Water supply for the city of Neuchâtel bronze
1867 year| Bronze | 42.73 g | 44.5 mm |
| Location | Switzerland › Switzerland (1848-date) |
|---|---|
| Type | Commemorative medals › Inauguration medals |
| Year | 1867 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 42.73 g |
| Diameter | 44.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Updated | 2024-11-14 |
| Numista | N#434818 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Inscriptions in seven lines.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
POPULI SUFFRAGIO
MDCCCLXIV
DECRETUM OPUS
AQUAM URBI
SINGULISQUE DOMINUS
MDCCCLXVII
DISTRIBUIT
Translation: By popular vote in 1864, a work was decreed, and the master distributed water to the town and to everyone in 1867.
Engraver: Fritz Ulysse Landry
Comment
Population growth in the town of Neuchâtel at the beginning of the 19th century accentuated the problem of drinking water supply. The existing springs (Chanet, Tertre, Bercles and Ecluse) and the few wells in the town were no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population. In 1862, a commission of experts selected a project to draw water from the Seyon at Valangin. The work, awarded to the Société des Eaux set up for the purpose, began in 1864 and was completed two years later. A three-kilometre aqueduct carried the water to the Maujobia reservoirs, from where it was redistributed throughout the town. From 1867, residents were able to enjoy water filtered down to the upper floors, thanks to natural pressure (Vincent Callet-Molin).
