NEW! Order of the Legion of Honor (Legion d'honneur), 2nd Empire (1852-1870) Officer in GOLD. Hallmarked with period gold punch to wreath ties (eagle's head). Some quality restoration to enamels and one ball-tip. Hallmarked to eye with Lemaitre's punch mark. This firm was deemed the official maker of the LOH during 2nd Empire. Original ribbon and rosette (this is often replaced with a common 3rd Republic one). Early rosettes have different appearance than those post-1870's ones. Cross in regulation size - 42mm wide. Ribbon is worn and fragile. Nice example, well priced. Item #Fra-127 (585)
NEW! Order for Arts, Sciences and Letters. Founded in 1915 by the Academie Francaise to recognize men and women of all nationalities who have distinguished themselves as artists, scientists or writers. Past recipients include Albert Schweitzer, Peter and Marie Curie, Yehudi Menuhin, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Officer in silver, very good quality. Hallmarked to eye but not cleanly struck - most likely by Arthus Bertrand. Chobillon's examples we've had in the past were not of this quality. Original ribbon, complete with lapel mini rosette. Enamels intact. Uniface. Complete with 'U' type stick-pin fastener. 29mm wide. Item # Fra-126 (98)
NEW! Order for Civic Valour (Association de la Valeur Civique) - Grand Officer. Bronze gilt and enamels, uniface. Original ribbon/rosette. Beautifully designed. Relatively rare award, given (not exclusively) for life saving. Good quality. Circa 1950-1970's. 44mm wide. Item # Fra-124 (115)
NEW! Allies Association Medal (Medaille De La Fraternite Alliee). Issued to WW2 veterans. Unsure if original ribbon. Bronze gilt, enamel. Shows wear. 40mm diameter. Item # Fra-123 (75)
NEW! Somme Combattants Medal (Médaille de la Somme). Awarded to those who took part in Battles of Somme during WW1 and WW2. Obverse inscribed: 'BATAILLES DE LA SOMME JUILLET-NOVEMBRE MCMXVI' (Battles of the Somme, July-November 1916). Reverse inscribed ‘COMBATTANTS DE LA SOMME 1914-1918-1940’. Designers mark: 'M. Delannoy'. Struck in bronze by Paris Mint (rim markings). Lightly worn condition, original ribbon. Often awarded to American soldiers. 32mm in diameter. Item # Fra-122 (105)
NEW! WW1 Soldiers of Marne, commemorative medal. Issued to some Allied soldiers who took part in the 2 crucial battles. Striking and beautifully designed medal. Faint maker's mark to back of soldier's right shoulder plate. Obverse inscription: 'La Marne', reverse: '1914 Soldat De La Marne 1918'. Medal in great condition, ribbon faded but original. 32mm dia. Item # Fra-121 (98)
NEW! War of 1870/1871 Commemorative medal. Complete with original silvered bar 'Engage Volontaire'. Bronze medal, designed by Georges Lemaitre. Paris mint striking (marked). Very good and original ribbon. Medal nicely toned. Item # Fra-120 (85)
NEW! Ordre Merite du Sang (Blood donation order of merit). 2nd class, first type. Original ribbon with 'U' type pin fastener. Hallmarked to eye by Arthus Bertand, Paris. Silver, 3 part construction. Enamels intact. 38.5mm wide. Spotty tarnish. Hard to find award. Item #Fra-119. (108)
NEW! France - Order of Saint Michael. This Order was originally created by Louis XI in 1469 with very limited membership (36). This was later expanded to larger numbers. The Order's purpose was mainly to ensure allegiance of ranking nobles to the Monarch, therefore it should be considered a purely Royal Order. Between the 15th and 18th centuries the Order was awarded with various degrees of importance and numbers as the Order of the Holy Ghost surpassed the importance of the St. Michael Order. Louis XVIII made some eleven awards of the Order in 1797 and one in 1798, but did not bestow the Order again until after the Second Restoration when, in 1816, 13 more awards were given. The last nominations made under the ancient Monarchy were in 1828. Louis-Phillipe abolished all old Royalty Orders (except that of the Legion of Honour which was not a Royal award).
