SWITZERLAND, 1850, 5rp Black & Red on Dark Blue, Rayon I, Without Frame Around Cross (7a; Zumstein 15II). Horizontal strip of three, Types 1-3, large to ample margins all around, intensely rich colors, tied by scarce red "P.D." in circle cancels on 1850 folded letter from Basel to Vevey, matching clear "Basel 1 Oct. 1850 Nachmittag" double-circle datestamp on the first day of issue, Vevey arrival backstamp

VERY FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARY FIRST DAY COVER OF THE 1850 5-RAPPEN RAYON I ISSUE. A STUNNING CLASSIC COVER RARITY -- THE FINEST FIRST DAY COVER IN SWISS PHILATELY.

This is the only cover recorded bearing a strip of three of this stamp used on the first day of issue.

Ex Rellstab and Investphila sale (Oct. 2007), where it was acquired by William H. Gross. With 1993 Rellstab and 2007 Marchand certificates.

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