Bonjour/Bonsoir Chacun:



New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France. The 27mm Medal of Honor was issued in five classes, gold with a rosette on the ribbon, vermeil with a silver suspension, silver with a silver suspension, silver and bronze. The ribbon is a traditional French tri-color (blue, white, and red). The obverse reads REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE and the stylized reverse reads NOUVELLE CALEDONIE curved around the top edge. A stylized cartouche for engraving the recipient’s name is also provided in the upper portion of the reverse.



N'importe lequel de vous a appris des membres du forum savent le statut de cette médaille ? Distillateur est-elle publiée ? A-t-elle été remplacée par une médaille nationale ? Cette médaille dans ma collection semble être une médaille en bronze de classe avec une suspension en bronze ?



Dans l'amitié, Dragonmaster

Hello,
My medals


Regards
Cuss

Dear Cuss:

Most beautiful.



Regards, D

Hello Dragonmaster

This series of medals is extemely scarce. Strangely, no named specimen seems to have come to light.
Could well have never been awarded, possibly a trial striking. Besides Cussonneau's lovely set, I have one and very few others are known.
You are right to think that your specimen is the "bronze level". In fact, all medals known to date seem to be struck in bronze with a coating of silver or gold according to the level intended to be honored.

To my knowledge, no formal decree of creation has emerged. On the other hand, I am not sure it has been much researched.

Best regards
Vétéran

Bonsoir Veteran

The medals of Cuss are extremely impressive. I, too, have only seen my poor little bronze non-attributed specimen prior to this day. I feel fortunate that it has even crossed my path. I recall asking M. Marc C. about it, but I believe at the time as I recall it came as "news to him."

Regards, D

Hello
5th class BRONZE on rim with other big hallmark not identified
4th class NOTHING perhaps bronze coating of silver
3th class hallmark AB et Cie on rim
2nd class ARGENT on rim with boar head and AB et Cie hallmark
1st class ARGENT on rim and AB et cie hallmark
Regards
cuss

Good morning Dragonmaster

This is becoming even more interesting, since Cussonneau has given further information about the medals in his collection.
I went and took a look at mine (silver second class grade) and much to my surprise, I found the "cornucopia" halmark of the Paris Mint with the BRONZE additionnal mark. Which would mean it was struck both by Arthus-Bertrand, the famous Paris manufacturer, but also at the Mint.

The reverse also bears the legend : A. DESAIDE. EDIT. at 6/7 o'clock near the rim, which does not seem to appear on the very good picture you sent. I am not sure it appears either on Cussonneau's medals, but I have no doubt he will tell us about that.

What can you see on the rim of your medal ? Arthus Bertrand triangular hallmark or the Paris Mint cornucopia?

Vétéran

Mon cher Veteran

My bronze example is quite worn, but it does bear a faint Cornucopia mark and " RONZE" with the "B" apparently worn away.



I cannot get a really adequate scan. There is also something beneath the effigy of the Republic, but again it worn and very, very faint. I am unable to discern it clearly even with my super-duper magnifying glass.

Perhaps Cuss can get a better image when time permits.

Regards, D