International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/Switzerland

Switzerland

• The first meter was installed in 1923.
• All franks contain “HELVETIA”.
• Frank dies are designed and furnished by postal authorities rather than meter manufacturers. Although these designs are changed periodically, within each design period all stamps closely resemble each other, and this often makes accurate identification a challenge.
• Native meter manufacturers in Switzerland: Frama, Franco, Francopost, Hasler, and Safag.
• Swiss meter stamps were applied to gummed labels as well as directly to the mail piece. Early labels had the name of the mailer or his logo pre-printed, and it often included a frame and the meter number. Stamps applied to such personalized labels are usually worth a premium.
• The stamps are grouped according to appearance and purpose as follows:

A – Oval frank

B – Horizontal frank with incomplete outer frame

C – Horizontal frank with complete frame, inscribed "HELVETIA" in top panel and an outline “P” in each side panel

D – Horizontal frank with complete frame, inscribed “CH” in top panel and “HELVETIA” in left panel

E – Digital frank without frame, with 2D barcode data code field

PO – Stamps generated only at Post Office counters

PD – Stamps used for collecting Postage Due

PS – Stamps used to frank Postal Stationery

PV – Stamps from public self-service vending machines

OO – Stamps used only for Official government mail

• For specialized information about the meter stamps of Switzerland, see Die Freistempel der Schweiz, Band I and Band II, by Heiner Dürst and Repertorio Catalogo delle affrancature meccaniche svizzere nel terzo millennio, by Roberto Di Casola. The listings in the present catalog were heavily influenced by both works.

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GROUP A: Oval frank

• Meter number at bottom of frank.

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A1. Franco (FV-5), 1924.

Meter number slightly curved.

Meters 102-123 and K107.

TM: normally nil but also SC (see a below)

Values:     3, 5, 7½, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 1F, 2F

a. TM: SC below frank, M# 102 only

b. M# with “K” prefix, K107

c. Official Mail. Meters 107 and 112 were used by the Swiss Post Office to frank Official Mail.

NOTE: Franco survived only a few years. After the company's demise several meter numbers assigned to Franco were re-assigned to other meter companies. In a few cases the Franco meters remained in use, and we have two different meters with the same meter number in use simultaneously. The seven meter numbers listed below are in this category. The stamps can be identified as follows:

• meter number 105:

– Franco if mailer is Schweizerisch Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft. Hasler (Type A2) if a different mailer.

- Franco value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 80

– Hasler (Type A2) value set: 5, 7½, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 90, 1F

– Overlapping dates are 1925-1941.

• meter number 106:

– Franco if mailer is Societe de la Viscose Suisse, Emmenbrucke. Hasler (Type A2) if a different mailer.

- Franco if dated before July 1927.

- Franco value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 1F

– Hasler value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 1F.

– Overlapping dates are July 1927-1934.

• meter number 107:

– Franco if mailer is Oberpostdirektion, Bern. Universal (Type A3) if a different mailer.

- Franco value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80

– Universal value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 150, 1F, 2F, 3F.

- Overlapping dates are 18 May 1926 to 1928.

• meter number 112:

– Franco if dated before March 1930.

– Francopost (Type A4) if dated after March 1930.

- Franco value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 80.

- Francopost if value is 5, 7½, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 90 or 1F.

• meter number 114:

– Franco if used before 1930.

– Francopost (Type A4) if used in 1930 or later.

- Franco value set: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40.

- Francopost if value is 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 1F.

• meter number 119:

– Franco if mailer is Pietro Realini & Co., Stabio. Francopost (Type A4) if a different mailer.

- Franco if used before 1930.

- Francopost if used in 1930 or later.

- Franco value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40.

– Francopost value set: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 90, 1F.

• meter number 121:

– Franco if used before 1930.

– Francopost (Type A4) if used in 1930 or later.

- Franco value set: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 1F

- Francopost value set: 5, 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 1F.

A2. Hasler “F2, D106, F106” (FV-2/-7/-8), 1923.

Meter number curved.

Meters 105, 106, 117, 122-800, 1000-2000, 2046-2048 and 1219A. (See the NOTES after Type A1.)

TM: nil, DC, BIC, SC

Values:     3, 5, 7½, 10, 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, 150, 1F, 2F, 3F

Rare values:     37½, 130, 170, 220, 250, 280, 350

a. With town mark

b. With date only without TM

c. With slogan left of frank

d. With both slogan and town mark

e. With slogan applied in separate pass through meter. The impression is usually found at lower left of cover or occasionally on the back

f. Printed on label pre-printed with mailer’s name or logo

A3. Universal "5" (FV-6). Francopost (FV-10), 1925.

Meter number horizontal and either 2 or 2.5 mm tall.

M#s 107, 801-1000, 2001-2045 and 2049-2061. (See the NOTES after Type A1.)

TM: nil, DC, BIC

Values:     3, 5, 7½, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 120, 150, 1F, 2F, 3F

a. With town mark

b. With slogan

c. With both town mark and slogan

d. Printed on label pre-printed with mailer’s name or logo

A4. Francopost (FV-10), 1929.

