1893 Binnigen
Actual 45 mm size by Franz Homberg, Bern / Karl Jauslin, Muttenz
Obverse.
Arnold Schick, the great hero of the Confederacy, stands resolute, embodying a spirit both grim and unyielding. Though he kneels upon the scarred earth, he harbors no desire for mercy from his relentless foes; his heart remains steadfast, unwavering even as the pain of his grievous wounds courses through him. Upon his weary breastplate rests the faithful Cross, a symbol of his unwavering loyalty and the sacred cause for which he has fought with such valor.
Two cruel bolts have wrought havoc upon his form, rendering him grievously wounded, and his once-reliable sword now lies shattered at his feet—a poignant testament to the fierce combat he has endured. The end, he knows, draws nigh, for the darkness of death encroaches upon him, and his injuries are mortal. Yet within the depths of his being, a fierce fire of resistance burns brightly, refusing to be extinguished.
In a final act of defiance, Arnold grasps the proud standard of his birthplace—the emblem of the Uri bull—firmly in his hand. This banner not only signifies his noble lineage but also encapsulates the indomitable spirit of his people, their hopes and dreams entwined within its fabric. With his right hand, he seizes a sturdy rock, steadying his arm as he prepares to launch it toward his wretched enemy, pouring into this motion all the scorn and fury he can muster.
Surrounding him, amidst the crumbling ruins and scattered debris, stands the local hospital of St. Jacob, a hallowed sanctuary soon to be ravaged by the merciless Armagnacs of Daphne. These fierce mercenaries prepare to unleash their heavy artillery upon the unsuspecting town, turning once-peaceful grounds into a theater of destruction. Yet, in this moment of despair, Arnold’s defiance resonates profoundly, echoing through the hearts of his watching comrades, who bear witness to his heroic stand against insurmountable odds.
Thus, his legacy shall be forever inscribed in the annals of history, a symbol of valor and sacrifice for the Confederacy. His spirit, unyielding even in death, serves as an enduring beacon of hope and courage for those who follow, reminding them that true honor lies in standing firm for one’s beliefs, even when the shadows of fate loom large.
Inscriptions.
"FÜR FREIHEIT UND VATERLAND" - "For Freedom and Fatherland"
"Da Friss Eine der Rosen" - "Here, Eat One of the Roses"
Reverse.
The blazon arms of the fine city of Basel, set forth canting Baselstab (staff of Basel), originally a venerable staff of rule wielded by Prince-Bishopric of Basel. From revered cross this blazon emblem emerges, declaring the virtues of independence and free rights of the Confederacy.
Couplet branches of the winner’s oaken and laurels woven intricately frame this proud emblem, bestowing glory on the victors of the free-shot Schützenfest competition.
Background.
"The Battle of St. Jakob an der Birs was fought on 26 Aug 1444. The Suisse (1,500 fighters) had attacked a much larger force of Armagnac mercenaries (40,000 strong) of Louis Dauphin of France, and categorically refused to surrender. They retreated to a last stand in a small hospital of St. Jakob, where they were decimated by artillery.
The Armagnacs were to advance towards Zurich to end the siege of the city by the Confederates. On the news of the swarming of the Armagnacs to the villages of Muttenz and Pratteln, the captains of the Confederate force encamped in front of the Farnsburg decided to make a foray with a part of their army. 1300 selected, mostly young warriors moved in the night of 25 to 26 August over Liestal, where they joined 200 Baselbieter Zuzüger down to the Rhine valley and overran there in the early morning the Armagnakische vanguard, In spite of a strict counter-command, the haughty Confederates crossed the Birs and found in the Gundeldinger field the 20,000-strong army of the French prepared for battle. This was followed by a ten-hour collision in which the Confederates invaded the enemy in their small numbers with such force. But gradually - because of the great superiority - the numerically inferiors were included from all sides. Since the Confederates, who had indeed sought the fight on the other side of the Birs repeatedly categorically refused surrender, they were - except for 16 fugitives, at last squeezed together in the garden of the infirmary, under devastating use of enemy artillery.
Legend has it that Knight Burkhard VII Münch mounted the battlefield as a negotiator. In view of the many dead and wounded, he could not resist mocking the defeated Confederates. He raised his visor and said the comment that had become famous in Switzerland; “Ich siche in ein rossegarten, den min fordren geret hand vor 100 [hunderd] joren” ("I gaze out into a rosarium, that my ancestors planted one hundred years ago"). Provoked by this arrogant phrase, one of the dying Swiss, one Arnold Schick of Uri, hurled a rock into the open visor. The equally famous answer that accompanied the throw was reported as: “Da friss eine der Rosen!” ("Here, eat one of the roses"). Burkhard fell from his saddle and was dragged from the battlefield. He died from his wounds three days later. The Swiss refusal to surrender led to the storming of the infirmary, in the course of which the remaining Confederates were almost completely cut down.
The news of the battle and the fearless and heroic commitment of the Confederate warriors spread rapidly across Europe. The battle witnessed the fighting spirit of the Confederation: Imperial City of Bern, City of Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, Glarus City, and Office Zug, and City of Basel in the face of far superior numbers and contributing throughout Europe to the heroes' myth of the Confederation.”
In memory of the indomitable spirit of the Confederates shown at the Battle of St. Jakob der Birs fought on 26th August 1444, where in front of a vastly superior adversary, they displayed unwavering courage and remarkable fearlessness, cementing their fame as brave and dependable warriors from the Confederacy.