Lot 20624 – Essay of the illustrated “Batt.ne Granatieri di Savoia in E.O.” postcard

As a consequence of the Sino-Japanese War which broke out in 1937, an international force was sent to Shanghai to protect the International Concession. This contingent was made up of 2,500 English, 1,400 Americans and only 800 Italians. The Italian force, transferred from Addis Abeba in the recently occupied Ethiopia, consisted of a Grenadiers Battalion of Savoia (“Battaglione Granatieri di Savoia in Estremo Oriente”), which arrived to Shanghai on 14.9.1937. The carriage of mail was served by the Italian warships in China and the diplomatic pouch.

1937 Essay of the illustrated “Batt.ne Granatieri di Savoia in E.O.” postcard, printed on white card in contrasting shade with cream definitely printed, blank on reverse with typewritten “comm.Rosset Desandrá/Shanghai,li 15 settembre 1938 XVI&” of which significance we are not aware. Very rare.