The proprietors of the leading trading companies met regularly at the assembly house “zum Notenstein” on the lower Neugasse.

In 1741, Caspar Zyli, member of a family long affiliated with the Notenstein association, established a shipping and trading company; by the mid-1800s it had developed into a pure banking business.

The incursion of the French in 1798 and the demise of the old order also spelled the end for the rich traditions of the Notenstein merchants: the association was dissolved and the house sold to Caspar Zyli's son Hans Anton.

[2] At the end of the 18th century, Basel was a centre for international trade, and the silk ribbon industry had emerged as the city's most important business sector.

In the wake of the economic crisis of 1800, growing demand for industrial capital caused the trading company's banking arm to become increasingly important.

[3] The history of Wegelin & Co. dates back to 1741 when Caspar Zyli, member of a family long affiliated with the Notenstein association, established a shipping and trading company.