Offered here is a mid- to late-XIX century re-make. Older members often had additional insignia made for various purposes, often by means of casting much like this particular piece. Made in bronze, complete with length of proper ribbon and arranged for wear around the neck. Nicely detailed, uniface badge. 65mm x 43.5mm. Very interesting. Item # Fra-117. (250)
Offered here is a mid- to late-XIX century re-make. Older members often had additional insignia made for various purposes, often by means of casting much like this particular piece. Made in bronze, complete with length of proper ribbon and arranged for wear around the neck. Nicely detailed, uniface badge. 65mm x 43.5mm. Very interesting. Item # Fra-117. (250)
Taking of Bastille 1789 commemorative medal. Officially founded as: "Medaille Communale pour les Gardes Francaises Vainquers de la Bastille". Original awards are very rare as obsolete since 1793. These were made in gold. Official re-issues were made after 1832 and again in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the event in 1889. These were made in bronze and in silver. Offered here is the official Paris Mint centenary re-strike (1889). Silver hallmarks on rim. Good quality, ribbon seems age-appropriate and it in proper National colours. There are copies in circulation, those are unmarked. 36.5mm x 26.8mm. Medal in great condition, ribbon shows ligth wear. Would make for great addition to your collection. Item # Fra-111. (245)
WW2 Croix du Combattant Volontaire de la Résistance. Cross of the Combatant Volunteer of the Resistance. Bronze gilt, Paris mint hallmarked. Original ribbon. Very good condition. 34mm wide. Item # Fra-114. (48)
Agricultural Merit Order, Knight class. Contemporary issue in bronze gilt. Original ribbon. Very clean. Item # Fra-115. (40)
WW1 Wounded badge. Second type (Dec. 1916). Featuring National symbols of some Allied countries (starting at 12 o'clock): Russia, Great Britain, Belgium, Serbia, Montenegro, Japan and France. Enamelled red cross symbol in the center. Whole badge in form of an oval with down-turned sword behind. Most interesting and hard to find. Complete with vertical pin for fastening. Inscribed: 'Gloria Volneratis Pro Jure Et Libertate 1914-1915 Copper, some gilding remaining. 54 x 23 mm. Item # Rdc-115 (78)
Decoration for wounded. Late type (1920) in bronze gilt. Enamels intact. Original ribbon. Good overall condition. Item # Fra 7. (45)
1859 Italian Campaign medal by Barre. Silver, very good condition (many of these medals are typically well-worn). Just a couple of minor scratches. If you're looking for a great condition Barre's medal - this is the one! Eagle head silver control mark to cylindrical suspension eye (rare to find one with this). Replacement ribbon. Item # Fra. 8 (90)
4th Marine Infantry Regiment badge. Bronze gilt anchor and silvered center disk. Numerous battle honors surrounding shield of swords. Markings to reverse: H 763 Andor 06 Le Cannet. Vertical pin for fastening. Appears to be 1950's vintage. Worn, good condition. 47.5mm x 33.5mm. Enamel intact. Item # Fra.11 (35)
Red Cross ladies' medal (circa 1880's). Oval silver medal inscribed: 'Union des Femmes de France'. Raised logo to centre. Original ribbon with embroidered red cross. 23.5mm wide. Ball suspension. Very good condition. Reverse is plain. Item # Fra. 18 (48)
WWI Croix de Guerre, 1914-17 (War Cross). Award in bronze. Very good condition, with bronze star device for mention in daily dispatch on brigade or batallion level. Original ribbon in very good condition. 37mm. (50) Item #Fra20.
Médaille Militaire - This medal is roughly the French counterpart of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It was awarded only to general officers in charge of armies, admirals in charge of fleets, or non-commissioned officers who distinguished themselves in war. The medal was instituted on 22 January 1852 during the reign of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, President of the 2nd Republic. The example presented is as issued between 1870-1940 (French 3rd Republic). Very good condition. Shows light wear. Enamel intact. Item # Fra.15 (35)
Order of Academic Palms, 2nd type. This decoration was instituted in 1808 as a University award. In 1850, the decoration was divided in 2 classes: golden and silver palms (like one offered here). Golden palms were to be awarded to teachers and professors, silver to students for exemplary results. In 1955, the Order was altered again into 3 classes (neck decoration of Commander was added) and its appearance slightly changed. Silvered bronze, enamels intact. Original ribbon faded. Lightly worn, no damage. 39.5mm x 29.5mm. Nicely detailed. Item # Fra-24 (42)
WWI Veteran Commemorative Decoration. Nice cutout design with original ribbon (somewhat faded). 26mm x 37mm. (22) Item #Fra25.
Medal commemorating the first anniversary of the 1848 Revolution. The bloodiest fighting occurred on February 23, 1848; some government troops opened fire while others laid down their arms or joined the rebels, forcing the dismissal of conservative minister Guizot and, the next day, the abdication of the unpopular monarch, King Louis-Philippe. Inscriptions on both sides honour the sacrifice of those killed. The obverse states "They died for the country" and shows the date "February 24" on a flag draped monument. The reverse: "For the victims who died for freedom, 1848", "First anniversary 1849, French Republic". Bronze. Very good condition; crisp details. Light age darkening. Interesting historical piece. 24mm diameter. (68) Item #Fra27.
Lafayette Commemorative Medal. As the commander of the Paris National Guard, Lafayette brokered compromises between republican revolutionaries and moderate monarchs at two key moments in French history: following the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. The obverse depicts the Paris barricades, a flag showing the dates "1789" and "1830" with incriptions, "To the intrepid citizens of Paris", "27th, 28th, 29th of July, 1830" (a.k.a. "The Three Glorious Days" of the July Revolution). The reverse is inscribed: "Lafayette Veteran of Liberty, 1789 - 1830". Bronze medal, traces of silver plating. Considerable age darkening. Fitted with contemporary ribbon. Rare piece of French history. May also be of interest to American Revolutionary War collectors. 28.2mm diameter. (95) Item #Fra34.
