PIEMONTE paddle steamer 1904

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This year’s Pro-Patria stamps feature four historic lake steamers from all regions of Switzerland. These technological marvels, some of which are over 100 years old, are still steaming on the lakes for which they were built.
Although Switzerland is a landlocked country, it has a respectable shipping tradition. The steamers "Blüemlisalp", "La Suisse", "Piemonte" and "Gallia" were built between 1904 and 1913, in an era in which boat travel had an aura of luxury and was enjoying growing popularity among the aspiring bourgeoisie. The steamers, which can carry up to 900 passengers, have been continually refurbished.
Still operating scheduled services
These beautifully maintained vessels are very popular among day trippers. The four steamers on the stamps still operate scheduled services on the Lake Thun, Lake Geneva, Lago Maggiore and Lake Lucerne, and are also available for special events. The stamps show the steamers against a background of the mountains of their respective region. They have been superbly presented by Winterthur-based designer Sandra di Salvo.
Swiss Post.


One Lake Maggiore still sails the PIEMONTE.
Built as a paddle steamer by Escher Wyss at Zurich for the Navigazone Lago Maggiore (NLM), Arona, Italy.
1904 Launched as the REGINA MADRE (Queen Mother).
Tonnage 302 grt, 273 net., dim. 51.20 x 11.60 x 1.73m (draught)
Powered by a coal fired compound diagonal steam engine, 440 hp, speed 22 km/h.
Passenger accommodation for 500 passengers. Crew 7.

23 September 1904 she entered service on Lake Maggiore.
1946 Renamed in PIEMONTE.
1950 Converted from coal to fuel.
Between 1961 and 1965 she had a major overhaul, and again between 1973 – 1974.
The last years only a few regular sailings took place otherwise used for charter voyages on the lake, with occasional visits to Locarno, Switzerland.
2011 Still in service.

Switzerland 2011

Source: Internet. Steamships of Europe by Alistair Deayton.