Switzerland (1902) Postcard / Uetliberg to Hoptrup (Switzerland)

Description

Switzerland – 1902 – Illustrated Postcard – Uetliberg to Hoptrup, Nord Schleswig

Illustrated postcard depicting the panoramic view from Uetliberg over Lake Zurich, mailed from Zurich on 9 November 1902 and sent to Hoptrup, Nord Schleswig, with arrival postmark dated 11 November 1902.

Overview

Illustrated postcard titled “Uetliberg – Blick vom Kulm auf den Zurichsee”, showing the celebrated panoramic view from the summit of Uetliberg overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps. The postcard was franked with a 10 Centimes Swiss “Cross and Numeral” definitive and cancelled at Zurich on 9 November 1902 before being sent to Hoptrup, Kreis Hadersleben, Nord Schleswig, then part of Prussia. A clearly struck arrival postmark dated 11 November 1902 confirms its delivery.

Technical Details

• Country of Origin: Switzerland
• Date of Mailing: 9 November 1902
• Origin: Zurich
• Destination: Hoptrup, Kreis Hadersleben, Nord Schleswig, Prussia (present-day Denmark)
• Document Type: Illustrated Postcard
• View: Uetliberg – Blick vom Kulm auf den Zurichsee
• Original Franking: 10 Centimes Swiss “Cross and Numeral” definitive
• Arrival Postmark: Hoptrup, 11 November 1902
• Publisher: Verlag Gebr. Naf, Uetliberg

Philatelic Description

The postcard is franked with a single 10 Centimes Swiss “Cross and Numeral” definitive cancelled at Zurich on 9 November 1902. A clear arrival datestamp of Hoptrup dated 11 November 1902 documents the successful international transmission. The absence of a Uetliberg postal cancellation indicates that the postcard entered the postal system through the Zurich post office after being purchased at the excursion destination.

Postal History

This postcard illustrates the routine international postcard service between Switzerland and Prussia at the beginning of the twentieth century. The preserved dispatch and arrival datestamps document a transit time of two days between Zurich and Hoptrup, providing a well documented example of cross-border postal communication within Europe.

Historical Background

By the beginning of the twentieth century, Uetliberg had become one of the best-known excursion destinations near Zurich. Its panoramic views attracted visitors from across Europe, and illustrated postcards such as this were widely purchased as souvenirs before being mailed through the Zurich postal system. At the time of posting, Hoptrup formed part of the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein, a territory that became part of Denmark following the Schleswig plebiscite of 1920.

Condition

• Well preserved illustrated postcard.
• Original 10 Centimes adhesive present.
• Clear Zurich dispatch cancellation dated 9 November 1902.
• Clear Hoptrup arrival datestamp dated 11 November 1902.
• Contemporary manuscript message on the picture side.
• Minor edge and corner wear consistent with postal use and age.

Collecting Areas

• Switzerland
• Zurich Postal History
• Illustrated Postcards
• Uetliberg
• Lake Zurich
• Prussian Postal History
• Nord Schleswig
• International Postal History
• Early Picture Postcards

Philatelic Significance

This postcard represents a well documented example of early twentieth-century Swiss international postcard mail. The combination of the Zurich dispatch datestamp, the Hoptrup arrival datestamp and the attractive Uetliberg panoramic view provides an appealing item for collectors of Swiss postal history, illustrated postcards and pre-1920 Schleswig postal history.