France: Medal of Honour for Mutual Benefit (Medaille D'Honneur De La Mutualite). Gold issue with silk rosette. Fifth type reverse

With Paris Mint 'Cornucopia' logo and 'BR' metal mark indented on flat edge of the rim

The medal was created by decrees in March 1852, as a 'Medal of Honour' to reward directors, and members of 'Friendly Societys' for exceptional services

An award with a rather convoluted history, not least as the medals were not officially worn until 1898. The three grades of awar...  read more

Code: 21057

France (Society): Grand Cross breast star with central legend 'Vivre et Sourire Civique'. Silver, gilt & enamel

The breast star with reverse fittings including vertical hinged pin and clasp, together with 2 x fastening hooks

A most attractive award, the design inspired by the Belgian colonial 'Royal Order of the Lion' that had been awarded for service in the Belgian Congo

Condition: EF  read more

Code: 21050

France: Order of Blood Merit 'Officer' class with silk rosette on riband (la Croix de Officier du Merite Sang)

The French Federation of Voluntary Blood Donors (Fédération Française pour le Don de Sang Bénévole, or FFDSD) was created in 1949. The association's website and history can be seen at:

- https://ffdsb.org/

The association has been awarding medals to Blood Donors since the 1950's. In 1962, the French Federation of Volunteer Blood Donors (FFDSB) created an "Order of ...  read more

Code: 21048

France (Society): Medal of the Republican Society for the Encouragement of Devotion to Service (Médaille de la Société Républicaine d’Encouragement au Devouement, argent). Silver issue. Named and dated (Molle J.B. 1952)

The Société Républicaine d’Encouragement au Devouement was established in 1910, with the virtuous aims of; giving an example of devotion to duty and public service, to defend moral values and promote initiatives to encourage bravery, service and altruism and especially the defence of the vulnerable, particularly young people. The society awards medals to recognise accomplishments in these areas...  read more

Code: 21046

France (Society): Medal of the Republican Society for the Encouragement of Devotion to Service (Médaille de la Société Républicaine d’Encouragement au Devouement, vermeil). Gold (vermeil) issue

The Société Républicaine d’Encouragement au Devouement was established in 1910, with the virtuous aims of; giving an example of devotion to duty and public service, to defend moral values and promote initiatives to encourage bravery, service and altruism and especially the defence of the vulnerable, particularly young people. The society awards medals to recognise accomplishments in these areas...  read more

Code: 21045

France: Madagascar Medal (1st Expedition) 1883-1886 (Medaille Du Madagascar 1883-86). 1st Type medal

An original 1st Type Medal with 'Olive' suspension and Paris Mint 'Cornucopia' and 'Engraver' marks on either side of reverse field

The silver medal fitted with the original silk 'moire' riband

Condition: Toned EF  read more

Code: 20816

France: War Cross for Exterior Theatres of Operation (Croix de Guerre des Theatres d'Operations Exterieurs (T.O.E.). With 1 x 'Bronze Palm' citation emblem

The original silk riband fitted with;

- 1 x Bronze Palm: Indicating 1 x Citation at Army level

Important: The CDG TOE was never awarded for service in the World Wars, and was never awarded to Allied Forces. The decoration was exclusively reserved for award to French and French Colonial personnel for services many (but not all) specified colonial wars in the inter-...  read more

Code: 20785

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