switzerland - focus on stamps

F N

F ocus on stampsThe Collector’s Magazine

2/2013

Special stamps Europa – Postal vehicles

Powering Swiss Post

Special stamp White stork

The bill-clattering stork

Special stamp Faces Switzerland

20 cm² with 111 faces

s pagesWith children’

RED&FU

SF-MOUNTS by Leuchtturm

Fax

Streifen-Sortiment (verschiedene Streifenhöhen)

Packungsinhalt Art.-Nr. Art.-Nr. Preis pro

schwarz glasklar Packung70 Streifen (à 217 mm Länge) = 200 g statt Fr. 28.20(10 x 32 mm, 10 x 37 mm, 10 x 49 mm, 10 x 59 mm, 10 x 78 mm d, 10 x 90 mm d, 10 x 98 mm d) 328 199 325 304 f r nur Fr 19,90

210 Streifen (à 217 mm Länge) = 500 g (20 x 32 mm, 20 x 37 mm, 20 x 44 mm, 20 x 49 mm, 20 x 59 mm, 20 x 72 mm d, statt Fr. 68.5020 x 78 mm d, 20 x 90 mm d, 20 x 98 mm d, 30 x 154 mm d) 304 814 305 801 f r nur Fr 49,90

✁

Simply the best and safest mount for your stamps• Maximum protection against sticking, discolouration,

dust and humidity.

• Stamps held securely in place by strong clamp-type seal.

• SF mounts are made from 100% polystyrene (free from

softening agents, acids and stabilising chemicals).

• Antireflection coating prevents light interference

• Special adhesive on reverse side of film

(simply moisten and stick down!).

Foil cutter 180• adjustable limit stop

• mm measuring scale

• attachable measuring scale

• for presise cutting up to 180 mm

• idela for mounts from all manufactures

• self-sharpening blade (rust proof)

Art. No. 319 565

was CHF 37.90

now only

CHF 25.00

SF-mounts (assortment of strips with different heights)

Pack contents Art. No. black Art. No.clear Price per pack

70 strips (217 mm long) = 200 g (10 x 32 mm, 10 x 37 mm, 10 x 49 mm, 10 x 59 mm, 10 x 78 mm d, 10 x 90 mm d, 10 x 98 mm d)

328 199 325 304 was CHF 28.20

now only CHF 19.90

210 strips (217 mm long) = 500 g (20 x 32 mm, 20 x 37 mm, 20 x 44 mm, 20 x 49 mm, 20 x 59 mm, 20 x 72 mm d, 20 x 78 mm d, 20 x 90 mm d, 20 x 98 mm d, 30 x 154 mm d)

304 814

305 801 was CHF 68.50now only CHF 49.90

d = double seam (top and bottom closed)

Order Form please send to:

Delivery in Switzerland onlySwiss Post – Post Offices & Sales – Retail logistics – Ostermundigenstrasse 91 – 3030 Berne.

❑ ______ Art. No. 328 199, 200 g, black CHF 19.90 ❑ ______ Art. No. 304 814, 500 g, black CHF 49.90 ❑ ______ Art. No. 325 304, 200 g, clear CHF 19.90 ❑ ______ Art. No. 305 801, 500 g, clear CHF 49.90 ❑ ______ Art. No. 319 565, Foil cutter CHF 25.00

Account Number:

Name/first name:

Street/No.:

Postcode/City:

Date of Birth:

Phone/Fax:

E-mail:

Method of payment (for new customers - please select only one payment method)If you are already a customer, your usual method of payment will be applied

Switzerland ❑ with invoice ❑ debit to postal account

Credit cards

❑ American Express ❑ Visa ❑ Diners ❑ Eurocard/Mastercard

Credit card no.

Expiry date (month/year)

Date/Signature:

– –

Phone 0848 66 55 44 058 667 62 68

SPECIAL OFFERS for all Focus on stamps readers

3

Editorial and contents

ContentsKnowledge and News 4–5

Special stamps Europa – Postal vehiclesPowering Swiss Post 6–9

Faces Switzerland 10–11

Pro Patria – Village museums 12–15

National Day postcards 16–17

Customer event Lötschberg Railway centenary 18

Issue programme 19

White stork 20–21

Art series – Venice Biennale 22–24

Vegetable blossoms 26–27

Fred & Fun 28–31

Range of products 32–35

Broadening horizons Dear Reader

Thank you! For what, you may wonder? I design the layout of Focus on stamps, so I take the results of the reader survey as a big compliment, and the whole Focus team was delighted at your positive feedback.But back to the fascination of stamps. Every time I tackle a fresh issue, I learn something new. I’m constantly amazed at how a stamp – a little piece of paper– can broaden my horizons.For instance, until I recently read the article about the new Europa “Postal vehicles” stamp, I didn’t know that Swiss postal services started using electric-powered vehicles as early as 1913. What I did know, however, was how a stamp is made. If you’d like to fi nd out more, turn to the feature about our unique “Faces of Switzerland” stamp.My horizons were broadened even further by the Pro Patria special stamps. Did you know that a straw hat goes by so many names? Or what colour protects against the devil? Who invented the plane in the 4th century BC? Or what a “Gort” is? I certainly didn’t …On now to entires: as a philatelist and Focus read-er, you’re probably familiar with this topic, but read our interview with Guido A. Zäch to learn more about this subject and about Swiss National Day postcards.A tractor accompanied by storks on a walk in Steinmaur is not an uncommon sight as the birds fi nd worms and other insects in the loosened earth. The article about white storks turned up some fascinating info too! Artist Valentin Carron has an interesting way of giving his sources of in-spiration a human dimension. Go to page 22 to read what this involves in an age when a mouse click takes you anywhere in the world via the Internet.And last but not least, the bell pepper blossoms into prominence. Did you know that this star of the fi nger-food dip platter was used as a bushy decorative plant back in the 17th century? Yet another eye-opener!

But enough of the questions. I hope you enjoy reading the answers.Kaspar EigensatzProduction, Focus on stamps

Titl

e p

age:

Tri

belh

orn

ele

ctri

c-p

ower

ed t

hre

e-w

hee

ler,

192

1/19

36, 1

941

in B

ern

e. P

hot

o: M

use

um

of C

omm

un

icat

ion

, Ber

ne

Background to the content-rich spring issue.

4

Knowledge and News

Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Train driver for a dayThe great prizes for the “100 Years Lötschberg Railway “compe-tition attracted more than 4500 entries. First prize – a trip for two in the driver’s cab of a BLS locomotive on the Berne–Fruti-gen–Brig line via a mountain route went to Barbara Feldmann (Thalwil). Second prize – four BLS fi rst-class day passes and two Lötschberg railway hiking books – was won by Alain Samson (Thônex). Third prize – two BLS fi rst-class day passes and a Lötschberg railway hiking book – was carried off by Rosemarie von Arx (Niedergösgen). Other winners received attractive priz-es. All winners have been notifi ed. Well done, all of you!

“150 years SAC” competitionAs the deadline for entries (15 March 2013) closes after this issue goes to press, the names of the SAC competition winners cannot be published yet. We hope you’ll bear with us … But our congratulations also go to all those set on scaling the dizzy heights.

Event calendar 2013Month Key Date Place Event

January M 25.1. Focus on stamps 1/2013: The philately magazine

March DI 7.3 Day of issue

M 27.3. Focus on stamps 2/2013: The philately magazine

April F 5.4.–7.4. Milan Milanofi l 2013

15.4. Zurich Cancellation service: Sechseläuten Zurich

May F 2.5.–4.5. Essen 23rd International Stamp Fair

DI 7.5. Day of issue

Juli M 26.7. Focus on stamps 3/2013: The philately magazine

August 1.8. Berne Cancellation service: Swiss National Day

F 22.8.–25.8. Gmunden ÖVEBRIA

SP 31.8. Laufen (BL) Aerophilately Day

September DI 5.9. Day of issue

SP 13.9.–15.9. Näfels (GL) GLABRA 2013

F 26.9.–29.9. Beijing Beijing International Stamp & Coin Exhibition

Open Thal (SG) Cancellation service: Wine Festival

October M 4.10. Focus on stamps 4/2013: The philately magazine

SP 9.10. Berne Cancellation service: World Post Day

SP 10.10.–20.10. St. Gallen Cancellation service: OLMA

F 24.10.–26.10. Sindelfi ngen International Stamp Mart

November F 6.11.–9.11. Paris 67ème Salon Philatélique d‘Automne

DI 14.11. Day of issue

F 22.11–24.11. Verona Veronafi l 2013

December SP 1.12. Wienacht-Tobel Christmas market

SP 13.12.–15.12. Aarau (AG) Stamp Day 2013

SP Open Berne-Bethlehem Christmas Post Offi ce

Key DI Day of issue of stamps/postal stationery SP Special post offi ceM Focus on stamps magazine

S Sales stand F Fair/exhibition

Y our opinion is important to us! Praise strengthens and gives pleasure – criticsm helps us to grow: [email protected]

5

Knowledge and News

Readers think highly of Focus Last October, around 12,500 Focus sub-scribers took part in a reader survey, an-swering questions about the Swiss Post magazine’s choice of topics, subject mix, layout and reader-friendliness. They also had an opportunity to express their views on Swiss Post’s stamp issue policy. The sur-vey results were positive all round and re-vealed that Focus has a loyal readership. And the many detailed comments and in-dividual feedback are also invaluable, defi nitely motivating the Focus editorial team to stay on the ball. Once again, many thanks to those who responded!

