ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Zumstein Catalogue

The Zumstein catalogue is a renowned postage stamp catalog from Switzerland, first published in 1909. Considered an essential reference work in Swiss philately, it has been regularly updated since its inception.

Produced by the Swiss company Zumstein & Cie in Bern, the catalogue is available in both German and French languages. The publication serves as both a comprehensive guide to European postage stamps and a price list for collectors.

The catalog is divided into four volumes, each covering distinct regions of Europe: Northern Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, and Eastern Europe. Gibraltar, Malta, and Cyprus are included within the Northern Europe section due to their historical ties with the United Kingdom. Similarly, the French post office in Andorra is listed twice, as it was a dual-ruled territory at the time.

The arrangement of countries within each volume follows an alphabetical order. Notably, the catalog contains detailed information on paper grades, perforation options, colors, and various warnings regarding stamp durability under different environmental conditions.

A notable feature of the Zumstein catalogue is its comprehensive coverage of Russian stamps, including watermarks, perforations, inverted centers, and background details. The publication also includes data on Soviet-era issues in China and the Ottoman Empire, as well as local stamps from the Civil War period.

The catalog's Swiss section presents a unique aspect, with the second volume ("Central Europe") beginning with standard and commemorative postage stamps of Switzerland, followed by those of printing machines. This attention to detail reflects the catalogue's commitment to providing an exhaustive resource for philatelists worldwide.