried by the French packets from
the port of Leghorn, paid to the port of disembarkation in Greece at a
rate of 13 crazie for each 6 denari of weight (7.1 grams).
Carriage by the packets of the Austrian Lloyd to Ancona
Prior to October 1, 1852, letters from Greece to Tuscany were prepaid to
the port of Ancona and then forwarded to their destination in Tuscany.
From October 1, 1852, letters from Greece could be paid to destination
via Ancona at a rate of 90 lepta for each 17.5 grams of weight, corresponding
to 18 krCM (9 krCM Lloyd transit to Ancona, 9 krCM Austro-Italian rate
for distances beyond 150km).
Extension to Tuscany of the Sardinian rate
From January 1, 1860, letters could be carried from Leghorn paid to the
port of disembarkation in Greece at a rate of 80 centesimi each 10 grams
of weight.
Papal States
Austro-Italian mediation
From October 1, 1852 to October 31, 1858 letters could be carried to Greece,
paid to the port of disembarkation at a rate of 20 bajocchi for each 17.5
grams of weight. The letters were carried from Ancona to the disembarkation
port in Greece by the Austrian Lloyd. From November 1, 1858, due to the
rounding of the rates as a consequence of the Austrian monetary reform,
the rate paid to the port of disembarkation in Greece was increased to
21 bajocchi for each 17.5 grams.
Carriage by the French packets
From October 1860, as a consequence of the Sardinian occupation of Marche,
it was not possible to send letters from the port of Ancona, at a rate
of 21 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams. Letters could be carried to the disembarkation
port in Greece by the French packets.
Fig. 39 February 21, 1863, single-rate letter from Rome to Athens paid 21 bajocchi to the disembarkation port. It was carried by the French packet Quirinal from Civitavecchia to Malta where the letter was transferred to a packet of the Levante lines. On arrival 20 lepta was charged with a postage stamp used as postage-due stamp.
Two Sicilies
The Franco-Bourbon convention permitted, from January 1, 1854, to carry
letters by the French packets from Naples to the disembarkation port
of Greece at a rate of 24 grana for each 7.5 grams. This rate was in
effect also during the period of the Neapolitan Provinces. It should
be noted that the Sardinian-Italian rate of letters carried by a French
packet from an Italian port paid to the disembarkation port in Greece,
amounted to 1 Italian lira for each 7.5 grams. 24 grana = 1.02 Italian
lire, therefore the 24-grana rate can also be considered the Sardinian-Italian
rate.
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands assigned to the UK in 1815, by the Vienna Congress;
were ceded by the UK, in 1864, to the Kingdom of Greece.
Lombardy-Venetia
Letters from Lombardy-Venetia addressed to the Ionian Islands had to be
paid to the disembarkation port; the addressee paid the inland rate which
was 3d until November 30, 1857 when the inland rate was reduced to 1
penny for each ½ ounce. Letters were carried from Trieste by packets
of the Austrian Lloyd and disembarked at Corfù. Prior October
31, 1858, the sea carriage fee was 9 krCM for each lot of weight which
had to be increased by the Austrian domestic rate to Trieste. From November,
the rates were converted in Nkr, and the sea carriage was set at 15 Nkr.
Letters originating from the Ionian Islands could be sent paid to the
embarkation paying only the inland rate of 3d or 1d after December 1,
1857. Letters could also be sent from the Ionian Islands fully paid to
destination.
Fig. 40 January 2, 1860, single-rate letter sent from Corfu to Venice. The Greek P (partial payment) indicates payment of the inland postage of one penny. On the front, the 25 Nkr charged to the addressee: 15 Nkr sea-carriage, 10 Nkr Austrian fee for a destination 100 - 150 km distant.
Provisional Government of Tuscany and Tuscan Provinces
From April 28 1859 it was no longer possible to send letters to the Ionian
Islands with the Austrian mediation. Letters addressed to the Ionian
Islands had to be paid to the Austrian border, while the addressee had
to pay the Austrian rate and the sea carriage. Letters originating from
the Ionian Islands could be paid to the embarkation, at 1d per ½
ounce; in this case, the sea carriage and the Austrian inland rate were
charged to the addressee in the Tuscan provinces.
