SWITZERLAND. Zürich. Stadt. Medal 1889 (Silver, 68 mm, 171.00 g, 12 h), on the 400th Anniversary of the death of Hans Waldmann, mayor of the city. By W. Mayer and F. Wilhelm. Stuttgart. GOTT WOLLTE DASS DIR KEIN LEID WIDERFAHRE DU LIEBES ZÜRICH // Hans Waldmann Bürgermeister von Zürich. Bust of Hans Waldmann facing slightly to right. Rev. Hans Waldmann in arms holding banner inscribed GRANDSON MURTEN / ✱NANCY✱ and coat of arms; below, tablet inscribed 1489-1889. Gessner 267. Martin 162. SM 489. Very rare, mintage of only 70 pieces in silver. A highly attractive and beautifully toned medal. Virtually as struck.


This impressive example of late 19th-century medal art commemorates Hans Waldmann (1435-1489), a prominent military leader of the Old Swiss Confederacy who also served as mayor of the city of Zurich from 1483 to 1489. The flag on the reverse refers to the battles of Grandson (2 March 1476), Murten (22 June 1476), and Nancy (5 January 1477), in which Waldmann, as the leader of the main contingents of the Swiss Confederation, played a decisive role in the victory over Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy (1433-1477).