1975 Italian 100 Lire Stamp Block – Salvo D’Acquisto (Arma dei Carabinieri)
Commemorative postage block honoring Carabinieri Vice Brigadier Salvo D’Acquisto, executed by German forces in 1943 and later awarded Italy’s Gold Medal of Military Valor.
Images
Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italian Republic |
| Denomination | 100 Lire |
| Year of Issue | 1975 |
| Theme | Commemoration of Salvo D’Acquisto and the Arma dei Carabinieri |
| Subject | Vice Brigadier Salvo D’Acquisto in Carabinieri uniform, protecting civilians in the background. |
| Designer | S. Campeggi & V. Pisani (after the film poster artwork) |
| Printer | IPZS – Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, Rome |
| Format | Block of four stamps with left margin showing stars and control marks |
| Gum / Condition | Unused, original gum; light handling but no postal cancellations. |
| Provenance | Modern Italian commemorative acquired for its connection to Carabinieri history. |
Historical Background
These 100 Lire stamps were issued in 1975 to honor Salvo D’Acquisto (1920–1943), a young Vice Brigadier in the Arma dei Carabinieri. During the German occupation of Italy, D’Acquisto falsely confessed to responsibility for an explosion in order to save a group of hostages who were about to be executed in reprisal. He was shot by a German firing squad near Palidoro on 23 September 1943, and later awarded Italy’s highest decoration, the Medaglia d’Oro al Valor Militare.
The 1975 issue reflects the long-standing respect for D’Acquisto within the Carabinieri and among the Italian public. It also coincided with renewed interest in his story through books and film, presenting him as a symbol of moral courage and self-sacrifice during the turbulent final years of the Second World War in Italy.
Design & Symbolism
The vignette shows D’Acquisto in full Carabinieri uniform, one hand resting on his chest and the other extended protectively toward a group of civilians. In the background stands a coastal watchtower, evoking the site of the reprisal at Palidoro. The inscription “SALVO D’ACQUISTO” appears at the top right, while the denomination L. 100 and the country name ITALIA anchor the lower edge.
In this example, the four-stamp block is preserved with its left margin showing a column of stars and printer’s control markings at the bottom. These marginal details highlight the piece as a small fragment of a full sheet, useful for both philatelic study and display.
Collector’s Notes
- Presents an appealing crossover between Carabinieri memorabilia and Italian commemorative philately.
- Block of four with margin offers more visual impact than a single used stamp and preserves printer’s stars and color bars.
- Uncancelled with original gum, suitable for archival mounting alongside Carabinieri uniform items, medals, or documentation.