HALF GRANA


To print this value two plates have been used, one prepared by Masini and the second one by De Masa, the stamps made with the second plate appeared from mid April 11860. Some details allow for the identification of the proper plate. Other minor details allow in addition for the identification of the group (right or left) from which the samples are coming. This last point, quite technical, will not be dealt here in detail: in the "Bibliography" section some suggested work is listed for the people who desires to continue the study.

First plate
  
Second plate

Fig. 1: 1st plate

  

Fig. 2: 2nd plate

1st PLATE (Fig. 1)
The upper frame line and the upper part of the circle over "POSTA" are almost always bad printed and often not visible at all.
The last "A" of "NAPOLETANA" is always with the central triangle white (with the exception of some printing runs very inked).
The color are somehow light and the printing is often weak or not well visible.
2nd PLATE (Fig. 2)
The upper frame line is sharp and well visible.
The last "A" of "NAPOLETANA" is often full (but not always).
The colors are quite darker and the printing is better.

Catalogued color shades (as per Sassone) - 1st plate

Pale pink (typical color)
Lilac pink
Brownish pink
Bright carmine pink
Carmine

Catalogued color shades (as per Sassone) - 2nd plate

Carmine (typical color)
Dull carmine
Dark carmine
Pink