Papal States
Letters originating in the Ionian Islands with destination in the Papal
States were carried by the Austrian Lloyd to Ancona. They were paid the
domestic Ionian rate and charged on arrival the sea-carriage rate of
9 krCM (15 Nkr after November 1, 1858), and the Austro-Italian rate.
Malta
Tuscany
Sardinian mediation
From February 1, 1858 the British Sardinian mediation made it possible
to send prepaid letters to Malta at a rate of 9 crazie for each 6 denari
(7.1 grams). The rate was 6d for each ½ ounce for prepaid letters
originating in Malta. Unpaid letters were charged 8d or 12 crazie.
Papal States
Sardinian mediation
This mediation relates to letters from Malta paid 5d to the disembarkation
port of Genoa and then transferred to the Papal States where the addressee
paid the transit from Sardinia and the inland rate.
French packet carriage
From October 1, 1853, letters could be carried to Malta in closed mail
by the French packets, paid to the disembarkation port in Malta 17 bajocchi
for 6 denari (7.1 grams) of weight. In Malta the disembarked letters
were charged 1d for each ¼ ounce.
Fig. 41 October 13, 1859, quadruple-rate letter from Rome paid 68 bajocchi to the disembarkation port of Malta. The letter was carried by the French packet Capitole which arrived in Malta on October 19, 1859, where the domestic quadruple rate of 4d was charged.
Italian mediation
From 1865 the French packets ceased calling in the Malta port, since the
letters had to be carried with the Italian mediation. Letters were paid
to the Papal border and charged 8d for each ¼ ounce, as unpaid
letters coming from Italy.
Sardinia
Prior to the British Sardinian convention (February 1, 1858), letters from
Malta could be carried by the French packets, paid 5d to the port of
Genoa; on arrival the Sardinian domestic rate was charged. The British-Sardinian
convention, effective February 1, 1858, for prepaid or unpaid letters,
set a rate of 40 centesimi for letters originating from the Sardinian
Kingdom, and of 4d for letters originating from Malta. The carriage by
the French packets was paid by the UK, 15 centesimi or 1 ½d was
debited to Sardinia for the sea carriage; the balance was shared 12,5
centesimi each to Malta and Sardinia.
Sicilian provinces
From May 1, 1861 the rates to Malta of the UK Sardinian convention were
extended to Malta. From July 1861 a weekly packet of the Florio line,
with Italian contract, connected Palermo to Malta via Messina. When the
letter was carried to Malta by an Italian packet the 15 centesimi of
the sea carriage were credited to the Italian postal administration.
Spain
Tuscany
French mediation
The Franco-Tuscan convention effective October 1, 1851 set a compulsory
letter-rate of 14 crazie for each 6 denari of weight (7.1 grams), paid
to the Franco-Spanish border. Letters were charged 4 reales (1.10 Italian
lire) for each 4 adarmes (7.4 grams). Letters from Spain had to be paid
to the French border and were charged, on arrival in Tuscany, 14 crazie
for each 6 denari of weight. The Franco-Tuscan rate remained in effect
also during the Provisional Government period until July 1860; afterwards
the Sardinian rates were applied in Tuscany.
Papal States
The Franco-Papal convention effective October 1, 1853 set a compulsory
letter-rate of 22 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams of weight, paid to the
Franco-Spanish border. Letters were charged 4 reales (1.10 Italian lire)
for each 4 adarmes (7.4 grams). Letters from Spain had to be paid to
the French border and were charged on arrival in the Papal States 22
bajocchi for each 6 denari of weight. From September 1, 1866, the rate
of letters paid to the Franco-Spanish border was reduced to 55 centesimi
(11 soldi).
Sardinia
The Spanish-Sardinian convention, effective February 1, 1852, established
that letters had to be sent unpaid and, set a rate of 1.10 Italian lire
for each 7.5 grams for letters originating from Spain and a rate of 4
reales for each 4 adarmes (7.4 grams) for letters originating from Sardinia.
Letters were carried through France in closed mail.
