International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/Italy

=Italy=


 * The first meter was installed in 1927.
 * Meter manufacturers (and re-branders) in Italy: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Astro, Audion, EMS, Elsag Bailey, Francopost, Lirma, Olivetti, OMT, Pegasus, Sima, Steiner (Primavera), Sysco, TAE


 * At some point most of these companies ended their manufacturing of meters and became distributors of rebranded meters manufactured by Francotyp, Frama, and Neopost.


 * The stamps are grouped according to standard designs as follows:
 * A - With fasces in side panels
 * B - Blank in side panels
 * C - With leaf and branch design in side panels
 * D - With leaves in side panels
 * E - With non-representative ornaments in side panels
 * F - Digital stamp with bars and barcode ("AffrancaPosta")
 * PO - Designs used only in Post Offices
 * PP - Designs used only for Parcel Post
 * PR - Designs used by licensed parcel carriers
 * PV - Public self-service machine stamps


 * Many stamp types can be especially difficult to differentiate for two reasons. Some meter models were marketed under different nameplates despite being otherwise identical. Second, there was no standardization of basic features such as size of town mark, distance between the town mark and frank, and size/shape of the date and value figures. The result is that stamps from different meter models are often impossible to tell apart, and conversely, stamps of the same type can be highly variable from one machine to another. In some cases stamps from different models have been cataloged as a single type due to the difficulty of differentiation. Some of these stamps can be correctly identified if the impression includes a letter code for the meter model, but use of these codes was arbitrary and many stamps do not have it.


 * The stamps, especially the early ones, are often found with a feature called the greater border. This is usually a multi-line frame surrounding the frank and other elements of the impression. There are four general styles:
 * Simulated perforations around frank and slogan but not the town mark
 * Simulated perforations around frank, town mark and slogan (including or excluding the transaction counter at top)
 * Single or double straight line around frank, town mark and often the slogan (including or excluding the transaction counter)
 * Straight line around the town mark and slogan but not around the frank


 * The following symbols are used to depict non-numeric characters in the value figures:
 * MeterCat 4-point star.jpg : 4-point star
 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg : 5-point asterisk with ends of arms thick
 * ★ : solid 5-point star, arms ending in point (can be thick or thin, with single point up or down)
 * ☆ : hollow 5-point star
 * MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg : 5-point starburst (sometimes appearing as a dot with five smaller dots around it)
 * MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg : 6-point star with horizontal and diagonal arms
 * MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg : 6-point star with vertical and diagonal arms
 * ✳ : 8-point starburst
 * ✠ : Maltese cross
 * ≋ : three stacked wavy lines
 * MeterCat solid diamond.jpg : solid diamond (sometimes appears as large dot)
 * ◇ : hollow diamond
 * MeterCat slot head.jpg : split solid circle (slotted screw head)
 * MeterCat delta.jpg : delta or triangle
 * MeterCat block.jpg : solid square
 * MeterCat box.jpg : hollow square
 * ✖ : bold 'x'
 * MeterCat negative X.jpg : negative 'x'
 * MeterCat pentagon.jpg: hollow pentagon


 * From 1937 to 1944 most meter dates included the Fascist year (in Roman numerals) added at right. A few remained in use as late as 1952.
 * Meters in Italy are capable of printing a directional slug that is usually found several centimeters below the town mark but also at other locations. Known slugs are:
 * ESPRESSO (express)
 * ESTRATTO CONTO (statement of account)
 * FATTURA COMM (commercial invoice)
 * MANOSCRITTI (manuscript)
 * MANOSCRITTI CON LETTERA DI ACCOMPAGNAMENTO (manuscript with accompanying letter)
 * RACCOMMANDATE (registered)
 * STAMPE or STAMPATI (printed matter)
 * VIA AEREA (by air)
 * This catalog lists slugs used with Post Office meters (Group PO) but not those found on regular meters.

NOTE: For specialized information about the meter stamps of Italy, see the several guides published by the Associazione Italiana Collezionisti di Affrancature Meccaniche (AICAM, http://www.aicam.org/), especially their eight part Catalogo Generale delle Affrancature Meccaniche Italiane by Roberto Di Casola and Milvio Bencini and Le affrancatrici meccaniche negli Uffici Postali Italiani by Mario Pozzati. Some images used here are from these catalogs. Thanks is offered to the authors and AICAM for this.

GROUP A: Rectangular frank with fasces in side panels


'''A1. Hasler "F2"''' (FV-8), 1927.
 * Town mark with identification number below.
 * Spacing variable. Slogan at left.
 * Value figures with comma.
 * TM: DC
 * Values: 0,05  0,10  0,20  0,25  0,50  0,75  1,00  1,25  1,75  2,00  2,50  5,00


 * a. With user's identification rather than ID number below the town mark
 * b. TM lowered with slogan above [Scarce]
 * c. Single circle town mark [Rare, value uncertain]
 * d. Without identification number, nothing below the town mark

'''A2. Universal "5"''' (FV-5), 1927. [Scarce]
 * Similar to Type A1 but large single circle TM with one star at bottom.
 * Spacing 23mm. Slogan at far left.
 * Date without stops. Roman month in date.
 * Values: 0,05  0,10  0,20   0,25  0,50  1,25  1,50



'''A3. Sima''' (FV-5/8).
 * Very similar to Type A2 but with user's name or slogan below the town mark or, rarely, below the frank.
 * TM normally has three stars at bottom but also with two, one or none.
 * Spacing variable, between 26 and 33mm.
 * Comma in value figure.
 * Date with stops. Arabic month (normally) in date.


 * Values: 0,10  0,25  0,30  0,50  0,75  1,00  1,25  1,50  1,75  2,00  2,25  2,50  2,75
 * Values: 0,20  0,60  1,20  [Rare]


 * a. Used in Yugoslavia during the Italian occupation, 1941-1945. The town mark reads "LUBIANA / LJUBLJANA" [Very rare]

NOTE: These value figures may have been used but have not been reported: ,05 [ 0,15  0,35  0,40  0,45  0,65  0,85  0,95  1,15  1,35  1,40  3,00

'''A4. Sima''' (MV).
 * Similar to Type A3 but the frank is taller.
 * Decimal in value figure.
 * Slogan/user's name below frank, between the town mark and frank, or centered below entire stamp, never below TM only as with Type A3.
 * Spacing variable, in two general ranges: 17 to 26mm, and 33 to 37mm.
 * Arabic month in date.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 0.00 (A,O)  00.00 (A,O)  ★0.00 (O)   ☆0.00 (A,O)  MeterCat slot head.jpg 0.00 (A)


 * a. With greater border
 * b. Post Office stamp, with “UFFICIO POSTALE” below TM



'''A5. Francotyp "A" ''' (MV), 1927.
 * With Impression counter centered or raised between TM and frank.
 * Spacing 59-62mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * Date without stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg 0.00 (A)   MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg 000 (A)


 * a. With greater border
 * b. Special greater border: Simulated perforations with internal segments around frank and TM, or around frank and slogan/user’s name
 * c. Post Office stamp, with “UFFICIO POSTALE” below frank



'''A6. Francotyp "B" ''' (MV), 1927.
 * Similar to Type A5 but spacing wider, 74-75mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * Date with stops after day and month.
 * Impression counter raised between TM and frank.
 * Slogan below frank and/or in center.
 * Value figures large and sharply angular.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  0.00 (A)


 * a. With greater border

'''A7. Francotyp "C" ''' (MV), 1927.
 * Very similar to Types A6 but date without stops.
 * Spacing 77-79mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * Slogan center or below the whole stamp.
 * Value figures usually smaller and smoother than on Type A6.
 * V/F: 0.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg 0.000 (A) (scarce)


 * a. With greater border
 * b. Special greater border: Simulated perforations with internal segments around frank, TM, slogan, Impression counter number, and meter model number “Mod. C/FRANCOTYP" in lower left
 * c. Post Office stamp, with “UFFICIO POSTALE” between TM and frank or below frank. [scarce]
 * d. Used in Cyrenaica region of Libya. TM reads “BENGASI/ CIRENAICA”. [Very rare]
 * e. Frank without frame, value figures only
 * f. Date surrounded by frank frame, value figures only at right [Rare]
 * g. Used in the Slovenian region of Yugoslavia which was occupied by Italy during a portion of World War 2. TM reads "LUBIANA 1/ LJUBLJANA 1". [Rare]
 * h. TM moved down and to the left to accommodate time in date line.



'''A8. Sima ''' (MV), 1943. [Rare]
 * Similar to Type A4 but the fasces ornaments in the side panels have the ax heads at the top.
 * This is known as the "Repubblicani" fasces.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg.00 (A)


 * a. With greater border [Rare]

'''A9. Sima''' (MV), 1943. [Exceptionally rare]
 * As Type A8 but the fasces in the side panels are much thinner.
 * This is known as the "Filiformi" fasces.
 * V/F: 0.00

GROUP B: Provisional design, Group A types with panels at sides empty or removed


'''B1. Hasler "F2" ''' (FV-8), 1944. [Scarce]
 * As Type A1 but with fasces removed from sides.
 * TM with M# below. Spacing variable.
 * Comma in value figure.
 * TM: DC
 * Values seen: 0,50  2,00  2,50  3,00  4,00


 * a. TM SC [Very rare.]
 * b. Mailer's name instead of identification number below the town mark (shown)

'''B2. Sima ''' (FV-1). [Rare]
 * As Type A3 but with fasces removed from sides.
 * TM normally has three stars at bottom but also with two, one or none.
 * Spacing variable, between 26 and 33mm.
 * Comma in value figure.
 * Values known: 1,75  2,25  3,00

'''B3. Sima''' (MV).
 * As Type A4 but with fasces removed from sides.
 * Decimal in value figure.
 * Slogan/user's name below frank, center, or centered below entire stamp, never below TM only as with Type A3.
 * Spacing variable in three ranges: 8mm, 17 to 26mm, or 33 to 37mm.
 * Arabic month in date, with stops.
 * V/F: 0.00 (A,O)  00.0 (O)  00.00 (A,O)  ★0.00 (O)  ☆0.00 (A,O)   00.00 (A)  ☆00.00 (A,O)  ✠0.00 (A)  000.00 (O)


 * a. Inner panels completely removed from frank
 * b. With greater border

'''B4. Francotyp "A"''' (MV).
 * As Type A5 but with fasces removed.
 * With Impression counter centered or raised between TM and frank.
 * Spacing 59-62mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A)


 * a. With greater border

'''B5. Francotyp "B" ''' (MV).
 * As Type A6 but with fasces removed.
 * With Impression counter raised between TM and frank.
 * Spacing 74-75mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * TM: SC, date with stops
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A)


 * a. One or both inner panels removed from frank
 * b. With greater border

'''B6. Francotyp "C"''' (MV).
 * As Type A7 but with fasces removed.
 * With Impression counter raised between TM and frank.
 * Spacing 77-79mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * TM: SC, date without stops
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  000 (A)


 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)
 * a. One or both inner panels removed from frank.
 * b. Frank missing, V/F only [Scarce]
 * c. With greater border
 * d. Fasces partly obliterated but still present
 * e. Used in the Slovenian region of Yugoslavia which was occupied by Italy during a portion of World War 2. TM reads "LUBIANA 1/ LJUBLJANA 1". [Rare]

NOTE: Sub-variety b is identical to Type A7e but with a post-war date.

