Description
For your consideration is a rare and historically significant original Italian royal manuscript invitation card, hand-signed by His Majesty King Umberto II of Italy, dating to circa 1975. This exquisite royal invitation card measures approximately 3.75 BY 5.75 inches and is embossed with the regal coat of arms of Umberto II, featuring an Imperial eagle and his royal cipher. The card is boldly signed by the King himself in vibrant blue permanent marker ink, a testament to its authenticity and the personal touch of Italy's last monarch.
Adding to its historical significance, the card is accompanied by an original period greeting card, also signed and dated by Umberto II in Cascais, Portugal, on January 1954. Cascais was where the exiled king spent the remainder of his life following the abolition of the Italian monarchy after the 1946 referendum. The condition of both cards is original and fine, with minimal wear, making them museum-quality pieces that capture a pivotal moment in European history.
Umberto II, born Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia on September 15, 1904, was the last King of Italy. His reign, lasting from May 9 to June 12, 1946, spanned just 34 days, earning him the moniker "The King of May." Despite his brief time on the throne, Umberto II played a crucial role during a transformative period in Italy's history. He assumed the role of lieutenant general of the Kingdom from 1944 to 1946, during which he navigated the country through the final years of World War II and the tumultuous transition from fascism to democracy. His reign ended when Italy voted to become a republic, forcing him into exile, where he continued to uphold his royal duties from afar.
This one-of-a-kind invitation card is not just a piece of royal memorabilia but a symbol of the end of Italy's monarchical era. Its combination of royal prestige, historical depth, and pristine condition makes it an invaluable addition for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of European history. A true collector's gem, it embodies the legacy of a monarch whose brief reign marked the end of centuries of royal rule in Italy.
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