Meter number horizontal.

M#s 112, 114, 119, 121, and 3001-3026. (See the NOTES after Type A1.)

TM: nil, DC, BIC

Values:     5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 150, 1F, 2F

Rare values:     55, 250

a. With town mark

b. With slogan

A5. Safag (FV-10).

Meter number horizontal.

M#s 3027-3058, 3061-3124.

TM: nil

Values:     5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 90, 120, 1F

Rare value:     80

a. With slogan

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GROUP B: Horizontal frank with incomplete outer frame line

• Cross and post horns at top, “HELVETIA” at bottom.
• Line ornaments including crosses in each corner with the letter “P” between the ornaments at left and right.
• M# below frank.

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Sub-Group BA: Frank 37 x 22 mm

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BA1. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1929.

Numbers 101-2000, 4001-4376, 4382.

TM: nil, DC, BIC

without TM wide spacing narrow spacing

V/F: 000 - - -

V/F: 000(½) - - -

V/F: 0000 - - -

V/F: 0000(½) - - -

V/F: 00000 - - rare

V/F: 00(½) rare rare rare

V/F: ★00 rare rare rare (M# 4016 only)

NOTE: Value figures 000(½) and 0000(½) when not printing the “½” look like 000 and 0000. They can be identified by their location in the frank which is closer to the left side rather than centered.

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. Mailer’s identification below M#

c. Wavy line ornament below M# (4109)

d. Oval and arrow point ornament below M# (4182)

e. Printed on label pre-printed with mailer’s name or logo

f. Frank inverted, value figures upright    [rare]

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Sub-Group BB: Frank 37 x 26½ mm

• Starting in 1946 meter numbers were assigned without regard to meter manufacturer or model and are no longer useful for identification.
• Because the Swiss postal service furnishes all stamp dies, the stamps are quite similar and are difficult to tell apart. Although there are exceptions, the stamps usually can be identified by the size of the "P" at the sides of the frank and by differences in the corner ornaments.

• Three “P” sizes were used: Medium (6+ mm tall by 3+ mm wide), Narrow (6+ mm tall by 3- mm wide), and Tall (7- mm tall by 3+ mm wide).

• Three variations of the corner ornaments exist, Closed, Open, and Dashed. Looking at the lower left ornament examine the ends of the third and fourth lines from the top. With "Closed" the two lines are bridged. With "Open" they are unconnected. With "Dashed" they are also unconnected but a small dash is present in the opening.

• Proper identification requires care as the size of the "P" is not easily identified without a millimeter gauge. The corner ornaments are not always reliable. Occasionally one finds different ones on the same stamp! Thus the following table is not foolproof.

	Medium "P"	Narrow "P"	Tall "P"
Closed ornament:	BB1, BB4*	BB2, BB5A**	BB3, BB7A***
Open ornament:		BB5B	BB7B
Dashed ornament:		BB6	BB7C

Types BB1 and BB4 have different value figure sizes, 6 mm tall with BB1, and 5 mm tall with BB4.

Types BB2 and BB5A have different date figures. BB2 has a stop centered after the year in the date. BB5A does not.

Types BB3 and BB7A have different value figure sizes, 4.5 to 5 mm tall with BB3, and 6 to 6.5 mm tall with BB7A.

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BB1. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1933.

Medium “P”. Closed corner ornament.

Value figures large, 5.8mm tall and stylized. If the town mark is present, the spacing between it and the frank is narrow.

If dated before 1946, meter numbers 4377-5500 (less 4382 and 4385) identify the stamp as Type BB1.

TM: nil, DC, BIC

V/F:     000     000(½)    0000     00oo    0000(½)    00000     ◇0000    00000(½)

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. Mailer’s identification below M#

c. Two concentric circles below M# (644)

d. Two diamonds below M# (5378)

e. Printed on label pre-printed with mailer’s name or logo

f. Date present, without TM

g. TM present without date

h. TM inverted, date upright

i. TM raised rectangle (5166)     [rare]

j. Post Office stamp, used at Swiss National Exhibition in Zurich, 1939. TM reads “SCHWEIZ. LANDESAUSSTELLUNG ZURICH/ PTT PAVILLION” (4519, 4527)     [rare]

k. Used by the United Nations:

ka. TM with “NATIONS UNIES” at bottom

kb. TM reads “ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTS

kc. TM reads “BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DU TRAVAIL”

kd. TM reads “CENTRE INTERN. DES CONFERENCES”

m. Value figures of mixed sizes

BB2. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1936.

Narrow “P”. Closed corner ornament.

Value figures large, stylized.

If TM and date are present, the date figures have a stop centered after the year.

If stamp date is before 1946, the meter numbers are same as for Type BA1.

TM: DC, BIC, nil

All value figures are found on stamps with wide and narrow spacing and without town mark.

V/F:     000     000(½)     0000 [    ★000 (M# 4385)     0000(½)     00000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below the meter number

b. Mailer’s identification below the meter number

c. Printed on label pre-printed with mailer’s name or logo

NOTES:

• Meter numbers 3057 and 3059 with stop centered after year in date figures are Type BB5b rather than BB2.
• Meter 4016 may have been a Post Office machine.

