Switzerland 1850 5 Rappen Rayon I

Switzerland · 1850 · 5 Rappen

This classic stamp, known as the 'Rayon I', features a central white Swiss cross on a red shield, surrounded by ornate patterns and a post horn. The denomination '5 Rp.' is prominently displayed at the bottom. It was part of the first federal issues of Switzerland, designed to standardize postage across the cantons.

Issued in 1850, this stamp represents a key moment in Swiss postal history, unifying the varied cantonal postal systems into a single federal service following the establishment of the Swiss federal state in 1848.