Swiss International Air Service Meeting? Unlisted Air?

Hello group - found another one. It seems to say "Swiss International Air Service Meeting" or something like that. Looks like 1920's or 30's. Was it for airmail use from the meeting? I have a 30C and a 50C. Any info (year, use, value) appreciated, Leif

Hello Leif,

I did not find it listed in my Scott Catalog, but I did find it listed in an old 1950 edition of "Sanabria's Air Post Catalog". Here's what it says: "1925 May 31-June 1. International Aviation Meeting. Flights Geneva-Paris-Geneva-Basel. Sheets of 20 (5 rows of 4). Ptg 5,000 each. Perf 12".
It only lists two denominations: 30c and 50c.

It also lists "double Center" and Imperf varieties. It also lists versions with inscription "Suisse-Europe Centrale" The 30c with inscription is on yellow paper and the 50c is on greenish paper.

Dave N.
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Thank you very much, Dave. Am I correct in assuming they were used for letters posted at the meeting only?

I apologize for the small image - it does show the "Suisse-Europe Centrale" inscription on both stamps and the paper is colored as you describe. I'll try to upgrade the pix.

Thanks to your input, Dave, I just got a 1953 Sanabria on ebay for $8 in excellent condition!

The Sanabria was cheap. The stuff you are now going to have to search out because of it may not be. Is this a great hobby, or what?

According to the Zumstein Spezialkatalog Schweiz these were private issues for an International Flying Meeting in Geneva on May 31 and June 1, 1925. A second set exists, almost just like it but instead of the inscription "Suisse-Europe-Centrale" it says "Suisse-France". Both sets are valued at Chf 8.00 per set, mint or used. An envelop with special cancel would fetch Chf 20.00. I would keep my job if I were you!

Peter

It is a great hobby - especially from this side of the table...the dumb side. All I have to do is post some pix & all you smart folks tell me what I need to know!