Netherlands, French Empire. A Medal for the Siege of Naarden, Silver Medal, by D. HEUS F., c.1814

Napoleonic Period. Constructed of silver, a Napoleonic medal for the resistance of the Siege of Naarden, obverse inscribed BELEG VAN NAARDEN 1814 (Naarden Siege 1814) encircled by an engraved laurel wreath, the reverse with the inscription HULDE VAN DE HOOFCOMMISSIE TE AMSTERDAM (Grace from the High Commission at Amsterdam), also with surrounded laurel wreath, measuring 22.40 mm (w) x 27.53 mm (h- inclusive integral ring), featuring stamp of D. HEUS F., ring hallmarked by early Dutch hallmark denoting antique silver duty mark dating from annexation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by the Empire of France, hallmarked as well by late proof Dutch hallmark (1953-) symbolising silver fineness of .835, toned silver, accompanied by replaced ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: During the Napoleonic era (1795 – 1814) Naarden was captured without a fight by the French General MacDonald. The French occupiers didn’t do much to strengthen Naarden. They just built a bombproof hospital in one of the bastions. The garrison was strengthened and prepared for a long siege. Dutch troops and irregulars commanded by General Krayenhoff lay siege to Naarden and commenced bombarding the town. The French commander, General Guétard de la Porte, notwithstanding the heavy shelling, didn’t surrender. Only after Napoleon had abdicated, De la Porte did surrender Naarden on 12 May 1814 and left town with military honors with 1100 men.