You’ll fi nd more information at:www.swisspost.ch/customer-survey-phila

We would like to hear your opinion about Focus on Stamps. To what extent would you agree with these statements? Focus on Stamps …

… is easy to read

strongly disagree

agree

disagree

strongly agree

neither agree nor disagree

no information

… is contemporary

… has a good mixture of topics

… informs readers about interesting topics

8%

10%

13%

12%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

42%

42%

44%

43%

39%

35%

38%

43%

6%

6%

6%

6%

Which topics in the current Focus on Stamps are you interested in? Which are you less interested and which are you not interested in at all?

Knowledge and News

Editorial and Contents

Range of products

not interested at all

very interested

less interested

no information

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

21% 70% 7%

4%

6%

87%

70%21%

7%

Focus on Stamps has had a new layout since its January 2012 edition. What do you think of the modifi ed layout?

clearer

more interesting

more up to date

more pleasant

more informative

unique

better structured

more attractive

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

21% 40% 24% 11%

18% 13%

20% 14%

21% 14%

18% 15%

11% 18%

19% 15%

23% 14%

27% 38%

37%

36%

36%

25%

38%

36%

32%

24%

24%

26%

23%

21%

11%

strongly disagree

agree

disagree

strongly agree

neither agree nor disagree

no information

Publisher’s details

“Focus on stamps” is a free magazine, published in English, German, French and Italian.

Published by

Swiss PostPost Offi ces & SalesStamps & PhilatelyViktoriastrasse 213030 BerneSwitzerland� Editorial offi ce: [email protected]

Total print run

160 000 copies

Sales & Customer Service

� Telephone: +41 (0)848 66 55 44

� Fax: +41 (0)58 667 62 68

� E-mail: [email protected]

� Website: www.swisspost.ch

� Shop: www.swisspost.ch/philashop

“Focus on stamps” No. 2/2013

Copy deadline: 4. 3. 2013

Distribution: from 25. 3. 2013

Stamp issue: 7. 3. 2013 and 7. 5. 2013

6

One yearsWith the new “Postal Vehicles” Europa stamps, Swiss Post is positioning itself as a forward-looking business while at the same time highlighting to its rich tradition of innovation. 2013 marks the centenary of the introduction in Switzer-land of the fi rst electric vehicles used by Swiss Post.

hundred of electric vehicle

The Swiss postal service’s fi rst Tribelhorn electric-powered van, 1913.

Parcel delivery with a SIG electric van, 1949.The Swiss postal service’s fi rst Tribelhorn electric-powered three-wheeler at Feldbach station, test model, 1914.

Tribelhorn electric-powered three-wheeler, 1921/1936, 1941 in Berne.

Current ePh

otos

: Mu

seu

m o

f Com

mu

nic

atio

n, B

ern

e

s

v

7


The motorization of Swiss postal trans-port began in 1904 with two trucks used by what was then the Zurich District Postal Directorate to carry postal items. At that time, the emphasis was on vehicles with petrol-driven engines, and nine more years were to elapse before electric vehi-cles were deployed in the postal service. In 1913, delivery services were motorized with electric vehicles produced by Tribel-horn & Co., in the shape of an electrically powered four-wheel van used for parcels delivery. The very next year, trials were launched with a smaller, more manoeu-vrable electric three-wheeler made by the same fi rm. However, it was not until 1919 that Tribelhorn could start supply-ing 30 electric three-wheelers for mail delivery and collection services in urban areas. Going completely electricUntil the late 1920s, Swiss Post used only electric vehicles in its motorized delivery operations. Then, the express delivery vans were superseded by more effi cient

petrol-driven vehicles, though the electric three-wheeler vans were retained for let-ter delivery until 1950. Parcel delivery too went electric from 1940. In the mid-1950s, 200 such vehicles were in service but by the mid-1960s their numbers were already on the wane, and 1984 saw the decommissioning of the last electric de-livery vans. Electric hand-operated trol-leys survived a bit longer, however, in postal delivery and transshipment ser-vices.The use of electric vehicles was not con-fi ned to delivery: electric-powered plat-form “tractors” were also used for railway transshipment. An initial prototype was commissioned in 1920, and regular oper-ations with vehicles made by the fi rm of

“Elektrische Fahrzeuge AG” (EFAG) began in 1924. This tractor service highlighted the advantages of electrically powered vehicles to great effect: on the one hand, they were pollution-free and on the other hand, the weight of their battery was for once not a disadvantage. These vehicles in particular document the constantly

Better driving comfort and big load capacity. Swiss Post delivery post woman on the Kyburz DXP electric three-wheeler, 2011.

the service of Swiss Post

ntsin

e

changing tradition of Swiss electric-vehi-cle engineering which remains a success to this day.

Technological tradition with a futureToday, electric vehicles have had their establ ished place in postal operations for more than a century. And this technolog-ical tradition also has a bright future. Early in 2009. Swiss Post bought 250 electric scooters for its mail delivery service from Oxygen, an Italian company, and also tested three-wheeled scooters made by Kyburz, a Swiss company. The positive experience with these vehicles resulted in two- and three-wheel electric scooters regularly replacing petrol-driven ones, and Swiss Post stopped purchasing the latter in 2011. At the end of 2012, approxi-mately 4,000 electric scooters and three-wheelers were in service, repre-senting more than half the 7,500 postal scooters currently in use.Swiss Post’s entire scooter fl eet is to be electric by 2016. Electric scooters are vir-tually emission-free and noiseless, making them ideal for the letter delivery service. With its big load capacity and excellent stability, the DXP electric three-wheeler developed jointly by Kyburz and Swiss Post is perfect for transporting large quantities of items and is safer to drive in mountain regions. The DXP is successfully continuing Switzerland’s electric-vehicle engineering tradition – and not just for two- and three-wheelers. Four-wheeled electric vehicles too are going full-steam ahead! Electric delivery vans have been undergoing long-term trials since 2011, and ten more delivery vehicles were added in 2012. You could say, with electrifying re-sults for Swiss Post …

Gabriel Ehrbar

www.mfk.chwww.kyburz-dxp.ch

8


Tribelhorn delivery van These electric-powered three-wheelers were deployed in the delivery and express-delivery services. Vehicles of this kind were in service from 1920 to 1950 in various Swiss cities.

Manfuacturer: Tribelhorn AG, Zurich-AltstettenVehicle type: Electric three-wheeled van with cargo compartmentYear of manufacture: 1921 modelWeight: 1,050 kgGross weight: 1,325 kgOutput: 4.4 kW (6 HP)Max. speed: 25–27 km/hRange: up to 60 kmBattery type: lead-copper 45 V / 195 Ah Towing capacity: not intended for use with trailer

Swiss Post’s Kyburz DXP electric three-wheeler Electric three-wheelers are used in the delivery service. This type of vehicle offers greater effi ciency, thanks to its greater load capacity and automatic parking brake.

Manufacturer: Kyburz AG, FreiensteinVehicle type: Electric three-wheeled scooterYear of manufacture: 2012 modelWeight: 217 kgGross weight: 420 kgOutput: 2.4 Kw (3.3 HP)Max. speed: 45 km/hRange: 30–100 km, up to 25 km in mail deliveryBattery type: lithium peroxide 24 V / 100 Ah or 160 AhTowing capacity: 200 kg

Special stamps

Europa – Postal vehiclesSalesPhilately: From 30.4.2013 until 30.6.2014, while stocks lastPost offi ces: From 7.5.2013, while stocks last

ValidityUnlimited from 7.5.2013

PrintingOffset, 4-colour; Gutenberg AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein

SizesStamps: 40 × 32.5 mmSheet: 190 × 160 mm (4 rows of 4 stamps)2 motifs on one sheet

PaperWhite stamp paper, with optical brightener, mat gummed, 110 gm²

Perforation13¼

DesignerPeter Hummel, Basel

First-day cover motif

First-day cancellation

9

Full speed ahead!

Swiss Post has always had an ecological transport policy and aims to keep it that way with increased reliance on electric and hybrid engines to transport people and goods on environment-friendly lines.

For delivery, Swiss Post is now really into electric scooters, and its fl eet of some 4,000 electric two- and three-wheelers is the biggest of its kind in Europe. By 2016, its entire scooter fl eet is to run on lithium batteries powered by environment-friend-ly electricity, making them emission-free and virtually noiseless. The necessary current comes 100% from “naturemade star”-certifi ed renewable energy. Electric scooters are already saving just under

3000 tons of CO2 every year, and since 2012 twelve electric delivery vans are also being tested. In addition, 156 gas-powered delivery vans are currently being used for parcel delivery. Powered completely by biogas, these vehicles reduce Swiss Post’s emis-sions by a further 700 tons per year. What is more, its Postbus, delivery van and truck drivers are also trained in environ-ment-friendly “Eco-Drive“ techniques.

These measures are part of Swiss Post’s sustainability strategy with its undertak-ing to reduce its annual carbon emissions by 15,000 tons by the end of 2013.

