France, Republic. A Minister of War Honour Medal, 1st Class in Gold
Item #EU15123
$450
Médaille d'honneur du ministère de la guerre. Instituted from 1885. In silver gilt, marked "1 ARGENT" and flanked by dual cornucopia hallmarks on the edge, engraver marked "H PONSCARME" on the obverse, inscribed in raised text "Mme V.J. COLLON 1919" on the reverse, measuring 27.7 mm in diameter, bruised, rosette on its original ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, inscribed "MINISTÈRE DE LA GUERRE" and "Mme J.J. COLLON 1919" on the lid, recessed medal bed, scuffing evident on the exterior edges and bottom, case better than very fine.
Footnote: Mrs. Collon, born Heitjcn (Virginie-Joséphine), a nurse volunteer, was first admitted to the Franco-Belgian Hospital at Antwerp, from the beginning of the hostilities, to the taking of that city by the enemy. As soon as she returned to France in 1915, she gave her devoted assistance to the Association of Frenchmen in Belgium, to help the returnees and to take over the hospital at the Grand Palais, where she filled the Nursing Assistants with zeal, confidence and skill worthy of all ages.