Canary Islands
Sardinia
Spanish mediation
The Spanish Sardinian treaty, from February 1, 1852 allowed to sent unpaid
letters to Spain and to the Canary Islands that were charged on delivery
the rate of 4 reales or to received unpaid letters from the Canary Islands
which were charged on delivery the rate of lit. 1,10 for each 7,5 grams
of weight. The letters from Canary Islands were collected in Santa Cruz
de Tenerife and were carried monthly by a packet to Cadiz and from there
in closed mail through France to the Sardinian kingdom destination.
Portugal
Papal States
French mediation
The Franco-Papal convention effective October 1, 1853 set a compulsory
letter-rate of 22 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams of weight, paid to the Franco-Spanish
border. Letters from Portugal had to be paid 25 reis each ½ ounce
to the French border and, on arrival in the Papal States, were charged
22 bajocchi for each 6 denari (7.1 grams) of weight. From September 1,
1866, it was possible to prepay postage to destination in Portugal at a
rate of 65 centesimi (13 soldi) for each 7.5 grams. Letters were carried
in closed mail through Italy and Spain.
Sardinia
Letters were exchanged with Portugal with the Spanish mediation on the
basis of the Spanish-Sardinian convention effective on February 1, 1852,
which allowed only the exchange of unpaid letters. The rate for unpaid
letters to Portugal was set at 240 reis for each ¼ ounce. Letters
from Portugal had to be paid to the Spanish border, and were charged
1.40 Italian lire for each 7.5 grams of weight.
Two Sicilies
Papal mediation
Letters to Portugal could be exchanged with the Sardinian and Papal mediation.
Gibraltar
Sardinia
Letters could be posted in Spain. In this case, letters were rated as coming
from Spain. Most letters were carried by non-contract ships to the port
of Genoa. Letters had to pay the inland rate of 4d; the rate was reduced
to 2d from April 1, 1857. On arrival in Genoa, letters were charged 15
centesimi if addressed within Genoa, or 30 centesimi for destinations
beyond Genoa.
Ottoman Empire
Mail was addressed to destinations of the Ottoman Empire through the post offices that the main European countries maintained in the most important cities of the Empire.
Lombardy Venetia
The rate for letters sent prepaid to the Austrian post office of Alexandria
was, for each 17.5 grams of weight, the domestic Austrian rate to Trieste
increased by 45 centesimi (9 krCM) for sea-carriage by a ship of the
Austrian Lloyd from Trieste to Alexandria. The same rate was applied
to unpaid letters sent from the Austrian post office of Alexandria with
the Austrian Lloyd to Trieste.
Tuscany
French mediation
The Franco-Tuscan postal treaty effective from October 1, 1851, set a rate
of 13 crazie for each 7.5 grams of weight for letters sent to the French
post offices of the Ottoman Empire, where the French packets were calling.
The same rate applied to letters sent unpaid from the French post offices
to a Tuscan destination. The rate for prepaid letters posted in the French
post offices in the Ottoman Empire, or of unpaid letters carried from Tuscany
to these offices by the French packets, amounted to 90 centimes for each
7.5 grams of weight. The rates of the Franco-Tuscan convention lasted until
July 1860, when they were replaced by the rates of the
Franco-Sardinian convention.
Sardinian mediation
The Sardinian-Tuscan convention allowed sending letters to the Sardinian
post office of Tunis at a rate of 14 crazie for each 6 denari (7.1 grams)
of weight. The same rate was charged for unpaid letters sent from the Sardinian
post office of Tunis to a destination in Tuscany. Letters prepaid in Tunis
and addressed to a Tuscan destination, or unpaid letters from Tuscany addressed
to the Sardinian post office of Tunis, were rated 1 Italian lira for each
7.5 grams of weight. From January 1, 1860 the Sardinian rate of 60 centesimi
for each 7.5 grams was applied for prepaid or unpaid letters exchanged
between the Sardinian post office of Tunis and locations in Tuscany.
