RARE COPPER CARD TO THE HOMELAND COMMITTEE OF ONE THOUSAND NEW YORK

By Seraphinniangeli, 16 January, 2013
Description

 I would be much obliged for you taking the time in your busy schedule to help me solve the enigma behind these Comitato dei mille postcards.  Any light you could shed or insight will be greatly appreciated.

Without success I have been trying to get more information on the history behind these 4”x6” sheets of copper that I understand NY Italians mailed home to Italy ca 1936. All I was able to find thus far was:

Fascismo, "Unione Italiani d'America" e "Comitato dei Mille-New York", diff. lamine di rame  offerte per il "Natale di Roma" del 1936, per la "Nuova Italia",  e per la sottoscrizione "Rame alla Patria", da cm 15x9 a 15x12, **/***

Which translate to: Fascism, Italian Union Damer and Committee of one thousand-New York diff. copper foils bid for Christmas in Rome in 1936, for the New Italy, and to subscribe to the Copper country, 15x9 to 15 x 12 cm

For what I have gathered by searching through Italian websites was that for 30 years the members of that said Committee sent to relatives in Italy special postcards made of copper, which today might have some commercial value and that they are very rare.

It seems that this Committee of one thousand was created by Italian/Americans migrants in New York to support the Mussolini cause. The postcards it seems were created as a code message to send donations to the Fascist party and apparently the members of the Association have formed a Committee to send to relatives in Italy feature copper postcards that was then turn over to the government.

That is what I believe it’s the history behind these postcards. However I would like to be certain. I would like to learn more about the "Comitato dei Mille"; in particular to have depth information on action taken by the members of this Committee, what became of it and the value.

The Card below reads: May 24 1915 - May 24 1936 - In front of the altar of the homeland we set aside our OFFER and our devotion. 

COMMITTEE OF ONE THOUSAND - NEW YORK

Please advise,

Maria Colalillo Serafini

Category
Other
Medium
Copper
Distinguishing marks
Comitato dei Mille
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
4”x6” sheets of copper -- 15x9 to 15 x 12 cm
Date Period
ca 1936
History
Commissioned by the Committee of one thousand in New York, which was formed by Italian/American immigrants during the second world war.
Price Paid (If known)
Aquire from my great grandfather - I am not aware of the price he paid at the time..
For Sale?
No
Photos

jlees

12 years ago

I've read you small article on the Italian American Committee of One Thousand postcard with much interest. I am a serious postcard collector and would like to purchase the item. Is it for sale?

Meanwhile, the Italian American Committee of One Thousand was a pro-facsist organization that was design to support Mussolini's Italo-Abyssinian War. They collected funds and staged a few rallies in New York. The reference to One Thousand may have been based upon Garibaldi's one thousand volunteers in 1860 that liberated southern Italy and were mythologized by later Italian Nationalists. However, no one knows for sure, because once the US became involved in WWII during the 1940 and 1941 time frame, this organization quickly dissolved and past Italian-American members dissconnected and eraced their involvement from it. 

I hope this helps. But, if you've found additional information could you please share this with me?

James

[email protected]

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Seraphinniangeli

11 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. I am not really looking to sell at this point, just curious about its worth! :)

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