GROUP C: First post-war design, horizontal frank, side panels contain a design of leaves and branches
NOTES:
 * See also Groups PO and PS for stamps with side panels of leaves and branches.
 * Stamps of Group C onward can be difficult to identify. Some meter models, although identical, were marketed under different nameplates. Among meters of the same model, wide variations can exist in basic features such as size of town mark, distance between the town mark and frank, and the size and shape of date and value figures.

Sub-Group CA: Narrow frank, 30-31mm wide by 23-25mm tall, without dots at sides of “POSTE ITALIANE” (except for Types CA7-CA9)

 * This sub-group includes AICAM (the Italian meter stamp collecting society) frank die types 9, 32, and 33.

'''CA1. Sima''' (FV-8,-12), 1946. [Scarce]
 * User’s name/slogan below TM.
 * With three, two or one star at bottom of TM.
 * TM: SC
 * Values: 1,00  2,00  3,00  4,00  5,00  6,00  8,00  10,oo  13,00  14,00  15,oo  20,00  25,00  30,oo  50,00

'''CA2. Hasler “F2” ''' (FV-8). [Scarce]
 * M# below TM. Slogan at left.
 * TM: DC
 * Values: 2,oo  3,oo  4,00  5,00  10,oo  15,oo  20,oo  20,00  25,oo  50,00

NOTE: One meter is known with Single Circle TM and is very rare.

'''CA3. Sima''' (MV).
 * Slogan/user’s name below frank, between TM and frank, or below entire stamp, never below TM only.
 * Spacing variable in two ranges: narrow 17 to 26mm, and wide 33 to 37mm.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 0.00 (A)  00.00 (A,O)  000.00 (O)  ✠00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg. (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)  ✠00.==


 * a. With greater border

'''CA4. Francotyp “A” ''' (MV). [Scarce]
 * Impression counter centered or raised between TM and frank.
 * Spacing 59-62mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * TM: SC large (~24mm) or small (~22mm)
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)


 * a. With greater border

NOTE: The Francotyp "B" stamp previously cataloged as Type CA5 probably does not exist.

'''CA6. Francotyp “C” ''' (MV).
 * With or without Impression counter raised between TM and frank.
 * Spacing 77-79mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * Date without stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)


 * a. With greater border

'''CA7. Francopost [Frama “Sensonic” and “Mail-Max”] ''' (digital), 1999.
 * Dots at sides of “POSTE ITALIANE”.
 * Spacing very narrow.
 * Model identifier and M# vertical at left of TM.
 * Value figures tall.
 * A. “Sensonic” model, with identifier “FP S2000 –“
 * B. “MailMax” model, with identifier “FP MAX –“
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ✳0000  00,00

'''CA8. Francotyp-Postalia “T1000” and "Optimail"''' (digital).
 * Very similar in appearance to Type CA7 but value figures shorter, and date figures taller.
 * A. “T-1000” model, with identifier “FT T1000“
 * B. “Optimail” model, with identifier “FP optimail“
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 00,00  00000



'''CA9. Francotyp-Postalia “Ultimail"''' (digital).
 * Frank frame as with Type CA8.
 * Value figures are larger and lower than the date figures.
 * With "FP ultimail" and meter number below the frank.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 00,00

Sub-Group CB: Wide frank, ~34-37mm wide by 24-27mm tall
“POSTE ITALIANE” usually with dots at the sides
 * This sub-group covers AICAM (the Italian meter stamp collecting society) frank die type 10.





'''CB1. Sima''' (MV), 1948.
 * Large variations in size and style of value figures exist. See the chart above.
 * Value figures are normally fairly large, 5½-7mm tall, but also short, 4-5mm. The taller figures can be angular or oval while the shorter figures are always oval.
 * Two kinds of angular value figures are found. One is the classic angular figure commonly seen with early German Francotyp meters. The other is peculiar to Italy and is a blend of the sharply angular German style and a variable oval font. It is referred to below as "IA" (for Italian Angular).
 * Two kinds of oval value figures also exist. One is a large font with figures of variable thickness, and the other is smaller with lines of uniform thickness. These are both referred to as "O".
 * Spacing between the town mark and frank is also highly variable, 1mm to 38mm have been seen.
 * The date figures are fairly consistent in size and style and nearly always have stops after D and M.
 * If present, the identification number prefix is “SE” or “SI”.
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: SC, small (19-20mm) or large (22-24mm)


 * V/F:
 * 00.= (O)  ★00 (IA)  ★00. (A,IA)  ★00.= (A,IA,O)   MeterCat quad head.jpg.= = (O)
 * ✳00.= (O) MeterCat quad head.jpg.= (A,O)  000 (O)   000. (IA,O)   000 = (O)   000.= (A,IA,O)  ★000 (IA)
 * ★000. (IA)  ★0.00 (A,O)  ★000 = (O)  ★000.= (A)   ☆000.= (A)   MeterCat quad head.jpg.= (O)  ◆000.= (O)
 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A) ✖000.= (A)  00.00 (A,O)  ★0000 (IA)  ★00.00 (A,IA)  ☆00.00 (O)
 * MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.00 (IA)  MeterCat quad head.jpg.00 (O)   MeterCat pentagon.jpg.00 (IA)  000.00 (A,IA,O)  000.oo (O)




 * The following value figures may exist but need verification:
 * MeterCat quad head.jpg= (O, no stop)  ☆00. (A)  ✠00.= (A,O)   ✠0.00 (A,O)
 * ✠000.= (O) MeterCat quad head.jpg= (O)   000.0 (A,O)  0000.= (O)
 * MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg. (O)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A,O)   MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.= (O)   MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A,O)
 * ✳00.00 (O)  ✠00.00 (A,O)


 * a1. With simulated-perforation greater border
 * a2. With straight line greater border
 * b. TM DC or BIC
 * c. Date without stops

NOTES:
 * The five-point starburst (MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg) and pentagon (MeterCat pentagon.jpg) characters possibly are stars altered by wear and uneven inking.
 * Many of the value figures with three or more characters have one or two fixed zeros at right. These fixed zeros are sometimes in a different style that the other figures. Most often found are Oval or Italian Angular figures with Angular fixed zero(s).

'''CB2. Francotyp “A” ''' (MV).
 * Spacing 59-62mm between centers of date and value figures. The center of the value figures does NOT include any fixed symbols or zeros added at right.
 * Usually with Impression counter centered or raised between TM and frank but occasionally without.
 * Date figures without stops, often irregular with Y larger than D and M.
 * If present, identification prefix is “FTa".
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: SC (variable from 19 to 26 mm), BIC, DC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.0 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)   MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A,O)
 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A) MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.000.= (A)  ★000. (A)  ★000.= (A)   MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.00 (A,O)
 * ✳00.00 (starburst with hollow circle at center, O) MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O) MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (G,O)  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.00 (G,O)
 * MeterCat solid diamond.jpg (A,O) MeterCat slot head.jpg.= (A)


 * The following value figures may exist but are not verified:
 * ★00.= (O)[ ★000.= (O)  ★.000.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.000 (A)  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.000.= (A)  ✠000.= (A)  ✠00.00 (A,O)


 * a. With greater border or partial greater border
 * b. Without dots at sides of “POSTE ITALIANE”
 * c. Fascist (Roman) year added to date
 * d. Inner rectangle around date
 * e. Sima style value figures (see Type CB1). Verified as Francotyp "A" by the date figures, spacing, and the impression counter number.

NOTES:
 * The asterisk (MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg) and five-point starburst (MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg) characters and even the star (★) character can appear quite similar with this meter type. This is true also with Types CB3 and CB3.1.


 * Some of the value figures with four or more characters have one or two fixed zeros at right. These fixed zeros are sometimes in a different style that the other figures.



'''CB3. Francotyp “B” , Postitalia''' (MV).
 * Spacing 74-75mm between centers of date and value figures. (The value figure width does NOT include any fixed symbols or zeros added at right, only the leftmost three or four banks.)
 * Date with stops.
 * Usually with impression counter raised between TM and frank.
 * If present, identification prefix is “FT” for Francotyp or “P” for Postitalia.
 * Value figures are large, 6 to 7mm tall.
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels (not shown)
 * TM: SC, BIC, DC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A,O)  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)  =00.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  00.00 (A)


 * a. With greater border

NOTE: Francotyp meters were rebranded as Postitalia meters after World War Two. Other than the name change there are no differences between the machines. The stamps are indistinguishable unless they include an identification number with prefix, "FT" for Francotyp or "P" for Postalia. These prefixes are always followed by one or two lower case letters, i.e. FTc, FTee, Pa, etc.



