Sovereign Order of Malta. Naval Signals-1.
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 6:39 pm
The image shows a miniature sheet of eight postage stamps issued by the Sovereign Order of Malta (SMOM) in 2000.
The stamps depict various types of historic sailing vessels. A unique feature of this issue is the inclusion of information coupons to the right of each stamp, which describe the corresponding maritime signal or the vessel's characteristics in Italian.
Since the first methods of maritime signaling emerged, it has played a crucial role in communication between ships. Maritime communication required different methods than on land, as it was typically transmitted over long distances, out of reach of a conversation. Maritime communication required visual and non-verbal methods of communication, which ultimately led to the use of signaling—a common practice for all Mediterranean navies. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines signaling as "the conveyance of information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound," and communication as "the transmission or exchange of information, knowledge, or ideas by speech, writing, mechanical or electronic means, etc."
However, a distinction must be made between signals and salutes, as while both serve as means of communication at sea, they have different meanings. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a salute in a military and naval context is "to show respect (to a superior) by a prescribed movement of the body." The Order of St. John was a religious institution with its own powerful and well-developed naval flotilla. It established its importance in the Mediterranean through events such as the Second Venetian-Ottoman War of 1499-1502/03. As a result of this extensive maritime activity, it also developed signals and salutes that were common to other maritime powers, especially Venice, for internal communication within a squadron and with other fleets.
Below is a translation of the inscriptions on some coupons. It is approximate, as the font on the coupons is of very poor quality.
If anyone has any additional information, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Left side of the sheet:
1). If the "Pflera" is at sea after an accident, and a sudden accident requires additional shots, then the cannon should be fired from the bow, and two cables should be pulled to the mainsail, one on each side, and the two nearest poles should be raised to these marks for support….2)….3).
4). If the lantern is on board the "Irinketto," then the artillery should be ready for a salute. However, if it is on the Penne, then the "Irinketto" should also have its artillery ready for a salute.
Right side of the sheet:
1). The squadron, anchored on a beach where one of the Pal-class ships was needed for an attack, and unable to take advantage of a favorable wind, will head for the lighthouse at Calcese di Irinci, fire a cannon shot, and as soon as the lighthouse follows, the entire squadron will head for the nearest leeward point to make it easier to find.
……2)…….3).
4). It is necessary to call felucca No. 1 "Cayulo," which will at some point be on guard duty. A smoke bomb will be made and lit using the captain's lantern, which they will join when Gellecitudine turns, but the felucca will connect with you using a reel at the specified signals.
Sovereign Order of Malta (SVMO) 2000; (4scudi x 8).
Source: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handl ... ,%2C%20etc.
The stamps depict various types of historic sailing vessels. A unique feature of this issue is the inclusion of information coupons to the right of each stamp, which describe the corresponding maritime signal or the vessel's characteristics in Italian.
Since the first methods of maritime signaling emerged, it has played a crucial role in communication between ships. Maritime communication required different methods than on land, as it was typically transmitted over long distances, out of reach of a conversation. Maritime communication required visual and non-verbal methods of communication, which ultimately led to the use of signaling—a common practice for all Mediterranean navies. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines signaling as "the conveyance of information or instructions by means of a gesture, action, or sound," and communication as "the transmission or exchange of information, knowledge, or ideas by speech, writing, mechanical or electronic means, etc."
However, a distinction must be made between signals and salutes, as while both serve as means of communication at sea, they have different meanings. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a salute in a military and naval context is "to show respect (to a superior) by a prescribed movement of the body." The Order of St. John was a religious institution with its own powerful and well-developed naval flotilla. It established its importance in the Mediterranean through events such as the Second Venetian-Ottoman War of 1499-1502/03. As a result of this extensive maritime activity, it also developed signals and salutes that were common to other maritime powers, especially Venice, for internal communication within a squadron and with other fleets.
Below is a translation of the inscriptions on some coupons. It is approximate, as the font on the coupons is of very poor quality.
If anyone has any additional information, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Left side of the sheet:
1). If the "Pflera" is at sea after an accident, and a sudden accident requires additional shots, then the cannon should be fired from the bow, and two cables should be pulled to the mainsail, one on each side, and the two nearest poles should be raised to these marks for support….2)….3).
4). If the lantern is on board the "Irinketto," then the artillery should be ready for a salute. However, if it is on the Penne, then the "Irinketto" should also have its artillery ready for a salute.
Right side of the sheet:
1). The squadron, anchored on a beach where one of the Pal-class ships was needed for an attack, and unable to take advantage of a favorable wind, will head for the lighthouse at Calcese di Irinci, fire a cannon shot, and as soon as the lighthouse follows, the entire squadron will head for the nearest leeward point to make it easier to find.
……2)…….3).
4). It is necessary to call felucca No. 1 "Cayulo," which will at some point be on guard duty. A smoke bomb will be made and lit using the captain's lantern, which they will join when Gellecitudine turns, but the felucca will connect with you using a reel at the specified signals.
Sovereign Order of Malta (SVMO) 2000; (4scudi x 8).
Source: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handl ... ,%2C%20etc.