France, Second Republic. A Medal for the Rescuers of the Seine and Oise, c.1870

(Sauveteurs de Seine et Oise) Instituted 1870. Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). An uniface navy medal in bronze gilt, with obverse centre featuring a delicate fortress with an intact dark-blue-enamelled sky, surrounding by a black-enamelled border with the inscription “Sauveteurs de Seine-et-Oise 1870” (Rescuers of the Seine and Oise), surrounded green-enamelled laurel wreath, and an anchor, measuring 34.15 mm (w) x 50.65 mm (h - inclusive integral ball suspension), with loss of green enamels, accompanied by original ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Medal for the Rescuers of the Seine and Oise was instituted in 1870, in recognition of the troops of French Rescuers who faceted an invading Prussian army at Oise in 1870.