In its third stamp issue of the year, Swiss Post will pay tribute to the Swiss automotive industry with four special stamps. At the dawn of the motorization of private transport in Switzerland, around 90 Swiss motor car brands found themselves competing for customers’ favour. Both the First World War and mass production in neighbouring countries had a heavy impact on the Swiss automotive industry. In 1934 the last genuine Swiss motor car brand ceased to exist when Martini in St. Blaise was forced to shut down. The four special stamps depict the “Martini” (1897), “Tribelhorn” (1902), “Pic-Pic” (1906) and “Fischer” (1908) motor cars. The stamps were designed by the Sicilian designer, Vito Noto, who currently resides in Ticino.

Special stamps for special events

Swiss Post is immortalizing the well-known comic figure, Marsupilami, in two additional special stamps and picture postcards. The comic figure, created by Belgian illustrator and author, André Franquin, was first seen in 1952 and nowadays is considered one of the most loved figures among four- to twelve-year-olds. Furthermore, the current greetings and neutral stamps will be replaced by four new special stamps. Following on from the “Special events” theme, the rose and ladybird stamp motifs symbolize greetings and congratulations, while the snail and feather stand for solidarity and condolence. The new definitive stamps were designed by the graphic artists Julia Reichle and Martina Pelosi, who both live in Kriens. The four creations are not only available as individual stamps, but can also be purchased as a set of four together with the matching A6 folded cards.

Switzerland–Åland joint issue and anniversaries relating to stamps

Åland is a self-governing, Swedish-speaking region of Finland comprising more than 6,700 islands. In 1954 it received its own coat of arms, and in 1984 issued its own stamps. The joint issue will be published with two stamps in Switzerland (CHF 1 and CHF 1.40) and Åland (Europa value and 2 euros). The stamps portray a traditional Bernese Sunday costume brooch and a shawl buckle used in traditional Åland attire.

To celebrate the 175-years of stamp history, Swiss Post is issuing a special stamp with the motif of the very first postage stamp, the Penny Black. Fittingly, there is also a special stamp to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Union of Swiss Philatelists’ Societies (USPS).

Subjects of the 3/2015 stamp issue – valid from 3 September 2015

• Swiss motor cars  – Special stamps: “Pic-Pic” at CHF 0.85, “Martini” at CHF 1, “Tribelhorn” at CHF 1.40, “Fischer” at CHF 1.90
• Marsupilami – Stamp booklet with five special stamps and two stamp motifs at CHF 1
• Special events – Special stamps: “Rose” at CHF 0.85, “Snail” at CHF 0.85, “Ladybird” at CHF 1, “Feather” at CHF 1
• 175th anniversary of the stamp – Special stamp at CHF 1
• 125th anniversary of the USPS – Special stamp at CHF 1
• Joint issue Switzerland – Åland – Special stamps: “Traditional Bernese Sunday costume brooch” at CHF 1, “Shawl buckle for traditional Åland costumes” at CHF 1.40

Available from 3 September from postshop.chTarget not accessible and in Swiss post offices.
You can find detailed information in the current issue of the stamp magazine, “Focus on stamps”: swisspost.ch/lupe