Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals and Banknotes

Switzerland, Guillaume Tell, c.1860, a Bois Durçi portrait medal, bust left, 114mm. Very fine, rare (£90-120)

William Tell, legendary Swiss hero and a universal symbol of resistance to oppression, is said to have come from Burglen, canton Uri. In 1307 Tell is supposed to have refused to obey the commands of the bailiff, Lamburgher Gessler, and was forced to shoot an apple placed on the head of his son in retribution