1892 Zurich

Actual 48 mm size by Hughes Bovy, Genf / Freytag

Obverse.

The glorious and regally dignified Lady of Zurich stands resplendent upon her lofty dais, her noble visage a beacon of grace and sovereignty. Adorned with a stately ornate crown, each jewel gleaming like stars captured in the firmament, she embodies the very essence of majesty and virtue. Her queenly form is elegantly cloaked in a gown of the finest silk, the fabric shimmering with hues reminiscent of the dawn's first light, while her gossamer cape billows softly, fluttering with the caress of the zephyrs, echoing the whispers of ages past.

With poise and authority, her right arm is gracefully positioned upon a meritorious shield, that illustrious emblem bearing the rich colors of Zurich, a testament to the city’s storied heritage and proud legacy. In her delicate hand, she clutches an olive branch, the universal symbol of peace and reconciliation, yet her discerning gaze reveals a deeper understanding—the acknowledgment that peace, though cherished, is a fragile treasure, hard-won through the trials of history. Thus, she remains ever vigilant, for the sharpshooter’s rifle, emblematic of her readiness to defend that delicate peace, stands ever within her sight, a reminder of the balance betwixt diplomacy and the might of arms.

Her left hand, tenderly resting upon the flowing mane of her noble companion, Zurich’s majestic lion, signifies the unwavering loyalty and steadfast support he bestows upon her. This regal beast, fierce and proud, has stood resolute by her side through the annals of time, his devotion a source of strength in the tumultuous tides of history.

In the distance, the picturesque cityscape of Old Zurich unfurls like a tapestry woven with threads of tradition and progress. The river Limmat winds gracefully, its waters sparkling like liquid silver, as it meanders past the venerable Grossmünster, whose twin towers rise as watchful sentinels over the bustling town. Nearby, the clock spire of the famed Imperial Abbey of Fraumünster reaches toward the heavens, marking the passage of time and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.

Above this enchanting tableau, a collection of eleven shields are displayed, each one resplendent with notable blazon emblems representing Zurich’s diverse municipal districts. These heraldic symbols, vibrant and proud, speak of the rich tapestry of communities that, together, form the heart and soul of Zurich, their distinct identities interwoven into the very fabric of the city’s illustrious history.

Thus, the Lady of Zurich stands not merely as a figure of beauty and elegance, but as a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and the unceasing quest for peace within her cherished realm. Her presence invokes a reverence that transcends time, a reminder of the virtues of courage and solidarity that bind her people in the face of adversity, ever guiding them towards a brighter tomorrow.

Inscriptions.

Turicum. Vigeat Industria. Felix - Zurich. Thriving People and Industries. Happiness

Reverse.

The heraldic beast, a magnificent lion of resplendent might, has risen with great aplomb, his armored form a veritable testament to strength and valor. Each sinewy muscle ripples beneath a coat that glimmers with the sheen of polished steel, embodying the indomitable spirit of the proud Zurich canton. With fervor and pride, he hoists aloft the esteemed standard of the Confederacy, the revered Cross, which stands as a beacon of unity and resilience amongst the diverse cantons. This flag is further embellished with the vivid colors and symbols of Zurich, a banner of keen anticipation heralding the forthcoming grand shooting competition, where skill and camaraderie intertwine in joyous celebration.

His other paw firmly rests upon the fancy blazon standard, a once solitary emblem that, prior to the year of our Lord fifteen hundred and thirty, stood alone in its glory. Yet, from that fateful time onward, it became a proud fifth member of the venerable Old Confederacy, joining the esteemed ranks of Lucerne, Schwyz, Uri, and Unterwalden. Together, they forged an unbreakable bond, a coalition steeped in the annals of history, standing resolute against adversities both seen and unseen.

Adorning this noble figure is the saintly Union Eagle, a creature of erstwhile Roman heritage, soaring majestically above the fray. In his formidable claws, he wields the protector's sword, a symbol of strength and defense, and the sovereign orb of free rule, embodying the ideals of governance and liberty. The eagle's piercing gaze reflects wisdom and watchfulness, a guardian of the sacred tenets that bind the confederacy together in its quest for peace and justice.

Thus, in this grand tableau, the lion stands not merely as a beast of burden, but as a herald of triumph, a guardian of the rights and freedoms cherished by the people of Zurich and the wider Confederacy. His stance is one of resolute defiance, ready to protect and honor the sacred traditions of old, as the spirit of unity and brotherhood resonates through the very fabric of this celebrated gathering. The air is thick with anticipation, as all eyes turn towards the noble competition, where champions shall rise and legends shall be born, all under the watchful gaze of this glorious beast and the revered symbols he upholds.

Background.

Lion of Zurich

In 1615, three cities (Zurich, Bern and Venice), entered into an alliance. For the Venetians, the main purpose was to secure the direct trade routes to the north and to France. Those routes were threatened by the presence of the Spanish in northern Italy. The agreement gave Venice the right to recruit one regiment from Zurich and one from Bern if necessary. Since the late Middle Ages, Swiss soldiers had been regarded as fearsome fighters on the battlefields of Europe, and were highly sought-after. In return, the two Swiss cities secured for themselves trade freedoms, from which the Zurich textile industry in particular benefited.

For Venice, the fact that the city was able to enter into an alliance with Zurich and Bern is largely thanks to Giovanni Battista Padavino. Years earlier, the Republic’s envoy had spent a long period of time in the city on the banks of the Limmat, and was very familiar with the ways of the people of Zurich. At numerous dinners with prominent Zurich personages, Padavino had also made the acquaintance of the prestigious gilt silver, which was used at formal dinners in those days. This type of table decoration had clearly impressed him, because he decided to gift the City of Zurich a winged lion of St Mark made of gilded silver. The lion figure is hollow. Its head can be removed and used as a drinking vessel. Sculptor Ulrich Oeri, who created the wax model in accordance with the Venetians’ specifications, and goldsmith Diethelm Holzhalb, made the lion. The latter was responsible for producing the figure in silver. The gift was formally presented in 1608 – and who knows, perhaps it was precisely then that Zurich’s fascination with the lion as a heraldic animal and symbol began.

In celebration of the significant Schützenfest event held in 1892, and the Lion the central symbolic heraldic beast very much loved and greatly influencing the artistic works and designs from the Canton of Zurich.