Virtually noiseless: Swiss Post’s electric scooter. Swiss Post delivery postman on an Oxygen electric scooter, 2011

Maximum cards and picture postcards “Postal vehicles past and present”Two maximum cards, A6 format, with the original pictures of the three wheelers on which the design of the special stamps was based. The fi rst card depicts the Tribelhorn P140 van dating from 1941 in front of the then postal headquarters in Berne. The second card showcases Swiss Post’s new Kyburz DXP electric three-wheeled scooter in service since 2010. Both cards feature the matching special stamp. Both are also available individually as picture postcards (see page 32).

10

Special stamp Faces Switzerland

Face to face7 March 2013 saw the issue of a very special stamp entitled “Faces Switzerland”. Focus on stamps followed its progress from the idea through to the fi nished product, taking you with it on this fascinating journey of discovery.

In August 2012, Gutenberg Druck AG, a printing company based in Schaan (Liech- tenstein) and Philately Liechtenstein set a Guinness world record by producing a special stamp in just 57 minutes and50 seconds to mark the centenary of the Principality’s fi rst stamp.Though Swiss Post’s “Faces Switzerland”special stamp, which went on sale on 7 March, may not have been made quite as fast, its production was nevertheless original. A place on this very special stamp was the prize in an online contest, and on 2 Jan-uary 2013 at precisely 11.11 a.m., it was decided which 111 happy faces were to feature on the “Faces Switzerland” special stamp.

The real work began after the competition with practical production issues. Read on to fi nd out how the “Faces Switzerland” stamp was made.

Gabriel Ehrbar

And if you feel like watching fi lms about it, take a look at www.youtube.com/swisspost

Special stamp

Faces SwitzerlandSalesPhilately: until 31.3.2014 (no advance sales), while stocks lastPost offi ces: From 7.3.2013, while stocks last


PrintingOffset, 4-colour; Gutenberg AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein

SizesStamp: 50 × 40 mmSheetlet: 192 × 115 mm (2 rows of 3 stamps)


Perforation11¾

DesignerMartine Dietrich, Berne



An idea is born: “Smile please!”, your face on a stamp.

11

Made it! My face is on the stamp. The electronic data of the fi nal face stamp layout are delivered to Gutenberg Druck AG in Schaan where the stamps are re-pro-cessed and the printing plates prepared. Four printing plates are made for the “Faces Switzerland” stamp, one for each printing ink: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Almost all other colours can be obtained by mixing these basic colours.

The printing machine is set up. The printing plates are loaded on the machine, paper stacks are readied and ink is fi lled into the colour drums. Then the presses start to roll and the fi rst sheets run through the machine.

Any colour adjustments that are needed are made on the large screen. Once the colours have been fully determined, Swiss Post approves the fi nal print version. As soon as the colours are right, the whole stamp print run is produced, taking roughly half a day.

The pile of stamps gets higher and higher. After printing, the ink has to be left to dry for several hours.

As soon as the ink is dry, the sheets are per - forated, cut and then separated. This task requires enormous precision because even the tiniest discrepancies are obvious.

The fi nished product: the sheetlet with 666 happy faces.

At last, the “Faces of Switzerland” stamp is fi nished.Ph

otos

: Sil

ja P

atri

cia

Lüth

i, Sa

nd

ro B

run

sch

wil

er

12



Special stamps with surcharge Pro Patria – Village museums

Regional and local museums

Small museums – big history content

Though Switzerland may be small, it’s big on museums, with more than 1,000 of them championing the preservation, display, study and dissemination of Swiss heritage day in, day out. No fewer than 400 museums through - out the country are dedicated to regional and local history, showcasing Switzerland’s cultural variety and helping us to question and fi nd our identity in today’s globalized world.

Pro Patria has decided to launch a stamp set whose proceeds are to go to regional and local museums in Switzerland. In co-operation with the Swiss Museums Asso-ciation, Pro Patria plans to support pro-jects designed to enhance the profi le of local cultural heritage. Most regional and local museums are “small but beautiful” cooperative organizations whose exhibits tell an important story. The 2013 set fea-tures a straw hat, representing fashion in Switzerland and worldwide, the wax talis - man as the symbol of prevalent popular

beliefs, a plane standing for crafts and trades, and a carved cow inviting us to imagine how farmers lived and worked in days gone by.In buying these stamps, you‘ll also be col-lecting virtual witnesses to local history and supporting the remembrance mission of regional and local museums. Swiss Post, Pro Patria and the Swiss Museums Association would greatly appreciate your contribution!

David VuillaumeGeneral Secretary, Swiss

Museums Association

Special stamps with surcharge

Pro Patria – Village museumsSalesPhilately: From 30.4.2013 until 31.12.2013, while stocks lastPost offi ces: From 7.5.2013 until 31.8.2013, while stocks last


PrintingOffset, 4-colour; Cartor Security Printing, La Loupe, France

SizesStamps: 33 × 28 mmSheets: 195 × 140 mm (4 rows of 5 stamps)


Perforation13¼:13½

DesignerVito Noto, Lugano

WOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLDie Schweizerische PostPoststellen und Verkaufwww.post.ch/philashop

Briefmarken und PhilatelieViktoriastrasse 21, 3O3O BernTel. +41 (O) 848 66 55 44

Inhalt / conte6 x 85 ct. 4 x 1OO ct.

1

Straw hatStraw hats go by many names – you only have to think of boater, Panama or skimmer, for instance – and have always been very popular.In the Freiamt area of Switzerland’s Canton Aargau, they were called “Röhrlihut” or “Spitzhut”, the fi rst referring to the tubular shape (Rohr) of the straw and the second to the fact that hats were made by inserting the tip (Spitze) of one piece of straw into the next. Bleached, dampened wheat or rye straw was woven around a wooden form on a hat block using waxed cotton thread. Hats like this were already being made for men, women and children in the early 19th century, and later the technique was used mainly for men’s hats. Straw hats became an impor-tant export for this area of Canton Aargau, with generations of home workers weaving these popular hats. Up to 2,700 knots are required for every model. The straw hat industry experienced its last major boom in 1925 when more than one million straw hats were exported to the USA in a single season.

Stamp booklet A stamp booklet with the current Pro Patria special stamps contains ten mixed stamps: six stamps featuring the straw hat with face values of CHF 0.85 and CHF 0.40 and four stamps depicting the plane with face values of CHF 1.00 and CHF 0.50. The booklet is available for CHF 14.50 (incl. CHF 1.00 for the envelope) from the Swiss Pro Patria Foundation, Clausiusstrasse 45, 8006 Zurich, the Philashop www.swisspost.ch/philashop) and from Swiss Post philatelic salespoints.

Straw hat, around 1920, Strohmuseum, Wohlen

Phot

os: S

wis

s M

use

um

s A

ssoc

iati

on

3

Preis / prix / prezz

nu / contenuto (+4O ct.) (+5O ct.) o CHF 14.5O

Stamp booklet A stamp booklet with the current Pro Patria special stamps contains ten mixed stamps: six stamps featuring the straw hat with face values of CHF 0.85 and CHF 0.40 and four stamps depicting the plane with face values of CHF 1.00 and CHF 0.50. The booklet is available for CHF 14.50 (incl. CHF 1.00 for the envelope) from the Swiss Pro Patria Foundation, Clausiusstrasse 45, 8006 Zurich, the Philashop www.swisspost.ch/philashop) and from Swiss Post philatelic salespoints.

2O13

14

Wax toadFor centuries, people in distress have sought help and consolation from the Black Madonna of Einsiedeln, and the popular custom developed of offering the Mother of God a gift in gratitude for her assistance. Such gifts – and this toad is one of them – are called votive offerings. From time immemorial, the toad has symbolized the womb. Toad votive offerings were made in thanks for the birth of a healthy child. A particularly large number of these wax toads were produced in Einsiedeln and sold to believers, perhaps be-cause women felt that the Mother of God would better under-stand their situation.Wax toads were also used as magic talismans intended to safe-guard the health of mother and child. Red wax was used b ecause, in the Middle Ages, people believed that the colour red would protect them from the Devil.

Wax toad, Museum Fram, Einsiedeln

Phot

o: R

ober

t Hof

er

1515

Special stamps with surcharge Pro Patria – Village museums

“Gort”

Anybody who‘s ever gone walking near the Säntis will be familiar with this stoic wooden cow that seems to stand there gazing placidly after them. This traditional Toggenburg Braunvieh is the basis of the local farmers’ existence and their pride and joy. Cows with special colouring are particularly prized. On rare occasions, Braunvieh have calves with white spots on their back or a white belt round their bellies. These rarities go by the name of “Gort” and are put on public show by their owner. A “Gort” is an attractive feature in any procession up to summer pastures and is said to bring good luck.From early times, farm labourers, shepherds and farmers have carved wooden cows during the long winter months. Simple carved cows served as chil-dren’s toys, while more artistic ones (like the stamp motif) adorned the farmhouse parlour. The cow‘s full udder promised plentiful milk production, cheering the farmer every time he looked at it.

