Seated Helvetia (Strubel)

Switzerland · 1854 · 5 Rappen

This stamp is part of the first federal issue of Switzerland, commonly known as the 'Strubel' issue due to the allegorical figure Helvetia's messy or 'strubelig' hair. The design features a seated Helvetia, the female personification of Switzerland, holding a spear and shield with the Swiss cross, framed by an ornate pattern. This particular issue is printed on paper with a silk thread embedded for security.

Issued in 1854, this stamp represents the unification of Switzerland's postal system, replacing the various cantonal issues with a single federal design. The 'Strubel' series was in use for nearly a decade and is a classic of early European philately.