Social Aid Association recognition medal in silver (2nd class). Original ribbon. Paris mint and silver hallmark to rim. Item # Fra. 36 (40)
Social Aid Association recognition medal, bronze (3rd class). Paris mint and bronze hallmark to rim. Item # Fra. 37 (30)
Order for Agricultural Merit, Officer in silver gilt. Well hallmarked (Chobillion's mark and silver crab hallmark for small items. Couple repairs to reverse blue band (not detractive). Cylindrical suspension, great details. 35mm wide. Original ribbon faded, clean rosette. Officer class is increasingly difficult to find. Item # Fra-46 (95)
$ 95.00
Order for Agricultural Merit, Knight in silver gilt. Older quality, silver wreath ties. French silver punch mark (boar head). Original ribbon. Enamels intact. 36mm wide. Great condition. Ball suspension. Item # Fra-47 (55)
$ 55.00
Order for Agricultural Merit, Knight in silver gilt. Older quality - better then usual details to wheat/corn wreath. Silver wreath ties. French silver punch mark (boar head). Original ribbon faded. Great condition, only 1 tiny chip to white enamel (tip of top arm). 37mm. Most likely made by Bertrand. Ball suspension. Item # Fra-48 (65)
$ 65.00
Order of Social Merit, Knight in hallmarked silver. Attractive design, some minor enamel reapairs (to keep from further chiping) to blue arms. Some chipping to white ribband. Original ribbon, older type. 39mm wide. Item # Fra-49 (40)
$ 40.00
Decoration "Union Et Maintien". Bronze gilt, enamels. Reverse identical to obverse. Orginal ribbon. Shows light wear no damage. Attractive design. 37.5mm wide. Item # Fra-50 (32)
$ 32.00
Fire-fighters' gold (1st class) medal of honour. Silver gilt, hallmarked for 950 content (bottom of reverse). 1935 Design by LB AZOR. 29mm dia. Attractive suspension. Ribbon with much darkening and some pulls. Medal very clean and unnamed. Great piece. Item # Fra-51 (65)
$ 65.00
Fire-fighters' silver (2nd class) medal of honour. Silver, hallmarked for 800 content (bottom of reverse). 1935 Design by LB AZOR. 29mm dia. Ribbon with much uniform darkening. Great definition, shows light aging. Unnamed as issued. Item # Fra-52 (45)
$ 45.00
Police silver medal of honour, 1903-1936 type (inscription: 'Police Municipale et Rurale'). Beautifully designed by Marie-Alexandre COUDRAY (marked to obverse). Hallmarks on rim for 950 silver content. Original ribbon. Named on reverse: 'Nicolle Louis'. Shows typical wear, no damage. Very nice example. 27mm dia. Attractive suspension. Item # Fra-53 (72)
$ 72.00
Decoration for (Social) Devotion, 1st class in gilt. Original ribbon with rosette. Good condtion, some darkening. 30mm dia. Item # Fra-54 (30)
$ 30.00
Railroads medal of honour, 1st type (1913 - 1939). Silver class (2nd) in silvered bronze. Designed by famous engraver Louis-Oscar ROTY. Made by renowned firm of Arthus Bertrand in Paris. Reverse named: 'Dautruy Henri 1938'. Medal in great condition, original ribbon faded and fragile. Original ribbon clasp (well detailed engine). Interesting and beautiful medal. 34mm dia. Item # Fra-55 (50)
$ 50.00
Railroads medal of honour, 2nd type (1939 - 1953) - silver class. Silvered bronze. Designed by Charles FAVRE-BERTIN. Original ribbon, medal in great condition. Named to: 'F. Niel 1942'. Rare to find with WW2 issue date. 32mm dia. Great example. Item # Fra-56 (42)
$ 42.00
Railroads medal of honour, 2nd type (1939 - 1953) - silver class. Silvered bronze. Designed by Charles FAVRE-BERTIN. Named to: 'F. Foure 1942'. Shows age and small edge ding (bottom). Original ribbon. Item # Fra-57 (40)
$ 40.00
Railroads medal of honour, 3rd type (1953 - 1982?). This and the 2 medals below were issued to same person: ' A. Briend'. Designed by George GUIRAUD, based on the original 1913 design with addition of newer engine. Silvered bronze, date of issue 1966. Great condition. 32mm dia. Item # Fra-60 (35)
$ 35.00
Railroads medal of honour, 3rd type (1953 - 1982?) Gilt class (bronze gilt), same recipient as medal above, issued to ' A. Briend' in 1975. Great condition. Item # Fra-61 (40)
$ 40.00
Railroads medal of honour, 3rd type (1953 - 1982?) Fourth type of award (since 1982?). Same recipient as medal above, issued to ' A. Briend'. New change in design brought the super new engine to reverse.Same recipient as medals above. Highest class - large gold (36mm). Bronze gilt. Year of issue 1979. Original ribbon. Great condition. Item # Fra- 62 (52)
$ 52.00
1945 Air Force Medal. Cased example with name tag: 'M. Colas A.' . Designers' name to bottom right: Pelletier Sc. Small chip to red enamels (not detractive). Original ribbon. Paris Mint issue in bronze gilt. Nice set, rarely found with original case. Item # Fra-63 (145)
$ 145.00
WW2 (1945) Air Force medal miniature. Nicely detailed. Wing suspension, light red enamel. Silver gilt, hallmarked (boar head and punch mark of Arthus Bertrand). Inscribed to bottom 'Honneur et Patriae'. Reverse inscribed: 'Medaille de L'aeronautique 1945'. Shows age and light wear, no damage. Original ribbon. Rare miniature in silver. Item # Fra-64 (62).
