1815 – Francis I proclaimed the formation of the kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia.

1859 – After the defeat of the Austrian army at the Battle of Solferino, the Treaty of Zurich awarded Lombardy to the Kingdom of France.  The Kingdom of France then ceded Lombardy to the Kingdom of Sardinia.

1866 – At the end of the Austro-Prussian War (1866), the Italian army seized Venetia and Mantua. The 1866 Peace of Prague awarded the territory of Venetia and Mantua to the Kingdom of France. The Kingdom of France, for diplomatic reasons, transferred the territories to the Kingdom of Italy on October 19, 1866. Following a plebiscite on October 20-21, 1866, the territories were officially annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.

Interesting side storytime. in April of 1859 the French Emporer, Napoleon III, declared war on Austria. During the battle of Solferino Henry Dunant, a young Swiss Banker, was shocked at the carnage and amount of wounded who were not being cared for. Subsequently he formed a neutral organization to help with getting medical supplies and help to the wounded. This organization led to the formation of the Red Cross in 1864.

First Stamps Issued: June 1, 1850
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 lira (1850); 100 soldi = 1 florin, 100 kreuzer = 1 gulden (1858)

The first stamps issued were a series of imperforate, typographed stamps featuring the coat of arms on a rough, handmade paper. These can be watermarked “K.K.H.M.” in large letters across the sheet however many of these stamps will appear to be unwatermarked. Stamps showing the sheet watermark are very scarce.

After 1854 smoother, machine made paper was used. The stamps are inscribed “KKPOST / STEMPEL“ or “Kaiserlich Konigliches Handels-Ministerium POST STEMPEL”, meaning “Imperial and Royal Ministry of Commerce Postage Stamp”.

Issues between 1858 and 1859 featured Emperor Franz Josef (two types), and in 1861 in an oval frame. They are embossed on unwatermarked paper, and they are perforated 14 1/2. 1862 issues show the Coat of Arms in an oval frame, perforated 14 and were also used in the Ottoman (Levant) Austrian post-offices.

The region’s city Milan will host the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Of course, Lombardy-Venetia no longer exists but you can go visit the Hapburg Imperial Crypt. Twelve emperors, 18 empresses, and 113 other members of the Habsburg family are interred there and if that leaves you wanting more the hearts of 54 members of the royal family are held in special urns in the Herzgruft, or “Heart Room,” located a few blocks away in St. George’s Chapel of the Augustinerkirche, If that isn’t enough the embalmed entrails of princes, queens and emperors are kept in the Ducal Crypt below the St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom).

There are major and minor varities listed in the Scott Catalog so these stamps are good for the detective minded, stamp adventurer. As a beginner, I will shy away from them until more knowledgeable and also because some are beyond my price range.

As usual, there are forgeries out there. Please go here to learn more:

http://stampforgeries.com/forged-stamps-of-lombardy-venetia/