1903 Maienfeld
Actual 45 mm size by Richard Kissling / Huguenin, Le Locle
Obverse.
Of noble birth, the indomitable Benedikt Fontana stands as a legendary figure in the annals of history, forever etched in the memories of those who recall the fervor of the Battle of Malserhide. With an unwavering spirit, he courageously rallied the valiant soldiers of the Three Leagues, his voice a clarion call that ignited the fires of bravery within their hearts.
Ferocious in battle, Benedikt was not merely a warrior; he possessed a heart that beat for his comrades in arms, embodying the very essence of brotherhood amidst the chaos of war. In that fateful moment, as he gazed down at the fallen kinsman at his feet, a surge of loyalty coursed through him, igniting a fierce resolve to defend the honor of those who had fought valiantly by his side. To retreat was an inconceivable thought; the path ahead lay only in the relentless pursuit of victory, a fight to the death for the sake of freedom and kinship.
Standing upright amidst the turmoil of battle, Benedikt’s form is both imposing and resolute. His outstretched arm grips his deadly blade with a fierce determination, while his left hand rests over his mortally wounded abdomen, a stark reminder of the toll that valor can exact. Despite the grimace of pain that twists his visage, surrender is a notion that has no place in his heart. He remains undaunted, embodying the very spirit of defiance and honor that inspires those who fight alongside him.
Worthy indeed is he of the title “Captain Glory,” for he leads his troops with a steadfastness that transforms despair into hope. His unwavering commitment to his men fuels their resolve, as they press onward under his command, determined to secure victory against all odds. Benedikt Fontana fights with every ounce of strength until his last breath, a testament to the indelible mark he leaves upon the battlefield, a symbol of courage that resonates through the ages. Thus, he becomes a beacon of inspiration, his legacy forever celebrated by those who cherish the ideals of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Monument.
The Benedikt Fontana Monument, 1450-1499", erected in Fontana Park, Chur in 1903, by sculptor Richard Kissling.
Reverse.
The glorious Swiss Cross, a venerable emblem of the nation, radiates with divine rays that symbolize the independence and liberty treasured by the Confederacy. This radiant display serves as a poignant reminder of the cherished values that unite the Swiss people in their quest for freedom and self-governance.
Flanking the central Cross, the couplet blazons present, side by side, the distinguished emblems of Maienfeld and the cantonal insignias of Grisons, which together signify the historical unity of the Three Leagues. Each emblem stands proud, representing the unique heritage and aspirations of their respective communities, while also embodying the collective strength derived from their alliance. The insignias are steeped in tradition, reflecting the enduring spirit of cooperation that has characterized their relationship throughout the ages.
Encircling this illustrious display is a garland of flora laurels, a timeless symbol of triumph and victory. These verdant wreaths honor the champions of the shooting competition, celebrating not only their prowess in marksmanship but also their dedication to upholding the values of camaraderie and competition. The laurel leaves, vibrant and lush, signify the glory of achievement and the respect garnered through hard work and skill.
Thus, the scene unfolds as a tapestry woven with the threads of history, valor, and community spirit. The Swiss Cross stands sentinel over this proud heritage, while the emblems of Maienfeld and Grisons echo the unwavering commitment of their people to the ideals of independence and unity. Together, they create a harmonious tableau that encapsulates the essence of the Confederacy, wherein every victory is not merely an individual triumph but a shared celebration of the collective identity and aspirations of the Swiss nation.
Garlanded by flora laurels of triumph, honouring the champions of the shooting competition.
Background.
“In 1499 May 22nd Battle of Calven, Benedikt Fontana earned himself the title of Captain Glory when he died in the Battle of Calven. Although the fighting troops were under the command of the Zurich captain Dietrich Freuler, Fontana went down in history as a hero, as Freuler suddenly began to hesitate with the attack when the situation became critical. Fontana, however, saw that there was no way back. He quickly took command and commanded the attack. The battle ultimately won by the Graubünden, though Fontana departed this life.
About his death the following story is told: Benedikt Fontana was badly injured by an enemy bullet, while he stormed as a captain at the head of the Graubünden troops to the Austrians. Struggling with death, he held the wound on his abdomen with his left hand while he aimed his sword at the enemy with his right hand. Turning his face towards the comrades, he spurred on to victory with the last of his strength:
"Hei fraischgiamank meiss matts, cun mai ais be ün hom da fear, quai brichia guardad, u chia hoatz Grischuns e Ligias u maa non plü!"—"Go on, my boys, I'm just one man, do not care about me. Today is for the Grisons and the Leagues, or never!"
This had obviously been useful, for the Grisons had routed the Habsburgs.
The Battle of Calven took place on, at the exit of the Val Müstair in the Grisons (now part of Switzerland) to the Vinschgau in County of Tyrol (now part of Italy) between the forces of king Maximilian I of the House of Habsburg and those of the free federation of the Three Leagues of the Grisons. The Habsburg army of 12,000 Swabian Landsknechte and knights, Tyrolian soldiers, Italian mercenaries, heavily outnumbered the Leagues’ 6,300 infantry. It was the decisive battle in the southern Grisons of the Swabian War.
The defeat of the Habsburg troops, put in end to King Maximilian's attempt to gain control over the Val Müstair and its passes. His allies of the Swabian League refused to send more soldiers to the Grisons, which was of no interest to them. Maximilian returned to Lake Constance, and subsequently shifted to the northern border of the Old Swiss Confederacy.
In memory of the self-sacrificing heroism of Benedikt Fontana, Captain Glory of the Three Leagues, at the momentous Battle of Calven of 1499 May 22nd, where against all odds, the Three Leagues were victorious against the vastly larger Habsburg army.