Awards

To land a “Musch” (or “Musche” in the Graubünden dialect — presumably derived from the French word for a fly), a bullseye, and score a “ten”, the maximum number of points, in shooting sports requires far more than just a steady hand: physical fitness, mental resilience, technical skill and self-discipline. Those who demonstrate their marksmanship are rewarded. Participants can earn a Kranz, an award in the form of a medal. These were complemented by honourable mentions and diplomas. Particularly distinctive are the Schützentaler, likewise medals, which could also be used as currency until 1885. Numerous awards from past federal and regional shooting festivals are now preserved in various cultural institutions.

The motifs depicted on the medals always tell a story: they not only refer to the host location of the Schützenfest but also reflect the spirit of their time. The Schützentaler of the Eidgenössische Schützenfeste held in Graubünden, for example, feature different imagery: in 1842, coats of arms dominated the talers’ design, while in 1949 a strongly built citizen and marksman was depicted (the historical development of the Schützenfest can be explored here and in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland). The taler of 1985 once again featured the shields of Graubünden’s coat of arms, while the medal from the same Schützenfest depicted the town of Chur.

For the medal of the 2026 Eidgenössisches Schützenfest, a design by the late Graubünden artist Rudolf Mirer was selected, combining a target with an ibex motif. Rudolf Mirer’s works can also be viewed here: