Military Medal (1848-1852), Silver Medal

SKU: 02.FRA.0140.101.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Silver Medal (Silver) Obverse
  • Silver Medal (Silver) Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    France
  • date of institution
    January 22, 1852

History


The Military Medal was created on January 22, 1852 by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. It is second only to the Order of the Legion of Honour in the modern order of precedence.

It was motivated by a need to restore equality to military decorations in France. Over time, the Legion of Honour had become a decoration for Officers, seldom awarded to troops. In addition, ever since Veteran’s Medal (Medal of the Two Swords) was discontinued, there was no reward for a long military career. The French military campaigns in the second half of the nineteenth century quickly established the prestige the Military Medal.

It is awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers, Corporals, Brigadiers, soldiers and sailors for long service and acts of bravery.

The first version has the tail of the surmounting eagle extended onto the reverse medallion. Both versions have a reverse inscription that translates to “Valour and Discipline.”

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Versions

  • Price

    $765-1100 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: LOUIS NAPOLEON Rev: VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE

  • Size

    28mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This medal was engraved by Desiré-Albert Barre.

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  • Price

    $250-345 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: LOUIS NAPOLEON Rev: VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE

  • Size

    26x42mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This medal was engraved by Desiré-Albert Barre.

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  • Price

    $320 USD

  • Composition

    Silver/Enamelled

  • Inscription

  • Size

    48mm x 26.5mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This medal was engraved by Desiré-Albert Barre.

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Miniatures

  • Price

    $135-200+ USD

  • Size

    12-18x23-27mm

  • Composition

    Silver/Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Remarks

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