Badge of a Basle 'Weibel' (usher)

Description

The impressive collection of old official insignia from Basle ends with three silver badges of 'Weibeln' or ushers made in 1770 by Abel Handmann (1715-1788), a goldsmith, jeweller and mint master from Basle. The three identical badges, each an oval framed by rocaille work, display the symbol of Basle's sovereignty, a black enamelled Basle crosier. On the reverse side the badges have the mark "Handman", the year 1770 and the numbers 2 to 4, so there must originally have been four badges in existence. They were worn by ushers on the left side of the chest. A 'Weibel' or usher is a person who escorts the authorities on official occasions. He wears the insignia of the town, canton or Federation. The office of 'Weibel' is a Swiss tradition still in existence today.