'''CB3.1. Francotyp “C”, Postitalia''' (MV).
 * Spacing 77-79mm between centers of date and value figures. (The value figure width does NOT include any fixed symbols or zeros added at right, only the leftmost three or four banks.)
 * Date without stops.
 * With or without Impression counter raised between TM and frank.
 * Postitalia stamps are generally indistinguishable from the Francotyps. See the NOTE below.
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels (not shown)
 * TM: SC (variable from 19 to 26 mm), BIC, DC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A,O)  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)  000.= (O)
 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A) MeterCat solid diamond.jpg (O)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.0 (A)
 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A) MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)
 * MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.00 (O)
 * a. With greater border
 * b. Greater border appearing as bricks, rope, chain, pipes, etc, used by businesses that dealt in those products, i.e. masons, chandlers, plumbers, etc.
 * c. Non-standard greater border of single wavy line
 * d. With registration box at left
 * e. Inner rectangle around date
 * f. TM with inner circle only, no outer rim

NOTE: See the NOTE following Type CB3. This applies also to CB3.1 except in one respect. Later Postitalia meters were fitted with date figures that are different from those used with Francotyp C and early Postitalia rebranded meters. Francotyp C date figures are narrow and about 3mm tall. The later Postitalia date figures are generally shorter, 2½mm tall, and appear more rounded. These later Postitalia dates are found both with stops and without. Those with stops are cataloged as Type CB3.2.

'''CB3.2. Postitalia''' (MV).
 * Nearly identical in appearance to Type CB3.1 except the date figures always have stops.
 * Date figures usually relatively thin, 2½-3mm tall, with stops after D and M.
 * Spacing as with Type CB3.1, 77-79mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * If present the identifier number has "Pe" prefix.
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: SC, BIC, DC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg (O)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (A)  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.00 (A)


 * a. With greater border
 * b. Extra wide, non-standard spacing, 84mm between centers of date and value figures

'''CB4. Francotyp “Cc” ''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type CB3.2 but the date figures are relatively thick, 3mm tall, with stops after D and before Y (closer to Y than to M).
 * If present the identification number has "FTee" prefix.
 * A. Wide spacing (same as with Type CB3.1), ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. Wide spacing, with some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * C. Narrow spacing (variable between 30 and 40mm), ornaments fill the side panels
 * D. Narrow spacing, with some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: SC, BIC, DC
 * V/F: MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)


 * a. Inner rectangle around date

'''CB4.1. Postitalia''' (MV).
 * Medium spacing, 40 to 46mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * Date figures with or without stops.
 * Ornaments fill the side panels.
 * If present the identification number has "Pe" prefix.
 * TM: SC, DC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A)   MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)   MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg (A)   MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (A)


 * a. Spacing narrower than typical (38mm) and with non-standard Lirma style value figures:  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= (O)

NOTE: The stamp previously cataloged as Type CB4.2 is Type CB4.1 with stops in the date.

'''CB4.3. Francotyp “A9000” ''' (MV).
 * Date figures have stops after D and M and are widely spaced between M and Y.
 * If present the identification number often has "FTa 9000" prefix.
 * A. Wide spacing (same as with Type CB3.1), ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. Wide spacing, with some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * C. Narrow spacing (variable between 30 and 40mm) ornaments fill the side panels
 * D. Narrow spacing, with some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: SC, BIC, DC
 * V/F:  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)   MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.= (O)


 * a. With registration block at far left




 * CB5. Lirma and Steiner (MV).
 * Easily confused with Sima (Type CB1) which has identical date figures but can generally be identified by the value figures which are typically thinner.
 * Known only with ornaments filling the side panels.
 * It is very difficult to tell Lirma and Steiner stamp impressions apart, thus they are cataloged here as a single type.
 * Date figures are 14mm wide and have stops after D and M.
 * Four general sub-types are identified by the distance between the centers of the date and value figures. In all cases the value figure measurement includes only the first three or four positions and excludes the ".00" which is fixed and not applied by the value number wheels.
 * A. Medium wide: 46-55mm between centers of date and value figures
 * B. Wide: 56-65mm
 * C. Narrow: 31-45mm (Lirma only)
 * D. Very narrow: 20-30mm (Lirma only)
 * TM: BIC, SC, DC
 * If present, the identification number prefix is “Lma" or "Lmae” for Lirma and "STmg", "STae", "STam" or "STe" for Steiner.
 * V/F (all oval): MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.=  ★00.=  000.=   MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.
 * MeterCat negative X.jpg 0000.  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.=  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.=  ★000.=
 * MeterCat negative X.jpg.= ✖000.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg.=   MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.00


 * a. With greater border

'''CB6. Hasler “F88” ''' (MV).
 * Value figure styles are peculiar to Hasler. See the chart at right. The "short & thick" figures are scarce and unique to Italy.
 * Date with stops, always with Roman month.
 * Spacing quite variable, wide to narrow.
 * Usually with identification number, most often appearing below the frank.
 * If present, identification number either without prefix or with "H", "H.", "H-", or "HNL" prefix.
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: DC, SC, frequently with star(s) at bottom or at the sides
 * V/F:
 * 000 0000  00000  00,oo  000,oo  0000,oo  000.=
 * 0000 = 0000.= ( See the NOTE below. )  0000 ==  0000.==


 * 00000.=  00000 ==  ✳00.=  ✳000  ★000.=  ✳0000
 * MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.= MeterCat solid diamond.jpg.=  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg


 * a. TM lowered with 5-digit impression counter number above
 * b. With registration slogan: box at left containing “R”, number, and Post Office name
 * c. Identification number above frank rather than below
 * d. Identification number below town mark rather than frank
 * e. Identification number vertical between town mark and frank
 * f. Post Office stamp for registration, with “RACCOMANDATE” in the town mark
 * g. Post Office stamp for registered mail to the European Community. TM reads “POSTE ITALIANE/ 1^ MOSTRA MECC. POSTE COMMUNITA EUROPEA”
 * h. Post Office stamp for bulk mailings, “CONTI DI CREDITO” in TM or as slogan
 * i. Post Office stamp for Postage Due, with large “T” slogan. Printed in blue. TM may includes “SERVIZIO TASSATE”. Value figures: 000
 * j. Post Office stamp. Town mark with flying envelope logo at bottom
 * k. Postal Official stamp. Town mark reads “DIREZIONE GEN. P.T.” with post horn or “UFFICIO A.R.” at bottom

NOTE: The "Hasler small" and "short & thick" font styles are known only with this value figure.

CB6.1 Hasler “F66”  (MV).
 * Very similar to Type CB6 except the value figures are different.
 * The lines of the value figures are thinner but the characters are slightly wider than with CB6 (Hasler large). See the chart at right. Horizontals at tops of 3, 5, and 7 are straight.
 * Identification number below the frank with prefix "H" or "H66(+lower case letter)"
 * A. Ornaments fill the side panels
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels
 * TM: DC
 * V/F: 000  000.=  000.=  000 =  ✳00.=  ✳000.=  ✳0000


 * a. Postal Official stamp. Town mark reads “DIREZIONE GEN. P.T.” with post horn or “UFFICIO A.R.” at bottom

CB6.2 Hasler “Mailmaster”  (MV). [Scarce]
 * Very similar to Type CB6.1B except value figures are smaller.
 * Frank known only with some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels.
 * Spacing is narrow.
 * Identification number with "HSM" prefix.
 * TM: DC
 * V/F: 000.00  000000

'''CB6.3. Audion "Micropost" ''' (MV).
 * Known only with ornaments filling the side panels.
 * Spacing between the centers of the date and value figures is 50-65mm. The value figure measurement includes only the first three or four positions and excludes the ".00" which is fixed and not applied by the value number wheels.
 * Date figures always without stops. Roman month is common.
 * TM: DC, SC (never BIC)
 * V/F (all oval, 4½mm tall, either wide or narrow): ★00  ★00.=  ★000  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg



'''CB7. Pegasus''' (MV), 1954. [Very rare]
 * Closely resembles Type CB3.1 (Francotyp "C") but is not quite as wide at 71mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * Can most easily be identified by the star in the value figures which Type CB3.1 never has.
 * Date without stops.
 * Only one Pegasus meter is known to have been placed into use. Few examples of the stamp are known.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ★000.=



'''CB8. Pitney Bowes-GB “5600” ''' (MV).
 * Known only with ornaments filling the side panels.
 * Spacing between town mark and frank 12-13mm.
 * Identification number prefix “PB” or “PB 800” vertical between TM and frank.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 000   =000



'''CB8.1. Audion "6000"''' (MV).
 * Very narrow spacing, 2-3mm, between town mark and frank.
 * Frank known only with some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels.
 * If present, identification number prefix is “AU 6000”.
 * Value figures 4½ - 5 mm tall, widely spaced. If with leading star, it is upright.
 * Date with stops after D and M.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ★0000 ( ★ is upright )   00000


 * a. With greater border around slogan and town mark



'''CB8.2. Pitney Bowes-GB “B936” ''' (MV).
 * Frank quite similar to CB8 but there is a small bit of space above and below the ornaments in the side panels.
 * Narrow 7 mm spacing between town mark and frank.
 * Identification number prefix “PBB9” vertical between TM and frank.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: ≋ 00.00



'''CB9. Francopost [Frama "EPS"] ''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type CB8.2 but the value figures are different.
 * If present, identification number prefix is “FP”.
 * Value figures 4½ - 5 mm tall with a leading star that is tilted.
 * Date figures with stops and M and D.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ★0000 ( ★ is tilted )



'''CB10. Francopost [Frama M/E] ''' (MV). 1983 or earlier
 * Similar to Type CB9 but value figures are larger and thicker.
 * Narrow spacing, 3-6mm between town mark and frank.
 * If present, identification number prefix is “FP 400” or "FP 500".
 * Date figures with stops and M and D.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ★0000 ( ★ tilted or downward pointing )  ★00,00 ( ★ tilted or downward pointing )


 * a. Post Office stamp for bulk mailings, with “CONTO DI CREDITO” below frank

Sub-Group CC: Medium frank, 32-33mm wide by 22-24mm tall
“POSTE ITALIANE” with dots at the sides.
 * This sub-group includes AICAM (the Italian meter stamp collecting society) frank die types 11 and 22.