Carpenter’s plane, early 20th

century, Bagnes Museum, former

residence, Villette

Carved wooden cow

“Gort” markings, ea

century, Toggenbur

Lichtensteig

PlaneThe plane is much more than just a tool. It stands for all ways of working wood, be it as carpenter or joiner, cooper or cabinet- maker, cartwright or luthier, to name but a few professions, all of which use special planes. The plane’s rear handle and pull rod shown on the stamp make it possible for two people to work it. The craftsman guides the tool and his assistant moves it by pulling the crosspiece. This plane was probably made by the craftsman who used it because its rough-and-ready shape does not match any industrial model. The plane was probably invented in Greece in the 4th century BC. The oldest planes that have come down to us date from Roman times, and the shape of planes remained much the same until the early 20th century. After the Second World War, manual plane-makers came under growing pressure from the machine industry and were gradually driven out of business.

painted with

rly 20th

ger Museum,

16

National Day postcards

“Entire”-ly satisfying

The legendary work entitled “Bundesfeierkarten – Idee und Wirkung” (National Day postcards – Idea and Impact) by Guido A. Zäch is both a handbook and catalogue that tellingly mirrors the history and variety of these postal entires. With his enthusiasm and expertise, Zäch documents a piece of Swiss history.

Why, when and by whom were National Day postcards introduced?The fi rst offi cial National Day postcards were issued in 1910 by the Swiss National Day Committee in conjunction with the Swiss postal administration. The idea was to enhance the impor - tance of Switzerland’s National Day by contributing to charita-ble or cultural organizations, in memory of the fi rst confeder-ates who united for mutual assistance and combined action.

What is the fascination of collecting postal entires rather than stamps?For philatelists, “entires” are covers or postcards featuring an imprinted stamp. Though the necessary stamp is already print-ed on the cover or postcard, additional postage may have to be affi xed, depending on the postal service required (airmail, Zep-pelin fl ights, rare destinations). This makes entires a fascinating fi eld for collectors. And another aspect that makes National Day postcards stand out is the pictorial artwork by a Swiss artist on the front of the card and the variety of card texts.

But aren’t postal entires the “poor relations” of philately?Entires are just as old as stamps. The fi rst was issued in Britain in 1840, on the same day as the fi rst stamp. So they deserve more attention as valuable witnesses to their era, complete with im-printed stamp, cancellation, destination, additional postage and text. National Day postcards also testify to the involvement of Swiss nationals worldwide in the anniversary of the found-ing of the native land we share.

In “Bundesfeierkarten – Idee und Wirkung”, you’ve broken new ground in philatelic literature. What prompted you to write this book?Concepts like Rütli, as the cradle of freedom, the Rütli Oath of 1291, General Guisan’s Rütli Report, and 1 August as Switzer-land’s National Day have impressed me ever since my youth, and I’ve been collecting letters, postcards, documents, stamps, coins, medals plus artefacts and illustrations with a bearing on these subjects for years. In writing “Bundesfeierkarten – Idee und Wirkung”, I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm to others and provide an in-depth insight into this collection fi eld. At the same time, this handbook documents a selection of items from my collection of private and offi cial National Day postcards.The impact of National Day postcards transcends national bor-ders. Greetings sent “home” from distant lands and those sent

from Switzerland all over the world testify to Swiss citizens’ sol-idarity on their National Day. The historical context and the ad-ministrative effort that went into producing these postcards are described. I’d also like to thank Reinhard Stutz for his philatelic editing work and for the attractive presentation of this book which aims to encourage people to collect and enjoy National Day postcards.

Guido A. Zäch.

1940, 1 August, Postal Museum Berne, Swiss National Day postcard with the “Knabe mit Armbrust” (Boy with crossbow) motif. 1940 National Day block with the original signature of General Henri Guisan, just a few days after the Rütli Report.

Phot

o: Je

an-P

aul B

ach

17

What does collecting mean to you personally?For me, collecting is concentrating on a theme that is interesting, challenging and fascinating. Discovering new things, making connections, being surprised. Collecting takes you on a varied journey of discovery, as a relaxing counterpoint to everyday working life.

What is your fi nest and most valuable item?The fi rst National Day celebration was staged on 1 August 1891 in Schwyz. A National Day postcard postmarked 1 August 1891 in Schwyz with greetings in three languages to the Swiss consul in New York is a rare historic document.And one of my favourite items is a 1940 postcard from the “his-tory” of National Day postcards featuring the 1940 National Day block and General Guisan’s original signature dated 1 August 1940, just a few days after the Rütli Report.

How much time do you spend on your attractive, interesting hobby?Whenever I need to rest, relax or want a change, I immerse myself in my collection fi eld. The amount of time I spend on it varies depending on the time I need and the time available, but in any event it’s several hours a week.

Is there still a place for National Day postcards?These postcards commemorate Switzerland’s National Day. On 1 August, we remember the birth of the Swiss Confederation. This celebration promotes a patriotic spirit and the awareness of solidarity among Swiss nationals that transcends frontiers. N ational Day postcards still have an impact and are important.

Would it be meaningful to reintroduce these postcards?Unfortunately, the National Day Committee stopped issuing National Day postcards in 1960, with a couple of notable excep-tions. In 1991 two cards were issued to commemorate the 700th anniversary celebration of the Swiss Confederation, and in 2010 a card was issued to mark the centenary of National Day cards.It is to be hoped that the ”Schweizerische Gemeinnützige Ge-sellschaft”, which has managed the Rütli Meadow since 1860, will revive and continue the valuable tradition of issuing Natio-nal Day postcards, as well as ensuring a more important role for National Day celebrations on the Rütli.

Carina Ammon

1891, 600th anniversary of the founding of the Swiss Confederation. The CHF 0.10 commemorative postcard with the message printed in three national languages privately commissioned by the Lucerne Philately Club and bearing the cancellation “Schwyz 1. August 1891” and its unusual addressee “Swiss Consul, New York”.

Size 24 × 17 cm, coloured cover with thread stitching; printed and bound in Switzerland. 552 pages with more than 1,650 coloured illustrations and over 2,500 listed prices.Price: CHF 48, plus CHF 7 postage within Switzerland. Postage for other countries on request.Can be ordered from bookshops (ISBN 978-3-033-03555-3) or obtained against advance payment (stating delivery address) to Swiss Post Account 60-572675-4, Consultenax AG, Mühle-gasse 19, CH-4800 Zofi ngen.

18

Customer event Lötschberg Railway centenary

50 guests, 100 years,1000 memoriesLast year, we whisked our customers up to 3,454 metres above sea-level, to the Top of Europe.This year, on 1 March, we took them down to the depths, when 50 guests visit-ed the Lötschberg base tunnel, walked to Tellenburg to see the Kander Viaduct and explored tropical vegetation before enjoy- ing some gourmet food. Susanne Ruoff, Swiss Post CEO, presented Bernard Guil-lelmon, CEO of the Berne-Lötschberg-Sim-plon Railway, with a super-size version of the commemorative stamp at an offi cial ceremony. Marc Weller from Berne, who designed the stamp, was on hand to sign fi rst-day covers for our guests.All in all, it was an exciting, informative and memorable day with many pleasant encounters.

For further impressions, go to: www.swisspost.ch/bls Ph

otos

: Th

omas

Rat

hge

b

19

2013 issue programme: Swiss Post stamps and postal stationeries

The faces and stories of the 2013 stamp yearFor the fi rst time ever, Swiss Post is immor - talizing 111 people on a special stamp for 2013 entitled “Faces Switzerland”. The faces that appear on the stamp were c hosen in a competition. See for yourself!Besides showcasing 111 people like you and me, special stamps will pay tribute to two famous Swiss with anniversaries in 2013: Gottlieb Duttweiler, founder of the Migros supermarket chain was born 125 years ago, and Ernst Kreidolf, illustrator

and author of children’s books, 150 years ago. The 2013 celebrity stamp will be cre-ated by a living legend, Swiss-dialect rock singer Polo Hofer. Further anniversaries to be marked with a special stamp include the centenary of the Lötschberg Railway (BLS), 500 years of Appenzell, 150 years of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), 75 years of the bfu and 50 years of civil defence. Of course, philatel-ic attention does not focus exclusively on

people, birthdays and anniversaries in the year ahead. Art, culture and nature are as always key themes, and kids won’t miss out either, with the promise of Smurfs to come.

May be supplemented or changed. For the latest issue programme, go to www.swisspost.ch/stamps or order it by calling +41 (0) 848 66 55 44.