BB3. Hasler “F99” (MV), 1955.

Tall “P”. Closed corner ornament.

Narrow spacing between TM and frank.

Value figures small.

TM: nil, BIC

V/F: 000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. Mailer’s identification below M#

BB4. Hasler “F66” (MV), 1965.

Medium “P”. Closed corner ornament (as with BB1).

The value figures are much shorter, 4.8mm tall, compared to Type BB1.

As with Type B3 the value figures are small, except occasionally in combination with larger figures as listed below.

TM: DC, BIC, or nil

V/F:     0,00     00,00     00,00(½)     000,00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. Mailer’s identification below M#

c. V/F: 0,oo (5193)

d. V/F: 00,oo (120, 253, 2989)

e. V/F: 0oo,oo (6025,    (4490)

f. V/F: ✳00,oo (3162)

g. V/F: 000,00(½) (6845)

h. V/F: oooo without comma (5413)

i. With Frame corner ornament style “A” at left and “B” at right (6920)

j. With WELTPOSTVEREIN inside the town mark indicating the meter was used by the Universal Postal Union, an office of the United Nations

BB5. Safag “2” until 1954, then Frama “12” (MV), 1938.

Narrow “P”.

Value figures large.

Date without stop after Year except for varieties "c" and "d" below.

A. Closed corner ornament

B. Open corner ornament

TM: DC, BIC, or nil

V/F:     000     0000     00,00(½)

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. Roman and Western numerals without equal signs below M# (3229)

c. Mailer’s identification below M#

d. Date with stop after Year (only Safag)

e. Date with stop centered after Year (3057, 3059)

f. With Frame corner ornament style “A” at left and “B” at right

BB6. Frama “12” (MV), 1955.

Narrow “P”. Dashed corner ornament.

Frame corner ornament style “C”.

Value figures large.

TM: DC, BIC, or nil

V/F:     000    0000     00,00(½)

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. Mailer’s identification below M#

BB7. Frama “M3/M4/E3/E4” (MV), 1956.

Tall “P”.

Value figures 6.3mm tall.

A. Closed corner ornament (1956)

B. Open corner ornament (1957)

C. Dashed corner ornament (1959)

TM: DC, BIC, nil

V/F:     000         0000     00000 (“C” only)

a. As A or C, Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

b. As B, Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below M#

c. Mailer’s identification below M#

d. Frame corner ornaments a combination of two types, different at top and bottom or at left and right

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GROUP C: Horizontal frank inscribed "HELVETIA” at top and with outlined “P”s at the sides

• Swiss crosses in top corners, and post horns in bottom corners.
• Meter number at bottom.

NOTE: Stamps of this type are found printed in blue as well as red.

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C1. Pitney Bowes-GB “5300” (MV), 1969.

Frank 32.5 x 23 mm.

Date figures raised in relation to value figures.

M# breaks bottom frame line.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     0.00     00.00     00.00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical between TM and frank

b. Mailer’s identification vertical between TM and frank

c. TM without date

d. TM blank circle

e. Solid block in place of M#

f. Post Office stamp. With “PAKETANNAHME” vertical between TM and frank

C2. Frama “M/E” (MV), 1970.

Frank 31-32 x 28 mm.

Value figures thick.

TM: DC, BIC, nil

V/F:     000     0000     00000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification below frank

c. M# breaks bottom frame line

C3. Hasler “F66” (MV), 1970.

Frank 32½ x 23 mm.

Experimental size used only in live tests.

Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical below frank.

Ten meter numbers, as listed.

TM: DC

V/F:     0,00 (no's 3121-23, 3130-32, 3135-36)     00,00 (no's 215 and 5836)

C4. Hasler “F66” (MV), 1971.

Frank 32 x 25 mm.

Value figures with comma.

TM: DC, BIC

V/F:     0,00     00,00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical between TM and frank

b. Mailer’s identification vertical between TM and frank

c. M# breaks bottom frame line

d. Value figures 00,00

e. V/F: 00 00 without comma

f. Line below “HELVETIA” missing

C5. Hasler “F66” (MV), 1971.

As Type C4 but larger frank, 35 x 25 mm.

Value figures with comma.

TM: DC, BIC

V/F:     00,00     000,00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification below frank

C6. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1971.

Frank 32 x 25 mm.

Value figures large, 6 mm tall, of two styles.

TM: DC. BIC, nil

V/F:     000     000(½)     0000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification below frank

c. Bar missing below “HELVETIA”

d. M# breaks bottom frame line

e. Post Office Official Business. TM contains “POSTAUFGABE/ ENVOI POSTAL”

f. Used by the United Nations, TM with “CENTRE INTERN. DES CONFERENCES” at bottom

C7. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1971.

As Type C6 but larger frank, 35 x 25 mm.

TM: DC, BIC, nil

V/F:     00000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification below frank

C8. Francotyp “Cc” (MV), 1970.

Frank 32.5 x 22-23 mm.

M# breaks bottom frame line.