Papal States
Austrian mediation
The effect of the Austro-Papal convention allowed, from October 1, 1852,
to send prepaid letters to the Austrian post office in Alexandria, carried
by the Austrian Lloyd packets, at a rate of 15 bajocchi for each 17.5 grams
of weight. When letters were addressed beyond Alexandria, they were charged
1 Egyptian piaster for the inland rate for each 10 grams of weight. The
prepaid rate for letters carried by the Austrian Lloyd packets to the Austrian
post office of Constantinople was set at 20 bajocchi, corresponding to
24 kreuzer for each 17.5 grams of weight. The rate of letters sent from
the Austrian post office of Alexandria to the Papal States was set at 5.25
piaster: 2.20 piaster corresponding to 9 krCM for the Lloyd carriage to
Trieste, and 3.05 piaster corresponding to 15 krCM: 6 krCM for Lloyd carriage
from Trieste to Ancona and 9 krCM Austro-Italian rate for distances beyond
150 km. The prepaid Austro-Italian rate to the Austrian post office in
Bucharest (Walachia) was set at 12 Bajocchi: 8 bajocchi Austro-Italian
rate, 4 bajocchi foreign transit.
French mediation
The Franco-Papal convention, effective October 1, 1853, set a rate of 20
bajocchi, when paid in the Papal States, or 1 franc, when paid in the
French post offices, for each 7.5 grams of weight, for letters carried
by a French packet, prepaid or unpaid from a French post office of the
Ottoman Empire to a destination in the Papal States or vice-versa.
Sardinia
The rate to the Sardinian post office of Tunis was set at 60 centesimi
for each 7.5 grams. From December 1, 1859 the progression of weight was
fixed at 10 grams.
French mediation
The Franco-Sardinian postal treaty effective from July 1, 1851, set a rate
of 1 Italian lira for each 7.5 grams of weight for letters sent to the
French postal offices of the Ottoman Empire where the French packets
were calling; the same rate applied to letters sent unpaid from the French
post offices to a Sardinian destination. The rate of prepaid letters
posted in the French post offices in the Ottoman Empire, or of the unpaid
letters carried from Sardinia to these offices by the French packets,
was 1 French franc for each 7.5 grams of weight. The new Franco-Sardinian
convention effective from January 1, 1861 reduced the rate to and from
the French post offices of the Ottoman Empire to 80 centesimi.
Austrian Mediation
The Austrian post offices of Levante could collect letters addressed to
a Sardinian destination, and carry them with the Austrian Lloyd to Trieste
and from there to Sardinia; the Austrian transit debited to Sardinia
was increased by the domestic Sardinian rate.
Two Sicilies
French mediation
The Franco-Bourbon postal treaty effective from January 1, 1854, set a
rate of 21 grana for each 7.5 grams of weight for letters sent to the French
post offices of the Ottoman Empire where the French packets were calling.
The same rate applied to letters sent unpaid from the French post offices
to a destination in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The rate of prepaid
letters posted at the French post offices in the Ottoman Empire, or of
the unpaid letters carried from the Two Sicilies to these offices by the
French packets, amounted to 90 centimes for each 7.5 grams of weight.
French mediation extension of the Sardinian rates
The rates of the Franco-Sardinian convention for letters exchanged with
the French post offices in the Ottoman Empire were extended to the former
Bourbon territories from October 1, 1861.
United States of America
Modena
The Sardo- Modenese postal treaty effective March 1,1855 set a rate of
lit. 1,90, for 7,5 grams of weight, for letters sent to USA paid to the
port of disembarkation. On delivery in USA 5 cents, for each half an
ounce (14,2 grams), were charged.
Tuscany
Fig. 42 March 9, 1856, triple-rate letter (14.2-21.3 grams) from Leghorn to Philadelphia prepaid to the port of New York. The letter was transferred in closed mail to Liverpool, where it was put aboard the British Cunarder packet Asia which arrived in New York on April 4, the date of the black marking impressed by the exchange office indicating also the domestic postage due of 10 cents (weight exceeding ½ ounce: 14.17 - 28.35 grams).
The Franco-Tuscan postal treaty, effective October 1, 1851, set a rate of 28 crazie for each 6 denari (7.1 grams) for letters paid to the port of disembarkation in the USA. Letters were charged on arrival in the USA 5 cents for each ½ ounce of weight (14.17 grams). Letters were carried in closed mail by the British packets from Liverpool, either to New York or to Boston. Letters could be carried by the American packets to the port of Havre paid 21 cents for each ½ ounce of weight. These letters were charged, on arrival in Tuscany, 15 crazie for each 6 denari of weight.