Day of issue: 7.3.2013Presented in: Focus on stamps 1/2013 of 25.1.2013

No. Value Description

1 1.00 Special stamp Faces Switzerland

1 1.00 Special stamp 100 years Lötschberg Railway

1 2.00 Maximum card 100 years Lötschberg Railway

1 1.00 Special stamp AR & AI: 500 years in the Swiss Confederation

1 0.85 Special stamp bfu, bpa, upi

1 1.00 Special stamp 125th birthday of Gottlieb Duttweiler

1 0.85 Special stamp 50 years of Protection and support service Switzerland

2 2.00 Special stamps 150th birthday of Ernst Kreidolf 1.00 With the pansies 1.00 Autumn migration

1 5.15 Miniature sheet 150 years of Swiss Alpine Club SAC 0.85 Mountains 1.00 Climber 1.40 Rambler 1.90 Mountain hut



2 2.00 Special stamps Europa Postal vehicles 1.00 Electric Trike Tribelhorn 1.00 Electric Trike Kyburz DXP

2 4.00 Maximum cards Europa Postal vehicles 2.00 Electric Trike Tribelhorn 2.00 Electric Trike Kyburz DXP

4 5.50 Special stamps with surcharge Pro Patria Village museums 0.85+0.40 Wohlen AG 0.85+0.40 Einsiedeln SZ 1.00+0.50 Bagnes VS 1.00+0.50 Lichtensteig SG

1 1.00 Special stamp Art series – Venice Biennale Valentin Carron

1 1.00 Special stamp White Stork

2 3.50 Defi nitive stamps Vegetable blossoms 1.30 Pepper 2.20 Leek



1 6.00 Special stamp Goldvreneli

2 2.00 Special stamps The Smurfs 1.00 Kiss 1.00 Papa Smurf

3 3.00 Special stamps Restoration 1.00 Butterfl y 1.00 Bird 1.00 Fish

4 5.15 Special stamps Farm animals 0.85 Hen 1.00 Cow 1.40 Sheep 1.90 Pig

3 3.00 Special stamps Cities of Switzerland 1.00 Lausanne 1.00 Berne 1.00 Winterthur

1 2.00 Picture postcard GLABRA 2013



1 1.00 Special stamp Celebrity stamp: Polo Hofer

4 5.15 Special stamps Christmas 0.85 Value 1 1.00 Value 2 1.40 Value 3 1.90 Value 4

1 2.00 Miniature sheet Matter Valley – Typical Swiss countryside

3 4.25 Special stamps with surcharge Pro Juventute 0.85+0.40 Value 1 1.00+0.50 Value 2 1.00+0.50 Value 3

1 0.85 Miniature sheet Stamp Day 2013 Aarau

1 1.85 Picture postcard Stamp Day 2013 Aarau

We reserve the right to make changesPosition at: February 2013

20

Special stamp White stork

The stork is clattering againIn 1949, Switzerland’s white stork population disappeared, leaving a landscape totally devoid of bill clattering. Max Bloesch (1908–97), known as the “Father of the Storks”, successfully reintroduced these long-legged birds to Altreu (Canton Solothurn). Today, some 300 breeding pairs circle the skies between the plain of the River Orbe and Canton St. Gallen’s Rhine Valley.

The former breeding unit has since be-come the Witi Information Centre. In the wake of the successful introduction meas-

nd releasing the birds no longer the focal issue. n is now preserving and ork’s habitat. The Centre ds of useful information stork. A conservation

n of the River Aare, be- and Grenchen, is also

Centre. There, the white t needs to survive: grass-

ures, breeding ainto the wild are The main concerimproving the stprovides all kinabout the whitearea in the plaitween Solothurnpart of the Witi stork fi nds what i

lands that are rich in food, extensivfarmed pastures, marshes and ponds, well as undisturbed and stable nestisites.

Danger lurks on all sidesNowadays, the annual journey to warsouthern climes is one of the biggest dagers facing storks. Power lines are deadlobstacles on their long fl ight. Only one ifour migrating young birds manages treturn to Central Europe. Stork migratiocan now be monitored on the Internet tfi nd out more about their whereabouFurther threats to the white stork includmonocultures, the draining of wetlanthe use of pesticides and trigger-happhunters. To ensure the species’ survivthe Swiss Society for the Stork has devoped a national “Action Plan for the Whi

e- as ng

m n-y n o n o

ts. e

ds, y

al, el-te

Stork” which has been distributed as na-

ture-conservation teaching material by the Federal Offi ce for the Environment after consultation with cantonal authori-ties. If the white stork is to survive in Switzer-land, it will have to be provided with quality habitats. Current efforts to en-courage more extensive farming maywell work to the birds’ advantage. Favou r - able habitats offering plenty of food cut mortality rates among young birds and increase the white stork’s chances of sur-vival.

Tobias SalathéPresident of the Swiss Society

for the White Stork

Links:www.storch-schweiz.chwww.infowiti.ch

p White storkSpecial stam

SalesPhilately: From 30.4.2013 until 30.6.2014, while stocks lastPost offi ces: From 7.5.2013, while stocks last


PrintingOffset, 4-colour; Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem, Netherlands

SizesStamp: 28 × 33 mmSheet: 140 × 197 mm (5 rows of 4 stamps)

PaperWhite stamp paper, with optical brightenself-adhesive, 220 gm²

Perforation14¼:13¾

DesignerCorinne Oesch and Daniel Hug,

er,

Emmenbrücke (LU)First-day cover motif First-day cancellation

212121

22

Artist Valentin Carron from Canton

Valais will be representing Switzer-

land at the 2013 Venice Art Biennale.

His work is at once fascinating

and unsettling because he uses wit

and irony to challenge tradition

and cultural identity. Now Swiss Post

has commissioned him to design a

new stamp especially for the Biennale.

Valentin Carron, They I you he we, view of installation, Art 43 Basel,Art Unlimited, 2012, Basel. Courtesy: Galerie Eva Presenhuber, ZurichPhoto: Stefan Altenburger Photography, Zurich

23

Special stamp Art series – Venice Biennale

Carron mastersthe miniature too!Valentin Carron was born in 1977 in Martigny and he has remained true to Canton Valais. After studying art at the Ecole Cantonale des Beaux-Arts in Sion and the Lau-sanne University of Art and Design, from which he graduated in 2000, he returned to his home town. This internationally acknowledged artist deliberately confi nes his ac-tivity to a ten-kilometre radius from his Martigny studio. Carron fi nds virtually all his sources of inspiration in the imme-diate vicinity, claiming that it is this man-ageable distance (which can even be walked in a day) that gives things a kind of human dimension. Valentin Carron frequently works with fi bre glass, copy-ing objects he has found as life-sized sculptures. When his creations are ex-hibited in galleries and museums, taken out of their original context and copied in a “non-authentic” material, they provoke the beholder to question about what is original and what is a copy, about tradi-tion and identity: everyday objects, frag-ments of local architecture, decorative items and pictorial motifs radiate a slight-ly oppressive sense of emptiness but also

a touch of melancholy. The roots of Car-ron’s sculptures and paintings lie in a confrontation with Pop Art, the move-ment shaped in the late 1950s in Great Britain and the USA, which elevated ba-nal everyday items to the status of artis-tic motifs, consciously blurring the lines dividing art from the everyday world. But Carron was also inspired by the Ap-propriation Art of the 1980s in which works by other artists were deliberately

“appropriated”. He unsettles the viewer by depicting works of art in a form that has been altered only slightly – in some cases famous ones including paintings by Fernand Léger or sculptures by Alberto Giacometti. Carron’s familiar ten-kilo-metre radius also applies to these origi-nals which he found at the Fondation Gi anadda whose classic modern art ex-hibitions regularly bring tourists fl ocking to Martigny.For the design of the Swiss Pavilion in Venice, Valentin Carron is collaborating with Giovanni Carmine from Canton Ticino, the curator and director of the Kunst Halle St. Gallen. Carron used the opportunity of designing a stamp for Swiss Post to showcase his metal snake sculpture, which will also be on show in Venice. At the same time, he has used col-lage – a technique he has recently discov-ered – to set the stamp motif against the striped background of an elegant Italian shirt. While he is in Venice, he even plans to dedicate an art publication to these collages.

Sandi Paucic Biennale Project Manager, Pro Helvetia

Special stamp

Art series – Venice Biennale



SalesPhilately: From 30.4.2013 until 30.6.2014, while stocks lastPost offi ces: From 7.5.2013, while stocks last


PrintingOffset, 5-colour; Giesecke & Devrient, Leipzig, Germany

SizesStamp: 33 × 28 mmSheetlet: 192 × 95 mm (2 rows of 5 stamps)


Perforation13¼:13½

DesignerValentin Carron, Martigny (VS)

Valentin Carron, Untitled, view of installation, XIV Biennale Internazionale di Scul tura di Carrara, Italy, 2010.Courtesy: Galerie Eva Presenhuber, Zurich

Special reader offer Art series – Venice Biennale

The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and the Venice Biennale The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most prestigious and longest established contemporary art exhibitions. Switzerland has its own exhibition pavilion in Venice, built by Bruno Giacometti in the 1950s, in the main exhibition area of the “Giardini pubblici” (public gardens). The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia is responsible for Switzerland’s presence in Venice and set up an independent jury of seven experts to select the artist. Pro Helvetia also organizes a fl anking pro - gramme that goes by the name of “Salon Suisse”, providing interested visitors with insights into Biennale artists and themes and encoura- ging mutual debate. The programme venue is the Palazzo Trevisan, in the heart of the old city, which be- comes a place for Biennale visitors to rendez-vous in the evenings.The 55th Art Biennale runs from 1 June to 24 November 2013. JRP Ringier will be publishing a book by Valentin Carron about the exhibition. For further information, go to www.biennials.ch

24

Customer number (if known)

Special reader offerMeet Valentin Carron in person and tour one of Europe’s biggest art exhibitions.Swiss Post and Pro Helvetia are inviting a Focus reader and an accompanying person to go to Venice. Perhaps Lady Luck will smile on you …The winner is responsible for organizing and booking his/her travel and accommoda-tion (with a travel voucher at an SBB travel agency).We advise arriving on the evening of 30 May 2013 and booking a three-night stay.