Value figures large and thick.

Date figures with stops after D and before Y.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     000     0.00     00.00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical between TM and frank

C9. Francotyp “A9000” (MV).

Frank 32.5 x 22-23 mm.

Very similar to Type C8 except for date figures which are more widely spaced and have stops after D and M or D only.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     0000     00.00     ◆000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical between TM and frank

C10 . Pitney Bowes-GB “6300” (MV), 1973.

Frank 29.5 x 22 mm.

M# above bottom frame line.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     0000     00.00     00.00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical between TM and frank

b. Mailer’s identification vertical between TM and frank

C11. Frama “M3/M4/E3/E4” (MV), 1973.

Frank 32 x 23-24 mm.

Value figures thick.

TM: DC, BIC, nil

V/F:     000     0000     00000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification below frank

c. Mailer’s identification vertical between TM and frank

d. M# breaks bottom frame line (989)

e. Inner panel line on right missing

f. Unengraved TM with holes (used by the Customs office)

g. TM inverted

h. Date present, TM missing

i. TM without Swiss cross at top or bottom

j. TM blank at bottom     [rare]

k. Extremely wide spacing between TM and frank     [rare]

l. Post Office Official Business. Frank reads “POSTAUFGABE/ ENVOI POSTAL”

m. Post Office Official Business. As “l.”, spacing between TM and frank very wide (16384)

n. Post Office Official Business. As “l.”, but with 2nd TM at left of “POSTAUFGABE” TM. The 2nd TM has town at top (“4002 BASEL 2”)

C12. Frama “M5/E5” (MV), 1973.

As Type C11 but wider frank, 34-35 x 24-25 mm.

Value figures thick.

TM: DC, BIC, nil

V/F:     00000

a. Mailer’s identification below frank

b. Extremely wide spacing between TM and frank

C13. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1978.

Frank 30-32 x 24 mm.

Experimental size used only in live tests.

M# 16610 only.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     0000

C14. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1978.

Frank 32 x 25 mm.

M# above bottom frame line.

Distance between TM and frank 9 mm.

Distance between center of date and value figures 37 mm.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     000     0000     00.00

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs vertical between TM and frank 2x value

b. Mailer’s identification vertical between TM and frank

c. TM SC with pictorial promotion at bottom

d. Date present without town mark

e. On Post Office Official Business. Frank reads “POSTAUFGABE/ ENVOI POSTAL”

f. Used by the United Nations

fa. TM with “CENTRE INTERN. DES CONFERENCES” at bottom

fb. TM with “WELTPOSTVEREIN” at bottom

C15. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1978.

As Type C14 but larger frank, 35 x 24-25 mm.

TM: DC

V/F:     000     000.00     0000(½)     00000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification vertical between TM and frank

C16. Pitney Bowes-GB “6900” (MV), 1987.

Frank 32 x 26 mm.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     ≋0000     000.00

a. With two zeros added at left and right of M#     000.oo

NOTE: This meter could print slogans in color different from that of the stamp. Seen are blue, black and green as well as common red.

C17. Pitney Bowes “6500” (MV), 1989.

Frank 34 x 23 mm.

TM: DC

V/F:     0000(½)     ≋0000     0000(½)     00000

a. With line missing under “HELVETIA”

b. With “PITNEY BOWES” vertical between TM and frank

C18. Pitney Bowes-GB “6600” (MV), 1992.

Frank 34 x 25 mm.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     ≋000

a. Mailer’s address vertical between TM and frank

C19. Pitney Bowes “A946” (MV), 1992.

Frank 34 x 23.5 mm.

Similar to Types C16 and 17 but value figures are larger.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     ≋0000

a. With line missing under “HELVETIA”

b. Mailer’s address vertical between TM and frank

C20. Frama “EPS” (MV), 1994.

Frank 32 x 24 mm.

Similar in appearance to Type C14 but date figures are spaced more widely apart with stops after D and M.

Value figure set is 14 mm wide.

Distance between TM and frank 9 mm.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     0000

a. With both or one inner side frame line missing

b. Mailer’s address below frank

C21. Hasler “Smile” (MV), 1995.

Frank 32 x 25 mm.

Value figure set is 12 mm wide.

Similar to Type C14 but distance between centers of date and value figures is 40 mm.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     0000

a. Roman and Western numerals between equal signs below frank

b. Mailer’s identification below frank

C22. Pitney Bowes “Paragon” (MV), 1996.

Frank and TM enclosed in a large outer frame.

TM: DC, nil

V/F:     00000

a. Frank with date but without town mark

b. Set of six parallel wavy lines in place of date figures

C23. Pitney Bowes “EasyMail” (digital), 1997.

Frank 31.5 x 24.5 mm.

M# large. 11-digit number below TM

TM: DC

V/F:     ≋0000

C24. Frama “Sensonic 2000” (digital), 1998.

Frank 31.5 x 24.5 mm.

Value figures very large.

M# large.

TM: DC

V/F:     00000

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GROUP D: Horizontal frank with "CH" at top, “HELVETIA” vertical at left

• Envelopes as corner ornaments.
• Either Swiss cross against solid background or “international” vertical in right panel.

