Cyclades Islands (Isole Cicladi). 1941 (May 25) Cover sent to Rhodes, struck with violet "Franchigia Postale" (type 1) straight-line handstamp, with neat "Cicladi" cds at right, the only example recorded of the type I. Signed Sorani and Chiavarello. (Image)

1941 (May 26) Postcard from Thira (Santorini) to Rhodes, franked by Aegean 20c for an illustrated card not including more than five words, tied by Thira telegraphic cds (Astolfi p. R). One of only three civilian mails from the Cyclades bearing an Aegean Islands franking, further enhanced by this extremely rare cancellation on civilian mail. Signed Sorani and Chiavarello. (Image)

1941 (May 29) Stampless cover to Rhodes bearing unframed "P.M. 550 E/R. truppe Italiane Cicladi/Franchigia Postale/N 563613 / 164634 - V. 3 - 262 - 41 - XIX/P.M. 550 E" (extremely rare, Marchese type 4: '=' as per invaluable) and "Cicladi" cds, both in violet, censorship label and framed mark, "Rodi" arrival cds on back. A very significant rarity of the Italian military mail in WWII. Signed Sorani and Chiavarello. (Image)

1941 (June 9) Cover from Thira (Santorini) to Italy sent by a military personnel, correctly franked by Aegean Islands 10c (2), 30c and airmail 50c tied by Thira dotted telegraphic cds's (Astolfi p. R), additionally in transit in Rhodes with P.M. 550 cds, neat "Cicladi" cds of Syra at left. An extremely rare combination of the Rhodes franking with the Cicladi and Thira cancellations, -and furthermore out of the period recorded by Marchese, for also unfranked mail from Santorini, during one week in May-, as well as one of the few cases recorded of any "Cicladi" airmail via Rhodes. (Image)

1941 (June 9) Postcard from Thira (Santorini) to Rome, endorsed "Zona sprovvista di francobolli" (zone with no stamps available), initially posted at the civilian office with dotted telegraphic cds on departure, confirming the exemption of franking with framed "P.M.550E/Comando Superiore FF.AA.Egeo/Essente da Tassa Autorizzazione Postgen/N.563613-164634.V.3 del 26.4.4.1XIX" hs, "Cicladi" cds of Syra, and P.M. n° 550 transit in Rhodes. A very rare combination which is recorded from 6 to 13 May only (Marchese p. 13), extremely fine. (Image)

1941 (June 12) Postcard from Thira (Santorini) to the P.M. 550E in Rhodes, free postage "Franchigia Postale/Truppe occupazione Cicladi" hs in transit at Syra, dotted Thira dispatch and "Rodi" arrival cds's. A very rare combination which is recorded from 6 to 13 May only (Marchese p. 13). Signed Sorani and Chiavarello. (Image)

1941 (Sept 1st) Cover posted at the civilian P.O. of Paros (Cyclades) to Kos (Dodecanese), franked on reverse with Greek stamps including "Mythology" 50L (2), 2d and "Previdenza" 50L, tied by Paros dotted cds, transiting Syros where it was censored with the rubbed out Greek hs with "C. Italiana C 1" in manuscript and entering the military mails as confirmed by "Cicladi" cds on front, arrival "Coo" cds on reverse. An extraordinary combination of civilian and military mail originating from Paros. (Image)

1941 (Sept 10) Airmail cover to Esine (Italy), franked by Greece 2d (2) and tax 50L, tied by "Cicladi" cds's, repeated below, with arrival on reverse. An exceptional and exceedingly rare usage of Greek stamps (instead of Italian values), with its rarity being notably augmented by showing the latest recorded date of usage of this elusive cancellation, one of the most important rarities of the Italian occupied Cyclades. Signed Fiecchi, Sorani and Chiavarello. (Image)

1941 (Dec 1) Cover sent by a civilian from Syra to Italy, paying the single airmail rate with Aegean 20c and airmail 80c, tied by "Syros/Apostoli" cds on departure (Astolfi p. 9), Italian censorship and backstamp on receipt. Outstandingly fine, one of only three civilian mails from the Cyclades with Aegean Islands frankings. (Image)

1941 Military Mail: Group of 21 covers/cards mounted on exhibition pages, six exhibiting the "Cicladi" cds, rare "Cicladi" used on Aegean frankings, Thira and "Cicladi" cds's used in conjunction, "Franchigia Postale/Truppe occupazione Cicladi", "Franchigia Postale" or "Essente da Tassa..." free-postage handstamps including the very rare type V of which only three items are known, mail from the Banco di Roma with high frankings tied by P.M. 162 cds, "Comando Marina" markings, etc. Viewing highly recommended. (Image)

1941 Civilian Mail: Group of 13 covers/cards and some unsued picture postcards, including combination of civilian and military cancellations, Greek type censorship marking with rubbed out coat of arms, the scarce Syra censorship in transit with and without coat of arms, the restricted airmail service allowed to civilians, rare telegram cover from Rhodes to Syra when the telegraphic line was interrupted, as well as a couple of documents. (Image)