ZURICH, 1843, 4r Black,
Vertical Red Lines (1L1, Zumstein 1S). Type II, ample to huge margins,
deep shade with clear red background lines, well-centered red
rosette cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE ZURICH 4-RAPPEN WITH VERTICAL RED LINES.
In 1843, the Canton of Zurich decided to issue stamps to prepay postage. These were issued in two denominations: the 4-rappen for local letters, and a 6-rappen stamp for use on letters to other cantonal districts. The local printing firm of Orell, Fussli & Co. were contracted to print the stamps, which were issued on March 2, 1843.
Small blue and purple backstamps. With 1991 Rellstab certificate. Zumstein Sfr25,500 (Image)
ZURICH, 1843, 4r Black,
Vertical Red Lines (1L1, Zumstein 1S). Type III, large to huge margins,
showing clear red lines, tied by red cross in rosette cancel on
folded letter to Kloten (a Zurich suburb), matching "Zurich 22/4 1844"
double-circle datestamp, stamp lifted for examination and hinged in
placeEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE ZURICH 4-RAPPEN WITH RED VERTICAL LINES.
The previous description gives an explanation of the issuance of this stamp. With 1950 Fulpius and 1988 Weid certificates (the latter illustrated on certificate off-cover). Zumstein Sfr48,000 on cover, Sfr25,500 off-cover (Image)
GENEVA, 1843, 5c + 5c Black on
Yellow Green, "Double Geneva" (2L1, Zumstein 3). Large to huge margins
including parts of dividing lines on three sides, beautiful fine impression
on incredibly fresh paper, perfectly struck Geneva Rosette
cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE RARE SWITZERLAND DOUBLE-GENEVA IN THE FINEST CONDITION AND COMBINING THE ELEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING COLOR, CANCELLATION, IMPRESSION AND MARGINS.
The Double Geneva was the first stamp issued by the Canton of Geneva, on October 1, 1843. The stamps were lithographed on green paper by M. Schmidt, a local printer, in sheets consisting of fifty double-stamps to a sheet. The total printing was 600 sheets. As quoted in Stamps of Fame by L.N. & M. Williams, a contemporary observation before the issue of the Double Geneva reads "Such labels are sold at post offices at 10 centimes each, and when required to do so stationers fasten them beforehand on envelopes, which they sell plus the cost of the ticket. People keep them ready to hand, just as they do their pens and wafers. Many are lost, but this is so much profit to the Post Office. Moreover one uses them more readily than money...it would be a savings to allow two labels to serve for a double letter, or one for every ounce."
With 1976 Nussbaum certificate. Zumstein Sfr53,000 (Image)
GENEVA, 1843, 5c Black on
Yellow Green, Left Half of "Double Geneva" (2L1a, Zumstein 4L). Large
margins all around including dividing line at bottom and part of dividing
line at top, neat strike of red Geneva Rosette cancel, certificate states
paper abrasion at top left which we cannot seeEXTREMELY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE LEFT HALF OF THE FAMOUS DOUBLE GENEVA CANTONAL STAMP.
With 1992 Rellstab certificate (Image)
GENEVA, 1849, 4c Black & Red,
Vand (2L5, Zumstein 9). Position 71, large to huge margins all around,
fresh color and fine impression, neat strike of red Geneva Rosette
cancelEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 1849 4-CENTIME GENEVA COAT OF ARMS.
Small red Weid backstamp and signed Diena in pencil. With 1939 Zumstein, 1977 Weid and 1977 Diena certificates. Zumstein Sfr31,000 (Image)
GENEVA, 1849, 4c Black & Red,
Vand (2L5, Zumstein 9). Large to huge margins all around including
parts of dividing lines on two sides, fresh color and fine impression, bold
strike of diamond grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 1849 4-CENTIME GENEVA COAT OF ARMS.
Small red Weid backstamp. Zumstein Sfr31,000 (Image)
BASEL, 1845, 2-1/2r Dove of
Basel (3L1a, Zumstein 8a). Large margins to barely touched at bottom
right, tied by red "Basel 19 Mai 1847" double-circle datestamp on folded
letter addressed locally, neat strike of "Basel 19 Mai 1847" backstamp in
red, brilliant colors typical of the scarce first printingVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE AND ATTRACTIVE COVER OF THE 2-1/2-RAPPEN DOVE OF BASEL.
Small Roumet and Calves handstamps. With 1977 Hunziger certificate. Zumstein Sfr38,000 (Image)
1850, 2-1/2r Black & Red,
Orts-Post, Without Frame Around Cross (3, Zumstein 13II). Type 37,
ample to huge margins including part or all of dividing lines on three
sides, sheet margin at bottom and part of adjacent stamp at top,
sharp impression and deep rich color, cancelled by perfect strike of blue
"P.D." handstamp, matching "Chur 7 Oct. 50" double-circle datestamp on
folded letter, light vertical file fold not affecting stamp or
markingsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB BOTTOM SHEET MARGIN USAGE OF THE 2-1/2 RAPPEN ORTS-POST WITHOUT FRAME AROUND CROSS.
With 1998 Rellstab certificate (Image)