101400 | SWITZERLAND. Neuchâtel. Silver Schützenmedaille (Shooting Medal).

101400 | SWITZERLAND. Silver Schützenmedaille (Shooting Medal). Issued 1898. Commemorating the federal shooting festival in Neuchâtel, from 16–28 July (45mm, 38.13 g, 12h). By F. Landry in Neuchâtel.

 

TIR FÉDÉRAL DE 1898 A NEUCHATEL, eagle, with head left, wings spread, and shield on breast, standing facing on oak branch left; in background, two banners billowing left along with Castle Neuchâtel at a distance / Five participants in various acts of shooting right; above, PATRIE on banner. Edge: Plain. Richter 970c.

 

Choice Mint State. Steely gray surfaces, with some iridescent toning on each side, especially the reverse. Silver mintage of 4,250 pieces.

 

The shooting festivals, in this sense, at the federal level, are considered one of the most important events in Swiss life, having played a historic role in the establishment of the Swiss state and serving as a vital connection to the nation's past. The first federal shooting festival was held in Aarau in 1824, and were then held every few years, with numerous cities rotating as host. Since 1985, these festivals have been held at a fixed point every five years, the next having been slated for 2020 in Luzern, though that event was postponed until 2021 on account of the worldwide pandemic.

 

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