The Chronicle of Basel reports the arrival of the rhinoceros on 18 January 1748 (source 3851). A medal dated 1748 may commemorate this event (source 3852).
Literature
- Faust 2003: 56;
- Van der Ham 2022: 184, note 189
Source 3851. Basler Chronik for 18 January 1748
From Faust 2003:56
Basel, Universitätsbibliothek, VB Mscr. H 43c, Basler Chronik,
[p.309] 18 January 1748 Basler Chronik
dieß, zu den 3. Königen alhier ist ankommen ein Naßhorn.
* Other entries for February 1748 were for Liechstal (Liestal), see there.
Source 3852. Medal dated 1748
* Johann Ulrich II. Fechter (1674–1747), goldsmith in Basel.
His sons were also goldsmith: Hans Ulrich Fechter (1709–1765), Johannes Fechter (1711–1755)
Grunau, G. 1929. Die sensationelle Schaustellung eines Rhinozerosses in Schweizerstadten anno 1748 (abstract). Jahresbericht des Historischen Vereins des Kantons Bern 1929/1930: xxxvi-xxxvii.
Medal, not stated if silver or zinc. – no illustration
Original text (German)
Rhinoceros: Die erste Medaille wurde in Basel durch einen Goldschmied, vermutlich aus der Familie Fechter, gestochen.
English translation
The first medal was struck in Basel by a goldsmith, probably from the family Fechter.