Papal States
Prior the effects of the Franco-Papal postal treaty, letters were mainly
addressed from the USA to forwarders in London who sent the letters to
the final destination in the Papal States, often with the help of forwarders
based in Rome or in Civitavecchia.
French mediation
Prior the effect of the 1853 postal treaty letters could be sent paid to
the embarkation port in France at a rate of 27 bajocchi for each 7,5
grams of weight. The Franco-Papal postal treaty, effective October 1,
1853, set a rate of 38 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams for letters paid to
the port of disembarkation in the USA. These letters were charged on
arrival in the USA 5 cents for each ½ ounce of weight (14.17 grams).
Letters were carried in closed mail by the British packets from Liverpool,
either to New York or to Boston. As a consequence of the direct Franco-American
convention, from January 1, 1858, it became possible to prepay postage
to destinations in the USA at a rate of 32 bajocchi for every 7.5 grams.
The same rate applied to letters received unpaid from the USA. The Franco-American
treaty effective on April 1, 1857, set a rate of 27 cents, for each ½
ounce (7.1 grams), for prepaid letters originating from the USA with
destinations in the Papal States. The same rate applied to unpaid letters
received in the USA. Partial payment was not permitted, partially paid
letters were considered as fully unpaid. The new Franco-Papal treaty,
effective September 1, 1866 reduced the rate of prepaid letters to the
USA to 1.15 Italian lire (23 soldi. After the introduction of the Italian
lira, 1 bajocco = 1 soldo = 5 centesimi) for each 7.5 grams of weight.
As a consequence of the American civil war during the period 1865-1869,
the paper money was devalued in comparison with the silver coins (hard
money); hence the postage due in the USA was rated both in paper and
in hard money.
Prussian Mediation
Letters could be sent with the Prussian and Austrian mediation. The rate
of letters sent from the USA to the Papal States with the Prussian closed
mail and the Austrian mediation, was 35 cents for each ½ ounce
of weight.
North German Union (NGU) mediation
The NGU-Papal convention set the rate of prepaid letters to the USA at
80 centesimi for each 15 grams of weight. Letters were carried to the
USA either from Bremen or from Hamburg where the letters arrived in closed
mail through Italy and Switzerland or Austria.
Sardinia
French mediation
Letters originating from the USA, carried by an American packet, could
be sent paid 21 cents (under ½ ounce of weight) to the British port
of disembarkation. On arrival, these letters were charged the rate of the
Franco-Sardinian convention: 1 Italian lira for each 7.5 grams of weight.
The scale of weight of the British American convention was: 1 rate - under ½ ounce;
2 rates - under 1 ounce; 4 rates - under 2 ounces; 2 rates for each additional
ounce. From January 1857, as a consequence of the reduction of transit
rates of the Franco-British convention in effect from January 1, 1857,
the rate of letters from Sardinia paid to the disembarkation port in the
USA, was reduced from 1.70 Italian lire to 1 Italian lira for each 7.5
grams.
Fig. 43 March 21, 1857, quintuple-rate letter (30-37.5 grams) from La Spezia to Annapolis paid 5 lire to the disembarkation port of Boston where the black arrival marking indicating carriage by the British packets debited 20 cents to the addressee for a letter weighing more than 1 ounce but less than 2 ounces (28.3-56.7 grams). The only recorded letter rated 1 lira during the period January-April 1857.From May 1, 1857 it was possible to prepay postage to the USA at a rate of 1.20 Italian lire for each 7.5 grams of weight. The same rate was applied to unpaid letters received from the USA.
Two Sicilies
Due to the expensive rates of letters posted in the Bourbon domains, letters
were often forwarded from London.
Canada
Two Sicilies
The Franco-Bourbon treaty, effective from January 1, 1854, set the prepaid
rate to Canada at 47 grana for each 7.5 grams.
