Description

44mm wide yellow, red and orange enamel cross quadrate fichée imposed on a gilt Maltese cross decussate, on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the reverse plain with a circular central medallion inscribed ‘CONFEDERATION EUROPEENNE DES ANCIENS COMBATTANTS’, with maker’s mark ‘LR Paris’; age oxidisation and loss of gilding to the Maltese cross; on original ribbon of the European Union.

The Confederation was recognised as of public interest by the French government on 19 April 1962 and is recognised by the Council of Europe in a consultative role. Its aim is to strengthen links between both former allies and enemies in Europe, to foster peace, security, co-operation and friendship and to defend human rights. During the height of the Cold War it acted as a point of contact between the opposing sides and was amongst the leading proponents of the Helsinki Accords. In recent years it has worked to ease the path of the former Soviet bloc countries into a united Europe.