#20 • Medals and Jetons Related to the Napoleonic Wars

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

High bid $275.00

Status: Sold

Medals and Jetons Related to the Napoleonic Wars. Collection of 7 French medals and jetons related to the Napoleonic Wars including; 1.) Miniature First Empire Legion of Honor medal measuring 20mm. Medal exhibits only two small crazes in white enameling of arms of cross with no enamel loss on wreath or in blue enameled medallion surrounds on both obverse and reverse. Medal lacks ribbon. 2.) French Imperial eagle medal with similarities to St. Helena medal. Medal is crude cast and measures 40mm x 24mm and exhibits ring suspension. Reverse of medal is impressed “IL33:3”. Medal exhibits crude coloring with loss. Medal present blue ribbon with safety pin type pin for wear on uniform or coat. 3.) Russian Brass Jeton (35mm) commemorating the entry of the Allies into Paris following Napoleon’s defeat dated 1814. Obverse features uniformed busts of Alexander I (at top), Francis I (at right), and Friedrich Wilhelm III (on left). Reverse shows troops entering Paris through the Porte Saint-Martin. Jeton exhibits significant wear, loss of silvering and has been holed at top for wear as medal. Medal presents black and yellow ribbon (heavy wear). 4.) Brandenburg/Prussia Brass Jeton (32mm) commemorating the Battle of Waterloo. Obverse features uniformed busts of Duke of Wellington (at left) and General Von Blucher (at right). Reverse shows troops at battle with town in background. Jeton exhibits significant wear, loss of silvering and would grade Fair/Almost Good. 5.) Early 19th century French insignia worn by veterans of the Wars of the 1st Empire under Napoleon being a French Imperial eagle medal with no crown. Medal measures 28mm x 27mm and exhibits ring suspension. Medal presents red ribbon (worn, splitting and fading. 6.) Early 19th century French insignia worn by veterans of the Wars of the 1st Empire under Napoleon being a French Imperial eagle medal with crown. Medal measures 36mm x 22mm and exhibits ring suspension. Medal presents red ribbon (worn and fading) with English manufactured top bar with eagle and laurel leaf design presenting patent date on reverse of 1856. 7.) A 20th century shield badge of the coat of arms of Paris with enameled highlights and enameled Legion of Honor at bottom edge. Badge measures 65mm x 40mm, Reverse of badge presents clip and names of designers of badge (A.H. Gillot and P. Brandt). Estimate: $500 - $800 Historical Background: Medals and jetons related to the Napoleonic Wars encompass a wide range of decorations, awards, and commemorative pieces issued during the period of 1799 to 1815, primarily by the French Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte and the various kingdoms and states allied with or opposed to him. The most famous of these is the Napoleonic Legion of Honour, established in 1802, which recognized outstanding services to France, military or civil. Other notable creations included the Order of the Three Golden Fleeces and the Order of the Reunion, established by Napoleon to further consolidate his control and reward loyalty across his expanding empire. Beyond French decorations, many of the Napoleonic Kingdoms, such as Westphalia, also instituted their own orders and medals to solidify their new monarchical identities and recognize local service. These items are highly significant historical artifacts, reflecting the political, military, and social complexities of the era. Jetons, often used as commemorative tokens or internal currency, and medals, serving as official awards, provide insight into the specific campaigns, battles, and alliances of the Napoleonic Wars. Rulers in states like Bavaria, with the Orders of Saint Hubert and Maximilian-Joseph, and Baden, with the Order of Military Merit, used these decorations to honor military excellence and maintain political ties, making the collection of Napoleonic-era decorations a rich study in European history, heraldry, and numismatics.