AUSTRIA, Durchschlag des Arlbergtunnels [Opening of the Arlberg Tunnel], 1883, a gilt-bronze medal by J.H. Tautenhayn for the Direktion für Staat-Eisenbahnbauten gewidmet [Directorate of State Railway Construction], seated female figures personifying Tirol and Vorarlberg in greeting above a view of the tunnel entrance, rev. legend in and around wreath, 70mm, 117.87g (Hauser 2362; Döry/Kubinsky 176; Moyaux 290; Wurzb. 384; BDM VI, 38; cf. WAG 137, 1003; cf. DNW 48, 796). Good very fine, very rare as a gilt medal £90-£120

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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bt Münz Zentrum Rheinland, December 1999

Construction of the tunnel, which is 10,248 metres (6.36 miles) in length, began in June 1880 and the work was completed in November 1883. A single-track railway line through it opened on 21 September 1884; the parallel line, allowing traffic in both directions, was operational from 15 July 1885.