Commemorative Medal of the Italian Campaign 1859 (Médaille commémorative de la campagne d'Italie 1859). Instituted in 1859 (in silver, engraver marked "BARRE" on the obverse, measuring 30.8 mm in diameter, original ribbon, spotting, contact marks); and Expedition to Mexico Commemorative Medal 1862-1865 (Médaille commémorative de l'expédition du Mexique 1862-1865). Instituted in 1863 (in silver, engraver marked "BARRE" on the obverse, hallmarked with an eagle's head on the reverse, measuring 30.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon, pitting, contact marks). Very fine.
Accompanied by four Documents:
1. French Empire Expedition to Mexico Commemorative Medal Award Document (named to Fusilier (Rifleman) Michel Bonastre, dated June 15, 1864 at Angers, personalized inscriptions in handwritten black ink, Ministry of War registration numbered "27864", Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour registration numbered "25,251", embossed stamp of the Minister of War, along with the 51st Regiment of the Line and the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour stamps in blue ink, printed in black ink, on a white parchment stock, measuring 203 mm (w) x 312 mm (h), fold marks, edge wear, soiled).
2. 51st Infantry Regiment of the Line Good Conduct Certificate (named to Grenadier Michel Bonastre, dated May 31, 1867 at Angers, stating that he began his service with the regiment on November 1, 1840, personalized inscriptions in handwritten black ink, the 51st Infantry Regiment of the Line Administrative Council, the General Commander of the 2nd Sub Division of the 15th Military Division, along with a third undisciperale stamp in blue ink, printed in black ink, on a thin white paper stock, measuring 193 mm (w) x 282 mm (h), fold marks, tearing, tattered, soiled).
3. French Empire 12th Military Division Departmental Recruitment and Reserve Depot Release Document (named to 1055 Grenadier Michel Bonastre, dated December 31, 1867 at Montauban, France, embossed stamp of the Minister of War, along with the General Commandant of the 12th Military Division, the Commandant of the 2nd Sub Division of the 42nd Military Division, and the Military Intendant at Taisson stamps in blue ink, the Commandant of the Departmental Recruitment and Reserve Depot in black ink, printed in black ink, on a thin white paper stock, measuring 416 mm (w) x 265 mm (h), fold marks, edge wear, soiled).
4. 51st Infantry Regiment Enlisted Man's Booklet (to 1055 Michel Bonastre, dated August 20, 1861 at Salins, France, personalized inscriptions in handwritten black ink, most of which are under the heading "Compte de la Masse Individuelle" (Individual Mass Account), eight pages of instructions and illustrations at the back, the booklet with 48 pages plus cover, printed in black ink, on a newsprint-like stock, string-bound, measuring 110 mm (w) x 167 mm (h), exhibiting light soiling on the text within, the cover heavily soiled).
Footnote:
1. The Commemorative Medal of the Italian Campaign 1859 was instituted on August 11, 1859 and awarded for service in the Italian Campaign of 1859. \
2. The Expedition to Mexico Commemorative Medal was instituted on August 29, 1863 and awarded for service in the Mexican Expedition of 1862-1863.
3. The 51st Infantry Regiment (51st RI) is an infantry regiment of the French Army created during the Revolution from the La Sarre regiment, a French regiment of the Ancien Régime. By decree of May 2, 1859, the 51st Infantry Regiment provided one company to form the 101st Line Infantry Regiment. It was sent to Rome as part of the occupation body between 1860 and 1862. This was followed by their departure for Mexico in 1862, as part of the Expeditionary Force, taking part in the entire campaign until 1867. The French units involved in this expedition include: the 7th, 51st, 62nd, 81st, 95th and 99th Infantry of the Line Regiments; the 1st, 7th, 18th and 20th Foot Regiments.