This medal was created as part of a public fundraising campaign to benefit Swiss soldiers and their families who were in need at the end of the First World War. The image below shows the two sides of the medal. Find out more below... (updated 2 August 2014 with new information)
Originally I presumed that this as a sort of 'campaign medal' for Swiss troops who serving during the First World War period, but now I can see that that is not correct.
The front of the medal shows a Swiss soldier wearing the M1918 helmet, which was introduced in 1918 and was unique to the Swiss army. Before that, Swiss soldiers wore a 'kepi' type soft cap. Incidentally, this is said to be one of the longest-running helmet designs in modern history, as it continued in use until the early 1970s (with only minor changes to the liner etc.)!
On the back is an inscription in French, German and Italian, superimposed over a Swiss national cross. The inscription states: "Swiss national donation for our soldiers and their families."
The front of the medal shows a Swiss soldier wearing the M1918 helmet, which was introduced in 1918 and was unique to the Swiss army. Before that, Swiss soldiers wore a 'kepi' type soft cap. Incidentally, this is said to be one of the longest-running helmet designs in modern history, as it continued in use until the early 1970s (with only minor changes to the liner etc.)!
On the back is an inscription in French, German and Italian, superimposed over a Swiss national cross. The inscription states: "Swiss national donation for our soldiers and their families."
Christian Schülé (@ChSchuele on Twitter) kindly provided some more information about these medals and about the 'Don National Suisse' (literally, Swiss national gift) that they are connected to. In particular he confirmed that the sale of these medals was one way of raising funds for the 'Don National Suisse'. The article below indicates that 'patinated bronze' medals were sold for 2 francs, and 'antique silver effect' medals were 5 francs. They were sold in the form of a brooch as well as a medal. There was also a large "model" (perhaps meaning a larger size copy of the medal) that sold for 100 francs.
Image at left (1919 newspaper article) courtesy of Christian Schülé.
Image at left (1919 newspaper article) courtesy of Christian Schülé.
The Don National Suisee is a charitable foundation that was established in 1918 to support members of the Swiss armed forces and their families who were in need. Presumably many of the problems related to wartime hardships, such as food shortages or men of the household often being away from the family due to military service. Much of the money came from public donations. For more information see this webpage and this webpage. The fund also distributed aid during the Second World War and still exists today, although it is no longer under the control of the army.
Above is a poster appealing for funds for the 'Don National'. Source: University of Montreal.
Above is a poster appealing for funds for the 'Don National'. Source: University of Montreal.
Below is another example of the medal, this time mounted on a green and white ribbon. The ends of the ribbon are edged with medal decorations. The design is such that the medal could not be worn suspended from the ribbon, and if was displayed vertically - as opposed to laying flat - part of the ribbon would fall forwards. It is not clear whether the ribbon was a personal addition by the wearer, or perhaps was added by a particular unit or canton.
The medal was designed by Hans Frei, a Swiss engraver who was born in Basel in 1868. His name came be seen engraved at the very bottom of the front face of the medal. Before the First World War, he studied and worked as an artist in Germany, Austria and France, as well as his home nation. He produced over 400 commemorative medals and plaques in peacetime, for example for shooting festivals. Some of these are now in museums in Switzerland and abroad, such is Frei's status as an artist. He also produced a number of sculptures. (information from Answers.com)
Now another example of the medal image, this time on a cigarette case:
Now another example of the medal image, this time on a cigarette case:
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The photos of the cigarette case shown above were kindly provided by someone living in the USA, who wishes to remain anonymous. It is thought to have belonged to a Swiss Olympic athlete called Oscar Garin. Engraved inside the case is "Prix d'Honneur / d'Ukraine / Berne 1919". The soldier's face image is clearly the same as on the medals shown above. It seems most likely that these cigarette cases were another of the items sold to raise money for the fund, and that this one was then engraved to mark a particular sporting achievement. According to Wikipedia and games-encyclo.org, Oscar Garin represented Switzerland in the 10,000m race at the 1920 Olympics, reaching the finals.
If anyone has any more information about these medals, I would be interested to hear - thank you!
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