PRE WW1 FRENCH COLONIAL CAMPAIGN MEDAL VIETNAM MADAGASCAR CLASPS ARMY MILITARY

Offered is an original French colonial campaign medal for Morocco service.

30mm wide circular silver medal with laterally-pierced knob and laurel wreath bar suspension; the face with a helmeted female head facing left representing the French Republic circumscribed ‘REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE’, signed at the base ‘GEORGES LEMAIRE’ (sculptor and engraver, 1853-1914); the reverse with a globe superimposed on a military trophy and circumscribed below ‘MÉDAILLE COLONIALE’, on original faded tired ribbon with silver 'COCHINCHINE' & 'NOSSI - BE' bars.

The medal was established on 26 July 1893 and awarded to military personnel who participated in operations in French colonies and protectorates. In all, there were 50 different campaign bars. It became defunct on 6 June 1962, being replaced by the Overseas Medal (Médaille d’Outre-Mer). A very good early example.