France, King Louis XVI. A Chateau Thierry District Loyalty Medal, c.1789

In bronze gilt, obverse illustrating an elongated octagonal box with the inscription over two lines ""LA NATION / LA LOY"" (The Nation / The Law), the third line obscured but originally having read ""LE ROY"" (The King), backed by two staffs, an all-seeing eye above backed by emanating rays, dated ""1789"" below the box, all within an open-ended wreath of oak leaves, a ribbon tied at the wreath's base, beaded border, reverse engraved with the inscription ""FORCE A LA LOY"" (Force to the Law) within a circular border with a snake's head, backed by crossed staffs, with a sideways fasces below, surrounded by the engraved inscription ""DISTRICT DE CHATEAU THIERRY"" (Chateau Thierry District), beaded border, 64.5 mm, missing its ring suspension, contact marks, spotting, very fine.

Footnote: Following the convocation of the French General Assembly in May 1789, members of the Third Estate of France, i.e. Commoners, took control and proceeded to carry out protests and assaults marking the beginning of the French Revolution. Fueled by anger over government taxation schemes, the majority of citizens resented the privilege of the nobility and clergy. This medal was conferred during this initial year of unrest to French citizens of Château-Thierry (an arrondissement of France in the historic Province de Champagne) who remained loyal to King Louis XVI. It is one of 64 towns to have received the Legion of Honour. The obverse of the medal is inscribed with ""LA NATION LA LOY LE ROI"" to recognize ""THE NATION THE LAW THE KING"".

An attempt was made with this medal to obscure and/or remove the words ""THE KING"". This can be attributed to either a recipient of the award changing their allegiance during the course of the revolution or a Revolutionary desecrating an award issued by the monarchy. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.