France, Iii Republic. A Medal For The War Wounded

(Médaille des blessés de guerre). Instituted in 1916. In bronze gilt with red enamels, measuring 34.8 mm (w) x 39 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, two red enamelled stars on its original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Medal for the War Wounded was originally a mere insignia in the form of an ribbon awarded for wounds received in the line of duty while facing an enemy. The insignia was established by the law of December 11, 1916, based on an idea by the nationalist writer Maurice Barrès. Although originally established as a temporary measure, the insignia survived for a century in some form or another. It could be awarded to wounded soldiers, prisoners of war, to Second World War deportees and internees from the French resistance and to soldiers wounded in more recent conflicts. A variety of unofficial medals in the form of a red enamelled star suspended by the same ribbon appeared very early on and although tolerated for wear by the authorities, were not official until recently.