Rayons

In September 1850, the prepayment of mail to all destinations in Switzerland was mandated by the Postal Department. Additional stamps for the first and second zones (rayons) beyond the existing local post areas were issued for 5 and 10 rappen respectively. The 15 rappen rate for mail to the third zone would initially be met with a combination of the lower values.

5 rappen
Rayon I

10 rappen
Rayon II

The first Rayon stamps shown above were each printed by lithography in three colors, blue or yellow backgrounds, black scrollwork and text, and red for the central coat of arms. As an economy measure, the Postal department tried to print new stamps in fewer colors which led to the issue of a new 5 rappen stamp in blue and red only. Experiments with yellow and red printing for a replacement 10 rappen stamp were unsuccessful. Delays in the production of the next anticipated series of stamps (the Strubels) caused the provisional issue of new Rayon III stamps with a 15 rappen (or centime) denomination in red ink only.

5 rappen
Rayon I

15 rappen
Rayon III
small 15

15 centime
Rayon III

15 rappen
Rayon III
large 15

1851 cover sent from Lausanne to Aarau bearing each one of the Rayon I and II stamps to make the Rayon III rate.