Belgian WW1 Medals : National Restoration Medals 1914-18

Hello All,

The Medals of the National Restoration 1914-1918

Awarded to administrators, commissioners and all others, working in those institutions and official organisations that were established to repair the material as well as human war damages, for meritorious services.
This medal was instituted, as a bronze gilt medal, on 22 May 1928. The obverse shows a woman (representing Belgium), holding flowers, against a background of a city with a tower being repaired. The reverse depicts the ruins of Ypres with the dates "1914" and "1918" and in a panel underneath, embellished by two oak leaves, the text : "SOUVENIR DE LA RESTAURATION NATIONALE" (In remembrance of the national restoration). The ribbon is red with two light blue stripes.

The above description of the reverse having only a French language legend stems from the Borné book and is probably incorrect. I've so far encountered two types : one is a metal, ungilded medal with the same obverse and reverse but has a bilingual inscription (the Flemish translation of the French original inscription has been added : "AANDENKEN VAN DE NATIONALE HERSTELLING") on the reverse panel. The same medal - i.e. with a bilingual inscription - but with a gilt finish, is also found and bears the maker's name "Alf. Mauquoy" on the obverse. I believe the latter is the "correct" medal.

Best regards,
Hendrik

Dear Hendrik

Nice exhibition

I Looked mine and it is olsa marked "Alf. Mauquoy" and is in the both languages. the medal is gilded.

see here the medal and some details

frontside

Backside

Guy

Dear Guy,

Thanks for the close-up pictures ! I do believe Mr. Borné made a slight mistake in his book with respect to the unilingual legend on the reverse. I've never seen such a medal so far.

Have a great day !
Hendrik