'''CC1. Pitney Bowes “R” ''' (MV), 1953.
 * Date figures raised in relation to value figures.
 * Date figures small, 2mm, with or without stops.
 * If present, identification number prefix is “PB” or “PB R”.
 * A. Design fills side panels
 * B. Design with small spaces at top and bottom of side panels
 * TM small SC, 20mm
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A)  0000  ≋ 000  ≋ 00 ≋
 * V/F:  000  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A)  ≋ 00.  [scarce]


 * a. Post Office stamp used for Postage Due, with “T” slogan, often with “TASSATE” in TM
 * b. Postal Official stamp, with “Ministero delle Poste” in the slogan
 * c. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail

'''CC2. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” ''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type CC1 but TM is larger, 22-23 mm, and date figures are taller, 2.5 mm.
 * Identification number prefix is “PB” or “PB 5000”.
 * A. Design fills side panels
 * B. Design with small spaces at top and bottom of side panels
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A)  ≋ 000



'''CC3. Pitney Bowes “5600” ''' (MV).
 * As Type CB8 but frank is narrower at 33mm in width.
 * Date and value figures are level with each other.
 * Normally with identification number prefix “PB 800” vertical between TM and frank but also known with "PB" alone as prefix.
 * Date figures without stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A)  =000



'''CC3.1. Francopost ''' [Frama EPS] (MV).
 * If present, identification number prefix is "FP ER" or "FP MR".
 * Date figures with stops after M and D.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A)  MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg
 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail



'''CC3.2. Francopost "41" ''' (MV).
 * Wide spacing, 67mm between centers of date and value figures.
 * If present, identification number prefix is "FP ER", "FP MR", or "FP ES".
 * Date figures with stops and M and D.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.000 (A)  MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg

NOTE: In the paper version of this catalog Type CC3.2 was cataloged erroneously in Sub-group CB as CB9.



'''CC3.3. Francopost''' [Frama M/E] (MV).
 * As Type CB10 but frank is narrower at 32-33mm in width.
 * Identification number with “FP 400” prefix.
 * Value figures tall and thick, with leading star pointing down.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: ★0000

'''CC4. Francotyp-Postalia''' (digital), 2002.
 * Value figures are wider and somewhat squarer than previous sub-group CC types.
 * Identification number with “FP” prefix below frank.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 00.00

GROUP D: Side panels contain a design of leaves
NOTES:
 * First used in 1960
 * Positive identification of many Group D (and Group E) stamps is difficult. The three charts below will help.
 * See Group PO and Type PV2 for other stamps with Group D style side panels.



NOTE: Types D1 and D2 are very similar in appearance with large overlap in date and value figures. If an ID number prefix is present identification is easy, but if not measurement of the width may work. Too often one must accept ambiguity.

D1: '''D1. Lirma''' (MV).
 * If present the identification number prefix is Lma, Lma 404, Lmae, Lmae 404, Lmae 65, Lmsf, Lsf, or MA 404
 * A. Wide (58-62mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Medium (52-57mm)
 * C. Narrow (35-38mm)
 * D. Very narrow (25-31mm)
 * TM: DC1 (scarce), BIC-A1, BIC-B1, SC-L1, SC-S1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-7): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg   MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat negative X.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. Value figures small, 3mm tall, and distinctively different from usual
 * b. Value figures of variable thickness, similar to those found with Type D4 but smaller. One meter known.
 * c. Date figures, untypically, below level of value figures
 * d. With greater border
 * e. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail

D1.1 Hasler (Lirma) (MV). [Scarce, value unknown]
 * Hasler bought several Lirma meters and marketed them under their own brand because they did not have a machine competitively priced at the time. Their period of use was quite short.
 * Identical to Type D1A except for identification number prefix H 104.
 * TM: BIC-B1
 * V/F (Oval-1): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg

'''D2. Steiner''' (MV).
 * Nearly identical to Type D1 but the measurements are slightly different. See the chart above.
 * If present the identification number prefix is STa, STe, STe 73, STae, STae 70, STam, STm 73, or STmg. (See a below)
 * A. Wide (61-65mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Medium (53mm)
 * C. Very narrow (26-30mm)
 * TM: BIC-A1 (scarce), BIC-B1 (scarce), SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-7): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg


 * a. Identification number prefix "GM 25"
 * b. With greater border
 * c. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail



'''D3. Lirma "9000" (Neopost "SM78/94")''' (MV).
 * Spacing as with Type D1C.
 * Most easily identified by the distinctive date figures which have centered stops between the day, month and year.
 * Identification number prefix "LI 9000" reads up between TM and frank.
 * TM: DC6, also BIC-A with same date style (omitted by error from chart above)
 * V/F (Oval-11): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0000

'''D4. Sima''' (MV).
 * Value figures are large with lines of variable thickness.
 * If present the identification number prefix is SP.
 * A. Wide spacing (50-65mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Very narrow spacing (20-35mm)
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-5): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00.

'''D5. Sima "76, 90"''' (MV).
 * As D4 but value figures are smaller, narrow, and narrowly spaced, usually with one or two solid upright stars (★/★★) leader.
 * If present the identification number prefix is E 76, SI 76, SI E 76, Sim 90, SI m 90, or SI/SX.
 * A. Wide spacing (50-65mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Very narrow spacing (20-35mm)
 * TM: DC3, SC-L1, SC-S1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★0000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★★000

'''D6. Francopost''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type D5 but the spacing is different, and the value figures are more widely spaced.
 * If present the identification number prefix is FP, FP E, FP M, FP ER, FP ES, FP MR, or FP MS.
 * A. Wide spacing (66-67mm between centers of date and value figures, always wider than Type D5A)
 * B. Very narrow spacing (25-35mm)
 * TM: BIC-C1, SC-L1, SC-XL
 * V/F (Oval-8, Oval-9): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail



'''D7. Francopost (Frama M/E)''' (MV).
 * Narrow spacing (32-33mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * Value figures large and thick.
 * With identification number prefix FP400 or FP500.
 * TM: SC-XL
 * V/F (Oval-7): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000 (the ★ is always tilted, never with point straight up)

'''D8. Francotyp "Cc/Ccm"''' (MV).
 * Value figures fairly large and thick.
 * If present the identification number prefix is "Fr."
 * Date with stops.
 * A. Wide spacing (77-79mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Medium spacing
 * TM: SC-L2
 * V/F (Oval-3): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆000



'''D9. Francotyp "CM10000"''' (MV).
 * Value figures tall and narrow with "◆" leader.
 * Narrow spacing (35-37mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * If present the identification number prefix is CM 10000, Cm 10000, FT 10000, Ft 10000, FTa 10000, FTee, or FTPcm10000.
 * Date with stops.
 * TM: BIC-A2, SC-L2
 * V/F (Oval-12): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆0000


 * a. Post Office stamp used to collect Postage Due, printed in blue, with large "T" slogan

'''D10. Francotyp "A9000"''' (MV).
 * Value figures tall as with Type D9 but more widely spaced.
 * The date figures contain a wide space between the month and year.
 * If present the identification number prefix is A 9000, FTa 9000, Fta 9000, FTee, or FT.A/9000.
 * Date with stops.
 * A. Wide spacing (77-79mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Narrow spacing (35-37mm)
 * TM: BIC-A3, SC-L3
 * V/F (Oval-3): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆0000


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail

'''D11. Postitalia''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type D8 but the value figures are angular.
 * If present the identification number prefix is Pe.
 * A. Wide spacing (77-79mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Narrow spacing (35-45mm)
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Angular): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg

NOTE: The very narrow stamps, Types D12, D13, D14B, and D15C, can be extremely similar in appearance. Identification number prefixes are most helpful here.



'''D12. Audion "Raccomandate"''' (MV).
 * Very narrow spacing (24-30mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * Quite similar to Type D2B (Steiner) except for the value figure leader: "★" for D12, " MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg" for D2.
 * If present the identification number prefix is ARE, ARe, Are, A.R.E., ARM, or A.R.M.
 * TM: SC-L1, SC-S1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. With box containing registration number at left (shown)

'''D13. Audion "6000"''' (MV).
 * Very narrow spacing as with Type D12.
 * D13 is quite similar to Type D6B except for spacing which, regretfully, overlaps.
 * If present the identification number prefix is AU 6000, or Au 6000.
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg

'''D14. Astro" (MV).'''
 * Date figures with or without stops
 * If present the identification number prefix is Ae or Am.
 * A. Medium spacing (45-51mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Very narrow spacing (20-30mm	)
 * TM: DC4, DC5, SC-L4, SC-S1, SC-S2
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-2, Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg



'''D15. Micropost''' (MV).
 * Date figures with or without stops
 * If present the identification number prefix is Me or Mee.
 * A. Wide spacing (57-60mm between centers of date and value figures)
 * B. Narrow spacing (32-40mm)
 * C. Very narrow spacing (25-31mm)
 * TM: SC-L1, SC-L4, SC-S1 (rare)
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-2, Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆00.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat negative X.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◆000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat negative X.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. TM: DC MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg[One meter known. Rare]

'''D16. Postalia''' (MV).
 * Known only with double straight-line greater border.
 * Value figures small, thin, narrow oval, zeros with curved sides.
 * A. Leaves in side panels as with all other Group D types
 * B. Leaves in side panels smaller with more empty space above and below
 * If present identification number prefix is TPS.
 * TM: SC-S2
 * V/F (Oval-10): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg



'''D17. Satas "Baby''' (MV), 1965. [$200]
 * Tall and narrow date figures without stops.
 * Value figures also tall and narrow.
 * Narrow spacing (9mm).
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★00

NOTE: Only one Satas "Baby" machine was placed into use, with Alfredo and Amos Tragni of Meda (Milano). At present no example of the issued stamp has been found, and it is known only by the proof stamp shown here.

GROUP E: Side panels contain non-representative designs

 * First used in 1955.
 * See the charts at the beginning of Group D.
 * The additional charts below applies to Group E features not found in Group D.