NOTE: Stamps of this type are often found printed in blue as well as red.

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Sub-Group DA: Cross in solid field at right

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DA1. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 2001.

36-37 mm between centers of date and value figures.

A. “CH” thin, line above M#

B. “CH” thin, no line above M#

C. “CH” thick, no line above M#

D. As B, but frank is wider

TM: DC

V/F: 0000 00000 (D only)

DA2. Hasler “Smile” (MV).

Similar to Types DA1B and C but slightly wider with 40 mm of spacing between centers of date and value figures.

A. “CH” thin

B. “CH” thick

TM: DC

V/F: 0000

DA3. Frama “M4/E4” (MV).

Value figures thick.

A. “CH” thin, line above M#

B. “CH” thin, no line above M#

C. “CH” thick, no line above M#

TM: DC

V/F: 000 0000 0000(½)

DA4. Frama “EPS” (MV).

Similar in appearance to Type DA1 (Hasler “Mailmaster”) but date figures are more widely spread apart.

A. “CH” thin, line above M#

B. “CH” thin, no line above M#

C. “CH” thick, no line above M#

TM: DC

V/F: 0000

DA5. Pitney Bowes-GB “6600” (MV).

Four-bank value figures widely spaced.

TM: DC

V/F: ≋000

DA6. Pitney Bowes-GB “Paragon” (MV).

Large frank, 37 x 28 mm.

Greater frame around entire design including town mark.

TM: DC

V/F: 00000 ≋0000

DA7. Pitney Bowes-GB “A946” (MV).

Short but wide frank with large value figures.

TM: DC

V/F: ≋0000

DA8. Pitney Bowes “EasyMail” (digital).

Row of numbers below the town mark.

TM: DC

V/F: ≋0000

DA9. Frama “Sensonic 2000” (digital).

Value figures are very tall.

V/F: 0000

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Sub-Group DB: “international” plus small cross vertical at right

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DB1. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV).

36-37 mm between centers of date and value figures.

A. “CH” thin, line above M#

B. “CH” thin, no line above M#

C. As A, with frank is wider and it has a small cross at the bottom of the right panel

TM: DC

V/F: 0000 00000 (C only)

DB2. Pitney Bowes “A946” (MV).

Short but wide frank with large value figures.

TM: DC

V/F: 00000

DB3. Frama “Sensonic 2000” (MV).

Value figures are very tall.

TM: DC

V/F: 00000

NOTE: Type DB versions (for international mail) of Types DA2 through DA8 probably exist.

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GROUP E: Digital Frank without border

• 2-dimensional barcode field between date/town at left and value figures at right.
• At left, date at top, post office identification in center, identification number at bottom.
• At right, value figures at top, mail class in center, postal logo at bottom.

NOTES:

• Stamps of this type are usually printed in blue but are occasionally found in black or red.
• These stamps normally print the class of mail beneath the value figures but are also found blank in that spot.
• Twenty-four mail class varieties have been reported. They are: A/GR, A/MAXI, A/MIDI, A/STANDARD, B/GR, B/MAXI, B/MIDI, B/STANDARD, B2/STANDARD, BP, BP/COUR-LET, BP/COUR-LETD, ECONOMY/SPI, EXPRESS/POST, LAS/BPLET, LSI/BPLET, LSI/BP-LET, POSTPAC/ECO, POSTPAC/ECO (weight), PP/COL-PAC, PRIORITY/SPI, SE (number)/EP, SWISS POSTINTD, SWISS/POSTINT. Other mail class designations have probably been added, and some of these may already be obsolete.

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Sub-Group EA: Text at left is centered, text at right is right justified

• 2D barcode field is relatively large, 17-18 mm square, and centered vertically.
• The identification number is either a two-part number (machine number / impression counter) or 9 digits with three leading zeros.

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EA1.1. Ascom Hasler “InteliPost 36 / 54” (digital-inkjet), 2001.

Frank 72/73 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

Distance between left edge of the 2D barcode and the right edge of the postal logo is 48/49 mm.

Identification number (below town name at left) is in one line as ###### (space)/ ######## or 000###### / ########.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

a. Printed in red

b. Printed in black

c. Bi-color print, blue above black

EA2.1. Frama “EcoMail” or "Office Mail" (digital-thermal).

Frank 61 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

Distance between left edge of the 2D barcode and the right edge of the postal logo is 40 mm.

Identification number is in two lines as ###### over ######, or 000###### over ######.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EA2.2. Frama “Ecomail” or "Office Mail" (digital-thermal).

As EA2.1 but wider frank, 64/65 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

Distance between left edge of the 2D barcode and the right edge of the postal logo is 41/42 mm.

Identification number is in two lines as ###### over ########, or 000###### over ########.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

a. Printed in red

EA2.3. Frama "MailMax I” and "MailMax II" (digital-inkjet).

Frank 65 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

Distance between left edge of the 2D barcode and the right edge of the postal logo is 41/42 mm.

Identification number is in two lines as 000###### over ########.

