1894 Thun
Actual 45 mm size by Franz Homberg, Bern
Obverse.
A youthful lad, clad in a simple yet unassuming tunic, leans forward with focused determination as he heaves back the string of the large arbalest, a formidable crossbow that speaks to the martial traditions of his people. The stock of the weapon presses firmly against his abdomen, a testament to the strenuous exertion required for such an act, and his brow furrows with the effort as he braces himself for the challenge ahead.
In a moment of respite, he turns momentously to cast his gaze upon the splendid majesty of the medieval Schloss Thun, a fortress that rises prominently against the horizon. Its towers, adorned with battlements, seem to reach towards the heavens, embodying the strength and grandeur of a bygone era. The lad pauses, momentarily captivated by the beauty of the castle, his admiration evident as he dreams of the legendary folklore hero Wilhelm Tell, the celebrated marksman who defied tyranny with his unmatched skill.
Ardently engaged in his training, the lad dedicates himself to the preparation for the upcoming shooting competition, an event steeped in tradition and camaraderie. In this moment of reflection, he envisions himself crowned as the next kingly champion of the grand shooting festival, an aspiration that fills his heart with both pride and determination. The legacy of Wilhelm Tell looms large in his mind, inspiring him to emulate the hero’s valor and prowess.
The illustrious castle, which towers over five stories, commands the summit of Schlossberg, or Castle Hill, offering a breathtaking panoramic view that captures the essence of the landscape. From this vantage point, the lad gazes down upon the quaint and picturesque township that sprawls below, its charming streets and homes nestled in harmony with the natural surroundings. Beyond the town, the shimmering waters of Lake Thun glisten in the sunlight, framed by the majestic mountains of the Bernese Oberland that rise like sentinels around the lake.
As the sun bathes the scene in a warm glow, the lad feels a deep connection to the land and its history, recognizing that he stands at the threshold of his own journey. With the towering Schloss Thun as both a backdrop and a beacon of inspiration, he steels himself for the trials to come, determined to honor the spirit of his ancestors and to carve his own name into the annals of history.
Inscriptions.
ALLZEIT BEREIT – ALWAYS AT READY
Reverse.
Divine rays of illumination burst forth in resplendent brilliance from the Swiss Cross, a potent symbol representing the cherished ideals of independence and liberty, values held dear by the Confederacy. This emblem shines forth with a radiance that encapsulates the spirit of a people united in their quest for freedom, illuminating the path of hope and solidarity that binds the cantons together.
At the heart of this vivid display are the couplet blazons, which depict the illustrious emblems of the canton of Bern, alongside those of the venerable township of Thun. These heraldic symbols serve to portray the designated venue of the celebrated shooting festival, a time-honored tradition steeped in camaraderie and competition. The coat of arms of Bern, with its striking bear and bold colors, stands proud, while the emblem of Thun echoes the rich history and cultural heritage of this quaint yet vibrant town, reminding all of the festive gathering that celebrates skill and unity.
Adorning this grand assembly is a single stalk of flowering laurels, gracefully positioned alongside the blazons. This laurel, a symbol of victory and honor, represents the loftiest aspirations of all participants who gather for this illustrious event. Each marksman, with dreams held high, aspires to be crowned the next Schützenkönig, the revered "King of All Marksmen." This title, bestowed upon the most skilled and accomplished sharpshooter, signifies not merely personal triumph but the recognition of one's dedication to the craft, embodying the spirit of competition and excellence that defines the festival.
Thus, the entire tableau reflects a harmonious blend of light and legacy, ambition and achievement, where the Swiss Cross stands as a beacon of liberty, and the emblems of Bern and Thun honor the historical roots of this beloved tradition. The flowering laurel, in its quiet elegance, serves as a reminder that within the hearts of all who partake lies the noble desire to reach the pinnacle of marksmanship, to stand tall as champions within the great tapestry of the Confederacy’s enduring spirit.
Background.
The Duke Berthold V of Zähringen built Thun castle between 1180 and 1190 and constructed the still preserved keep to the level of the Knights' Hall. The 14 m (46 ft) tall Knights' Hall was built as the centerpiece of a monument to Zähringen power. However, the family never lived in the castle, preferring Burgdorf Castle. The House of Kyburg then inherited Thun castle in 1218, and built the upper levels above the Zähringen castle. A quarrel over who would rule the southern Kyburg lands led, in 1322, to Eberhard II von Kyburg murdering his brother Hartmann II at the castle. To protect his newly acquired land from the Habsburgs, Eberhard II then sold them to Bern and was promptly given them back as a fief.
The Kyburgs ruled over the region for nearly two centuries until a failed raid by Rudolf II on Solothurn, in 1382, started the Burgdorferkrieg (also Kyburgerkrieg). After several decisive Bernese victories the Kyburgs were forced to concede an unfavorable peace. In 1384 Bern bought Thun and Burgdorf, the most important cities of the Kyburg lands.
The castle came under Bernese control and became the seat of their local administration.
In celebration of the grand Schutzenfest held in the picturesque olden township of Thun with its most famous landmark resides - Schloss Thun, in the canton of Bern.