1895 St. Gallen

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

Obverse

A sprightly bearded older gentleman well dressed in traditional hunter’s garb and of charismatic dignified disposition, stands astride with his right hand clasping the Cross standard planted firmly on his left leathery shoe.  The banner flutters proudly in the wind, testament to hard won battles and victories.

Strapped over his left shoulder is his faithful comrade in arms and trusty companion - a sharpshooter rifle, partaker of many glorious hunts and competes of the shot.

On this most sacred of Saint Gallen lands, he gazes intently eastwards amidst the alpine scrubs, his earnest vow to fulfil 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.

Heraldic beast the majestic bear of the City of Sankt Gallen stands upright with outstretched paw, old faithful companion of holy St Gallus. Within his grasp, the blazon with the arms of Canton Saint Gallen dated 1803, symbol of freedom after the French Revolution.

A garland of victory fashioned with alpine forest roses, 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.