1000 Francs 2nd series, type 1

Switzerland's first nationally unified banknote series, the Nationalbank having only been established in 1907 to replace the chaotic system of cantonal and private bank emissions. This 1000 Francs note was among the highest-denomination instruments the new institution issued, printed by Waterlow & Sons in London — a common arrangement for continental banks that lacked domestic security printing infrastructure capable of meeting the required standards.

Eugène Burnand was a Vaudois painter of some distinction, better known for religious and pastoral oils than for currency design. The engraver credit to Drummond places the intaglio work firmly in Waterlow's London operation. Multiple signature combinations across three dated printings reflect successive changes in Nationalbank board composition, not separate print runs in the conventional sense.

The series was ultimately withdrawn and replaced, with surviving high-denomination examples rare — the 1000 Franc face value ensured these circulated little and were carefully handled when they did.