1895 St. Gallen

Actual 45 mm size by Franz Homberg, Berne / J. Stauffacher

Obverse

A sprightly, bearded elder, clad in the garb of a huntsman of old, and possessed of a dignified air, doth stand proudly. His right hand clasps the Cross standard, firmly planted upon his well-worn shoe. The banner doth flutter boldly in the wind, bearing witness to battles hard-fought and victories won.

Over his left shoulder rests his loyal companion and trusty firearm - a sharpshooter rifle, companion to many a noble hunt and contest of skill.

Upon this most sacred ground of Saint Gallen, he doth cast his gaze eastward, amidst the alpine scrub, his earnest vow to fulfill his solemn duty to protect home and hearth.

Inscription

SICHERER BLICK U. HAND EHREN U. SCHÜTZEN DAS VATERLAND - Safe View U, Hand Of Honor U, Protect The Fatherland

Reverse.

The heraldic beast, the majestic bear of the City of Sankt Gallen, doth stand upright with paw outstretched, an ancient and faithful companion of holy St. Gallus. Within its grasp lies the blazon adorned with the arms of Canton Saint Gallen, dated 1803, a symbol of freedom won in the wake of the French Revolution.

A garland of victory, fashioned with alpine forest roses, serves as a fitting tribute to bestow upon the champions of the shooting festival.

Background

Saint Gall (c. 550 - c. 645 CE), also known as Saint Gallus, was an Irish monk who lived in what is present-day Switzerland during the 6th century CE and was one of twelve companions of Saint Columbanus’ Christian mission to the European continent.

Associated with various legends, myths, and miracles, Gall is chiefly remembered for his role in the spread of Christianity in Switzerland and as the founder of a hermitage that would eventually become the Abbey Cathedral of St. Gallen. Gall is thus subsequently claimed additionally as the founder of the city of St. Gallen in Switzerland and remains the city's patron saint. Gall's feast is celebrated on 16 October, and he is the patron saint of all birds.

While Gall is remembered for his success in the Christianization of Switzerland, much of Gall’s later life in Switzerland following the foundation of his hermitage is shrouded in legend.

A well-known legend tells of the following night: While Hiltibod slept, Gallus was still awake when suddenly a bear appeared. Gallus was not intimidated, not even when the bear straightened up. Gallus ordered the bear, in the name of the Lord, to work for his food and get a piece of wood for the fire. The bear obeyed and carried the wood to the fire. Then Gallus gave the bear a sandwich, on the condition that he would never let himself be seen again. Hiltibod, who had overheard, said to Gallus: "Now I know that the Lord is with you when even the beasts of the forest obey your word." The bear never reappeared and later became the heraldic animal of the city of St. Gallen. The animal is also Gallus' most important insignia, for he is almost always depicted with a bear by his side.

In memory of Saint Gallus, the patron saint of the city of Sankt Gallen, in the Canton St. Gallen.