Fig. 44 February 1859, single-rate prepaid letter from Naples to Montreal (Canada). The letter was carried by the Neapolitan packet Mongibello to Marseille, as per manuscript indication and as confirmed by D.SICILIE S.E./ MARSEILLE, impressed by the exchange office of Marseille. From Marseille the letter was transferred in the open mail to London, where the transit mark was impressed confirming full payment. From London it was transferred in closed mail to Liverpool and then probably disembarked to New York and transferred to Montreal where the mail bag was opened and the arrival marking impressed. The only recorded letter addressed to Canada paid with Neapolitan postage stamps.
Guatemala
Papal States
French mediation
From January 1, 1858, the rate of letters paid to the disembarkation port
in Belize and to the British Honduras border was determined in 28 bajocchi
for each 7.5 grams. Until 1862 there was not a direct postage rate from
Guatemala to UK therefore postage was paid 2 reales to the British Honduras
border and from there it was carried to Belize to be embarked on the British
packets. Senders of letters from Guatemala could have an agreement with
an agent in Belize who paid the full rate to destination.
Fig. 45 November 30, 1861, single-rate letter from Guatemala to Rome carried via Belize. 2 reales were paid to the British Honduras border. In Belize 1s 1d postage was paid to destination as per BELIZE / PAID impressed at Belize, from there the letter was carried by the packet Teviot of the Royal Mail to Livingstone in Jamaica, then to St. Thomas, and from there by the British packet Seine to Southampton, and then to London where the datestamp LONDON / PAID was impressed, confirming payment to destination. The letter entered France at Calais then was put aboard the French packet Pausillippe, disembarked in Civitavecchia and transferred to Rome.
Mexico
Papal States
French mediation
From January 1, 1858, the rate for letters paid to the disembarkation port
in Mexico was set at 35 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams.
Fig. 46 December 29, 1852, single rate letter from Florence to Humacao (Porto Rico), paid 15 crazie to the embarkation port of Bordeaux. As per endorsement the letter was embarked in Bordeaux on a French non contract ship and disembarked in St Thomas where the letter was transferred to Naguabo (Porto Rico), as usual there is no indication of the postage charged on delivery. It is the only known letter to Porto Rico from the Grand duchy of Tuscany.
Effective October 1, 1851, the Franco - Tuscan convention established a rate of 15 crazie for each 7,5 grams of weight for letters sent to American countries paid to the port of embarkation in France.
Trinidad
Two Sicilies
French mediation
The French British convention, effective January 1, 1857, indicated a rate
of 1s 1d for each 7,5 grams of weight for letters paid to destination in
the Two Sicilies kingdom.
Fig. 47 April 1857, letter from Trinidad to Naples. The 1 penny postage stamp paid the single rate (less than ½ ounce) domestic postage in Trinidad , on the cover the indication of the 2s 2d prepaid postage to destination for a double rate letter (more than ½ ounce). The letter carried to St. Thomas was then carried to Southampton by a British packet of the RMSP Co, then to London and to France where the marking of the travelling post office Calais Paris was impressed on Mai 2. On the front the red British PD the hardly readable oval Franca impressed in Naples confirming payment to destination.
Uruguay
Papal States
French mediation
From January 1, 1858, rate for letters paid to the disembarkation port
in Uruguay was set at 28 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams. On arrival in Montevideo,
letters were charged the inland rate.
Sardinia
British mediation
The British Sardinian convention, effective on February 1, 1858, indicated
that for overseas destinations the rate would have been the British rate
increased by 40 centesimi for British and French transit, For letters to
Uruguay the rate was 1 Italian lira paid to the disembarkation in Montevideo;
these letters were charged for inland Uruguayan rate. The same rate of
1 Italian lira applied to letters originating from Montevideo; there was
no charge in Montevideo for letters embarked on the British packets.
Brazil
Sardinia
French mediation
The Franco-Sardinian convention, effective on July 1, 1851, set at 1.70
Italian lire for each 7.5 grams of weight, the rate of letters prepaid
to the disembarkation port in Brazil. The same rate applied to letters
originating from Brazil, paid to the embarkation. In Rio de Janeiro letters
could be handed directly to the British agent in this case no Brazilian
postage was paid.
Fig. 48 July 14, 1855, double-rate letter from Rio de Janeiro to Genoa. As per stamp on the back, the letter was directly handed to the British agent in Rio de Janeiro where it was put on board of a British packet of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, to be disembarked in Southampton. On the front, the red boxed marking COLONIES /&C ART.13 referring to the British-French convention article which stated that 40 pence be charged to France for each 30 grams of mail carried by the British packets to the UK, and then through the UK to France. The addressee was charged the double rate of 34 decimi.
