1891 Morges


   
Actual 45 mm size by Hughes Bovy, Louis Furet, Geneva

Obverse.

In this splendid tableau, the fair lady of Morges doth take centerstage, adorned with a stately crown that glimmers with the sheen of nobility, her regal bearing reflecting the dignity of her station. Draped in a soft, flowing gown that whispers of elegance, she is further graced by a fine cape, festooned upon her shoulders with intricate embroidery that speaks to the artistry of skilled hands. In her right hand, she proudly bears aloft the standard of the city of Morges, its colors vibrant and true, fluttering in the gentle breeze as a testament to her unwavering spirit.

With her left hand, she holds steady a shield, sturdy and adorned with symbols of valor and honor, while a young child, filled with the exuberance of youth, etches upon it the glorious words "Tir Cantonal," heralding the Great Shooting Competition that binds the community in joyous celebration and camaraderie. This act, both simple and profound, signifies the passing of heritage from one generation to the next, the enduring legacy of marksmanship and pride.

In the distance, the serene expanse of Lake Geneva lies shimmering like a precious gem, where sailboats gracefully ply their trade routes to and from the illustrious city of Geneva. Their sails billow gently against the backdrop of the grand and majestic Grand Combin and the Graian Alps, whose towering peaks bear silent witness to the myriad events of historical significance that have unfolded across the ages—some now lost to the annals of time, yet forever etched into the very soul of this mountainous landscape.

Behind this scene looms the venerable Château du Morges, an ancient stronghold that stands as a majestic bulwark, protector of these great lands. Its timeworn stones whisper tales of yore, of battles fought and alliances forged, a steadfast sentinel against the vicissitudes of fortune.

In the foreground, the tools of the shoemaking and tannery trades lie prominently displayed, their presence highlighting the influence of the guilds across the decades. Each implement, a testament to craftsmanship and dedication, serves as a reminder of the industrious spirit that has shaped Morges and its people, weaving a rich tapestry of labor and artistry into the very fabric of this thriving community. Thus, in this harmonious scene, the lady of Morges embodies both the strength and grace of her city, her presence a beacon of hope and unity amidst the storied landscapes of history.

Reverse.

An ornately designed Cross, resplendent in its craftsmanship, doth soar majestically above the couplet blazon shield emblems that represent the esteemed Canton Vaud and the fair city of Morges. This splendid emblem rests gracefully upon an extensive array of weaponry, each piece a silent sentinel of the past, harking back to a time when the cantonal armory found its proud abode within the hallowed halls of the grand Château du Morges.

These weapons, meticulously arranged, reflect not only the martial prowess of yore but also the indomitable spirit of those who once wielded them in defense of their homeland. Each sword, each musket, and each shield tells a tale of valor, of battles fought and victories won, echoing through the ages the resolve of the men and women who stood steadfast in the face of adversity.

Surrounding this noble display, floral celebratory laurels encircle the scene, their verdant leaves shimmering with the promise of triumph. These laurel wreaths, fit for a hero, serve as a stark reminder that true victory belongs only to the strong—those who possess the fortitude to face challenges head-on and the courage to rise after each fall. The intertwined branches symbolize unity and resilience, entwined as they are in a display of honor, beckoning forth the champions of the present and the future.

Thus, in this harmonious assembly of emblems, weaponry, and laurel, the spirit of Morges and Canton Vaud shines forth, a testament to their rich heritage, their undying valor, and the enduring legacy of strength that binds their people together across the tides of time.

Background

In 1286, Louis of Savoy founded a city in a pasture where a gallows previously stood. A castle was built to protect the city, which quickly developed into an administrative and market center as well as a hub for transporting goods by land and sea.

The city and castle were plundered in 1475 and again in 1530. After the conquest of Vaud in 1536 by Bern, Morges became the center of a bailiwick in 1539. The castle was at that time in a deplorable condition. The new owners had the upper half of the fortifications rebuilt in the 1540s to suit the needs of artillery. Since Morges had not surrendered quickly enough to Bern, the city gates were demolished. The gatehouses remained until 1769 and 1803, when they were finally destroyed. The castle, which became the cantonal armory in 1803, was expanded in 1836-39 with some utility buildings and damaged in an explosion in 1871.

Beginning in the late 18th century, the areas outside the city walls were built up. A small harbor is first mentioned in 1536 and shortly there after, regular boat service to Geneva began. In 1664 a simple pier was built out of poles, but it was too small to provide protection for the galleys that were on the lake. The Bernese government therefore decided to build a commercial and military port in Morges and not in Lausanne-Ouchy. The current port was built with two curved breakwaters between 1691–96 and in 1702 the customs house was finished. With the port, Morges became the starting point for several trade routes and became the site of a major transshipment point for goods such as salt, wine and grain.

During the early modern era, the local economy began to rely more on transportation and trade than on the production of goods. The shoemaking guild was very influential in the 16th and 17th centuries. Tanners replaced them in the 18th and 19th centuries when they grew to be more important in the local economy.

In recognition of the storied past of the city of Morges of Canton Vaud and her revered castle, the Château du Morges.

   

SCHWEIZ SCHÜTZENFEST

HISTORY OF SCHWEIZ SCHÜTZENFEST

SCHÜTZENFEST SCHÜTZENMEDAILLEN

 


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