Medal of Honour for Acts of Devotion and Life Saving, Merchant Marine, I Class Gold Medal (stamped "CAQUÉ F" "PING,")

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 02.FRA.0143.203.01.001

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Attributes

  • Country
    France
  • Composition
    Gold
  • Inscription
    Obv: NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR Rev: MINISTERE DE LA MARINE [RECIPIENT DETAILS]
  • Version Remarks
    This version was engraved by Armand Auguste Caqué and Joseph Pingret.

History


The Medal of Honour for Acts of Devotion and Life Saving is among the longest conferred awards in French history, and it has undergone many changes in design and grades since its inception.

Life saving medals were awarded under Louis XIV and Louis XVI, however the first official decoration was not established until March 2, 1820. The instructions of September 18, 1956 and April 14, 1970 outline the current form of the award.

It is awarded for acts of courage during a rescue, and may be bestowed to individuals and whole units. Any person who risks his or her life to come to the rescue of one or many persons in danger, may be recognized with the medal.

The Medal of Honour for Acts of Devotion and Life Saving is classified into three types according the division that bestowed it. Type I Medals were awarded by the Ministry of the Navy; Type II Medals were awarded by the Merchant Marine; and Type III Medals were awarded by the Ministry of the Interior.

In Type II (Merchant Marine), the Medal was first instituted in 1833, when it was awarded by the Ministry of Commerce and Public Works.

The Medal is awarded to civilians for life saving acts at sea. It is classified into seven types according the government under which it was awarded.

Type II Medals were awarded by the Ministry of the Navy and the Ministry of the Navy and Colonies. Beginning in 1849, first and second classes were introduced to each grade. The I Class Medals had laurel branch clasps in gold or silver.

Type II Medals (Merchant Marine) are classified into three types; Type I (1820-1848) includes the first two grades, Type II (1848-1870) includes four grades Medals, and Type III includes the grades since 1870.

The Type II Medals have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic.” The reverse inscription varies according to the awarding Ministry. The inscription “MINISTERE DE LA MARINE” translates to “Ministry of the Navy,” and the inscription “MARINE ET COLONIES ” translates to “Navy and Colonies.”

There may be versions which vary in size or in the design of the wreath on the obverse.

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