Stamps from the MailMax machine are thermally printed while those from the MailMad II are applied by inkjet.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EA3.1. Neopost "IJ25” (digital-inkjet).

Frank 72 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

Distance between left edge of the 2D barcode and the right edge of the postal logo is 45/46 mm.

Identification number is in one line as ###### or 000###### relatively large digits.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EA4.1. Pitney Bowes “DM210/DM390” (digital-inkjet).

Frank 67 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

Distance between left edge of the 2D barcode and the right edge of the postal logo is 39/40 mm.

Identification number is in one line as 000###### / ########.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

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Sub-Group EB: Text at both left and right are left-justified, 6-digit ID# in 700000 series

• 2D barcode field is relatively small, 11-15 mm square, and usually (but not always) aligned with the bottom of the frank.
• Machine number is six digits in 700000 series.
• These stamps reflect a refining of the technology introduced with the Group E franking. The stamp is printed in one pass rather than two.

NOTE: The machine numbers series cited in the listings are current as of early 2014. For some models they are likely to broaden over time.

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EB1.1. Frama "Officemail 2000” (digital).

Frank 64 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 14.5 mm square and centered vertically.

Postal logo at bottom right is 21 mm wide.

Machine number in 770000 or 780000 series.

Stamp applied thermally.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB1.2. Frama "Mailmax Speed” (digital).

Identical in size to EB1.1 but applied by inkjet.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB1.3. Frama "Matrix F4/F6” (digital).

Frank 59 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 14 mm wide.

Machine number in 780000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

a. Printed in black

EB1.4. Frama "Matrix F4/F6” (digital).

Frank 64 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 15 mm wide.

Machine number in 780000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB2.1. Neopost "IJ25” (digital).

Frank 65 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 14 mm wide.

The stamp is 20.5 mm between top of the value figures and bottom of the postal logo.

Machine number in 720000, 730000 or 740000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB2.2. Neopost "IJ25” (digital).

Frank 67 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 14 mm wide.

The stamp is slightly taller than EB2.1, 22 mm between top of the value figures and bottom of the postal logo.

Machine number in 730000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

a. Without logo and with outline only to the 2D barcode field

EB2.3. Neopost "IS-350/-440” (digital).

Frank 62 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 19/20 mm wide.

The number "1" in the date and value figures is footed.

Machine number in 720000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB3.1. Pitney Bowes "DM-210/-390" (digital).

Frank 64 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 19 mm wide.

The number "1" in the date and value figures is footed.

Machine number in 750000 or 760000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB3.2. Pitney Bowes "DM-500/-800/-900/-1000” (digital).

Frank 69 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 15 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 24 mm wide.

Machine number in 750000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

a. Printed in black

b. Post Office stamp, with "Affr. Poste" in place of town name.

EB3.3. Pitney Bowes " DM-500/-800/-900/-1000” (digital).

Frank 62/63 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 15 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 19 mm wide.

Machine number in 750000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

a. Printed in black

b. Post Office stamp, with "Affr. Poste" (French, shown), "Frankieren Post" (German) or "Affr. Posta" (Italian) in place of town name.

EB3.4. Pitney Bowes "DM-210i/-390i” (digital).

Frank 66 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 18 mm wide.

The number "1" in the date and value figures is footed.

Machine number in 760000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB3.5. Pitney Bowes "DM-50i” (digital).

Frank 68 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 14.5 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 23 mm wide.

This stamp is very similar in size to EB3.2. It has a smoother appearance with less jagged diagonals than with EB3.2.

Postal logo at bottom right is in 770000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB3.6. Pitney Bowes "DM-300c/-400c” (digital).

Frank 70 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 15 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 24 mm wide.

Machine number in 760000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

EB3.7. Pitney Bowes "DM-100i” (digital).

Frank 68 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 14.5 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 24 mm wide.

Very similar in appearance to EB3.2 and EB3.5, this stamp has footed 1's in the date and value figures.

Machine number in 750000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: 000.00

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Sub-Group EC: As Sub-Group EB but 7-digit ID# in 2000000 series

• These changes reflect a further refining of the technology.
• The value figures show no leading zeros unless the postage is less than three digits in which case there is one leading zero.

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EC1.1. Neopost "IS-6000” (digital).

Frank 62 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 12 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 22 mm wide.

The number "1" in the date and value figures is footed.

Machine number in 2000000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: (00)0.00

a. Post Office stamp, with "Affr. Poste" (French), "Frankieren Post" (German), or "Affr. Posta" (Italian) in place of town name.

EC1.2. Neopost (digital).

As Type EC1.1 but the 2D barcode field is slightly smaller at 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is also smaller at 19 mm wide.

Machine number in 2020000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: (00)0.00

EC2.1. Frama "Matrix F4/F6” (digital).

Frank 61 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 22 mm wide.

The number "1" in the date and value figures has no foot.

Machine number in 2100000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: (00)0.00

EC3. Francotyp-Postalia "Postbase" (digital).

Frank 60 mm between left edge of date figures and right edge of value figures.

2D barcode field 11 mm square.