$ 62.00
WW1 Commemorative medal, awarded to all who served during the Great War. Beautifully designed by A. Morlon. Struck in bronze by Paris Mint. Original ribbon with some fraying. Good condition overall. 33.5mm. Item # Fra-65 (28)
$ 28.00
WW1 Commemorative medal. Rare maker: JB (marked on reverse). Bronze, original ribbon. Reverse details considerably better then Paris Mint issues. Showing light wear. 33.5mm. Item # Fra-66 (42)
$ 42.00
WW1 Veteran Commemorative Medal. Deluxe issue by 'Chobillon, Paris'. Longer helmet type. Original ribbon with some pulls. 25.5mm x 37.5mm. Very good condition. Item # Fra-67 (28)
$ 28.00
WW1 Wounded award, 2nd type. Original ribbon. Couple enamel cracks but no chipping. Item # Fra-68 (48)
$ 48.00
Railroads medal of honour, 2nd type (1939 - 1953) - silver class. Silvered bronze. Original ribbon, medal in good condition. Named to: 'A. Pinoncely 1944'. Rare to find with WW2 issue date. 32mm dia.. Item # Fra-59 (43)
$ 43.00
1920 French Family Medal of Honour. 1st type. Gold (1st) class with large rosette (22mm). Designed by: 'Léon Deschamps'. MINISTERE DE L’HYGIENE type (less common then the MINISTERE DE LA SANTE PUBLIQUE type). Bronze gilt, finest quality and great condition. Shows very minor wear. 34.6mm wide. Item # Fra-70 (42)
$ 42.00
Cross for Military Valour. Established in 1956. Awarded for campaigns in Algier, Tunis, Morocco and Tchad. Bronze, Paris Mint issue. Complete with gold palm! Original ribbon. Item # Fra-71 (65)
$ 65.00
Cross of the Combatant. Instituted in 1930 as an award to holders of combatants' card. Issued to members of French forces who served in WW1/WW2/Korea/North Africa and other campaigns. Typical early example by Paris Mint. No ribbon. Bronze. Item # Fra-73 (20)
$ 20.00
Combatants' Cross, early type by 'J+B'. Better details then Paris Mint issue. Original ribbon. Beautiful highlights. Item # Fra-74 (38)
$ 38.00
Combatants' Cross. Late type in bronze gilt. Paris Mint issue. Original ribbon. Few tarnish spots. No damage. Item # Fra-75 (32)
$ 32.00
Medal of honor for Regional, Department and Communal service. 2nd class awarded for 20 years. First type (1945-1990). Attractive medal with mural crown suspension. Original ribbon. Designed by G. CROUZAT. Maker marked to ribbon retainer (hard to make out but probably Bertrand). 39mm wide. Item # Fra-77 (22)
$ 22.00
Order of Academic Palms, 2nd type. Silver class in hallmarked silver (boar head). Maker marked, appears to be 'G X L' (G. Lemaitre) - a rare maker for the award. This would date this piece to pre 1927. Silver appears to be frosted. Oddlly enough enamels to both sides seem to be different in colouring but seem original. 28.5mm x 40.5mm. Original ribbon display mounted. Item # Fra-78 (60)
$ 60.00
Physical Education medal of honor. 1st class, 1st type (1929 –1946). Note, this medal was not awarded during War years. Silver gilt (hallmark for Paris mint and 800 silver - impressed to rim). 28mm in diameter. Original ribbon lightly faded, complete with rosette. Beautifully detailed. Designed by Édouard FRAISSE. Shows light wear, no damage. Item # Fra-79 (35)
$ 35.00
Physical Education medal of honor, 3rd class of 3rd type (1956 – 1969). Excellent condition, made in bronze gilt. Marks for Paris mint. 28mm dia. Original ribbon. Item # Fra-80 (25)
$ 25.00
Physical Education medal of honor, 2nd class of 3rd type (1956 – 1969). Excellent condition, made in silver. Marks for Paris mint (900 silver content). 28mm dia. Original ribbon. Item # Fra-81 (30)
$ 30.00
Ministry of War Labour Medal of Honor. 1888 type (1st type). 3rd class - awarded for 30 years of service. This early type was issued to civilians in the employment of the Ministry of War. Medal designed by Hubert PONSCARME. Attributed to: 'P. P. Bastard 1900'. Paris mint silver hallmark impressed to rim. Shows light age, no damage. Original ribbon. 27.8mm dia. Very nice example. Item # Fra-82 (68)
$ 68.00
Labour award, 1st class. Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Designed by Alfred BORREL. Silver gilt (marked by Paris mint). Attributed to: 'Mle M. Velas 1950'. Very good condition, original ribbon with rosette and wreath. 27mm dia. Item # Fra-83 (40)
$ 40.00
Labour award, 2nd class. Attribute: 'Mlle G. Montagne 1961'. Silver gilt (Paris mint mark). Excellent condition, original ribbon. Item # Fra-84 (35)
$ 35.00
Labour award, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 2nd class in silver gilt (hallmarks for Paris mint 800 silver content). Attribute: 'M. O. Muller 1923'. Hard to find medal. Showing age. Original ribbon with rosette. 27mm dia. Item # Fra-85 (42)
$ 42.00
Labour award, Ministry of Social Affairs. 3rd class in silver gilt (hallmarks for Paris mint 900 silver content). Attribute: 'G. SEREZAT 1973'. Original ribbon. Great condition. 27 mm diameter. Item #Fra-86. (35)
$ 35.00
Labour award, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 3rd class in silver (hallmarks impressed to rim for Paris mint 900 silver content). Attribute: 'E. Zeiner 1913'. Nicely toned with age. Original ribbon. 27 mm diameter. Item #Fra-87. (38)
$ 38.00
Labour award, Ministry of Labour and Social Security. 3rd class in silver (Paris mint hallmarked 900 silver content). Attribute: 'R. Chassaing 1958.' Shows light wear. Original ribbon. 27 mm diameter. Item #Fra-88. (25)
$ 25.00
Colonial medal, second type private manufacture. Although unmarked - most likely by 'Mourgeon'. One-sided (nicely detailed) suspension. Silvered bronze, light wear. Original ribbon. 26.5mm dia. Item # Fra-89 (65)
$ 65.00