Sub-Group EA: Side panels contain design of curved lines
'''EA1. Francopost "30/31M/E, 40/41M/E" ''' (MV), 1955.
 * Similar to Type D6 except for changed side panels.
 * If present, identification number prefix is "FP", "FP M", "FP m", "FP ES", or "FPes".
 * A. Spacing between centers of date and value figures 67-69mm (models 31 and 41)
 * B. Spacing 62-63 (models 30 and 40)
 * C. Narrow spacing, 25-35mm (model uncertain) (not shown)
 * TM: SC-L1, DIC-C
 * V/F (Oval-1 and Oval-9): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ★00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ★000

Sub-Group EB: Side panels contain vertical lines (circle in center of middle line) flanking a simple branch pattern

 * A narrow box surrounds the value figures.

'''EB1. Postalia "D2" ''' (MV), 1955.
 * Known only with double straight-line greater border.
 * Spacing very narrow.
 * If present, identification prefix is “PST” or “TPS”.
 * TM: SC-L2, SC-L4
 * V/F (Oval-10): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. Date without stops (SC-L4)

Sub-Group EC: Value box in center of frank is surrounded on all four sides by ornamental design containing four holes

 * A square box surrounds the value figures.
 * Known only with double straight-line greater border.

'''EC1. Postalia "D3" ''' (MV). [rare]
 * The inner value box has no separate frame line.
 * Ornamental design is highly detailed and intricate.
 * Not known with identification number prefix.
 * In use for a short time only.
 * TM: SC-L2 with small date figures
 * V/F (Oval-10): MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg

'''EC2. Postalia "D3" ''' (MV).
 * The inner value box has a border line and is slightly larger than with Type EC1.
 * Ornamental design less detailed than with Type EC1.
 * If present, identification number prefix is “PST” or “TPS”.
 * TM: SC-L2 with small date figures
 * V/F (Oval-10): MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg (rare)   0000

'''EC3. Postalia "D3" ''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type EC2 but the four holes in the side panels are oval rather than round.
 * If present, identification number prefix is “TPS” or, infrequently, "PS".
 * TM: SC-L2 with small date figures
 * V/F (Oval-10): 0000

Sub-Group ED: Side panel design vaguely resembles leaves

 * Frank with straight border, without simulated perforations

'''ED1. Neopost "205" and "2205"''' (MV), 1962.
 * Nearly square frank with double straight-line border.
 * Spacing narrow.
 * Value figures tall and narrow.
 * Identification number prefix is “RN”.
 * TM: BIC-C (date figures tall without stops or short with stops), SC-L4 (tall date figures without stops)
 * V/F (Oval-11): 000

Sub-Group EE: Side panels contain short vertical ornaments with space above and below

 * This sub-group includes AICAM (the Italian meter stamp collecting society) frank die types 23, 24 and 30.



'''EE1. Pitney Bowes “R” ''' (MV).
 * Date figures raised in relation to value figures.
 * Identification number prefix is “PB R”.
 * Date figures small.
 * A. Frank 32mm wide
 * B. Frank 35mm wide
 * TM: SC-L1, SC-S1, SC-S2 with small date
 * V/F (Oval-13): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. Value figures "≈000" and identification number prefix "PB" without R MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg[Scarce]
 * b. With registration box (containing large “R” and number) left of TM
 * c. With box at far left containing large "A", number, and town name, used for insured mail



'''EE2. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” ''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type EE1 with value figures below level of the date figures, but the TM is larger, 22.5mm, and the date figures are thicker and more tightly spaced.
 * Date figures are also larger.
 * Identification number prefix is “PB 5000”.
 * A. Frank 32mm wide
 * B. Frank 35mm wide
 * TM: SC-L1 with tight date
 * V/F (Oval-14): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 000 MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg 0000


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail
 * b. With box at far left containing "ASSICURATA", number, and town name, used for insured mail
 * c. With box at far left containing number, used to manage mail delivered by private carriers



'''EE2.1. Pitney Bowes "800" (Universal "Automax") ''' (MV). [Scarce]
 * As EE2A but value figures are taller and level with the date figures.
 * Identification number prefix is “PB 800”.
 * Date without stops
 * TM: SC-L4
 * V/F (Oval-16): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg=000

'''EE3. Pitney Bowes “6300” ''' (MV).
 * Similar to Type EE2B but date and value figures on same level.
 * Identification number prefix is “PB 6300”.
 * A. Frank 32mm wide MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg[Scarce]
 * B. Frank 35mm wide
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-14): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0000




 * EE4. Pitney Bowes “A936” / “B936”  (MV).
 * Similar to Type EE3 but the value figures are even larger.
 * Identification number prefix “PB A 936” or “PBB936”.
 * A. Frank 35 mm wide
 * B. Frank 37-38mm wide
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval15): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0000


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail



'''EE5. Hasler “Mailmaster” ''' (MV).
 * Identification number prefix “H” or "HS" below frank.


 * TM: DC4
 * V/F (Oval-17): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg0


 * a. With registration box (containing large “R” and number) left of TM
 * b. With box at far left containing "ASSICURATA", number, and town name, used for insured mail
 * c. With "NUM.CAP." and number instead of identification number below frank
 * d. With identification number below frank and with "NUM.CAP." and number below TM



'''EE6. Audion “6000” ''' (MV).
 * Spacing between TM and frank narrow 2-3 mm.
 * If present the identification number prefix is “AU 6000”, "A 6000", or "Au 6000",.
 * TM: SC-L3
 * V/F (Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★0000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail
 * b. With greater border



'''EE7. Lirma''' (MV).
 * Spacing between TM and frank very narrow 1-3 mm.
 * Value figures small.
 * Identification number prefix is “Lmae” or occasionally "Lma".
 * TM: DC3, BIC-A1, SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail



'''EE8. Lirma [Neopost “Electronic”] ''' (MV).
 * Spacing between TM and frank medium 12 mm.
 * Identification number prefix is "Lefm", "Lefm 7", "L 5400", "LI 5400", "Li 5400", "L 7000", "L 7000B", or "L 8000".
 * TM: BIC-A3, BIC-B2
 * V/F (Oval-11): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00


 * a. Town mark is a large rectangle with mailer's name at top and date in center
 * b. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail
 * c. With box at far left containing large "A", number, and town name, used for insured mail


 * EE9. Francotyp "A9000"  (MV).
 * Date with wide space between M and Y.
 * Value figures large.
 * Identification number prefix is “FTa 9000” or “FTA 9000”.
 * A. Medium-narrow spacing
 * B. Very wide spacing
 * TM: SC-L3
 * V/F (Oval-3): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat solid diamond.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat solid diamond.jpg



'''EE9.1. Francotyp "Cm10000" ''' (MV).
 * Narrow spacing, and very narrow value figures.
 * Identification number prefix is "FT 10000" or "Ft 10000".
 * TM: SC-L2
 * V/F (Oval-12): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat solid diamond.jpg


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail



'''EE10. Francotyp-Postalia “EFS 3000” ''' (MV).
 * Date figures 11mm wide.
 * Identification number prefix is “FT-EFS” or "FP-EFS".
 * Value figures 5 mm tall and narrow.
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-19): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg



'''EE11. Francotyp-Postalia “MS5/WK4” ''' (MV).
 * Very similar to Type EE10 with nearly the same spacing.
 * Date figures slightly wider at 13mm, and value figures shorter.
 * Identification number prefix is “FT MS/T".
 * TM: SC-L2
 * V/F (Oval-10): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg

Sub-Group EF: Side panels contain two parallel wavy lines


'''EF1. Audion “6000” ''' (MV).
 * If present, identification number prefix is "AU 6000".
 * TM: SC-L1, SC-S1
 * V/F (Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. With registration box (containing large “R” and number) left of TM
 * b. With greater border around TM and slogan

'''EF2. Micropost ''' (MV).
 * Virtually identical to Type EF1 but for the identification number prefix which is "Mee".
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg



'''EF3.1. Francopost [Frama] ''' (MV).
 * This is a Frama meter marketed under name Francopost.
 * Value figures distinctively large and thick.
 * Identification number prefix is “FP 400” or "FP 500".
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-4): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000



'''EF3.2. Francopost ''' (MV).
 * Identification number prefix is “FP 30”, "FP ER", "FP ES" or “FP MR”.
 * A. Narrow spacing
 * B. Wide spacing
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-9): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg

'''EF4.1. Francotyp “Cm10,000” ''' (MV).
 * Identification number prefix “FT 10000”, Fta 10000", or "FT CM 10000".
 * TM: SC-L4
 * V/F (Oval-12): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat solid diamond.jpg MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat solid diamond.jpg


 * EF4.2. Francotyp “A9000”  (MV).
 * Date figures with wide space between M and Y.
 * Identification number prefix “FT 9000”, Ft 9000", or "FTa 9000", or "FTA/9000".
 * A. Medium-narrow spacing
 * B. Very wide spacing
 * TM: SC-L3
 * V/F (Oval-2, Oval-3): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat solid diamond.jpg MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat solid diamond.jpg


 * EF5.1. Lirma “404”  (MV).
 * Very similar to Type EF3 but spacing very narrow 1-3 mm.
 * Value figures are not as narrow as on Type EF3.
 * If present, identification number prefix is "Lma", "Lmae", or "Lmae 404".
 * A. Narrow spacing
 * B. Wide spacing
 * TM: DC-1, BIC-A1, BIC-B1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-6): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg   MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg 00000



'''EF5.2. Lirma (Neopost "Electronic")''' (MV).
 * 12 mm spacing between TM and frank.
 * The space contains vertical model number with "Lefm 7B/0/T" (for Neopost Model EFM7) or "LI5400/0" (for Neopost Model 5400) prefix and meter ID number.
 * Date figures very widely spaced with stop after D and M.
 * TM: BIC-B2
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00


 * EF6. Steiner/Primavera “Gamma”  (MV).
 * Value figures relatively small and thin.
 * If present, identification number prefix is "STe", "STae", "STam", "STm", "Stm", "GM25", or "GAMMA 25".
 * A. Narrow spacing
 * B. Wide spacing
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-1, Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg


