PRO OPERA PREVIDENZA M.V.S.N.

Description: Series of 4 stamps with 4 subjects. Impression 100.000.
Date of issue: October 26, 1926. Valid up to February 29, 1928.

The series is reissued with different colours March 1st, 1928 (impression 200.000), valid up to August 31st, 1930. A new series only with Castel S.Angelo July 1, 1930 (impression 100.000), valid up to February 1, 1932.
The date I.II.MCMXXVI is written both on the right and the left border. It is the third anniversary for the founding of the milits.

Charity stamp for the disablement fund (Pro opera previdenca) of M.V.S.N. - Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (Militia for national security).

The militia was founded on February 1st, 1923. It was a state security force or a fascist militia for defend of the Fascist revolution. Mussolini transformed the PNF Blackshirts into M.V.S.N. after the stormy party discussion in December, 1922. The Militia was designed to keep the rank and file squad members under control, and it gave Mussolini a private army. The militia also guarded public buildings.

The motives are showing different famous locations in Rome. It may symbolise the guarding of important public and roman buildings, the continuity from ancient Rome till present time.
The motives that are used on the stamps may be copies of Piranesi paintings.

The border panel is the same on every stamp. Large fasces on both left and right border panel. Next to the fasces on the left side the date I-II-MCMXXIII (February 1st, 1923), and on the right side I-II-MCMXXVI (February 1st, 1926), marking the third anniversary of the militia.
On top Panel is the eagle in a winged wreath of honour. On the bottom the words "Pro Opera Previdenza M.V.S.N.".
The arms of Savoy are not depicted.

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Date created: 22/03/00 11:42:36