Perforated Sitting Helvetia

The first perforated stamps issued by Switzerland were definitives whose design also featured the sitting figure of Helvetia. The first issue of this series was released in 1862. Subsequent paper, value, and color changes were issued through 1881.

Examples from the 1881 issue Granite paper

Double embossing Excess ink transferred from variety on left migrating cardboard spacers between metal dies creates apparent additional frame lines at the tops

Range of shade varieties from bistre-brown to black-brown