France, Third Republic. A Medal for the Vanquishers of the Bastille in 1789

(Centenary 1889 Issue). Instituted in 1791, re-issued to veterans in 1832 and re-issued again in 1889, to celebrate the centenary of the event. In bronze, cornucopia hallmarked and marked ""BRONZE"" on the edge, obverse illustrating a severed chain, part of which is suspended from a ring above, the remainder of the chain below looped around an open lock, with two balls immediately to the left, surrounded by the inscription ""LA LIBERTE CONQUISE LE 14 JUILLET 1789"", reverse illustrating an upward-pointing sword penetrating a wreath of laurel leaves, surrounded by the inscription ""IGNORANT NE DATOS NE QUISQUAM SERVIAT ENSES"", measuring 26.5 mm (w) x 36.5 mm (h), spotting on the reverse, original ribbon, near extremely fine. 

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.