France: Colonial Medal (La Medaille Coloniale). Intermediary '1913' type official Paris Mint medal with single sided wreath suspension. With 1 x clasp (agrafe) 'Haut-Oubanghi'

The medal is of the official 'Intermediary' type by the Paris Mint, struck in 1913, with single sided suspension wreath and marked 'Argent' (silver) on rim with Paris Mint marks

This unofficial clasp denotes services in the 'Upper-Oubanghi' river area of Franch Congo, between circa 1890-1916

Reverse of the clasp (agrafe) bakcstrap with two hallmarks, one being a French silver assay mark or 'Poincon', the other being a makers mark

The formal development of French colonial involement in the 'Haut-Oubanghi' rever region was:

- 1903: Oubangii-Chari. Created as a demarcated territory, against encroachment by the Congo Free State (later Belgian Congo)
- 1910: French Equatorial Africa
- 1916: Became a French Colony
- 1937: Status changed to Overseas Territory
- 1958: Name changed to Central African Republic
- 1960: Independence of Central African Republic

A rare seen 'hallmarked' example of the unofficial clasp 'Haut-Oubanghi' for service in the French Congo

Condition: Toned GVF

Code: 25275