Personal invitation for two people: – to the exhibition preview in the Swiss Pavilion at 4 p. m. on 31 May 2013 – to the Swiss Boat Party from 9 p. m. on 31 May 2013 – to the “Salon Suisse” brunch which artist Valentine Carron will attend at 11 a. m.

on 1 June 2013 – t wo tickets for admission to the 2013 Venice Biennale (valid from 1 June 2013)

An SBB travel voucher for CHF 2,000 for booking travel and accommodation for two people.

opyright: Pro Helvetia

Last name

First name

Address

Postcode/Town

Country

E-mail address

Send this coupon (or a copy of it) to:Swiss Post, Post Offi ces & Sales, “Focus on stamps” Editorial Offi ce / PV7, Keyword: Venice Biennale, Viktoriastrasse 21, 3030 Berne, Switzerland

Conditions of entryThe deadline for entries is 10 April 2013 (postmark date). The winner will be notifi ed personally. The name of the main prizewinner will be published in “Focus on stamps”: The prize will not be paid out in cash. The judge’s decision is fi nal. No correspondence will be entered into. Employees of Post Offi ces & Sales, Swiss Post, and their families are not entitled to take part. Only one form may be submitted per person.

Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi. C

Off to the city on the lagoon

All the essentials! Starter kit in a colourful cardboard case

The starter kit comprises:� A collecting poster (A3) with tips about collecting

stamps� FRED & FUN for young collectors � Stamp album� Drying book � Magnifying glass� Stamp tweezers� Perforation gauge� Used stamps for soaking off � Previous year’s stamp catalogue� Copy of the “Focus on stamps” magazine� Information about subscribing to “Tell me what

you collect”

Many children are interested in stamps. Attracted initially “only” by the little brightly coloured images, they soon realize there’s an exciting world behind the colours. From which country does the stamp come? And what does it depict? Stamp collecting is a great exercise in dexterity too, because stamps have to be carefully removed from envelopes and then dried so they can be inserted into a stamp album in good condition. And even

handling tweezers is a mini-adventure for little fi ngers! The comprehensive starter kit for young collectors contains everything a beginner needs, plus tips from FRED, the stamp dinosaur, on researching, classifying and collecting stamps. FRED features regularly in our philatelic magazine supplement for kids (not available in English). Published every few months, it contains a wealth of games, fun articles and stamp know-how.

62

Defi nitive stamps Vegetable blossoms

e

Two new defi nitive blossoms add zest to spring

In its third year, the “Vegetable blossoms” defi nitive set spotlights the bell pepper and thleek. With their loving and compelling atten -tion to detail, the two new motifs created by artist Reinhard Fluri from Halten (Canton Solothurn) highlight Nature’s beauty, ensuring the set’s continuity and style.

Capsicum / Bell pepperDescription: The plant grows as a bushy low shrub and has a tendency to become woody near the root. The pointed leaves are between 5 and 25 cm long and between 3 and 15 cm wide.The whitish, greenish or violet-fl ecked fl owers usually grow singly from the 1 cm-long stem. The corolla is fl at when fully open, with fi ve pointed petals joined only at the base. The fruits usually hang downward. Cultivated plants are almost always annuals.

Plant family: Solanaceous family (Solanaceae)

Common name: Sweet pepper (mild) or peperone (moderately spicy)

Scientifi c name: Capsicum annuum

Size: Up to 150 cm

Sowing: January–March (indoors)

Flowering: June–August

Harvesting: August–October

Origin: Central America (probably Mexico)

History: After Christopher Columbus’s voyages, the different varieties of peppers quickly spread throughout the world, fi rst to northern and Central Europe, then the Balkans where they were introduced by the Turks and then taken further east to India and Persia. In this process, capsicum variety (different kinds of fruits) was not only preserved but even extended. For many years, the plants were grown in northern Europe purely for decoration. Isolated references to the use of capsicum in cooking were not found until the late 17th century.

Where grown in Switzerland: Everywhere (up to approx. 800 metres)

Use: Can be eaten cooked as a vegetable or used as a condiment (paprika).

Peculiarities/Interesting facts: The various types of capsicum/peppers contain different amounts of capsaicin, the substance which determines the fruit’s degree of piquancy. Sweet peppers contain almost no capsaicin while cayenne peppers, for instance, contain so much of this pungent substance that they are 30,000 to 50,000 times spicier than sweet peppers.

Nurture: Capsicum plants like a warm, sunny location outdoors, in a cold frame or greenhouse. Ideal average temperatures: 21–30 °C. The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients and humus.When sowing in seed trays, care should be taken to ensure the seeds have only a light soil covering. The seed-lings are planted out in early June spaced 50 cm apart all round and in a sheltered spot. Young plants should be watered generously and regularly, and more fertilizer should be given when the fruit starts to develop. Nipping off the fi rst bud encourages more branches and usually more fruit.

27



LeekDescription: The sheaths are only slightly thicker at the base, and the lower part is enclosed in a two-ranked arrangement of fl eshy, hairless, carinate leaves roughly 4 cm wide. Spherical, very dense fl ower head. A half leaf found on one side only protrudes above the fl ower head but soon falls off. The individual fl owers are whitish to pink with a stem about 3 cm long, while the stamens are longer than the petals.

Plant family: Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

Common name: Leek

Scientifi c name: Allium ampeloprasum or Allium porrum

Size: 60 to 80 cm

Sowing: March–April (outdoors)

Flowering: June

Harvesting: June–December

Origin: Mediterranean region

History: Leek has been used since 2100 BC. In Ancient Egypt, labourers working on building the pyramids are said to have been fed on leeks. In ancient times, the leek was highly appreciated throughout the Mediterranean region. Leek is said to have been a favourite of Nero the Roman emperor because of its mustard-oil content, and this passion earned him the nickname “Porrophagus” (leek glutton). Leek probably came to Central Europe from Italy in medieval times.

Where grown in Switzerland: Everywhere (up to approx. 1,300 metres)

Use: Can be eaten cooked as a vegetable or used as a condiment.

Peculiarities/Interesting facts: Among other things, leeks contain vitamins C and K, folic acid and important mineral compounds such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and vital trace elements (iron and manganese). Active leek ingredients include the sul-phur compound allicin with its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties which gives the leek its intensive smell and taste.

Nurture: Before planting, the soil should be prepared with compost and organic ferti-lizer, because leek requires a large quantity of nutrients. After sowing, the plants have to grow to the thickness of a pencil before they are thinned out. When planting leek out, it is essential to leave 30 cm between the rows and 10 cm between the plants in a row. With leek crops, it is above all important to watch out for leek moths (which eat holes in leek sheaths) and the onion thrips (whose sucking causes silver-grey leaves). Fungal infections are also common. Leek rust, for example, discolours leaves and stunts growth. Crop rotation prevents pests from establishing themselves. Mixed crops with

“positive” neighbours such as endives, strawberries, camomile, cabbage, lettuce, car-rots, salsify, celeriac and tomatoes, are a useful measure. “Bad” neighbours include beans, peas and beetroot.

Thomas Mathis

Defi nitive stamps

Vegetable blossomsSalesPhilately: From 30.4.2013, until further noticePost offi ces: From 7.5.2013, until further notice


Printing Offset, 4-colour; Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem, Netherlands

SizesStamps: 33 × 28 mmSheets: 82 × 198 mm – 2 rows of 5 stamps

PaperWhite stamp paper, with optical brightener, self-adhesive, on backing paper, 220 gm²

PerforationSerpentine cut (4 sides)

DesignerReinhard Fluri, Halten (SO)

“

Strubel” stamp

from 1854

FRED&FUN

The right hair stylistcould turn"Strubeli"...

Postal vehicles All the member coun

tries of European

postal administrations

are issuing stamps on

“Postal Vehicles” in

2013.

Did you know? At:

www.posteurop.org > What we do > European Stamps

you can fi nd a list of subjects from recent years and stamps issued by different countries. From 9 May you can also see the postal vehicles stamps from other European countries at the link: www.posteurop.org/europa2013.

A bit of

Stamphistory

Helvetia was often pictured on stamps over 150 years ago. This unperforated stamp from 1854 is one famous example. Collectors now refer to it as “Strubeli” from the German “strubbelig” because Helvetia is shown with dishevelled or tousled hair. At the time, people did not like this Helvetia fi gure. Some claimed that she had horns on her head instead of hair; others joked that she had overslept and forgotten to comb her hair. This stamp was one of the fi rst to be protected against counterfeiting. The paper of every stamp contains coloured silk thread. The “Strubel” stamp remained in circulation for nine years. Different colours and different paper were used for each reissue. This explains why there are so many versions.

FRED the stamp hairdresser:

into the new MISS HELVETIA!

Austria

-

How much do you know about European countries, capital cities and national identifi cation letters? Test your knowledge here.

Sweden

Norway

Ireland

Denmark

SpainPortugal

France

Belgium

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Germany

Which capital city goes with which country? Write the number of the capital city in the green circle under the matching country.

