Strubeli

Between 1854 and 1862, the stamps issued by the Federal government featured an embossed image of a sitting Helvetia, the national patroness. Because of the scraggly appearance of her hair, the popular name of these issues became “Strubeli” from the German strubbelig, meaning unkempt or shock-headed.

As a security measure to discourage postal counterfeits, various colored threads were embedded as the stamps' paper was being manufactured. The threads can be seen from the reverse side of the stamps.

Carmine thread on 10 rappen

Green thread on 20 rappen

Maroon thread on 40 rappen

20 and 40 rappen Strubel franking on November 7, 1860 cover to Stranraer, Scotland. Forwarded on November 10 from Stranraer to Newton Stewart. Arrived Newton Stewart November 11.