Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is situated to the south west of Italy and is separated from mainland Italy by the Straits of Messina. Situated on the island is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe at 3329 m. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world today.
Together with Naples, Sicily formed part of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies until it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
The only stamp series recorded for the Kindom of Sicily is the one with the profile of King “Bomba”. This was the nickname of King Ferdinand who ruled the Kingdom from 1830 until his death in 1859. In the later years of his reign, he was very controversial and an assassination attempt was made on him in 1856. It is thought that the infection caused by a bayonet during this attempt was eventually the cause of his death. Soon after his death, Sicily was invaded by Garibaldi and this invasion led to Sicily becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy.
The series of King “Bomba” (the stamps are imperforate) issued in 1859 is highly sought after by stamp collectors in the world today. It is said that there are many forgeries of these stamps.
1859
King “Bomba” Series
SG # 7
Used (Hinged)