 * a. With box at far left containing large "R", number, and town name, used for registered mail

'''EF7. Sima''' (MV).
 * Very similar in appearance to Type EF6A except spacing even narrower at 1 mm.
 * Identification number prefix “SI76".
 * TM: SC-L1
 * V/F (Oval-8): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg★★000

Sub-Group EG: Side panels contain three sets of ornaments resembling chain links



 * EG1. Pitney Bowes “Paragon”  (MV).
 * Frame line complete.
 * Model number with “PBE” prefix reading down between TM and frank.
 * TM: SC-XL
 * V/F (Oval-18): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 00.00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 00000


 * a. Post Office stamp used for bulk mailings. With “CONTI/ DI CREDITO” left of the town mark. A few machines were used experimentally in Rome and Milan for several months during 1998. MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg[Rare]




 * EG2. Pitney Bowes “EasyMail”  (digital).
 * Frame line broken at bottom by the identification number.
 * Frank variable in size.
 * Two columns of numbers outside TM at left.
 * A. Model number “PB736…” stacked between TM and frank.
 * V/F (DO-1): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 00,00 MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 00000
 * B. With euro sign (€) preceding value figures. Model number “PBF936…” stacked between TM and frank.
 * V/F (DO-1): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg€ ≋ 00,00
 * TM: SC-L1




 * EG3. Pitney Bowes “PersonalPost”  (digital).
 * Similar to Type EG2 but much shorter frank only 20 mm tall.
 * Date figures without stops.
 * Model number with "PBE" prefix stacked between TM and frank.
 * TM: SC-S2
 * V/F (DO-2): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0,00




 * EG4. Pitney Bowes “DM Series” (digital).
 * Similar to Type EG2 but frank is slightly larger and the value figures are narrower.
 * Narrower lettering in “POSTE ITALIANE’ leaving empty space at the sides.
 * Model number with "PB" prefix stacked between TM and frank (larger models of DM Series mailing machine, e.g. the DM525, are equipped with a 1D00 series meter).
 * One column of numbers at left of TM.
 * Date figures without stops.
 * TM: SC-L4
 * V/F (DO-3): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg€ 000.00


 * a. Printed in blue




 * EG5. Pitney Bowes “DM100i”  (digital).
 * Frame line broken at bottom by the identification number.
 * Model number with "PB" prefix stacked between TM and frank (the DM100i mailing machine is equipped with a P700 series meter).
 * One column of numbers at left of TM.
 * Date figures with stops.
 * TM: DC
 * V/F (DO-1): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 000,00

Sub-Group EH: Side panels with ornaments as Sub-group EE but wider and simpler (digital)

 * Frank is narrow and tall, nearly square.




 * EH1. Lirma [Neopost “SM26”]  (digital).
 * Narrow frank.
 * Inner box around value figures has overlapping lines in the corners.
 * M# in bottom panel.
 * The date is below center in the town mark.
 * A. “L SM26” at bottom of inner panel
 * B. “€ SM26” at bottom of inner panel
 * C. Blank at bottom of inner panel. M# with “N” prefix
 * TM: DC7
 * V/F (DO-4): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ≋ 0000 (L)  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00 (€)




 * EH2. Lirma [Neopost “IJ25/65”]  (digital).
 * Value figures are close to the top of inner box, and it does not have the model identifier below.
 * Value figures rounded.
 * M# without prefix or with "PI" prefix.
 * The date is below center in the town mark.
 * TM: DC7
 * V/F (DO-5): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00




 * EH3. Lirma [Neopost]  (digital), 2004.
 * Ornaments at sides spaced more widely apart.
 * Value figures close to bottom of inner box.
 * M# with “DP” prefix.
 * TM: DC7
 * V/F (DO-6): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00




 * EH4. Neopost  (digital).
 * Very similar to EH2 but the value figures are thicker and less rounded.
 * Meter number without prefix or with "N" prefix.
 * TM: DC7
 * V/F (DO-4): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00




 * EH5. Lirma [Neopost]  (digital).
 * Very similar to EH2 but the value figures are much smaller and the date figures are more closely spaced.
 * Meter number with "D" prefix.
 * TM: DC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg,00

GROUP F: Digital stamp with bars and barcode ("AffrancaPosta")

 * The stamp has three sections:
 * - left section: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg class / identification code / town line
 * - middle: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg"PosteItaliane" / 3, 4 or 5 vertical sorting indicator bars
 * - right: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg & time / value figures / horizontal 2D barcode


 * Examples of mail class indicators (others exist):
 * A. Posta4pro
 * B. Postalight, Posta Light
 * C. Postamail internazionale
 * D. Posta Prioritaria, Posta Prioritaria Pro, Posta prioritaria pro
 * E. Priority Mail
 * F. Economy Mail
 * G. Postaraccomandata pro, Postaraccomandata smart AR
 * H. Registered Mail
 * I. postatarget creative

NOTE: See Type PO19 for a similar looking stamp.
 * Group F stamps are normally printed in blue.




 * F1. Francopost (digital), 2014.
 * The inscriptions are relatively small. Although small, the characters in the country identifier, date and time, and value figures are quite thick.
 * Identification code with "A" prefix.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Euro 000.00


 * Italy Type F2BS.jpg


 * F2. Francotyp-Postalia (digital).
 * The inscriptions are relatively large, and the mail class indicator is printed in italics.
 * The date and time run together with no space between.
 * Identification code with "B" or "BS" prefix.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Euro 000.00




 * F3. Neopost (digital).
 * Similar to F2 but "Posteitaliane" is much smaller and there is a space between the date and time.
 * Identification code with "C" prefix.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Euro 000.00


 * a. Printed in red




 * F4. Pitney Bowes (digital).
 * Very similar to F3 but "Posteitaliane" is larger with taller letters.
 * The mail class indicator is printed in narrow upright letters, not italic.
 * Identification code with "N.D" prefix.
 * A. The lettering in "Posteitaliane" is closely spaced.
 * B. The word "italiane" in "Posteitaliane" is more widely spaced, and the vertical and horizontal spacing of the components on the left is also slightly different to Sub-Type "A".
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Euro 000.00

GROUP PO: Designs found only on Post Office counter service machines
NOTE: Stamp designs found in both private and Post Office use are cataloged as sub-varieties of the commercial meter types (Groups A, B, C, etc.). See Types A4b, A5c, A7c CB6f-j, CB10a, CC1a, D9a, and EG1a.
 * Used for registration, insurance, express mail, postage due, and bulk credit account mailings

'''PO 0.1. Anker''' (MV), 1927. [Extremely rare, value uncertain]
 * Frameless, linear design on tape affixed to cover.
 * Stamp used for Registered Mail at the Rome Central Post Office from August to October or possibly later in 1927.
 * TM: SL
 * V/F:  ★0.00

'''PO1. Hasler “F88” ''' (MV), 1952.
 * Very similar to Type CB6 but value figures have symbols as leading zeros.
 * Identification number is italic below frank.
 * A. No space above and below ornaments at sides.
 * B. With some blank space above and below ornaments in side panels.
 * C. For registered mail, spacing narrow, TM raised with large “R” and box below
 * D. For postage due, spacing narrow, “T” at far left. Printed in blue.
 * E. For postage due, spacing narrow, “T” at far left, TM lowered with 5-digit Impression counter above. Printed in blue.
 * F. For postage due, spacing wide with “T” between TM and frank. Printed in blue.
 * G. For postage due, spacing wide with “T” between TM and frank, TM lowered with 5-digit Impression counter above. Printed in blue.
 * H. For bulk mailings, with “CONTI DI CREDITO” inside or below TM, spacing narrow
 * I. For bulk mailings, with “CONTI DI CREDITO” inside or below TM, spacing narrow, TM lowered with 5-digit Impression counter above
 * TM either SC or DC usually but not always with post horn or envelope-in-motion logo at bottom.
 * V/F large (5½ mm tall): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpgMeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpgMeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpgMeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpgMeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ✳✳✳✳.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg✳✳✳✳✳.  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg✳✳✳✳✳  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ✳✳✳✳✳.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◇◇◇◇◇  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg◇◇◇◇◇.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat delta.jpg✳✳✳✳✳  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat box.jpg✳✳✳✳✳
 * V/F small (4½ mm tall): MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat delta.jpg✳✳✳✳✳.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg✳0000.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat box.jpg✳✳✳✳✳.=  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat block.jpg✳✳✳✳✳.=


 * a. With “~A. R.~” above frank, to indicate return receipt required
 * b. With “ESPRESSO” above frank, for express mail
 * c. With “ESTERO” above frank, for international mail
 * d. With “ATTI GIUDIZ.” Or “ATTI GIUDIZIARI” (normal or negative in block) above or below frank, for legal proceedings or court mail
 * e. Error: “½” as leading symbol in V/F (½✳✳✳✳✳)
 * f. Without ID# below frank
 * g. Postage Due stamps (PO1D-G) printed in black or in red rather than blue [rare]

NOTE: Receipts look like the stamp but have "RICEVUTA" reading up or down at left.

'''PO2. Francotyp “Taxograph E” ''' (MV), 1957.
 * Similar to Group C but smaller frank, 28 x 21 mm.
 * Wide spacing between TM and frank containing box for registration.
 * M# below frank and repeated between registration box and frank.
 * TM: DC containing “RACCOMANDATE”, or SC with post horn
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ★★000.=


 * a. With “~A. R.~” slug below TM, to indicate return receipt required.
 * b. With “ESPRESSO” slug below TM, for express mail.
 * c. With “ESTERO” slug (negative in block) below TM, for international mail.
 * d. With “ATTI GIUDIZ.” slug (negative in block) below TM, for court mail.
 * e. With “ASSEGNO” slug below TM, for payment on delivery (COD).

NOTE: Receipts have no frank frame.