Argentina
Sardinia
French mediation
From January 1, 1857, as a consequence of the reduction of the transit
fees charged by the UK to France, the rate of letters paid to the disembarkation
port in Argentina was set at 1 lira for each 7.5 grams. The same rate was
charged to letters originating from Argentina and paid to the port of embarkation.
Argentina never agreed a postal convention with France or the UK, but it
permitted the postal agents of these countries to receive directly letters
addressed to Europe, and to distribute letters arrived from Europe. When
letters were received or distributed by the French or British agents, no
postage was paid to Argentina.
Chile
Papal States
French mediation
Fig. 49 May 16, 1853, single rate letter from Santiago to Jesi. The letter was paid to the embarkation port of Valparaiso, as per the FRANCA stamp, where it entered the British postal system as per stamp on the back. It was put on board of a packet of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company to be disembarked in Panama. The letter was carried through the isthmus to Colon and embarked on a packet of the RMSP Co. to be disembarked in Southampton, it transited London where PANAMA / TRANSIT was impressed, then it was carried to Paris via Calais and to Genova via Pt. de Beauvoisn . The letter was then carried to Leghorn where the CORRISP ESTA DA GENOVA was impressed. France debited to Sardinia 23 decimes corresponding to 46 bajocchi which were increased by 5 bajocchi to make the 51 bajocchi debited on delivery.
Prior the effect of the Franco-Papal convention of October 1, 1853 letters could be received from Chile with the French and Sardinian mediation.
Fig. 50 August 25, 1867, single-rate letter from Rome to Santiago, paid 27 soldi to the disembarkation port. The letter was carried from Civitavecchia to Marseille by the French packet Pausillippe on the last trip before the interruption of the service due to cholera. In London, the handstamp LONDON / PAID was impressed, the letter was then carried by British packets to Colon then across the isthmus to Panama and then it was embarked on a packet of the Pacific Steam Navigation Co. and disembarked in Valparaiso to be taken to Santiago where 15 centavos was charged for the Chilean inland rate.
The PANAMA / TRANSIT was impressed in accordance with a 1848 additional clause to the 1843 Franco - British convention to indicate that 5s 4d were due by France to the UK administration for each 30 grams of unpaid letters carried to France originating beyond Panama. From January 1, 1858, the rate for letters paid to the disembarkation port in Chile was set at 35 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams. The same rate was charged to letters originating from Chile and paid to the port of embarkation. From September 1, 1866 the single-rate for letters paid to the disembarkation port in Chile was reduced to 1.35 Italian lire (27 soldi).
Peru
Papal States
French mediation
From September 1, 1866, the single-rate for letters paid to the disembarkation
port in Peru was reduced to 1.35 Italian lire (27 soldi). The same rate
was charged on delivery of letters originating from Peru and paid to the
embarkation port.
Fig. 51 May 31, 1867, single-rate letter from Lima to Rome, paid 1 dinero to the embarkation port of Callao. The letter was carried through Panama and then from Colon, by a packet of the RMSP Company, to Southampton; then to London where the accountancy marking debiting 1.90 French francs for each 30 grams of mail carried to France was impressed. In Paris the handstamp debiting 19 bajocchi was impressed, probably the only recorded use of this handstamp. Based on the treaty, 27 bajocchi should have been charged to the addressee, instead of 19 bajocchi.
India
Papal States
French mediation
From January 1, 1858, the rate for letters paid to an India port served
by the British packets was set at 28 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams. From
Alexandria the letters were transferred overland to Suez and then they
were carried by the packets of the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation
Company (P&O), with British contract, via Aden either to the port of
Bombay, Port Galle (Ceylon) or to Calcutta.
