The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals (Part I)

SWITZERLAND, Achèvement du tunnel du Lötschberg [Completion of the Lötschberg Tunnel], 1911, a silver medal by R. Grégoire, six artisans with tunnelling equipment, rev. workers celebrate in tunnel, edge impressed argent and two foundry marks, 36mm, 17.37g (Döry/Kubinszky 197; BDM VII, 394; cf. BDW 5, 56). Very fine and toned £30-£40

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

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The Lötschberg Tunnel, at 14.6km (just over 9 miles) in length, connects the town of Spiez and Brig with Kandersteg and Goppenstein. Construction began in 1907 but was delayed by several serious accidents, including an avalanche in February 1908 and a flood in July of the same year, which collectively led to 38 deaths. The excavation was completed in March 1911 and a regular railway service began in July 1913.