1859 Italian Campaign, commemorative medal for return of the French armies to Paris. Issued mostly to the French; however, many Italian officers also received it. Quality strike, bronze gilt. New, proper replacement ribbon. 23mm diameter. Light wear, very good overall condition. Maker's mark beneath Emperor's neck. Similar to medal #75 in Bocchino's book; he states that maker's mark reads CT and it possibly was a French maker. Very interesting medal to both Italian and French collectors. Item # Fra-98 (105)
$105.00
Prince Jerome, King of Westphalia (1807-1813) commemorative medal. Jerome Bonaparte was the youngest brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. Born in 1784, crowned King of Westphalia (North-West part of Germany) in 1807, died in 1860. Bronze medal of 23.5mm dia. Silk/cotton ribbon appears to be original with wear to edges and few pulls. Very good condition, toned with age. Rarely found. Item # Fra-99 (175)
$175.00
Unusual Academic Palms Decoration. Oak branch to right side, smaller than usual (25mm wide). Display mounted on original ribbon. Smooth reverse. Item # Fra-100 (30)
$ 30.00
Val de Marne (District of Greater Paris area) Merchant/Market medal. Unknown purpose or vintage. Ribbon in Nationa colours (presumably original). 36mm dia. Item # Fra-101 (20)
$ 20.00
Medal of recognition for Deported and Interned during WW2 . Original ribbon for the Interned. Bronze gilt, Paris mint mark along with designer's logo. 30mm in diameter. Great condition. Item # Fra-102 (48)
$48.00
Star of Merit: Etoile du Mérite et du Bien. Officer class in bronze gilt. Uniface, original ribbon. Good quality, no chips to enamels. Great looking decoration. Unknown vintage. 43mm wide. Item # Fra-105 (85)
$ 85.00
Medal issued to prisoners, deportees and hostages during WW1. Mainly awarded to inhabitants of the regions occupied by Germans during the war years. Also awarded to civilian prisoners or internees who were not eligible for the Victims of the Invasion Medal. The exact conditions are not known. Medal instituted in 1936 with just over 10,000 awarded. Struck in bronze depicting chained woman holding flaming torch, burning city in background. Reverse inscribed in French (legend of the medal), chain frame around, laurel leaves at the bottom. Designer's name: 'M. Delannoy'. Rim stamped 'Metal D'. Original ribbon lightly soiled. Shows age, light tarnish spots. Overall very good condition. Not often seen. Item # Fra-109 (52)
WW1 50th anniversary medal, district of YVELINES. Silvered bronze, attractive design. Blue silk ribbon (unsure if original). Shows wear, no damage. 30mm dia. Item # Fra-91 (45)
$ 45.00
Sauveteurs de Paris, Life guard/life-saving commemorative medal. Silvered bronze, designed by famous sculptor Felix Rasumny. City of Paris coat of arms surmounted by Mural crown on reverse. Showing wear and age. Ribbon most likely replaced. Very interesting. 35mm diameter. Item # Fra-92 (55)
$ 55.00
Miniature Medal for recognition, 1914-1918 type second class in hallmarked silver. Awarded for providing aid to those injured during War, work in hospitals and social assistance to families of military personnel. Designed by Jules DESBOIS. Great details. Original ribbon and dark blue enamelled star device. 15.1mm wide. Great condition. Item # Fra-93 (40)
$ 40.00
1879 French Ladies Association (first name of Red Cross in France when founded in 1879). National service medal in silver. This very well may have been one of first Red Cross medals issued in France. Embroidered ribbon. 23mm dia. Much tarnish, no damage. Very rare. Item # Rdc. 7. (75)
1864 - 1866. War Nursing Society service medal, 2nd class (in silver). Original embroidered ribbon. Maker punch mark to reverse. Very good condition. Item # Rdc. 8 (50)
Napoleon III 1852 commemorative token. Commemorating Napoleon III's triumphant return to Paris on October 16th after an extensive tour of the provinces in the autumn of 1852. (A literary sidenote: According to "The Complete Critical Guide to Robert Browning" (2002), Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning were in Paris that day and watched Napoleon III's procession.) A few weeks later, the Prince President held a successful plebiscite to permit him to claim the title of Emperor, and in December he announced the official beginning of the Second Empire. Brass and white metal. On tricolor bow-tied ribbon. 21mm dia. Item #Fra-125. *SOLD*
French 3rd Republic -1895 Madagascar (2nd) campaign silver medal. Reverse shows crossed cannon, anchor, flag and trumpet. Inscription on flag says 'Honneur et Patrie'. Very fine condition. Proofmarked for silver. *SOLD* Item # Fra.22
WW2 Resistance medal, type 2 with larger inscriptions on reverse. Blackened bronze, original striking. Shows light wear, no damage. Original ribbon with 'U' type stick-pin fastener. 34mm dia. Item # Fra-104 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
1870 Commemorative Medal attributed to General Trochu. Item in bronze, obverse of General's bust in uniform and wearing orders/decorations. Reverse of angel on plateau writing on tablet: 'La Patrie en Danger 1870'. Inscribed to edge: 'Liberte*Egalite*Fraternite'. Ribbon in national colours (most likely replacement). 24mm in diameter. Very interesting item from Franco-Prussian war. Item # Fra.19 *SOLD*
Son of Napoleon III, commemorative medal, c.1856. Napoleon Eugene Louis Jean Joseph was born March 16, 1856 to great rejoicing in Paris, but he was educated in exile in England after his father's surrender ended the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. At the young age of 23, Napoleon Eugene volunteered as an aide-de-camp with the British in Zululand, and was killed by Zulus while on patrol. Thus ended any hope that the Bonapartes would one day be restored to the throne of France. Bronze, with good details; obverse inscription means "The Child of France", reverse "[He] is the worthy son of France". Nicely darkened with age. Fitted with old silk ribbon. 23.3mm diameter. Item #Fra38.*SOLD*
