Bronze Souvenir Medal, Hotel Rigi Staffel, "Souvenir du Righi," 19th Century

A fine 19th-century bronze souvenir medal from the Hotel Rigi Staffel on the Rigi, one of the earliest and most celebrated destinations of Swiss Alpine tourism. The obverse depicts the hotel building in detailed relief beneath the inscription "RIGHI STAFFEL," with an ornamental scroll border below. The reverse bears the legend "Souvenir du Righi" in elaborate calligraphic lettering framed by a rich floral wreath, with a maker's name visible at the lower edge. The Hotel Rigi Staffel, situated at 1,603 metres on the route between Rigi Kulm and the Vitznau-Rigi railway, was a major stopping point for the international travellers who flocked to the Rigi throughout the second half of the 19th century. This type of souvenir medal was given to guests or sold at the hotel as a memento of their visit. The medal is in good condition with an even brown patina. A desirable piece of early Swiss tourism history.