1891 Bremgarten
Actual 45 mm size by Hughes Bovy, L. Furet, Genf E. / Robert Dorer, Baden
Obverse.
Hans von Hallwyl, the esteemed and valiant commander of the Swiss army, stands with an air of resolute determination as he reaches forth his right hand towards the heavens, performing the Schwurhand—an oath gesture deeply rooted in the traditional depictions of the legendary Rütlischwur. This act, a solemn pledge, is laden with the weight of history and the fervent hopes of his people.
To his right, the blazon of the noble Hallwyl family is prominently displayed, its intricate design proudly emblazoned upon both his armored breastplate and the standard that he holds. This coat of arms, a testament to his lineage, speaks not only of noble heritage but also of the responsibilities he bears as a protector of his kin. Though his trusty sword rests peacefully in its sheath, it remains ever at the ready, a silent promise that he shall draw it forth at the very first hint of peril.
It was upon the fateful day of the Battle of Grandson, on the second of March in the year of our Lord 1476, that Hans and his gallant troops delivered a resounding and humiliating defeat to the expansionist ambitions of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. This victory was not merely a moment of triumph but a pivotal turning point in the annals of Swiss history, sealing the resolve of a united Confederacy against foreign oppression.
In the backdrop, the formidable Castle Grandson looms, standing as both a stalwart witness and an active participant in the unfolding saga of despair and eventual victory. Its ancient stones echo the cries of battle, having borne witness to the fierce struggles fought upon its grounds.
As divine rays of illumination burst forth from the heavens, they seem to envelop Hans in a celestial embrace, further emphasizing the gravity of his gesture. His raised hand, reaching skyward, serves as an allegory of the oath sworn long ago, a reminder of the legendary Rütlischwur. This sacred oath is an everlasting symbol of Swiss cohesion, a beacon of hope that signifies their collective strength and unyielding spirit in the face of all invaders. It is a power forged in the bonds of brotherhood, uniting the hearts of the Confederacy as they stand resolute against adversity.
Inscriptions.
"Mit Gott Zum Sieg" - "With God to Victory"
Reverse.
Upon the noble crest of the venerable city of Bremgarten, there stands a heraldic lion, resplendent in its fierce majesty, symbolizing courage and strength. This noble beast, emblematic of the city, reposes proudly above the distinguished coat of arms of Canton Aargau, a testament to the rich heritage of this esteemed land. Beneath this regal display, a pair of Swiss shooting rifles lie crossed, signifying the spirited competition of marksmanship that unfolds within these hallowed grounds.
Encircling this emblematic tableau is a winner's wreath, fashioned from the finest oak branches, their sturdy leaves a symbol of endurance, intertwined with delicate laurels that whisper of victory and honor. This wreath, bestowed upon the champions of the contest, is not merely a decoration but a profound tribute to their skill and valor on the field.
Intricately ornate, the design of this grand wreath speaks to the illustrious history of the Schützenfest held in the year of our Lord 1891, a celebration that reverberates through time, echoing the triumphs of those who have wielded their rifles with precision and pride. Each curve and flourish of the wreath is imbued with the spirit of camaraderie and competition, a reminder of the bonds forged through shared endeavor and the pursuit of excellence in the art of shooting.
Thus, this emblem stands not only as a mark of achievement but as a vivid encapsulation of the values cherished by the Confederacy—a harmonious blend of bravery, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of skill that binds its people together in mutual respect and admiration.
Background.
In late February 1476, Charles the Bold besieged the castle of Grandson with a large mercenary army of over 20;000 strong, with many heavy cannon, and the Swiss garrison soon feared, after the effectiveness of the bombardment was demonstrated, that they would be killed when their fortress was stormed. A boat approached the garrison with the news that an army was coming to its relief, but the vessel was unable to approach the fortress closely for fear that it would be hit by Burgundian cannons.
The men only gave up when Charles assured them they would be spared. Instead, He ordered all 412 men of the garrison to be executed. In a scene described as "shocking and horrible”, all the victims were led past the tent of Charles on 28 February 1476 and hanged from trees, or drowned in the lake, in an execution that lasted four hours.
On 2 March 1476 the Swiss army approached the forces of Charles. The Swiss advanced, moving directly into combat without deploying, in typical Swiss fashion. Poor reconnaissance left Charles uninformed as to the size and deployment of the Swiss, and he believed that the Swiss vanguard was the entire force sent against him. After brief skirmishing, Charles ordered his cavalry to pull back so that the artillery could reduce the Swiss forces before the attacks were renewed. At this time, the main body of the Swiss emerged from a forest that had hitherto obscured their approach. The Burgundian army, already pulling back, soon became confused when the second, and larger, body of Swiss troops appeared. The speed of the Swiss advance did not give the Burgundians time to make much use of their artillery and missile units. The withdrawal soon turned into a rout when the Burgundian army broke ranks and ran.
The Swiss did not have the cavalry necessary to chase the Burgundians far. At insignificant cost to themselves, the Swiss had humiliated the greatest duke in Europe, defeated one of the most feared armies, and taken a most impressive amount of treasure, including jewellery, silver and gold plate, tapestries and much of Charles' artillery.
After the battle, the Swiss troops came upon the bodies of their countrymen still hanging from trees. “There were found sadly the honorable men still freshly hanging on the trees in front of the castle whom the tyrant had hanged. It was a wretched, pitiable sight. There were hung ten or twenty men on one bough. The trees were bent down and were completely full.
Here hanged a father and a son next to each other, two brothers or other friends. And there came the honorable men who knew them, who were their friends, cousins and brothers, who found them miserably hanging. There was first anger and distress in crying and bewailing. ..."
Charles had attempted to break the will of the Swiss by killing any of their countrymen he could apprehend. Instead he united them as never before. When the Burgundians met the Swiss at the Battle of Murten in June 1476, the Swiss annihilated his army.
In memory of the heroic deeds of Hans von Hallwyl, and of significant events of 2nd March 1476 at Grandson Castle and of 22nd June 1476 The Battle of Morat, where the Confederacy united to annihilate completely the armies of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.