Swiss Stamps
Pro Patria Issues
of 1952-1957
Pro Patria Swiss stamps generate funds to benefit social and cultural charities that are in the country's national interest. Pro Patria, the Latin phrase from where we get our English word "Patriotism", means "for one's country" or "for the fatherland".
Satellite View of the Northern Plateau of Switzerland
Between the Alps and the Jura Mountains
Most of the Pro Patria surtaxed stamps issued between 1952 and 1957 feature the theme of Lakes and Watercourses.
Being a very mountainous country with many lakes, rivers, green valleys,
and fertile meadowlands, one thing Switzerland has plenty of is "water".
Most of the sets also contain one stamp commemorating a special event or anniversary.
Unless stated otherwise, the surtax amounts on all these Swiss stamps benefited the Swiss National Fund or the Red Cross.
The 5 C. + 5 C. denomination stamp shown above (Zu. WII #56, Mi. #570, Sc. #B212) was issued on May 31, 1952 to celebrate the 600th Anniversary of Glarus and Zug Joining the Old Swiss Confederation in 1352.
The four watercourses-themed Pro Patria Swiss stamps shown above (Zu. WII #57-60, Mi. #571-74, Sc. #B213-16) were issued on May 31, 1952 to celebrate Swiss National Day.
The designs are as follows:
- 10 C. + 10 C. - Doubs River.
- 20 C. + 10 C. - St. Gotthard Lake.
- 30 C. + 10 C. - Moesa River.
- 40 C. + 10 C. - Marjelen Lake.
The surtax on these stamps benefited historical research and popular culture.
The 5 C. + 5 C. denomination stamp shown above (Zu. WII #61, Mi. #580, Sc. #B222) was issued on June 1, 1953 to celebrate the 600th Anniversary of Bern Joining the Old Swiss Confederation in 1353.
The four watercourses-themed Pro Patria stamps shown above (Zu. WII #62-65, Mi. #581-84, Sc. #B223-26) were issued on June 1, 1953 to celebrate Swiss National Day.
The designs are as follows:
- 10 C. + 10 C. - Reuss River.
- 20 C. + 10 C. - Sihl Lake.
- 30 C. + 10 C. - Bisse River.
- 40 C. + 10 C. - Lake Geneva.
The surtax on these stamps benefited Swiss nationals abroad and the disabled.
The 5 C. + 5 C. denomination stamp shown above (Zu. WII #66, Mi. #597, Sc. #B232) was issued on June 1, 1954 to celebrate the Centenary of the Death of Alberik Zwyssig (1808-1854), the composer of the "Swiss Hymn".
The four watercourses-themed Pro Patria stamps shown above (Zu. WII #67-70, Mi. #598-601, Sc. #B233-36) were issued on June 1, 1954 to celebrate Swiss National Day.
The designs are as follows:
- 10 C. + 10 C. - Neuchatel Lake.
- 20 C. + 10 C. - Maggia River.
- 30 C. + 10 C. - Suze River, Taubenloch Gorge.
- 40 C. + 10 C. - Sils Lake.
The surtax on these stamps benefited vocational training and home nursing.
The 5 C. + 5 C. denomination stamp shown above (Zu. WII #71, Mi. #613, Sc. #B242) was issued on June 1, 1955 to commemorate the Centenary of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.
The four watercourses-themed Pro Patria stamps shown above (Zu. WII #72-75, Mi. #614-17, Sc. #B243-46) were issued on June 1, 1955 to celebrate Swiss National Day.
The designs are as follows:
- 10 C. + 10 C. - Saane River.
- 20 C. + 10 C. - Äegeri Lake.
- 30 C. + 10 C. - Gräppelen Lake.
- 40 C. + 10 C. - Bienne Lake and St. Peter's Island.
The surtax on these stamps benefited mountain dwellers.
The 5 C. + 5 C. denomination stamp shown above (Zu. WII #76, Mi. #627, Sc. #B252) was issued on June 1, 1956 to honor Swiss Women.
The four watercourses-themed Pro Patria stamps shown above (Zu. WII #77-80, Mi. #628-31, Sc. #B253-56) were issued on June 1, 1956 to celebrate Swiss National Day.
The designs are as follows:
- 10 C. + 10 C. - Rhone River at St. Maurice.
- 20 C. + 10 C. - Katzen Lake.
- 30 C. + 10 C. - Rhine River at Trin.
- 40 C. + 10 C. - Wallen Lake.
The surtax on these stamps benefited the National Day Fund, the National Library, and the National Academy of Arts.
The five Pro Patria Swiss stamps shown above (Zu. WII #81-85, Mi. #641-45, Sc. #B262-66) were issued on June 1, 1957 to honor the Red Cross.
The 05 C. + 05 C. denomination features the symbols of the Red Cross and the Federation of Switzerland. The other denominations feature an allegory of charity and the symbol of the Red Cross.
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Swiss Stamps - Pro Patria Issues of 1952-1957