Test 1 Capital cities of Europe

1 Berne

2 Dublin

3 Copenhagen

4 Paris

5 Lisbon

6 Madrid

7 Rome

8 Vienna

9 Berlin

10 London

11 Amsterdam

12 Oslo

13 Stockholm

14 Brussels

15 Luxembourg

England

You will fi nd the solution on the last page.

Italy

CH N IRL E D

How many national identifi cation letters do you know? Write the correct letter in the orange circle under each country.

F S I B NL

DK L A P GB

Did you know?

Test 2 National identification letters

Switzerland

National identification letters appear on vehicle number plates. They make it easy to identify which country the vehicle is from at first glance. National identifi cation letters also used to be found on letters sent abroad.

Test your knowledge of Europe!

Vege table blosso ms Many of our vegetables have a similar life cycle. In the spring, the seeds in the ground turn into seedlings and then into plants. Each plant grows blossom. During the late summer or autumn, the blossom produces seeds. New plants can then be grown from the seeds the following year.

What makes vegetable blossom so special? We often don’t notice or pay attention to vegetable blossom. We even eat some of it. Most of the time, we don’t even realise that it is blossom.

There are different types of vegetables:

it vege ables tFru

e.g. beans, peas, tomatoes, pumpkins,

cucumbers

We eat the fruit of fruit vegetables, sometimes with the seeds and sometimes without. When

we eat peas, we even eat the seeds without

the pods.

Leaf

vegetables e.g. lettuce,

chard, spinach

When we eat leaf vegetables, we usually eat the leaves when they

are still tender.

Inflorescent

vegetables e.g. broccoli, arti

chokes, caulifl ower

We eat the blossom of infl orescent vegetables just before it

opens.

Root and bulb s

vegetable

e.g. carrots, beetroot, parsnips, potatoes,

garlic, celery, radishes

When we eat root and bulb vegetables, we mainly eat the bulbs, tubers and roots that grow in

the ground. The blossoms are usually small and

plain.

Qu iz Can you match the two new stamps to the types of vegetable?

A pepper is a:

.....................vegetable.

A leek is a:

.....................vegetable.

You will fi nd the solution on the next page.

Draw a rin g

ar o u nd a l l the thin gs

that sto rks like to eat.

FeaturesName: White Classification: Bird

stork

Order: CiconiiformesHabitat: Central and southern Europe, North Africa, Size:

Turkey, Central Asia100 to 115 cm Wingspan:

Weight: 200 to 220 cm3 to 3.5 kgNumber of young produced: 3 to 6 per yearIncubation period: 33 to 34 daysSwiss population:

Diet: approx. 300 pairsearthworms, insects, frogs, mice, fish, snakes, eggs and nestlings of other birds.

4

5

White storks have long been native to Switzerland. They almost died out 50 years

ago, but have since resettled in the area. Approximately 250 breed-

ing pairs now live in Switzerland.

6

Storks are one of the most popular bird species. They are

in a distinctive black and white colour and are fairly large in size.

NURSERY RHYME “Stork, kind stork, bring me a brother. Stork, fine stork, bring me a sister.”

DanN.B. ger!

Overhead power lines and unsecured

masts are a danger for storks. Storks are

more than a meter tall and have a wingspan

of almost two meters. Unlike smaller birds,

they can therefore cause short circuits.

There are live webcams installed on the following websites,

each giving a view of a stork’s nest. In the spring, observers can

watch the young storks growing up. Storks lay between two and seven eggs.

www.storchenelke.de/storchen_webcams.htm

www.luisenpark.de/mein-luisenpark/storchenwebcam

www.hse.ag/engagement/storchen-webcam.html

THE WHITE

LITTLE

STORK’S

BROTHER The black stork can also be found in Europe. It is quite a shy

bird that does not breed on house

roofs, but in the woods, principally in

Germany and in northern and eastern

Europe. Unlike the white stork, the black

stork lives on water and feeds on animals

found in and around the water.

White storkstamp

7

© Gabi Schoenemann / www.pixelio.de

WHITE STORK

COLLECTION

BOOKLET 2013

C

ollection bookle

t

FRED&FUN

FREE OF CHARGE

Knowledge and discovery

Fascinating topics

Cool puzzles

Excitement and

entertainment

Collecti n bookle

t

FRED&FUN

FREE OF CHARGE

OFFER

Collection booklet Four times a year new stamps come out on 20 topics. The most interesting subjects for children are explained and illustrated in the FRED&FUN collector’s book. It is available while stocks last from www.swisspost.ch/philashop or by telephone: +41 (0)848 66 55 44.

o

Sources of supply

Each “Focus on stamps” stamp magazine Page 2:

comes with an order form. Your parents can Switzerland 1 Berne CH Germany 9 Berlin D use it to order the collector’s book, Pro Sets Ireland 2 Dublin IRL England 10 London GB and stamps. Denmark 3 Copenhagen DK Netherlands 11 Amsterdam NL Alternatively they can phone France 4 Paris F Norway 12 Oslo N +41 (0)848 66 55 44. Portugal 5 Lisbon P Sweden 13 Stockholm S Or you can go to a philatelic salespoint in Basel, Berne, Lausanne, Lugano, St. Gallen or Zurich.

Spain 6 Italy 7 Austria 8

Madrid Rome Vienna

E I A

Belgium 14 Luxembourg 15

Brussels Luxembourg

B L

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with Fred, send an e-mail to: [email protected]

Solutions

Page 3:

A pepper is a: fruit vegetable

A leek is a: bulb vegetable

Competition Which of these five animals DOESN’T the stork eat?

Write the names of the five animals on a postcard and send it to: Swiss Post, Post Offices & Sales, Product Management Stamps and Philately Keyword “Fred”, Viktoriastrasse 21, 3030 Berne or use the envelope provided with Focus on Stamps.

Five lucky winners will be drawn at random from the correct entries. They will receive all the stamps issued on 7 May and presented in this issue of Focus on Stamps.

There is no right of appeal and no correspondence will be entered into. The deadline for entries is 17 May 2013.

32

SondermarkenTimbres-poste spéciauxFrancobolli specialiSpecial stamps

EUROPA

PostfahrzeugeVéhicules postauxVeicoli della PostaPostal vehicles

100 c. Elektrodreirad Tribelhorn Triporteur électrique Tribelhorn Motofurgone elettrico Tribelhorn Electric Trike Tribelhorn

100 c. Elektrodreirad Kyburz DXP Triporteur électrique Kyburz DXP Motofurgone elettrico Kyburz DXP Electric Trike Kyburz DXP

Gestaltung/Conception/Realizzazione/Design

Peter Hummel, Basel

Offsetdruck/Impression en offset/Stampa offset/Offset printing

Gutenberg AG, Schaan, Fürstentum Liechtenstein

7.5.2013

823


Peter Hummel, Basel



EUROPA

PostfahrzeugeVéhicules postauxVeicoli della PostaPostal vehicles

100 c. Elektrodreirad Tribelhorn Triporteur électrique Tribelhorn Motofurgone elettrico Tribelhorn Electric Trike Tribelhorn

100 c. Elektrodreirad Kyburz DXP Triporteur électrique Kyburz DXP Motofurgone elettrico Kyburz DXP Electric Trike Kyburz DXP

669

Range of products

First days of issue of stamps7.3.2013 and 7.5.2013

Special stamps 7.5.2013

Europa – Postal vehicles

CHF 1.00 Electric Trike TribelhornCHF 1.00 Electric Trike Kyburz DXP

White stamp paper, mat gummed

Set*1909 150 �1909 550 �CHF 2.00

Set of blocks of four*1909 160 �1909 560 �CHF 8.00

Set on fi rst-day cover C61909 580 � onlyCHF 2.90

Block of four on fi rst-day cover C6(2 covers)1909 630 � onlyCHF 9.80

Unstamped cover C6available from 30.4.20131909 700CHF 0.90

Sheet of 16 stamps**1909 111 �1909 511 �CHF 16.00

Folder1909 660 �1909 670 �CHF 2.90

Collection sheet1909 680 �1909 690 �CHF 2.60

Single stamp on fi rst-day cover C6(2 covers)1909 600 � onlyCHF 3.80

** The sheet includes 8 stamps with the “Tribelhorn” motif and 8 stamps with the “Kyburz” motiv. Separation by motifs not possible.

* Single stamp, set and block of four with sheet’s margin not available.

Picture cards 7.5.2013


Unstamped picture card A6 with the “Tribelhorn” motif1909 911 � only CHF 1.00

Unstamped picture card A6 with the “Kyburz” motif1909 912 � only CHF 1.00

The picture cards are not included in the standing order.

Maximum cards 7.5.2013


Set of 2 maximum cards A6 “Tribelhorn” and “Kyburz”, with the 2 matching stamps of CHF 1.00 (and CHF 1.00 per card). Cancellation with the fi rst-day of issue postmark.1909 851 � only CHF 4.00

Swiss Post’s General Terms and Conditions of Business concerning the purchase of stamps and philatelic items form an integral part of individual orders and are tacitly accepted by each customer who sends an order.

