Front:
INGTON DC 20066 22.
50USA
SwitzerlanaAY
Foundcd 121
ETESSUE
FIRS
UI
10000 000
STADT
LAND
Aamau
Solothurn
Neucha tel
Lucerne
schweyz
20066 FEB
OB.
Berne
Unterwolden.
ur
Fribourg
Graubunden
Wwud
Ticino
Gen a
valais
ASHINGTON
1991
Back:
700TH ANNIVERSARY OF SWITZERLAND
First Day of Issue: February 22, 1991
First Issue Location: Washington, D.C.
The legend of William Tell, valiant Swiss patriot who
dared to defy an evil Austrian despot, is a familiar tale in
which “right" triumphs over "might.” During the 13th
century, the Austrian Hapsburgs controlled the three
cantons which formed the heart of the country — Uri,
Scwyz and Unterwalden. Gessler, the Austrian bailiff of
Uri, placed his hat on a post in the canton's largest town
and commanded all citizens to bow before it as they
passed. William Tell refused and as punishment, Gessler
ordered him to shoot an apple off his young son's head.
An excellent bowman, Tell succeeded but was cast into
prison for his defiance. He escaped and fomented a revolt
which overthrew the hated bailiff and subsequently led to
the formation of the archetype of the modern Swiss
confederation – The Everlasting League or League of
1291. Seven hundred years ago the Swiss people, weary
of foreign domination, fought for their independence.
William Tell, legend or living man, remains the personi-
fication of their struggle for freedom.
--
No. 91-7
©1991 The Maximum Card Collection
A division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
® Original artwork for the Maximum Card by Ed Little
