France July Monarchy. A July Medal, Silver Grade, c.1840

Médaille de Juillet. Instituted in 1831. In silver, engraved ""DONNÉ PAR LE ROI DES FRANÇAIS"" (Given by the King of the French) on the deg, inverted, measuring 32.5 mm in diameter, dark patina, edge nicks, bruised, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The July Medal is an honourary decoration envisioned by Louis-Philippe I, to thank those who helped him overthrow Charles X and establish a constitutional monarchy, the July Monarchy. Two awards were created for the citizens who stood out during the Three Glorious Days (July 27, 28 and 29, 1830): the July Cross and the July Medal. The July Medal was created by the ordinance of May 13, 1831. It was intended to be rewarded to ""the citizens who performed acts of courage during these days, but whose dedication to the cause of freedom did not justify the awarding of the July Cross"". The medal was awarded with a diploma to 3,763 holders. Unlike the holders of the July Cross, those of the medal did not have to swear allegiance to the King and the Charter.

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.