$80
"Heroes of Verdun" 1916 bronze commemorative medallion; France WWI; measures approx. 2-5/8" in diameter and weighs 141.7 grams. This vintage bronze medal commemorates the Battle of Verdun, a 1916 WWI battle between the French and German armies. Obverse depicts Marianne, who represents France, placing her hand on the shoulder of the French Army, with sword drawn as they stand ready to defend Verdun from the Imperial German eagle with the Arms of the Republic and Verdun to the right of the Imperial German eagle and "ON NE PASSE PAS" (they shall not pass) and 1916 in Roman Numerals below. Reverse depicts Generals Pétain, Nivelle and Curires de Castelnau with "A LA GLOIRE DES HÉROS DE VERDUN" (To the glory of the Verdun heroes) and 1916 in Roman numerals in the center surrounded by a laurel wreath and the decorations Croix de la Légion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre below. The medal was engraved by Charles Philippe Germain Aristide Pillet (1869 1960).
Auctioneer:
Bremoauctions
Date:
2015-12-12