Postal logo at bottom right is 19 mm wide.

The number "1" in the date and value figures has no foot.

Machine number in 2300000 series.

A. Postal logo in German (“DIE POST”)

B. Postal logo in French (“LA POSTE”)

C. Postal logo in Italian (“LA POSTA”)

V/F: (00)0.00

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GROUP PO: Special stamps generated only by machines in Post Offices

• Used mostly for parcel post.
• See also Types BB1j, C1f, EB3.3b, and EC1.1a for post office stamps.

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PO1. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1968.

Double oval with “POST” at top, “HELVETIA” at bottom.

Roman numeral in small boxes at sides.

TM: BIC with “ANNAHME” at bottom.

Used in Bern 1 and Luzern 1 for a few weeks only

V/F:     000     0000

NOTE: Stamps of this frank design but without town mark were used to frank postal stationery and are cataloged in Group PS below.

PO2. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1973.

Small rectangular frank with panel across top and large segment at left and smaller segment at right.

Post office identification in top panel.

Value figures in left segment and large “PP” at right.

Break in bottom frame line below value figures

V/F:     000     0,00

PO3. Frama (MV), 1976.

Frank is similar to Group C stamps except the corner ornaments do not have a lined background, and it has a bottom panel containing an ID number.

ID number is Roman numeral / Western number.

Straight-line town mark without frame.

Printed on gummed tape.

A. Dark red (shown)

B. Lilac (not shown)

V/F:     0000

PO4. Frama (MV), 1977.

As Type PO3 but town mark is enclosed in a frame extending from the frank.

The frame is open at the left side.

Found in both dark red and lilac.

A. “HELVETIA” tall

B. “HELVETIA” short

V/F:     0000     00000

PO5. Frama (MV), 1992.

As Type PO4 but stamp is smaller overall, most noticeable in side panels.

V/F:     00000

a. Printed in blue or blue-green rather than red

PO6. Hasler, model undetermined (MV), 1997.

Simple rectangle with post office name at top, “P.P.” and value figures at center, and branch or section name at bottom.

V/F:     0000

PO7. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV).

Very similar to PO6 except the frank is much smaller.

V/F:     0000

PO8. Schapo/Zebra (digital), 1998.

Unframed, mostly text frank, on plain white self-adhesive label.

At upper left is postal logo “LA POSTE/DIE POST/LA POSTA” underlined with small cross at upper right.

Below logo is date and class of mail.

Post office identification at top center.

Value figures centered at right.

Date and time below logo at left.

Below the date is either the mail classification or "FRAMA" and the German, French, or Italian version of 'paid in cash'.

V/F:     CHF 0.00

a. With weight added below the value figures (since 2004)

b. All stamp inscriptions very small

PO8.1. Schapo/Zebra (digital), July 2004.

Very similar to Type PO8 but the logo is in italic font with the text not underlined.

V/F:     CHF 0.00

PO8.2. Schapo/Zebra (digital).

As Type PO8 but the logo is different, with "PTT" above a cross made of horizontal dashes rather than a single line.

The font for the stamp is taller and noticibly thinner than with Types PO8 and PO8.1.

V/F:     CHF 0.00

NOTE: Examples of Types PO8, PO8.1 and PO8.2 may exist with the logo text in a different order, e.g. LA POSTA, LA POSTE, DIE POST.

PO9. Schapo/Zebra (digital), 1998.

This design is generated by the same system that produces Type PO8 and is used for franking mail addressed to foreign destinations.

Unframed white, self-adhesive label as with PO8 but with "SWISS POST" logo at top left and "P.P. Postage Paid" at top right.

Post office identification on 2nd line.

Value figures right justified on 3rd line.

Date, time, and weight on 4th line.

Mail and rate classification on 5th line.

A. Postal logo in normal font

B. Postal logo in italic font

V/F:     CHF 00.00

a. For use on registered mail, on larger tape with bar code and registration number and information added above the frank

PO10. Schapo/Zebra (digital), November 2005.

Square 2D barcode field at bottom center.

Date and time at top left, value figures at top right, all in bold characters.

Town identification at left, mail classification and weight at right.

Postal logo at bottom right.

A. Postal logo in English "SWISS POST"

B. Postal logo in French, "LA POSTE"

C. Postal logo in German, "DIE POST"

D. Postal logo in Italian, "LA POSTA" (shown)

V/F:     CHF (0)0.00

a. Large "PRIORITY" at top right in place of the value figures

b. For use on registered mail, on larger tape with bar code and registration number and information added below the frank

PO11. V-max/Zebra (digital), October 2008.

Very similar to Type PO10 but the value figures at top right appear as negative characters against a black field.

The text below the date is known both boxed and unboxed.

A. Postal logo in English "SWISS POST" (shown)

B. Postal logo in French, "LA POSTE"

C. Postal logo in German, "DIE POST"

D. Postal logo in Italian, "LA POSTA"

V/F:     CHF (0)0.00

a. Large "PRIORITY" at top right below the value figures

b. For use on registered mail, on larger tape with bar code and registration number and information added below the frank

c. With illustration added at lower left of a child and tree on a hill above "pro clima". Without "P.P. Postage Paid"

d. With box surrounding post office details and "P.P. Postage Paid"

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GROUP PD: Special meter stamps used by the Post Office to collect Postage Due

PD1. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1972.

