1906 Teufen
Actual 45 mm size by J. Stauffacher / Franz Homberg, Bern
Obverse.
A distinguished gentleman, elegantly attired in the true tradition of Appenzell, stands gazing contemplatively into the distance, embodying the rich heritage of his forefathers. His striking red “Liibli,” a jacket crafted from silk and wool, is exquisitely embroidered and adorned with square silver buttons that gleam with the meticulous needlework of the ladies of the region. This fine craftsmanship reflects not only the artistry of the local artisans but also the pride they take in their cultural identity.
Beneath his jacket, he dons brown woolen trousers, securely held in place by means of decorated suspenders that add a touch of flair to his ensemble. Complementing this attire is a short-sleeved embroidered herd-man’s shirt, a garment that speaks to the pastoral roots of the Appenzell community and pays homage to the traditions of a simpler, agrarian life.
As is customary among his forebears, he wears a snake-shaped golden earring, known as the “Ohrschuefen,” which dangles elegantly from his left earlobe. This distinctive adornment is a mark of his heritage and a symbol of his identity as a man of the Appenzell, connecting him to generations past. Upon his head rests a woollen hand-woven black skull hat, a practical yet stylish accessory that completes his traditional attire.
In his firm grip, he carries the ramrod muzzle of his faithful musket, a reminder of the resolute spirit of his ancestors. Each year, he undertakes a solemn pilgrimage to Stoss, an act steeped in historical significance and reverence. This journey is made in faithful remembrance of an ancient oath sworn by all Appenzell men, a vow to honor their hard-fought freedom and to pay tribute to the heroes who fell at the Battle of Stoss in June of the year 1405.
As he walks, the contrast between the tumult of six centuries past and the tranquil present is striking. Crossing the old Wattbach bridge of Teufen, he strides onward to fulfill his promise at Stoss. The path he treads leads him through peaceful meadows adorned with serene alpine roses and stately fir trees, nature’s beauty surrounding him in a tranquil embrace. In this idyllic setting, there are nary a drawn sword nor the ominous sound of musket shots, for the conflict of yore has given way to a celebration of peace and remembrance. Thus, he embodies both the legacy of his ancestors and the hope for a harmonious future, forever bound to the land and its storied history.
Inscription.
NICHT DAS WORT, DIE WAFFE SCHÜTZT – NOT THE WORD, THE WEAPON PROTECTS
Reverse.
The proud blazon of the coat of arms, resplendent in its intricate design, features a noble bear, fierce and imposing in its stance, embodying the strength and resilience of the people of Appenzell. This regal creature stands sentinel between the letters V and R, which signify the rich heritage of the canton. The bear, a symbol of courage and tenacity, reflects the indomitable spirit of the community and serves as a reminder of their storied past.
This distinguished emblem can be traced back to the medieval standard blazon of the venerable Abbey of Saint Gall, a site of great historical and spiritual significance. The Abbey, renowned for its scholarly pursuits and cultural contributions, has long been intertwined with the identity of the region, and its legacy is encapsulated within this coat of arms. The inclusion of the bear not only honors the Abbey’s influence but also celebrates the enduring connection between the spiritual and civic life of Appenzell.
Nestled amidst the branches of the alpine fir tree’s leaves and its bountiful fruit, the coat of arms reflects the natural beauty and undulating terrain that characterize the canton. The alpine fir, with its stately presence, symbolizes the strength and durability of the land, thriving in the rugged landscapes that define Appenzell. The leaves and fruit of the tree further emphasize the region's rich biodiversity and the harmonious relationship between nature and its inhabitants.
Thus, the proud blazon coat of arms stands as a potent emblem of Appenzell’s heritage, intertwining the fierce bear, the noble Abbey of Saint Gall, and the lush alpine landscape into a singular narrative. It encapsulates the values of strength, unity, and reverence for the land, serving as a beacon of pride for the people who call this enchanting region their home.
Background.
Appenzell had been under the personal control of the abbot of St. Gall. The success of the Swiss Confederation, against the Habsburgs encouraged Appenzell to consider throwing off the Abbot's agents. By about 1360, conflicts over grazing rights, taxes, and tithes were causing concern for both parties. Both the abbot and the farmers of Appenzell wanted to protect their rights and interests by joining the new Swabian League. In 1377 Appenzell was allowed to join the League. With the support of League, Appenzell refused to pay many of the gifts and tithes that the Abbot Kuno von Stoffeln demanded. In response to the loss of revenue from his estates, Kuno approached the House of Habsburg for help. In response, in 1401 Appenzell entered into an alliance with the city of St. Gallen to protect their rights and freedom.
In 1402, St. Gallen reached an agreement with the abbot, and Appenzell could no longer count on St. Gallen's support. Appenzell declared itself 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 last century. Glarus provided less support, but authorized any citizen who wished to support Appenzell to do so. In response, the League raised an army and marched to St. Gallen before heading toward Appenzell. In May 1403, the abbot's and the League's troops marched toward Trogen. On 15 May 1403, they entered the pass to Speicher and outside the village of Vögelinsegg met the Appenzell army. A small force of about 80 Appenzellers started the attack from a hill over the valley, with about 300 soldiers from Schwyz and 200 from Glarus moving around the flanks of the army. When the League's cavalry charged up the hill, they met 2000 Appenzellers and were forced to retreat. During the retreat, the Appenzell army killed about 600 horsemen and many of the 5000 infantry. The League signed a peace treaty with Appenzell at Arbon, but the peace was short lived.
Along with independence, in the peace treaty Appenzell gained some of the abbot's land in the Rhine valley and around Lake Constance, which angered the abbot. Additionally, over the next two years, the city of St. Gallen and Appenzell drew closer. By 1405 the abbot had found another ally and was ready to retake his land. Frederick IV, Duke of Austria, provided the abbot with two Austrian armies to attack Appenzell.
On 17 June 1405, the main army marched into Stoss Pass on the border of Appenzell and there met the Appenzell army. Following a brutal battle between 400 soldiers from Appenzell and 1200 Habsburg and abbatial soldiers, the Appenzellers were victorious and thereby won their independence from the Abbey of Saint Gall.
After the victorious battle, Appenzell vowed to make a pilgrimage to the site of the battle each year on the feast of St. Boniface (14 May) to give thanks for their freedom and to remember the fallen. The Stoss pilgrimage is one of the oldest and most natural traditions in the Appenzellerland.
In remembrance of the great victory at the Battle of the Stoss Pass in year 1405, where the Appenzellers fought against almost overwhelming odds to win their freedom and independence from the Abbey of Saint Gall.