Commemorative Medal For The Bombardment Of Mogador By The Prince Of Joinville, 1844

A beautiful copper medal from the July Monarchy, commemorating the French expedition against Mogador (now Essaouira), led by François-Ferdinand-Philippe d’Orléans, Prince of Joinville (1818–1900).

On the obverse, a right-facing bust of the Prince of Joinville in naval uniform, with the inscription:
“FR. PH. L. M. FERD. D’ORLÉANS – PRINCE OF JOINVILLE,” and the signature “BORREL F.” beneath the bust.

On the reverse, a twelve-line inscription:
“THE FRENCH FLEET ATTACKS MOGADOR / AUGUST 15, 1844. / IT OVERWHELMS THE CITY AND ITS BATTERIES / AND TAKES POSSESSION OF THE ISLAND AND THE PORT. / H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF JOINVILLE, / COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION.”

Paris, 1844.
Copper, antique brown patina.
Diameter: approx. 52 mm.
Engraver: Valentin-Maurice Borrel.
Ref. Collignon 1383; Escandevoir 21.

In very fine condition, with an even patina and beautiful relief details.

This medal is part of a particularly interesting series dedicated to French operations against Morocco in 1844. The Prince of Joinville commanded the French squadron that bombarded Tangier on August 6, then Mogador on August 15.