'''PO3. Francotyp “Taxograph E” ''' (MV).
 * Similar to Type PO1 but wider frank, 31 x 20 mm.
 * Spacing medium, ~8-12 mm.
 * A. With 6-digit Impression counter vertical left of TM. For bulk mailings on account. “CONTI DI CREDITO” inside or below TM.
 * B. With 4-digit Impression counter horizontal at upper left of TM. For Postage Due, with large “T” at left of TM. (This version reported but not verified.)
 * TM: DC with service name in the bottom or SC with post horn in the bottom.
 * V/F:  ★★000.=



'''PO4. TAE Citis ''' (MV), 1963.
 * Small nearly square frank without side panels.
 * Used only for Registration.
 * Spacing very narrow.
 * Registration box at left of TM. M# below frank.
 * TM usually SC with star or post horn at bottom but also DC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ★★000 MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat delta.jpg★★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat delta.jpg★0000 MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat box.jpg★★000  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat box.jpg★★★★0  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg &#8640; ✳✳✳00


 * a. With “~A. R.~” slug at far left, to indicate return receipt required.
 * b. With “ESPRESSO” slug at far left, for express mail.
 * c. With “ATTI GIUDIZ.” slug (negative in block) at far left, for court mail.
 * d. With “ESTERO” slug (negative in block) at far left, for international mail.


 * NOTE: Receipts have "RICEVUTA" above a plain rectangular frank frame.



'''PO5. TAE Citis ''' (MV).
 * Small frank like with Type PO4 but with side panels containing ornaments.
 * Two known: 187 and 188.
 * TM: DC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg ★★000



'''PO6. Citis/TAE/EMS “PT3” ''' (MV), 1971.
 * Frank similar to Group C stamps but with service indicator between TM and frank.
 * Value figures distinctive.
 * Found in both red and in black.
 * A. For Registered mail, large “R” left of box for reg. number, M# above box
 * B. For Priority mail, with bird logo at left of box.
 * C. For Insured mail, as PO5A but with large “A” instead of “R”. M# 948 only.
 * D. For Priority mail, with bird logo above box and “POSTACELERE” below. M# 974 only.
 * E. for Priority mail, with bird logo and M# only. M# 3865 only.
 * TM: large SC 25-26 mm with post horn at bottom
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg✳✳✳00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg✳✳✳.00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg(If adhesive stamps or other means were used to apply the postage and the meter stamp was used only to indicate the service, the value figures appear as ✳✳✳✳✳)


 * a. With “A. R.” slug below center, to indicate return receipt required.
 * b. With “ESPRESSO” or “ESPR.” slug below center, for express mail.
 * c. With “V. AER.” slug below center, for air mail.
 * d. With “ASSEGNO” or “ASS.” below center, for certified mail.
 * e. Commemorative stamp for World Stamp Expo, Rome, 1985. TM without post horn reads “ROMA ITALIA ‘85/ ESPOS. MONDIALE DI FILATELIA”.


 * f. Commemorative stamp for Holy Year 1975, with “ANNO SANTO ‘75” above Registration box in center. Machines 409-412 only.
 * g. Printed in blue
 * h. With envelope-in-motion symbol rather than post horn at bottom of TM

'''PO7. EMS “PT10” ''' (MV).
 * Similar to Type PO4 but without side panel at right.
 * A. For Registered mail, large “R” left of box for reg. number, M# above box
 * B. For Priority mail, with bird logo above box and “POSTACELERE” below
 * C. Machine number and lines in center. For service such as bulk mailings that do not require a tracking number
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg✳✳✳✳✳00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg(If adhesive stamps or other means were used to apply the postage and the meter stamp was used only to indicate the service, the value figures appear as ✳✳✳✳✳✳✳)


 * a. With “A. R.” slug below center, to indicate return receipt required.
 * b. With “ESPRESSO” or “ESPR.” slug below center, for express mail.
 * c. With “V. AER.” slug below center, for air mail.
 * d. With “ASSEGNO” or “ASS.” below center, to indicate payment on delivery (COD)
 * e. As PO7A, but TM contains “POSTACELERE” and bird logo, M# 5054 only.



'''PO8. Sysco “P005” ''' (digital), 1987. [scarce]
 * Unframed design with value box at left and registration information (large “R” and number) at right.
 * Small value box 10-11mm tall.
 * Date with dashes (00-00-00).
 * Five machines only in use for about one year.
 * Printed in black.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg (with trailing starbursts, e.g. 100 lira looks like "100MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg")


 * PO9. Sysco “P005”  (digital), 1991.
 * Similar to Type PO7 but value box is taller at 14mm.
 * Other differences exist, most noticeable in the date with slashes (00/00/00) and the larger "R" next to the registration box.
 * A total of 120 machines were fielded.
 * Printed in black.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg (with trailing starbursts, e.g. 100 lira looks like "100MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg")


 * a. With “A. R.” slug below center, to indicate return receipt required.
 * b. Printed on self-adhesive label with flying envelope or "pt" logo (shown) at left and “SYSCO 005/C” or "SYSCO 006/C" vertical at right.

NOTE: The receipt impression is identical to the stamp except it is applied to a special receipt form.



'''PO10. ELSAG Bailey''' (digital), 1993. [Quite rare, value uncertain]
 * Bi-color imprint, with frames in red and variable data (date, town mark, time of day and value figures) in black.
 * Time of day in round-cornered box at left, large circular TM in center with date and post office name horizontal within, and frank at right.
 * M# below TM
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg


 * a. With “AR” slug below frank, to indicate return receipt required.
 * b. With “AS” below frank, for insured mail.
 * c. With “EX” below frank, for express mail.
 * d. With “VA” below frank, for air mail.



'''PO11. EMS “PT80” ''' (MV), 1995.
 * Very wide frank 40 x 23 mm.
 * Spacing very narrow.
 * At left of TM is box with rounded corners containing time of day below “ORA ACC”.
 * A. For registered mail, large “R” at far left
 * B. For insured mail, large “A” at far left
 * C. Without “R” or “A”. For services such as bulk mailings that do not require a tracking number
 * TM: large SC with post horn or new postal logo at bottom
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg



'''PO12. EMS “PT100” ''' (MV), 1995.
 * Very similar to Type PO11 but box at left is shorter and contains tracking number or four stars (without “ORA ACC”).
 * Two sizes of box exist.
 * A. Without letter at far left
 * B. For Registered mail, large “R” at far left
 * C. For Insured mail, large “A” at far left
 * D. For Priority mail, large “P” at far left
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg,00  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg


 * a. With “A.R.” slug below frank, to indicate return receipt required
 * b. With “AS.” below frank, for insured mail
 * c. With “EX.” below frank, for express mail
 * d. With “V.A.” below frank, for air mail
 * e. With postal service logo at far left
 * f. With envelope-in-motion logo replacing post horn at bottom of TM



'''PO13. EMS “PT200” ''' (MV), 1995.
 * Very similar to Types PO11 and PO12 but without a box at left.
 * Used only for services that do not require a tracking number.
 * A. For postage due, large “T” at left
 * B. For bulk mailings, with “CONTI DI CREDITO” below frank
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg


 * a. With envelope-in-motion logo replacing post horn at bottom of TM

'''PO14. Audion “6000” ''' (MV), 1997.
 * Two machines used temporarily and provisionally in Genoa for bulk mailings on account.
 * The two machines were ordinary private use meters with the frank frame removed and a “Poste Italiane” slogan added.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg


 * a. Without TM, date only

'''PO15. “Zebra”''' (digital), 2001.
 * Large, square digital data field at left.
 * “Poste Italiane” at right above box containing value figures and date.
 * One seen from 2001 with dual value figures in Lira and Euros.
 * Later examples without Lira value figures may exist.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg. 00.000 /  € 0.00

'''PO16. Olivetti “Tecnost” ''' (digital), 2001.
 * With large digital data field at left as with Type PO15, but data at right is not boxed.
 * “Posteitaliane” small and at bottom right.
 * Serial/identification number below date.
 * Printed on white self-adhesive label. (Called “TP label” in Italy.)
 * A. For ordinary mail, “postaordinaria” at top
 * B. For registered mail, “postaraccomandata” at top
 * C. For priority mail, “postaprioritaria” at top
 * D. For insured mail, “postaassicurata/ raccomandata” at top
 * E. For flats and other nonstandard mail, blank at top
 * F. “Diritti Postali” at top (Official Postal Business. Literal translation is ‘postal rights’.)
 * V/F: £000 (rare)  £0.000 (rare)  € 0,00


 * a. With “AR” slug at top right, to indicate return receipt required
 * b. With “FP” slug at top right, to indicate mail to be picked up at the post office
 * c. With “EX ” slug at top right, to indicate express
 * d. With “EL…” instead of serial number

'''PO17. Pitney Bowes''' (digital), 2005.
 * Frank with three chain links at sides as with Sub-group EG.
 * Without meter or identification number.
 * Printed in black.
 * A. Frank approximately 39 x 28 mm, used for ordinary mail
 * B. Short frank approximately 39 x 17 mm with boxed mail classification below, used for Priority and other enhanced classes of mail
 * C. Similar to B but the mail classification is unboxed
 * TM with rimless Post Office name at top and arc at bottom “Poste” and “Italiane” horizontal above and below date.
 * V/F: € ≋ 00,00



'''PO18. Olivetti and SIPI''' (digital), 2007.
 * “Posteitaliane” above square 2D barcode at right.
 * Value figures at top center.
 * In small letters across the bottom are the post code, post office names, date and time.
 * Either no, three, four, or five vertical bars (to help sorting) appear at left.
 * Three bars are for regular mail, four are for priority mail, and five are for registered, certified and express mail. Examples without bars are not uncommon.


