France: Medal for the Defenders of Belfort 1870-1871 (La Medaille Des Defenseurs de Belfort)

This silver veterans medal was instituted in 1910 by the Council of the Municipality of Belfort, for award to the defenders of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871

Obverse bears the iconic 'Lion of Belfort' monument - the largest stone statue in France - designed by the famous French sculptor Auguste Bertholdi (whose most famous work was the Statute of Liberty) and...  read more

Code: 19389

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Ordnance model medal. 3rd Class, or 'Bronze' grade with clasp 'Materiel'

The clasp denotes specialist qualifying service with the 'Maintenance & Repair' department of the French Army

Medal riband fitted with a two-pronged mounting pin, or 'Epingle', as worn in the French style

Condition: EF  read more

Code: 19376

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 3rd class with clasp 'Troupes De Montagne'

The clasp denotes an award to a soldier trained and skilled as a 'Mountain Soldier', and hence for service with the 'Mountain Troops' of the French Army, including the elite infantry unit the 'Chesseurs Alpins' (or 'Alpine Hunters')

The riband fitted with a two-pronged mounting pin, or 'Epingle', as worn in the French style

Condition: EF  read more

Code: 18645

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 2nd class with clasp 'Sous Marins'

The clasp denotes qualifying service with the French Navy's 'Submarine Service'

Note: A separate (different) clasp is awarded to Submariners who serve in France's Nuclear Submarines

Condition: About EF  read more

Code: 18644

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 2nd class with clasp 'Fusiliers Commandos De L'Air'

The clasp denotes qualifying service with the French equivalent to the British 'RAF Regiment'

The Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air (French for "Fusilier commandos of the Air (force)") of France's Arm?e de l'Air (French Air Force) are armed airmen trained as infantry, who provide ground defense of air bases and secure forward base areas. They also participate in forward air control, c...  read more

Code: 18643

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 3rd Class, or 'Bronze' grade with clasp 'Missions D'Operations Interieures'

The clasp denotes geographic active service while deployed on specified 'Internal' missions or operations within the French homeland. Such duties including, emergencies and support of public services during times of natural disasters, for example during forest fires, floods, storms, and in support of emergency services etc

Medal riband fitted with a two-pronged mounting pin, or '...  read more

Code: 17985

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 3rd Class, or 'Bronze' grade with 2 x clasps 'Troupes De Marine' 'Transmissions'

Both of the clasps denote qualifying service with the French Army

The 'Troupes de Marine' (the descendent corps of the former Colonial Infantry regiments) is now the French Army's spearhead overseas intervention force. The Troupes de marine are one of the "armes" (corps) of the French Army, which includes sub-units whose roles are usually associated with other corps (artillery, c...  read more

Code: 17972

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 3rd Class, or 'Bronze' grade with 2 x clasps 'Missions D'Assistance Exterieure' 'Troupes Aeroportees'

Both of the clasps denote qualifying service with the French Army, the first in recognition of deployment during 'Overseas Missions of Assistance' (for example humanitarian support, relief in places that have suffered natural disasters, etc), and for specialist skills 'as a member of the 'Airborne Forces' (the Parachutist force commonly being referred to by abbreviation TAP)

The ...  read more

Code: 17971

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 2nd Class, or 'Silver' grade with clasp 'Transmissions'

The clasp denotes specialist qualifying service with the 'Signals' corps of the French Army

Medal riband fitted with a two-pronged mounting pin, or 'Epingle', as worn in the French style

Condition: EF  read more

Code: 17969

France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. Second class, or 'Silver' grade, with 2 x clasps 'Aviation Legere' & 'Troupes Aeroportees'

Both of the clasps denote specialist training as a member of the French Army 'Light Aviation Corps' (light aircraft / helicopters) and as a trained Parachutist or 'Para' having served with the French Army 'Airborne Forces' (the Parachutists commonly being referred to by abbreviation TAP)

Medal riband fitted with a two-pronged mounting pin, or 'Epingle', as worn in the French styl...  read more

Code: 17964