BASEL, 1845, 2-1/2r Dove of Basel (3L1; Zumstein 8a). Large margins to clear, rich colors and exceedingly strong embossing, tied by well-struck "Basel 11 Avril 1848" double-circle datestamp on folded letter, blue company handstamp to right of stamp, receiving backstamp, trivial cover wear

VERY FINE. A RARE COVER WITH THE FAMOUS "DOVE OF BASEL" SWISS CANTONAL. SELDOM SEEN IN SUCH WONDERFUL CONDITION. POSSIBLY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC IMPERFORATE FROM THE EARLY PERIOD OF POSTAGE STAMPS.

According to Stamps of Fame by L. N. & M. Williams, Basle was the third Cantonal to adopt the use of stamps, after Zurich and Geneva. Unlike the others only one denomination was issued. A single stamp was used for local mail, and two were used for either double-weight letters or for those addressed to the suburbs or other parts of the canton. Apparently they were not very popular with the public and so they are rare on cover.

Small blue Kruschel backstamp. With 1990 Rellstab certificate (English translation accompanies).

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