 * Two manufacturers made the machines that produce these stamps, Olivetti and SIPI. The stamps are identical except for the placement of the value figures in relation to the sorting bars. See the comparison image at right.
 * A. “Postaordinaria” at top left (regular mail)
 * B. “Postaprioritaria” at top left (priority mail)
 * C. “Postaassicurata” at top left (certified mail)
 * D. “Postaraccomandata” at top left (registered mail)
 * E. “Raccomandata1” at top left (registered express mail)
 * F. “paccocelere3” at top left (parcel post)
 * G. “Postaacelere 1 Plus” at top left (parcel post express)
 * H. “Porto Ordinario Editoriale” at top left (discount rate bulk mail)
 * J. “Postapriority / internazionale” at top left (international priority mail)


 * V/F:  € 0,00


 * a. Postaraccomandata” in large letters across the top, without “Posteitaliane”
 * b. With “AR” slug at top left to indicate return receipt requested
 * c. Without bars at left
 * d. Postally used with "DEMO" reading up at lower left




 * PO19. Pitney Bowes (digital), 20 October 2011.
 * This stamp is very similar in appearance to Group F stamps.
 * The most noticeable difference is the number with "1-PT" prefix at bottom left, below the Post Office name.
 * These stamps often, but not always, have a 4-digit number with ID prefix above the post office name.
 * “Posteitaliane” above sorting bars in center.
 * At right are the date and time above the value figures and a horizontal 2D barcode.
 * A. “Posteitaliane” is aligned above the level of the date.
 * B. "Posteitaliane” is aligned level with the date, and "Poste" is in a heavier font than Sub-type "A".
 * Class of mail and post office identification at left.
 * Normally printed in blue.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Euro 000.00


 * a. Without post office identification, occasionally with random(?) letters or symbols below the mail class


 * NOTE. The mail classes listed with PO18 apply to PO19. Additionally "Pieghi di Libri" (book rate), "posta④" (economy), "postapriority / internazionale", "postaassicurata raccomandata" and "Postaraccomandata AR" are known with PO19. They may also exist with PO18.




 * PO20. Manufacturer not known (digital).
 * Similar to Type PO19, but with the "1-PT" prefix replaced by "50j".
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg Euro 000.00


 * NOTE. The mail classes listed with PO19 apply to PO20.

GROUP PP: Designs used only for Parcel Post

 * All stamps have two parts that are printed side by side or one above the other. The impression is applied to both a receipt for the customer and a record for the Post Office. Proofs exist with both stamp parts on a single sheet of paper.



'''PP1. Francotyp “C” ''' (MV), 1932. [scarce]
 * The complete stamp shows a single tall frank with fasces at sides with double value figures and town marks.
 * In panel at top is “|| A PARTE”. (This is the receipt.)
 * In panel at bottom is “| A PARTE”. (This is for postal records).
 * A single 4-digit Impression counter number is between the frank and the town marks.
 * Date figures without stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point asterisk.jpg 0.00 (A)


 * a. With fascist year in Roman numerals appended to the date (e.g. "20 4  43 XXI")

'''PP1.1. Sima ''' (MV), 1932. [rare, value uncertain]
 * Identical to Type PP1 but the date figures have stops and the value figures are probably different.
 * TM: probably SC
 * V/F:  uncertain

'''PP2. Sima ''' (MV), 1947.
 * See image for Type PP2.1 below.
 * Similar to PP1 but with curved-line ornaments at sides.
 * The impression counter is far below the lower TM.
 * Frank is 37mm wide.
 * Angular value figures.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ★00.=

'''PP2.1. Lirma "A1950" ''' (MV).
 * Identical to Type PP2 but the value figures are smaller and oval.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.=

'''PP2.2. Sima''' (MV), 1947.
 * Similar to Types PP1 and PP1.1 but the frank is narrower at 32mm wide.
 * Date figures with stops.
 * The stamp presumably has angular value figures.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: ★00.=

'''PP2.3. Francotyp "C" ''' (MV), 1947.
 * Identical to Type PP2.2 but presumably with different value figures.
 * The date figures have no stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  uncertain



'''PP3. Sima "Italpacchi" ''' (MV), 1957.
 * Similar to Types PP1 and 2 but smaller and with leaf design (like Group D) in side panels.
 * Not known with identification number prefix.
 * Date with stops.
 * The value figures are angular.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg   MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.



'''PP3.1. Lirma''' (MV), 1957.
 * Identical to Type PP3 but the value figures are oval.
 * If present, identification prefix is "PA" or "PAE".
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg



'''PP3.2. Steiner''' (MV), 1957.
 * Identical to Type PP3.1 unless an identification number prefix is present.
 * If present, the identification number prefix is "STpa", perhaps "STa" and other similar prefixes.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg



'''PP3.3. Postitalia''' (MV), 1957.
 * Identical to Type PP3.1 and 3.2 unless an identification number prefix is present.
 * If present, the identification number prefix is "PE" or "PM".
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  MeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg

'''PP4. Audion “Micropost” ''' (MV), 1966.
 * The complete stamp has two parts at left and right.
 * The left frank has “| A PARTE” stacked at left, and the right frank has “|| A  PARTE” stacked at right.
 * The illustration shows the left half.
 * Not seen with identification number prefix, but they may have been used.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F:  ★000



'''PP5. Audion "Astro"''' (MV).
 * The complete stamp contains two separate parts above and below the other. Shown is the lower part
 * The franks are horizontal rectangles with simulated perforation border.
 * The upper frank contains “|| A  PARTE” in the side panels, and the lower frank has “| A  PARTE” in the side panels.
 * Not seen with identification number prefix, but they may have been used.
 * Date without stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: ★000



'''PP6. Postitalia''' (MV), 1949.
 * Nearly identical to Type PP5 and can most easily be identified by the larger value figures and, if present, the identification number.
 * If present, identification prefix is "Ppae" and perhaps similar prefixes.
 * Date without stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: ★000



'''PP7. Hasler “F88” ''' (MV), 1949.
 * Similar to Types PP5 and PP6 but the spacing is narrower.
 * Not seen with identification number prefix, but they may have been used.
 * Small date figures with stops.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 0000


 * a. With Impression counter left of TM, found both vertical and horizontal



'''PP8. Francotyp "Cm 10000 Pacchi" ''' (MV).
 * As Types PP5-7 but the town mark is a square without frame line at top (bottom TM) and presumably without frame line at bottom on the top TM.
 * If present, identification prefix is "FTp".
 * The value figures are tall and narrow.
 * TM: square
 * V/F:  MeterCat solid diamond.jpg



PP9. Assumed to be Anker, unverified (digital), 1992.
 * Single line, printed through a ribbon or carbon paper, as follows:
 * PT logo, date (DDMMYY), 4 digit parcel number, value figures, 5 digit transaction number
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpgMeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg0 (Lira)

NOTE: A similar stamp denominated in Euros probably exists.

GROUP PR: Designs used by private carriers licensed by the Post Office to carry parcels

 * Although used privately, the stamps are required by the Post. They resemble regular parcel post stamps (Group PP) and differ mainly in the inclusion of “RICEVUTA” and “BOLLETTINO” in the franks.



'''PR1. Sima''' (MV), 1949.
 * As Type PP2 but with “RICEVUTA” (receipt) in the top frank and “BOLLETTINO” (postal record) in the bottom frank.
 * Not seen with identification number prefix.
 * Date with stops.
 * The value figures are angular.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.=

'''PR2. Lirma''' (MV).
 * As Type PR1 but the value figures are oval.
 * Possible identification prefixes are unknown.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpgMeterCat 5-point starburst.jpg.=

'''PR3. Hasler''' (MV).
 * Probably very similar or identical to Type PR2.
 * Possible identification prefixes are unknown.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpguncertain

'''PR4. Micropost ''' (MV).
 * Probably very similar or identical to Type PR2.
 * Possible identification prefixes are unknown.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpguncertain

'''PR5. Steiner''' (MV).
 * Probably very similar or identical to Type PR2.
 * Possible identification prefixes are unknown.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg  MeterCat 5 spaces.jpg MeterCat 6-point starburst v.jpg

'''PR6. Hasler "F88" ''' (MV), 1965.
 * As Types PR1-5 but the franks are much shorter, far wider than tall.
 * Other information about the stamp is unknown at present.
 * V/F: MeterCat 5 spaces.jpguncertain

GROUP PV: Designs used by public self-service vending machine meters


'''PV0.1. O.M.T.''' (MV), 1956.
 * A coin-operated franker was in use at the First European Community Exhibition of Postal Mechanization held in Rome, 29 October to 11 November 1956. The machine was not available for use during the whole show and possibly only on the first day.
 * The stamp did not include a town mark or the date. Although franked cards and envelopes could be taken away most were deposited in the post box near the machine and received the postmark shown in the scan.
 * Values seen: MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg [ Very rare ]   MeterCat 6-point starburst h.jpg [ Extremely rare, one known ] (It is probable the machine could print any stamp denomination divisible by 5 up to 80 but only the two listed are known to survive.)



'''PV1. O.M.T. “Posto Automatico” ''' (MV), 1956. [very rare]
 * Three, possibly four machines were used in Rome from 1956 to the mid-1960s.
 * The frank is similar to those of Group C and is most easily distinguished by “POSTO AUTOMATICO” at the top of the town mark.
 * The machine’s location name is vertical between the TM and frank: ROMA PRATI, PIAZZA S. SILVESTRO, and PIAZZA CINQUE-CENTO.
 * TM: DC
 * V/F: 5 to at least 125 in increments of 5


 * a. Test impression from 1965 with frank die vertical reading down rather than horizontal.



'''PV2. O.M.T. ''' (MV), 1978. [scarce]
 * Experimental coin-operated machine used for registered mail.
 * Frank similar to Group D dies.
 * Wide spacing with very large town mark (32mm).
 * Large “R” and box in center for registration information with “MATR. No.(number)” above.
 * Eight or possibly ten machines were in use for a few months in 1978 and 1979.
 * TM: SC
 * V/F: 000 (?00)



'''PV3. Wincor Nixdorf "ProPostal" ''' (digital), 2005.
 * Experimental self-service machine trialed at the central post office in Rome for a few months.
 * Large square 2D digital barcode at right.
 * At top left are the class of mail above the value figures.
 * Below that is the date and time in small lettering.
 * Below that is the post office identification in negative characters within a dark stripe.
 * Printed in black on plain white labels with rounded corners.
 * V/F: Euro 0.00

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