These Terms and Conditions can be ordered by telephone (+41 [0]848 66 55 44) or by e-mail ([email protected]). They are also available at www.swisspost.ch/agb/post-agb-phila.pdf

33

SondermarkeTimbre-poste spécialFrancobollo specialeSpecial stamp

100 c. Gesichter Schweiz Visage Suisse Volti Svizzera Faces Switzerland


Martine Dietrich-Chatagny, Lugnorre



7.3.2013

815


Martine Dietrich-Chatagny, Lugnorre



100 c. Gesichter Schweiz Visage Suisse Volti Svizzera Faces Switzerland

661


100 c. Weissstorch Cigogne blanche Cicogna bianca White stork


Oesch Corinne und Hug Daniel, Emmenbrücke


Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem, Nederland

7.5.2013

826


Oesch Corinne und Hug Daniel, Emmenbrücke



100 c. Weissstorch Cigogne blanche Cicogna bianca White stork

672

Beautiful stamps online: www.post.ch/philashop

Special stamp 7.3.2013

CHF 1.00 Faces Switzerland


Single stamp on fi rst-day cover C61908 580 � onlyCHF 1.90

Sheetlet on fi rst-day cover C51908 590 � onlyCHF 7.20

Block of four on fi rst-day cover E61908 630 � onlyCHF 5.00

Unstamped coversavailable from 30.4.2013

C6 (162 × 114 mm)1908 700CHF 0.90

C5 (229 × 162 mm)1908 701CHF 1.20

E6 (200 × 142 mm)1908 702CHF 1.00

Folder1908 660 �1908 670 �CHF 1.90


Single stamp1908 150 �1908 550 �CHF 1.00

Block of four1908 160 �1908 560 �CHF 4.00

Sheetlet of 6 stamps1908 311 �1908 351 � CHF 6.00

Please note: The ordered items of the special stamp will be delivered with the articles of 7.5.2013. Subscribers will also receive their products with the 2/2013 issue. As an exceptional measure, cancellation orders for the fi rst day cancellation of 7.3.2013 can be sent until 7 June 2013.


CHF 1.00 White stork

White stamp paper, self-adhesive


Block of four on fi rst-day cover C61912 630 � onlyCHF 4.90

Folder1912 660 �1912 670 �CHF 1.90



Sheet of 20 stamps1912 111 �1912 511 �CHF 20.00

Single stamp1912 150 �1912 550 �CHF 1.00

Block of four1912 160 �1912 560 �CHF 4.00

Key � = mint � = cancelled

34


100 c. Kunstserie – Biennale Venedig Série sur l’art – Biennale de Venise Serie sull’arte – La Biennale di Venezia Art series – Venice Biennale


Valentin Carron, Martigny


Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Leipzig, Deutschland

7.5.2013

825


Valentin Carron, Martigny


Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Leipzig, Deutschland

100 c. Kunstserie – Biennale Venedig Série sur l’art – Biennale de Venise Serie sull’arte – La Biennale di Venezia Art series – Venice Biennale

671

WOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLWOHLOOODie Schweizerische PostPoststellen und Verkaufwww.post.ch/philashop Preis / prix / prezzo CHF 14.5O

Briefmarken und PhilatelieViktoriastrasse 21, 3O3O BernTel. +41 (O) 848 66 55 44

Inhalt / contenu / contenuto 6 x 85 ct. (+4O ct.) 4 x 1OO ct. (+5O ct.)

2O13


Vito Noto, Lugano-Cadro


Cartor Security Printing, La Loupe, France

DorfmuseenMusées villageoisMusei di villaggioVillage museums

Pro Patria

85+40 c. Wohlen AG

85+40 c. Einsiedeln SZ

100+50 c. Bagnes VS

100+50 c. Lichtensteig SG

670

SondermarkenTimbres-poste spéciauxFrancobolli specialiSpecial stamps

DorfmuseenMusées villageoisMusei di villaggioVillage museums

Pro Patria

85+40 c. Wohlen AG

85+40 c. Einsiedeln SZ

100+50 c. Bagnes VS

100+50 c. Lichtensteig SG


Vito Noto, Lugano-Cadro


Cartor Security Printing, La Loupe, France

7.5.2013

824

Range of products

Ordering made easy: use the enclosed order form!


CHF 1.00 Art series – Venice Biennale



Sheetlet on fi rst-day cover C51911 590 � onlyCHF 11.20

Block of four on fi rst-day cover C61911 630 � onlyCHF 4.90

Unstamped coversavailable from 30.4.2013

C6 (162 × 114 mm)1911 700CHF 0.90

C5 (229 × 162 mm)1911 701 CHF 1.20

Folder1911 660 �1911 670 �CHF 1.90


Single stamp1911 150 �1911 550 �CHF 1.00

Block of four1911 160 �1911 560 �CHF 4.00

Sheetlet of 10 stamps 1911 311 �1911 351 � CHF 10.00

Key � = mint � = cancelled

Special stamps with surcharge 7.5.2013

Pro Patria – Village museums

CHF 1.25 (0.85+0.40) Wohlen AGCHF 1.25 (0.85+0.40) Einsiedeln SZCHF 1.50 (1.00+0.50) Bagnes VSCHF 1.50 (1.00+0.50) Lichtensteig SG


Set1910 150 �1910 550 �CHF 5.50

Set of blocks of four1910 160 �1910 560 �CHF 22.00



Block of four on fi rst-day cover C6(4 covers)1910 630 � onlyCHF 25.60

Unstamped coveravailable from 30.4.20131910 700CHF 0.90

Sheets of 20 stamps

CHF 0.85+0.40 Wohlen AG1910 111 �1910 511 �CHF 25.00

CHF 0.85+0.40 Einsiedeln SZ1910 112 �1910 512 �CHF 25.00

CHF 1.00+0.50 Bagnes VS1910 113 �1910 513 �CHF 30.00

CHF 1.00+0.50 Lichtensteig SG1910 114 �1910 514 �CHF 30.00

Folder1910 660 �1910 670 �CHF 6.40


Stamp bookletSix CHF 0.85+0.40 stamps with the “Wohlen AG” motif and four CHF 1.00+0.50 stamps with the “Bagnes VS” motif (and CHF 1.00 for the creation of the booklet)1910 300 �1910 800 � CHF 14.50

35


Reinhard Fluri, Halten



Gemüseblüten Légumes en fl eursVerdura in fi oreVegetable blossoms

130 c. Paprika Paprika Peperoncino Pepper

220 c. Lauch Poireau Porro Leek

673

DauermarkenTimbres-poste ordinairesFrancobolli ordinariDefi nitive stamps

Gemüseblüten Légumes en fl eursVerdura in fi oreVegetable blossoms

130 c. Paprika Paprika Peperoncino Pepper

220 c. Lauch Poireau Porro Leek


Reinhard Fluri, Halten



7.5.2013

827

2013 Stamp catalogues

ZumsteinSwitzerland/Liechten-stein/UN GenevaGerman/French1822 725CHF 35.00

Swiss Stamp Dealers AssociationSwitzerland/Liechten-stein/UN GenevaGerman/French1822 787CHF 35.00

The stamp catalogues will be delivered in Switzerland and in Liechtenstein only.

Special products

Set of single stamps, 2/2013 issueThe single stamps/sets of the 2/2013 issue of 7.5.2013 and the special stamp “Faces Switzerland” of CHF 1.00 of 7.3.2013 are displayed on a free A5 backing card with a protective cellophane wrapping.1904 150 �1904 550 �CHF 14.00

Set of fi rst-day covers, 2/2013 issueThe fi rst-day covers with set of the 2/2013 issue of 7.5.2013 and the fi rst-day cover with the special stamp “Faces Switzerland” of 7.3.2013 are combined in one free cover.1904 580 � onlyCHF 19.40

2012 Year Set1835 320 �1835 820 �CHF 57.15

2012 Set of fi rst-day covers1885 530 � onlyCHF 80.85

2012 Year book of Swiss stamps1834 830 �1834 831 �CHF 66.00

Voucher for stamps and philatelic articles871 399CHF 15.00

Defi nitive stamps 7.5.2013

Vegetable blossoms

CHF 1.30 PepperCHF 2.20 Leek

White stamp paper, self-adhesive

Set1913 150 �1913 550 �CHF 3.50

Business sheets of 10 stamps*

CHF 1.301913 361 � onlyCHF 13.00

CHF 2.201913 362 � onlyCHF 22.00

No set of blocks of four availableCustomers with a stand-ing order for set of blocks of four will receive for each set of blocks of four in their standing order 1 × 1913 150 � and/or 1913 550 �

No block of four on fi rst-day cover availableCustomers with a stand-ing order for block of four on fi rst-day cover will receive for each block of four on fi rst-day cover in their standing order 1 × 1913 580 �





Folder1913 660 �1913 670 �CHF 4.40

* Customers with a standing order for strip of ten will receive automatically the two business sheets of ten stamps. However, customers with a standing order for sheet will not receive the business sheets.

Please note: For technical reasons, some items such as set of blocks of four and block of four on fi rst-day covers, as well as special requests cannot be provided.

FRED & FUN

2013 Collection booklet(see page 31)english1941 904free

2012 Year Book of Swiss Stamps

CHF 66.–

Order the year book now: tel. +41 (0)848 66 55 44 or via www.swisspost.ch/philashop

• 48 original stamps

• Information in four languages

• Richly illustrated motifs

switzerland - focus on stamps

Documents