Zurich 4 Rappen, Black with Red Vertical Lines

Switzerland · 1843 · 4 Rappen

This is one of the first stamps issued in Switzerland, from the Canton of Zurich. The design features a large numeral '4' at its center, indicating the postage value of 4 rappen, set against a background of fine red vertical lines. This stamp, along with its 6 rappen counterpart, was created by lithographer J.J. Ulrich and is notable for its simple yet functional design.

Issued on March 1, 1843, the Zurich 4 and 6 were the first stamps issued in continental Europe, following Great Britain's Penny Black by only three years. These cantonal issues predate the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system in 1849.