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"RARE SWISS 700th ANNIVERSARY POSTAL HISTORY - VANISHING PIECE OF SWISS HERITAGE!
You're viewing an increasingly scarce genuinely used international postcard featuring Basel's iconic riverside cathedral view bearing Switzerland's historic 700th Anniversary commemorative stamp. These authentic postal history items documenting Switzerland's milestone anniversary are steadily disappearing from the collector market!
This exceptional Photoglob chrome postcard was actually mailed during Switzerland's 700th birthday celebrations in 1991 bearing the coveted anniversary stamp and official priority mail designation. Don't miss your ONLY CHANCE to own this pristine example of Swiss postal and cultural history!
Description
This vibrant chrome postcard showcases a spectacular panoramic view of Basel along the scenic Rhine River.
The twin Gothic spires of Basel Minster (Cathedral) rise majestically on the left side dominating the city's distinctive skyline.
Historic multi-story buildings with characteristic red-orange tiled roofs line the riverbank showcasing Basel's well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Lush green trees grow along the water's edge adding natural beauty to this urban landscape.
The blue Rhine River flows serenely in the foreground reflecting Basel's centuries-old relationship with this vital European waterway.
The image captures a perfect clear blue sky day creating the quintessential Swiss city vista that has drawn visitors for generations.
The Basel city coat of arms (showing the historic Basel staff) and Swiss national shield appear in the lower right corner proudly identifying this historic Swiss city.
The reverse bears the prestigious 160-centime 700th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation commemorative stamp adding significant historical and philatelic value.
Historical Significance
This postcard represents a disappearing piece of Swiss commemorative history from 1991 the momentous 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation's founding in 1291.
The special commemorative stamp it bears was specifically issued to celebrate this historic milestone making this a genuine artifact from Switzerland's national celebration.
Basel itself holds tremendous significance in Swiss history as a cultural crossroads where Switzerland France and Germany meet at the Rhine River.
The Basel Minster cathedral featured prominently in the image dates to the 12th-14th centuries and stands as an architectural masterpiece that survived the 1356 Basel earthquake.
The 'Prioritaire' designation shows this was sent as priority international mail from Switzerland to America documenting genuine postal usage during this historic anniversary year.
The postmark from Sissach (in Basel-Landschaft canton) provides authentic documentation of both location and exact date (July 23 1991) during the anniversary celebrations.
This card captures Basel at a specific moment in time - after the fall of the Iron Curtain but before the European Union's formation would transform Switzerland's relationship with its neighbors.
Condition
This vintage postcard remains in good used condition despite having genuinely traveled internationally - remarkable preservation for postal ephemera.
The front image retains vibrant well-preserved colors with the brilliant blue sky Rhine River and historic architecture clearly visible.
No significant creases impact the central image area preserving this historic Basel vista in excellent detail.
The commemorative 700th Anniversary stamp remains fully intact with clear detail a collector prize in itself.
The July 23 1991 postmark is crisp and legible providing definitive dating of this anniversary-year postal item.
The handwritten message in blue ink adds character and authenticity that unused postcards simply cannot match.
Normal transit handling marks and mild aging provide the authentic character expected of a genuinely used postal item without detracting from its presentation.
Age/Era
This postcard dates precisely to July 23 1991 as confirmed by the clear postmark.
The 160-centime Helvetia stamp specifically commemorates the 700th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation (1291-1991) a momentous national celebration.
The modern chrome printing techniques and photography style are consistent with premium Swiss postcards produced during the early 1990s.
Photoglob Zürich/Vevey a prestigious Swiss publisher with roots dating back to 1889 produced this high-quality card (Nr. 15632) capturing Basel's timeless beauty.
The inclusion of the 'Prioritaire' (priority mail) designation dates to Switzerland's use of this international expedited service in the early 1990s.
The dual-language title 'Basel-Bâle' reflects Switzerland's multilingual heritage that continues to define this unique European nation.
Rarity
While not impossibly rare finding genuinely used examples bearing the intact 700th Anniversary commemorative stamp with clear postmarks has become increasingly challenging as they vanish into permanent collections.
Most tourist-sent postcards were discarded by recipients over time meaning genuinely preserved examples from this historic anniversary year become more uncommon with each passing year.
The combination of the scenic Basel Rhine view intact anniversary stamp and 'Prioritaire' designation creates multi-dimensional collecting appeal spanning both postcard and stamp collectors.
The official 700th Anniversary commemorative stamp transforms this from a common scenic postcard into a legitimate historical document from Switzerland's national celebration.
The clearly dated postmark provides unquestionable authentication that this card genuinely circulated during the anniversary year itself adding significant collector value.
Once this authentic example is gone finding another comparable used card with these specific commemorative elements becomes increasingly difficult as time diminishes the remaining supply of these ephemeral paper treasures.
Collector's Note
This postcard represents an exceptional opportunity for collectors specializing in European postal history Swiss commemorative stamps Rhine River cities cathedral architecture or significant national anniversaries.
Consider pairing this with other 700th Anniversary Swiss postal items to create a comprehensive collection documenting this historic national milestone.
The combination of the visually striking Basel cathedral view and the historically significant commemorative stamp creates appeal across multiple collecting categories.
Both the postcard image and the commemorative stamp reflect Switzerland's deep appreciation for its heritage making this a prime example of how postal history documents national identity.
The genuine international usage with clear documentation of its journey from Switzerland to America adds the authentic postal history dimension that many collectors particularly value.
As we approach the next major Swiss anniversary (725 years in 2016) these authentic artifacts from the previous major celebration gain additional historical significance and collector interest.
Shipping Information
Your vintage Basel postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival-quality sleeve and shipped in a rigid mailer to ensure it reaches you in the same condition shown.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of vanishing Swiss postal history! As authentic 700th Anniversary commemorative items continue to disappear from the market your chance to secure this perfect combination of scenic Basel view and historic national celebration may never come again."
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.