Order of Academic Palms, 2nd type. Officier de l'instruction publique. Silver gilt, enamels intact. Hallmarked. This decoration was instituted in 1808 as a University award. In 1850, the decoration was divided in 2 classes: golden and silver palms. Golden palms (as offered here) were awarded to teachers and professors, silver to students for exemplary results. In original fitted case by Boullanger, embossed "Ministère de l'instruction publique." Hard to find. 28.5 mm wide. Item #Fra-110. *SOLD*
WWI Croix de Guerre, 1914-16 (War Cross). Award in bronze. Very nice details to obverse, with uncommon silver palm device (replaced 5 bronze palms--a bronze palm was awarded for mention in daily dispatch on the army level). Original ribbon in very good condition. 37mm. Item #Fra17. *SOLD*
1939-1945 War Cross. Croix De Guerre. Official 1st type, complete with bronze palm on original ribbon. Darkened with age, very good condition to all. Surprisingly difficult to find. Item # Fra-113. *SOLD*
1900-1901 China expedition commemorative medal. Awarded to French military (and few civilians) who participated in the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion as part of the "Eight Nation Alliance". Medal was designed by famous silversmith/jeweller Georges Lemaire (initials visible on reverse just below 1901). Struck by Paris mint, silver hallmarks to rim and reverse of the clasp. Complete with original ribbon. Double dragon suspension is surely one of the most attractive of any campaign medal. Age and light wear is apparent, few minor edge knocks. 30mm diameter. Item #Fra-118. *SOLD*
Médaille d’Orient - Medal for the East campaign WW1. Nicely arranged on a bow style ribbon for Ladies. Medal in bronze by G. Lemaitre. Paris mint marks (cornucopia and BR). 30mm dia. Very good condition to all. Item # Fra-112. *SOLD*
1914-15 Campaign Medal. Aluminum. Reverse inscription "J'offre cette mascotte au vaillant soldat." Unattributed. Edge dings. On tri-colour bow ribbon. 36 mm diameter. Item #Fra-116. *SOLD*
Italian War of Independence, 1860 (June 14) Annexation of Nice commemorative medal. French strking. Maker/designer mark to obverse, appears to be CT (conjointed). Full inscription to reverse: "Annexion de Nice & de la Savoie a la France 14 Juin 1860". Bronze, 23.2mm in diameter. One of the last medals in the series (Italian Wars of Independence). Medal in good, slightly worn condition Proper replacement ribbon. Reference: S. Bocchino, Medal # 75. Item # Fra-97 (98) *SOLD*
*SOLD*
Le Croix du Combattant de l'Europe. European Combattant's cross for WW2. French version. Established in 1953? Earlier quality by LR Paris. Original ribbon somewhat soiled. Cross in great condition. Hard to find. Item # Fra-72 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
New! 1939-1945 Volunteer cross for Combatants. Established in 1953. Original ribbon, Paris mint striking in bronze. 34mm wide. Shows wear, mostly to giliding - otherwise in very good condition. Item # Fra-103 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
Order for Letters Arts and Sciences, Commander class with miniature. Large size neck badge on original ribbon with ties. Bronze gilt, good quality enamels. Uniface. Chobillion hallmark on ribbon loop. 90mm (to top of wreath ball)x 50mm (wide) . Great condition, rare class of this contemporary Order. Very good condition of both. Item # Fra-1 *SOLD*
WW2 Commemorative medal with 6 bars! Arranged in proper order: France, Afrique, Liberation, Allemagne, Mediterranee, 1939-1945. All original, complete with ball-tip top bar. Ribbon lightly frayed around eyelet. Medal in great condition, official Paris mint issue (marked). Hard to find with this many bars. Shows age and some wear. Very nice example. Item # Fra-2 *SOLD*
1920-22 Plebiscites in Upper Silesia (Poland) Medal. Upper Silesia has always been disputed by Germany and Poland. Plebiscites were held to decide which country should have this region so rich in natural resources. Previous attempts to decide had ended in bloodshed, hence an International Committee was organized to aid in keeping the vote peaceful. Voters decided that the region would remain Polish (Germans never really did agree to it). Original ribbon (lightly tattered but still intact, though faded). Struck in bronze with very nice details. Wreath suspension. Rare medal. 30mm. Item # Fra. 3 (115) *SOLD*
Legion of Honor, IV Republic (1947-1958) Commander neck badge in gilt silver. Deluxe quality of this rarely seen type. Many foreigners were awarded the LOH during IV Republic for their services to France during WW2. Outstanding condition, just one tiny chip to red flag (reverse). No usual arm chipping! Complete with original ribbon and ties, along with case of issue. Hallmarks for silver and Paris (suspension and bottom of the riband ties). Multi-part construction (raised centre details). Very nice example. 55.3mm wide. Item # Fra. 4 *SOLD*
1859 Italian Campaign medal. Silver. Super-rare maker: 'Ronchi' to in relief to bottom obverse, (Barre is the usual maker of this medal). Original ribbon is somewhat worn and has a few pulls. Medal itself is in fantastic condition. These are usually quite worn. Great details (better than Barre's-made medals). 31mm in diameter. Hard to find in such condition. Item # Fra. 5 *SOLD*
WW2 cross for liberty. Established in 1946 to award all (civil and military, nationals and foreigners) who volunteered in the Free French Forces. Silvered bronze, original ribbon. 29mm wide. Comes with old ribbon bar. Hard to find, very good details and condition. 2nd type with larger font. Item # Fra. 6 *SOLD*
