Saint Helena Medal In Its Box, Model 1857, Bronze Model, Second Empire.

SAINT HELENA MEDAL IN ITS BOX, model 1857, bronze model, Second Empire. 27123 Obverse showing the profile of Emperor Napoleon I, reverse bearing the text: “Campaigns from 1792 to 1815. To his companions in glory, his last thought, May 5, 1821”, upper part in the shape of an imperial crown. Green silk ribbon with red vertical stripes. This bronze medal is worn in the buttonhole, suspended from a green and red ribbon with very narrow stripes 21 mm wide. Because of the patina of the bronze, it is nicknamed “the chocolate medal”. Diameter: 3.1 cm Cardboard box with lid covered with glossy white paper bearing in relief the Imperial Eagle and the inscription “To the companions in glory of Napoleon I - Decree of August 12, 1857”. France. Second Empire. Good condition, ribbon sunned. NOTE: Considered the first French "commemorative medal" for veterans of the campaigns of the First Empire, designed and made by the sculptor Désiré-Albert Barre. It is estimated that approximately 405,000 soldiers of Napoleon's Grande Armée (French, Belgians, Danes, Irish, etc.) received it. The figures are approximate due to the disappearance of the archives in the fire at the Palace of the Legion of Honor during the Commune.