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Unterseen Airmail To USA Photoglob Wehrli Card - Scott 382 and 386
OVERVIEW
Offered is a vintage Swiss scenic postcard titled Interlaken und die Jungfrau (4166 m) featuring a striking black and white panoramic view of Interlaken with the Jungfrau massif dominating the background. This is a printed photo lithograph postcard produced by Photoglob–Wehrli A.G. Zürich one of the premier Swiss postcard publishers of the 20th century.
The reverse includes the original publisher imprint and series number I 3097 allowing precise catalog identification for topographical specialists.
Mailed in June 1960 this specimen provides a documented record of mid-century alpine tourism and specialized postal handling from the Bernese Oberland.
STAMP AND FRANKING
The postcard features a dual 1960 Swiss definitive franking properly paying the international airmail rate to the United States. The franking includes one 1960 Switzerland 5c Green Standesläufer Fribourg messenger Scott 382 / Michel 711 and one 50c Blue Spalentor Basel gate Scott 386 / Michel 715. These issues are part of the May 10 1960 definitive series produced via the engraved method on unwatermarked paper with a perforation of 11.75.
The high value 50c blue stamp is the primary driver of the airmail postage used for trans-Atlantic delivery.
POSTMARKS AND POSTAL MARKINGS
The stamps are tied by a circular date stamp (CDS) from UNTERSEEN in the Bernese Oberland dated June 1960.
As the historic old town of Interlaken the Unterseen cancel is a premium nuance compared to generic metropolitan Interlaken strikes.
The cover also features a boxed PAR AVION airmail marking required for the route to Forest Hills New York.
The strikes are well positioned and clearly link the definitive stamps to the Photoglob stationery.
WHY IT MATTERS
This card hits multiple collector triggers including the Photoglob-Wehrli identified series cataloging and the dual 1960 Swiss definitive franking study.
The specialized Unterseen cancel provides additional depth for Swiss town-cancel specialists while the airmail routing to the United States adds a layer of international postal history.
It represents a superior crossover item for collectors of alpine topography and early 1960s Swiss engraved definitives making it an ideal candidate for a Bernese Oberland exhibit.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Year of Issue: 1960
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Scott Numbers: 382 and 386
Michel Numbers: 711 and 715
Denomination: 5c and 50c (55c Total)
Currency: Swiss Francs/Centimes
Color: Green and Blue
Type: Photo Lithograph Postcard
Topic: Mountains / Alps
Theme: Interlaken Jungfrau
Era: Chrome (1940s-Now)
Region: Bernese Oberland
Publisher: Photoglob-Wehrli A.G. Zurich
Series Number: I 3097
Cancellation Type: Unterseen Circular Date Stamp
Printing Method: Engraved (Stamps)
SKU: />
CONDITION
Postally used vintage postcard in solid collectible condition.
The photo lithograph image remains sharp with excellent contrast and typical mid-century paper freshness.
There is normal corner and edge wear with light evidence of handling consistent with international transit in 1960.
Natural age toning is present on the reverse but the card remains structurally sound with no major tears or compromises.
The stamps are firmly affixed and the Unterseen cancel remains identifiable and properly tied.