Fig. 52 December 30, 1862, single-rate letter from Rome to Calcutta, prepaid 28 bajocchi. The letter was carried by the French packet Vatican to Marseille where it was put on board of the French packet Moeris and disembarked in Alexandria, then transferred to the British mail as confirmed by the stamp on the back ALEXANDRIA / JA 6. The letter was carried by the "Overland Mail" to Suez where a British packet of the P&O line probably carried the letter to Bombay, and then a non contract packet carried the letter to Calcutta where the stamp CALCUTTA / SHIP LETTER was impressed. The addressee was charged 1s, corresponding to the 8 annas for the sea carriage to Calcutta as per indication on the back.
Sardinia
Austrian mediation
The Austrian Sardinian convention, effective January 1, 1854 allowed to
send letters to India, via Trieste paid to the disembarkation port of Alessandria
one lira for each 15 grams of weight, the English postal system carried
letters to India at a rate of 8 annas corresponding to 1 shilling. Letters
from India were carried to Alexandia paid 8 annas (1 shilling) for each
half an ounce (14,2 grams) and were charged on arrival in Sardinia one
lira.
Fig. 53 April 2, 1857, single rate letter from Bombay to Genova paid to Alexandria 8 annas corresponding to 1 shilling. From Alexandria the letter was carried by an Austrian Lloyd packet to Trieste, as per endorsement. On the cover D.A. a. L. impressed in Milan debiting 18 krCM, corresponding to 80 centesimi, to Sardinia: 9 krCM for Loyd carriage to Trieste, 9 krCM for inland beyond 150 km, 20 centesimi for the Sardinian inland, were added to make the 10 decimi charged to the addressee.
Singapore
Papal States
French mediation
From January 1, 1858, The rate of letters prepaid to Singapore was set
at 28 bajocchi for each 7.5 grams.
Fig. 54 March 7, 1863, single-rate letter from Rome to Singapore paid 28 bajocchi to destination in Singapore. The letter was carried overland to Marseille where was put on board of the French packet Danube to Alexandria. Transferred by the "Overland Mail" to Suez, the letter was put on board of the French packet Cambodge, as per circular datestamp on the reverse that carried the letter to Singapore. It is the only recorded letter to Singapore.
Victoria
Papal States
French mediation
From January 1, 1858, the rate of letters carried by a British packet to
the disembarkation port of Melbourne (Port Philip) was set at 28 bajocchi
for each 7.5 grams.
Fig. 55 June 19, 1859, single-rate letter from Rome to Melbourne, paid 28 bajocchi to the disembarkation port of Melbourne. The latter was carried by a non-contract ship to Marseille as per BASTIMENTI DI COMMERCIO DI CIVITAVECCHIA. The letter was then carried to Alexandria by the French packet Cephise. In Alexandria the letter was transferred to the British postal system and carried overland to Suez where it was transferred to the packets of the P&O lines. After presumably disembarking in Singapore, the letter was carried by a non-contract ship to Melbourne as per SHIP LETTER GPO VICTORIA, impressed on the reverse. There is no indication of the postage-due paid by the addressee.
The Franco-Papal convention from September 1, 1866 set a rate of 95 centesimi for letter paid to the disembarkation port of Melbourne; the addressee had to pay postage from the disembarkation to the destination. Letters from Victoria had to be paid to the embarkation port of Melbourne and were charged 95 centesimi for 10 grams of weight on arrival in the Papal States. The Franco-British convention allowed from August 1, 1862 to send letter paid to destination in The Papal States at a rate of 1s 2d each ¼ ounce, partially paid letters were considered unpaid.
Fig. 56 March 1, 1868, single-rate letter from Ballarat to Rome, insufficiently prepaid 1s. The letter was carried by the Packet Bombay of the P&O line to Pt. de Galle, Ceylon, then to Suez by the packet Surat of the P&O line. The letter was then carried overland to Alexandria where it was put on board of the P&O packet Ripon and disembarked in Marseille. Carried by railway to Lyon, the letter was taken to Mont Cenis, and then carried through Italy in closed mail. On arrival in Rome, 95 centesimi was charged to the addressee, the rate for a single-rate letter unpaid letter from Victoria.
mmentaschi@tin.it - t.matha@dnet.it
NB: This paper was distributed to members and guests of the Royal Philatelic
Society London visiting our display on February 9th, 2006. © All
rights reserved.
© The Royal Philatelic Society London 2000 - 2010. Top