Small rectangular frank with panel across top and large segment at left and smaller segment at right.

Post office identification in top panel.

Value figures in left segment and large “T” at right.

A. Break in bottom frame line below value figures

B. Bottom frame line complete

V/F:     000

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GROUP PS: Special stamps used by the Post Office to frank or surcharge postal stationery

• Although the machines used for this purpose were MV models, only a certain number of values were used. Known values are listed for each type.

• NOTE: In addition to using the meter stamps described in this section to frank postal stationery, Switzerland PTT has also prepared postal stationery with nearly identical looking press-printed indicia. Excellent meter impressions can often appear to be press-printed so care must be taken in identifying one from the other.

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PS1. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1930.

Horizontal rectangle with scalloped border.

Cross in shield design at bottom center.

Flower-like ornaments at sides of “HELVETIA” and shield.

“P” in oval at both sides.

At bottom, “O.P.D. D.G.P.”

Without TM

Values:     005     025     030     040     060     0005     0010     0020     0030     0040     0060

PS2. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1939.

Frank does not have complete outer frame line.

Shadowed panels at top and bottom with large “P”s at both sides.

Top panel contains “GDPTTDG”, and bottom panel contains “HELVETIA”.

Without TM

Values:     005     010     020     025     030     040     060     0005     0010     0020     0030     0040     0050     0060     0065     0105

PS3. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1954.

Very similar to Type PS2 but top and bottom panels are reversed.

Values: 0005     0010     0020     0025     0030     0040     0050     0060

PS4. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1960.

Nearly identical to Post Office Type PO1 but without town mark.

“P” and “T” of “POST” are tilted.

Values:     005     010         020     040     050     060     0005     0010     0015     0020     0025     0030     0040     0050     0060

    0080

PS5. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1967.

As Type PS4 but “POST” is nearly straight and the ovals are flat on top and bottom.

Values:     0005     0010     0020     0030

PS6. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1970.

Very similar to Group C stamps except it has “PTT” at bottom center.

Without TM

A. Frank 32 mm wide

B. Frank 35 mm wide

Values:     005     0005     0010     0015     0015     0020     0030     0040     0060     0080

PS7. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” series (MV), 1975.

As Type PS6 but smaller “PTT” that breaks bottom frame line.

Value figures low, in line with the inner frame lines below the “P”s at the sides.

Without TM

Value seen:     00.30

PS8. Hasler “F66” (MV), 1977.

Very similar to Type PS6 but value figures smaller with comma.

Without TM

Values :     00,10     00,20     00,30     00,35     00,40    00,50     00,60     00,80

PS9. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1978.

Very similar to Type PS6 but value figures are more regular and less stylized.

Without TM except for "a" below

A. Frank 30½ x 24 mm

B. Frank 32 x 25 mm

Values:    0005     0010     0020     0025     0035     0040     0050     0060     0070     0080     0090     0155     0400

a. Official mail use, with TM containing "GENERALDIREKTION PTT"

PS10. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1998.

As Type PS9 but with “DIE POST” at bottom of frank.

Without TM except for "a" below

V/F:     0000

a. Official mail use, with TM containing "DIE POST GENERALDIREKTION"

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GROUP PV: Special stamps generated only by self-service public vending machine meters

PV1. Schalter-Terminal (digital), 12 October 1992. [$10 for FDC, more for other dates]

Horizontal white self-adhesive label with frameless text in red, as follows:

At top: "3018 BERN 18 / BṺMPLIZ HELVETIA"

At middle: date, time, #/### (transaction/credit remaining?)

At bottom in large characters: weight in grams, "R" number(?), value figures

One machine only, in use for 19 days from 12 to 31 October 1992 at Bern-Bumpliz.

2500 First Day covers were prepared.

V/F: Ø.ØØ

NOTE: Shown at right is a receipt from the machine.

PV2. IBM “Post-Kiosk 2000” (digital), 22 May 1995.

Nearly square plain white self-adhesive label with rounded corners.

Row of numbers and bar code in upper half.

“PTT” and cross at lower left.

Town name/ date-time/ and mail class in very small letters at lower center.

Weight/ value figures, also in very small letters, at lower right.

V/F: 0.00 sFr

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GROUP OO: Special stamps used only for Official government mail

• See also Types PS9a and PS10a for official stamps.

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OO1. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1931.

Very similar to Type PS1 but with “POSTAMT BERN 3” at bottom of frank.

TM: BIC, nil

V/F:     000     0000

a. On tape applied to cover rather than directly to cover

OO2. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1954.

As Type PS3 but with “POSTAMT BERN 3” in bottom panel.

TM: BIC, nil

V/F:     0000

a. On tape applied to cover rather than directly to cover

NOTE: The stamp types identified as Types OO3 and OO4 in the paper edition of the catalog are now cataloged as Types PS9a and PS10a.

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