Louis-napoléon Bonaparte Medal – Paris-dijon Railroad, 1851 – Case Featuring The Imperial Coat Of Arms

Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte Medal – Paris-Dijon Railroad 1851 – Case bearing the imperial coat of arms

A beautiful, large-sized commemorative medal in silver-plated copper, produced to mark the inauguration of the Paris–Dijon railroad on June 1, 1851, by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, then President of the Republic.

On the obverse, a profile portrait of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte facing left, surrounded by the inscription “LOUIS NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE.” The engravers’ signatures, Andrieu and Barre, appear below the bust.
On the reverse, a commemorative inscription marking the inauguration of the line, attended notably by officials from the Paris–Lyon Railway Company. This medal bears witness to the development of France’s major railway lines in the mid-19th century.

On the edge, the inscription “CUIVRE” accompanied by the hand mark, indicating an original strike by the Monnaie de Paris, rather than a later re-strike of the cornucopia.

The medal is presented in a beautiful square case made of red morocco leather, adorned on the lid with the grand imperial coat of arms of Napoleon III, gilded with iron, and framed by gilded and cold-embossed borders. The interior is lined with purple velvet. The case is very interesting.

Condition: The medal has an antique patina with traces of oxidation on the silver plating. It does not appear to have been cleaned.
The case retains a beautiful appearance despite wear on the morocco leather, particularly on the corners and edges. The hinges are damaged; handle with care. Wear and small tears in the interior lining are visible in the photographs.

Dimensions: Medal diameter: 6.8 cm.

Period: Medal from 1851

Shipping and payment: Fast and careful shipping within France and Europe. Other destinations available upon request. Payment by check issued in mainland France only, bank transfer, or PayPal.