French Médaille Militaire 1870 Pattern Medal Valeur et Discipline Ribbon

Vintage French Médaille Militaire, an example of the distinctive 1870 pattern used from the early Third Republic period and continuing in manufacture until 1951.

The Médaille Militaire is one of France's principal military decorations. Instituted in 1852, it was primarily awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers for distinguished military service and acts of bravery.

This example features the left-facing female personification of the French Republic within a gilt-coloured central medallion. The surrounding blue enamel bears the inscription:

REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE
1870

The central medallion is surrounded by a silver-coloured laurel wreath and suspended beneath the characteristic trophy-of-arms device.

The reverse carries the traditional motto:

VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE

The medal is accompanied by its characteristic yellow ribbon with green borders, with the suspension pin still present.

Condition:

Good vintage condition overall with general age-related wear, tarnishing, surface marks and patination to the metalwork.

The blue enamel remains attractive overall with some age-related wear visible. The yellow and green ribbon shows handling wear with some loose threads and fraying.

The suspension pin remains present.

Please study all photographs carefully for the exact condition.

Circa:

c.1870–1951.

The 1870-pattern design was introduced following the establishment of the French Republic. In 1951 it was decreed that newly manufactured Médaille Militaire insignia would no longer carry the date “1870”, making this an example of the earlier pattern.

Dimensions & Item Details:

• Decoration: French Médaille Militaire
• Pattern: 1870 pattern
• Obverse: REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE / 1870
• Reverse: VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE
• Yellow ribbon with green borders
• Suspension pin present
• Exact measurements: please add from the item