Swiss stamp
Switzerland has introduced an awesome stamp celebrating the very popular annual federal shooting competition. The middle of the target has a tiny hole 
I love it.
UPDATE: These stamps can be bought for 20 Swiss Francs (about $17). Shipping worldwide is free!
The origins of Switzerland's popular culture are rooted in myths and legends, in historic events and in the everyday life of farming folk. Whether the festivities involved wrestling or traditional costumes, yodelling or cow fights, they fulfilled a key social and community function long before television reached the remotest corners of Switzerland. Now, four Swiss Post special stamps with typical motifs are turning the spotlight on these customs.
[ Many thanks to Laurent for emailing me the photos. ]
I saw on history channel recently about a swiss competition. I forget the name of it. They went to a number of folks homes, and guys had their rifle from when they served (this guy served in the 70s or early 80s) his fathers rifles from the 40-50s, and his great grandpas rifle. They all get to keep their service rifle (full auto, and or select fire) and the kid had his service rifle at his parents home as he was a reserve.
Pretty neat.
My grandpa was a colonel in the airforce and i didnt get sqaut.
Remember, the Swiss fought off the Austrian monarchy. Peasants with pitchforks threw out the blue blooded armored knights and their minions.
Until recently Swiss citizens who had served in the army had their assault rifle at home, plus 50 rounds of ammo. The 50 rounds were for the worst case scenario, should they have to shoot their way thorugh to the rallying point in case of war.
Then one guy went nuts with it (as usual, it takes only one person with a gun to go crazy and at once all of us are criminals and killers, but 50,000 people can die every year in the EU in traffic accidents and nobody’s banning cars.) Since then the 50 rounds have been removed. But last I checked they still have their rifles.
Very cool. I’m a big fan of Swiss culture. Think I’ll have to snatch up a sheet of these.
Great find ! there’s also a set of postcards and envelopes available :
https://sso.post.ch/shops/en/PhilaShop/For_Collectors_and_Philatelists/Postal_stationary/Set_of_4_picture_postcards_with_not_affixed_stamps_mint_620931
https://sso.post.ch/shops/fr/PhilaShop/Pour_collectionneurs_et_philatelistes/Livret_et_Feuille_de_collection/Feuille_de_collection_obliteree_620887
The rumor is our post office did not commemorate the bicentenial of the constitution, and bill of rights, because they would not issue 10 stamps for the first ten amendments, which would have to include the second.
Steve,
I should have mentioned that I’m in Arizona.
Steve,
They do. And free of charge.
JC, awesome! I am going to buy a set.
Why can’t the USPS make awesome stamps like these?
You would never see a M-16 stamp in the USA. God love the Swiss and the Sig 550!!!!
Well, I just ordered a book of 20. I thought it would be nice to put them in a little frame in the man cave. They sell them in a sheet of 20, and cost 20 Swiss Francs, which is about $17. No charge for shipping.
Here’s the link in English:
https://sso.post.ch/shops/en/PhilaShop/Stamps/100/Sheet_of_20_stamps_mint_620848
JC, do they ship overseas?
Where, how, and how much to purchase a few (block. sheet.) for my stamp collection?
What is the state of the gun culture in Switzerland these days?
I don’t know, there’s something about the firearms and the mail service that just doesn’t mix.
I’m really surprised that you didn’t use the ‘Going Postal’ headline for this story Steve.
feldschiessen
Tir en Campagne
Tiro Federale in Campagna
I believe it’s called the “Tiro Federale in Campagna”, the competition. See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nf1OgV449g
I velieve it’s called the feltchisen, or something like that.