SWITZERLAND. Genf (Geneva). Stadt. Medal (Bronze, 47 mm, 57.14 g, 12 h), on the Escalade de Genève in 1602. By Ch. Richard, no date (circa 1860-1870). SONT TOMBEES POUR LA / REPUBLIQUE D'UNE MORT / GLORIEUSE ET HONORABLE / LE XII DEE CIƆIƆCII✱ Angel with city flag lays wreath on an altar with the names of the 17 citizens killed in the attack. Rev. POST TENEBRAS LUX / Ω / JHS / GENEVE in 1602 City view. Roumieux 149. SM 1571. Slightly stained, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The 1602 Escalade of Geneva was a pivotal event in the city’s history, marked by an attempted surprise attack by the Duke of Savoy’s forces on the night of December 11-12. The goal was to capture the strategically important city of Geneva, which was a key Protestant stronghold. However, the defenders, led by the city's militia, thwarted the assault. A famous story surrounding the event is that of a local woman, known as 'La Mère Royaume', who allegedly threw a cauldron of boiling soup on the attackers, helping to repel the assault. The successful defense is celebrated annually in Geneva with a festival known as the Escalade, where people commemorate the bravery of the defenders and the city’s resilience.