Stamps

Swiss inventions − Barryvox

Barry is the name of the famous dog from the Great St Bernard hospice who is said to have saved the lives of 40 people. His electronic counterpart in the modern era is a device called Barryvox – an avalanche transceiver.

Rich Content Section

Barryvox stamp

The Barryvox design continues the annual “Swiss inventions” miniature sheet set. The devices, also called avalanche beacons, are used to locate and rescue people caught up in avalanches as quickly as possible. After all, any chance of survival falls dramatically after just a few minutes. Swiss electrical engineer and SAC tour guide Felix Meier played a key role in the development of the device up to its current version, the Barryvox® S by Mammut. The device, which has been improved continuously over more than 40 years, now has a range of up to 100 metres and is able to distinguish between several signals coming from people buried by an avalanche. Felix Meier was also a member of the committee that implemented a DIN standard that ensures all avalanche transceivers now operate on a frequency of 457 kilohertz. With its sparkling snow effect, produced by a special finish, the 210-centime miniature sheet conveys both the fascination with but also the dangers of off-piste skiing and snowboarding in the High Alps.

Buy the stamps
The stamps can be found at postshop.ch

Barryvox first day cover

Technical information

Sales

Philately: from 1.9.2022 to 30.9.2023 or while stocks last

Branches: from 8.9.2022 to 30.9.2023 or while stocks last

Validity

Unlimited from 8.9.2022

Printing

Offset and flexo printing, 4-colour and iridescent finish; Gutenberg AG, Schaan, Principality of Liechtenstein

Sizes

Stamps: 73 × 56 mm

Miniature sheet: 105 × 70 mm

Paper

White stamp paper with optical brightener, matt gummed, 110 gm2

Perforation

12 : 12

Design

Jürg Glauser, Ittigen