1903 Herisau

Obverse.

Lady Helvetia, the exalted goddess and personification of the Confederacy, stands resplendent in her elegant caped gown, a garment that flows gracefully around her, enhancing her noble bearing. Her unshod feet touch the earth lightly, connecting her to the land she symbolizes. Silken tresses, kissed by the gentle caress of the soft breeze, cascade around her shoulders, framing her visage with an ethereal beauty. With her right arm raised high towards the heavens, she points with conviction towards the Swiss Cross, a beacon of hope and unity for her people.

In this moment of profound significance, she invokes the legendary Rütlischwur oath, a sacred promise that conferred freedom and independence upon the Swiss Confederacy. This oath embodies the virtues of everlasting unity and brotherhood, principles that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire generations. As she honors the champions of the shooting competition, she bestows upon them the victor’s wreath of glory, a symbol of their triumph and dedication to the ideals that Helvetia herself embodies.

Before her kneels the Alpine champion shooter, a figure of strength and humility. He accepts the honors with solemn reverence, holding his rifle firmly in both hands, the weighty responsibility of upholding the values of solidarity and courage inherited from his forefathers resting heavily upon his shoulders. In this act, he not only acknowledges his personal achievement but also recognizes his role as a custodian of the noble traditions that define his heritage.

In the background, the olden Schwänberg town hall stands proudly amidst the quaint hamlet of Herisau, a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. The majestic Säntis alpine mountains rise in the distance, their timeless presence serving as silent witnesses to the Schützenfest and the heroic deeds of yore. This picturesque setting, filled with the echoes of history and the aspirations of its people, captures the essence of a celebration that honors not only individual accomplishments but also the collective memory and shared values that bind the Confederacy together. Thus, Lady Helvetia and her champions stand at the heart of this grand tableau, embodying the spirit of a nation that cherishes its past while steadfastly looking toward the future.

Reverse.

The proud blazon coat of arms, resplendent in its design, features a noble bear, ferocious in his stance, embodying the strength and courage of the canton of Appenzell. This majestic creature stands sentinel between the letters “V” and “R,” symbols that hark back to the rich history of the region, a lineage that can be traced to the medieval standard blazon of the venerable Abbey of Saint Gall, a revered institution that once held great influence over the area.

Beneath this impressive emblem lies a bed of rare Edelweiss flowers, which are emblematic of the famed alpine terrain trails of the canton. These delicate blooms, often associated with rugged beauty and resilience, serve as laurels of victory, celebrating the triumphs of those who have come before. The Edelweiss, thriving in the harsh mountain climates, reflects the spirit of the Appenzell people, who have persevered through adversity to carve their own path in history.

This coat of arms not only represents the natural beauty of the region but also commemorates a momentous occasion in its past. It marks five centuries since the pivotal event of 1403, when Appenzell achieved self-determination and freedom following the valiant Battle of Vögelinsegg. In this historic confrontation, the people of Appenzell stood united in their quest for autonomy, and their success in this endeavor has since become a cornerstone of their identity.

In celebration of this significant anniversary, the canton proudly hosted the Grand Schützenfest of 1903, an event that brought together the community to honor their heritage and the hard-won liberties they cherish. This gathering not only showcased the skills of sharpshooters but also served as a poignant reminder of their collective journey toward independence. Thus, the proud blazon coat of arms, with its noble bear and the emblematic Edelweiss, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Appenzell and its storied past, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of courage, unity, and self-determination.

Background.

The name Appenzell "estate of the abbot" refers to the Abbey of St. Gall, which exerted a great influence on the area.

By about 1360, conflicts over grazing rights, taxes, and tithes were causing concern for both the abbot and the farmers of Appenzell. As the farmers refused to pay many of the gifts and tithes that the Abbey demanded, the Abbot approached the Austrian House of Habsburg for help.

In 1392, he made an agreement with the Habsburgs, which was renewed in 1402. In response, in 1401, the Appenzellers entered into an alliance with the city of St. Gallen to protect their rights and freedom. Following increasing conflicts between the Appenzellers and the abbot's agents, (including the bailiff of Appenzell demanding that a dead body be dug up because he wanted the man's clothes), the Appenzellers planned an uprising.

On a certain day, throughout the abbot's lands, they attacked the bailiffs and drove them out of the land. Appenzell declared ready to stand against the abbot, and in 1403 formed an alliance with the canton of Schwyz, a member of the Old Swiss Confederation that had defeated the Austrians in the previous century. In response, the Swabian League (House of Habsburg) raised an army toward Appenzell.

On 15 May 1403, they entered the pass to Speicher and outside the village of Vögelinsegg met the Appenzell army. Appenzell leading the first attacks and vanquished the large army of the Swabian League. The league lost 600 horsemen and over 5,000 infantry over the Confederacy combined army of just 2,600.

Appenzell freed from the yoke of tyranny, became independent of the Abbey of Saint Gall in 1403 and entered a league with the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1411, becoming a full member in 1513.

In memory of the great victory 500 years prior, during the Battle of Vögelinsegg, when Appenzell vanquished the larger Swabian League army, and henceforth from the year of 1403, won their cherished independence and rights from the Abbey of Saint Gall.