St. Helena commemorative medal. Issued to members of Napoleon's Grand Army during 1792-1815. Darkened bronze, good details. Older ribbon. Very good condition. Item # Fra. 9 *SOLD*
1859 French-Sardinian Alliance Commemorative Medallion. Appears to be silver, by Caque. Features Napoleon III to obverse, full inscription to reverse. Protective clear lacquer applied by jeweller. Good condition. Shows typical wear. Very interesting piece. 50mm diameter. Item #Fra.10 *SOLD*
Sauveteurs de Belfort - Life guard/life-saving decoration. Belfort was the site of the Siege of Belfort from November 3, 1870 to February 18, 1871. Wurttemberg/Baden forces failed to take the city by force due to stubborn defence. Silver, partially gilded. Enamels are in great condition. Riveted construction. Unmarked. Original ribbon shows wear. Very attractive piece. 53 x 39mm. (145) Item # Fra12. *SOLD*
Croix de Guerre (The War Cross) WW2 'Vichy' type. Locally made in bronze, dated 1939, 1940. Original ribbon with bronze palm. Raised centre disks. Pebbled arms. Heavy striking. Quite rare in this form. Shows age and wear with much darkening and patina. 38.5mm. Great addition to WW2 collection. Item # Fra. 13 *SOLD*
WWI Croix de Guerre, 1914-15 (War Cross). Least awarded type. Award in bronze. Good condition overall. Reverse centre shows minor flattening, which is often found in first issue pieces. Complete with original ribbon, also in very good condition. 37mm. Item #Fra16. *SOLD*
NEW! WW2 Commemorative medal with scarce bars: 'ATLANTIQUE' and 'NORVÈGE'. All original. Ribbon lightly soiled. Medal in very good condition, official Paris mint issue (marked). Item # Fra-21 *SOLD*
Legion of Honor (LÉGION D'HONNEUR). 2nd Empire (1852-1870), Crimea period. Silver cross with gold centre. Light chipping to blue riband and 3 leaves. Quality period repairs to some white enamels (tips) to obverse. Chipping to tips of reverse - which is quite typical for LOH. Handsome crown suspension. Correct ribbon (3rd Republic replacement). Usual silver hallmark to bottom of tassels. Suspension eye also hallmarked by maker. It appears to be 'V L'. This mark is unknown to me, would make for interesting research to advanced collector. Good and better condition. Item # Fra. 26. *SOLD*
Medal for Honour, acts of courage and devotion (life saving). 3rd class (silver with gilt wreath). Medal designed by 'Coudray' (marked to bottom right). Hallmarked to rim (Bronze with Paris mint mark). Very good condition, original ribbon. Item Fra 28. (45) *SOLD*
Medal for Honour, acts of courage and devotion (life saving). 4th class (silver). Medal designed by 'Coudray' (marked to bottom right). Hallmarked to rim (Silver with Paris mint mark). Very good condition, original ribbon. Item Fra 29. *SOLD*
Medal for Honour, acts of courage and devotion (life saving). 5th class (bronze). Medal designed by 'Coudray' (marked to bottom right). Hallmarked to rim (Bronze with Paris mint mark). Very good condition, original ribbon. Item Fra 30. *SOLD*
Unknown medal. Possibly relating to the Order of Malta or the Order of St. Lazarus in France. Obverse shows cross with legend "Gesta Dei Per Francos" (The Deeds of God through the French); reverse incriptions "Dieu et Patrie" (God and Country), "Reine du Ciel sauvez la France" (Queen of Heaven save France) and the dates 1637 and 1792, possibly meant to connect the 1792 Revolution with an earlier uprising. Bronze. Fancy suspension eye. Crisp details. Fitted with old silk ribbon. Intriguing item. 24mm diameter. Item #Fra31. *SOLD*
1895 - Medal for Honour, acts of courage and devotion (life saving). 4th class (Bronze). Medal designed by 'O.Roty' (marked to bottom). Hallmarked to rim (Bronze with Paris mint mark). Very good condition, original ribbon. Item Fra. 33 (55) *SOLD*
1944-45 Rhein/Danube campaign commemorative cross. Very rare award! Issued to French participants of the campaigns. All original with enamelled suspension, ribbon device and silk ribbon. Official striking (marking visible to bottom of reverse: 'LR. Paris'). Rare occasion to own this hard to find piece. 41mm. Bronze. Light age darkening. Great condition. Item # Fra. 39 *SOLD*
Commemorative WW1 award. National Combatants Union. Original ribbon, bronze. Plain reverse. Item # Fra 41 *SOLD* (25)
Air Force Observation Squadron 501 badge. WWII-vintage badge of the 'Groupe Aérien d'Observation 501 (G.A.O. 501)'. This unit was organized in 1933 and was based at the Lille (city) airfield. Blue-enamelled circular badge in bronze with winged gryphon in the center. Jewellers' type locking pin for fastener. Spotty darkening, no damage to enamel. Very interesting and not commonly found. 28mm diameter (excluding the 'wing'). Item # Fra43. *SOLD*
Liberation of France 1944 commemorative medal. Approved in 1947 for all those (French and foreigners) who took part in the liberation of France, reportedly one had to apply and pay for the medal to receive it. It is unknown how many were actually made originally, but apparently to this day they are manufactured for veterans who apply. This example is clearly older, perhaps one of the earliest made. Bronze, original gilding mostly worn. Struck by Paris mint (hallmarks on reverse). Complete with original ribbon of issue (and "U" type stick pins). 35mm diameter. Hard to find medal in older quality. Item #Fra44. *SOLD*
