#52 • French Tonkin Medal (1885) Army Issue and French Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $140.00

Status: Sold

French Tonkin Medal (1885) Army Issue and French Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal French Vietnam related campaign medals including: 1.) French Tonkin Campaign Medal (1885) for Army issue with only 6 battle honors listed on reverse. This medal was awarded to recognize military service between 1883-1895 in Annam Tonkin, and China (now Vietnam). Medal exhibits some wear and even toning (darker on reverse). Medal presents correct ribbon. 2.)French Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal (1945-54) with 2 unofficially worn campaign bars being "TONKIN" and "DIEN BIEN PHU". Medal exhibits some wear and even toning. Medal presents correct ribbon. Estimate: $150 - $200 Historical Background: The French Tonkin Medal (1885), officially known as the Tonkin Expedition commemorative medal, was established on September 6, 1885, by France. It was awarded for participation in the Tonkin campaign and the Sino-French War between 1883 and 1885. The medal was bestowed upon soldiers and sailors, and the army issue typically had six battle honors. The award of the medal was later extended to include operations that took place as late as 1895, with a total of 97,300 recipients. The French Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal is a distinct campaign medal awarded for ninety days of service between August 16, 1945, and July 27, 1954, during the Indochina War. Established on August 1, 1953, the medal was presented by France to French citizens and foreign nationals fighting under the French flag. The ninety-day minimum service was waived for personnel injured or mentioned in dispatches during the campaign. The ribbon suspension ring was adorned with a bronze twisted dragon.