Das Großes Fass: The Heidelberg Tun
GERMANY, Pfalz (Kurfüstentum). temp. Karl III Philipp. Elector, 1716-1742. AR Medal (33mm, 14.43 g, 12h). Commemorating the Second of the Town’s Enormous Wine Barrels. By A. Cajet. Dually-dated 1664 and 1716. 16 · IN HEIDELBERG · 64, view of the second Heidelberg tun (Karl-Ludwig-Fass), constructed in 1664 within the cellars of Heidelberg castle; in two lines in exergue, HALT · 204 FUDER/3 OHM · 4 VIRT (
it holds 204 cartloads, 3 ohms (aumes), and 4 viertels [of wine] corresponding to about 184,000 liters or 245,000 standard bottles of wine) / VON/CARL LVDWIG/BIN ICH ERBAVT/DEM CARL PHILIPP/WURD ANUERTRAVT/DA DIESER ZUR RE=/=GIRUNG KAHM/UND VON DEM LAND/DIE HAND=TREVNAHM (
I was built by Karl Ludwig / and entrusted to Karl Philipp / and here this man came to rule / and joined in right hands with the land) in nine lines; in exergue, two garnished coats-of-arms between 17 16. Memmesheimer 2398; Stemper 444. Good VF, toned.
The first of which having been constructed in 1591 under Johann Kasimir, Count Palatine of the Rhine, the tuns of Heidelberg have gained a reputation for being the largest in the world. Since its first inception, three subsequent massive tuns were produced – in 1664, 1728, and 1751. Though only occasionally containing wine, the capacity of these barrels is astonishing, with that of the second incarnation (represented above on this medal) allegedly able to contain over 184,000 liters, or the equivalent of over 245,000 standard bottles of wine (750 mL).
These tuns, which have been stored within the cellars of the Heidelberg Castle, also have their eternal keeper in the form of Parkeo of Heidelberg. The Italian-born court jester, who apparently suffered from dwarfism, took an interest in the city, and became famous for his oft-familiar response of perché no (why not?) when asked about having another glass of wine. His massive consumption of wine, especially in contrast to his diminutive size, garnered great attention and adoration around the area, continuing as a mascot for the tuns and the city as a whole long after his death.