Order of the Black Star of Benin. Knight in silver, French-made. Best quality example we have ever seen - all details are superb (in comparison to others we've handled). French silver regulation mark on suspension (boar head). Some chipping to blue enamels (point of the cross) and a few more to green - these are not detractive to the overall appearance. Finely chased details to inner trim and wreath suspension. Original ribbon lightly soiled. Would make great addition to your French Colonial Orders collection. 38mm wide. Item # Fra-45. *SOLD*
Victory medal. Médaille de la Victoire 1914-1918 - also called "Médaille Interalliée" as all allies issued one with this particular ribbon. Awarded to all members of the armed forces who served for a minimum of 3 months during WWI. It was instituted on 20 July 1922 and was also conferred on medical personnel, prisoners of war, escaped prisoners, etc. It is worn immediately after French orders and decorations, i.e. before any colonial orders or decorations and before any campaign or commemorative medals. Overall excellent condition. Item # Misc.58 *SOLD*
Decoration for wounds. Rare round type with ribbon device for additional wound. Original ribbon lightly faded. Enamels intact. Bronze gilt. 32mm. Great details. Item # Fra-69 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
Order of the Legion of Honor (Legion D'Honneur). Knight class dating from the Restoration of Monarchy. Second type during this period (Second Restoration, 1815-1830). Beautifully crafted in hallmarked silver (mark for 1819-1838). Maker's mark is obscured (possibly Minerve silversmith). Both marks to bottom of wreath ties. Center disk in gold. Full inscription to both sides: 'Henri IV Roi De France Et De Navarre'; 'Honneur Et Patrie'. Fleur-de-Lis on reverse slightly larger than usual. Original ribbed suspension ring. Ribbon seems original or a very old replacement. Typical enamel chipping to tips of arms, not excessive. Enamels to ribband not chipped. Wreath enamels remarkably intact, all but very top leaves (part where crown is suspended). Nicely detailed crown topped by Fleur-de-Lis. Rarely offered type of the Order. There were considerably more awards in the next period, so-called Monarchy of July. Awards from first Restoration period are extremely rare. Measurements: 44.5mm at widest x 67.5mm (bottom to top of the crown). Fabulous example, a must for serious collection. Item # Fra-76 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
NEW! Order of Cambodia, Officer. Beautifully crafted, diamond-cut badge in silver gilt. Multi part construction center. Only one small (ab. 3mm) chip to red ribband - not detractive. Detailed crown. Maker marked to eyelet (seems to be Arthus Bertrand) and another mark to body beneath crown suspension - this is Dutch imporation mark for articles with minimum .835 silver content. Original French-issue ribbon in worn condition, still presentable. Badge 49mm wide. 74mm high (measured from bottom of badge to tip of crown). Beautiful piece. Item # Fra-90 *SOLD*
WW2 cross for liberty. Established in 1946 to award all (civil and military, nationals and foreigners) who volunteered in the Free French Forces. Silvered bronze, original ribbon. 29mm wide. Comes with old ribbon bar. Hard to find, very good details and condition. 2nd type with larger font. Item # Fra-94 (95) *SOLD*
*SOLD*
NEW! Order of the Legion of Honor (Legion D'Honneur). Knight class, 2nd Empire (1852-1870). Very interesting variant with unusual geometry (arms are wider then normal). Gold center discs are of earlier manufacture - Presidency period (1851-1852). Note all insignia from this era are quite rare. One will note a left heading eagle and beautiful large inscriptions. Also, center disks are of 2 part constructions (blue ribband is separate from middle) with was consistent with Presidency and all 1st Empire types. Crown is superbly detailed and of somewhat different appearance (because of eagles it is proper for 2nd Empire period). Some very old repairs to tips (good quality with hard enamel - undaubtedly to keep from further chipping). Green enamels intact. Silver mark to bottom of wreath ties (boar head for 1838 +). Maker mark obscured so this one shall remain a mystery. Very nice original ribbon. Great piece for discerning collector. 42.5mm wide, 67.5mm (bottom to tip of crown's cross). Item # Fra-95 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
NEW! WW2 Commemorative medal with Liberation bar. All original. Ribbon lightly soiled. Medal in very good condition, official Paris mint issue (marked). Item # Fra-96 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
Order of the Legion of Honor. Commander's Cross on full neck ribbon with ties. IV Republic type of this French highest award. One of world's most recognizable Orders. Handsome in appearance. Originally founded in 1802, insignia went through number of changes and alterations. Most enamels intact (some chipping to white, but not serious as typically these awards are oftentimes badly chipped). This is a large Order at widest part of the cross measuring 62mm, from top to bottom 92mm. Would surely grace any collection. All higher classes of this Order are very hard to find and not many were awarded during 4th Republic. Impressive piece. Item # Fra. 110 *SOLD*
French Red Cross Central Comittee achievement gold medal. Original silk ribbon with red cross embroidery. Bronze gilt. 23mm dia. Rare piece. Circa 1900. Item # Rdc. 6 *SOLD*
French Red cross society membership service medal. First type (WW1 era) with original embroidered ribbon and suspension clasp. Member's number '5159' officially impressed to reverse. Maker's mark beneath. Extremely hard to find all complete (ribbon and suspension clasp). Item # Rdc. 10. *SOLD*
Same as above but of 2nd type (WW2 era). Officially impressed '12208' ro reverse. Hard to find complete. Item # Rdc. 11 *SOLD*
