France, Vichy Government. An (Etat Française) Vichycroix De Guerre, C.1944

France; Bronze, unmarked, "1944" reverse, 38.2 mm (w) x 45.5 mm (h) inclusive of its ball suspension, original ribbon, oxidation evident on the arm at 9 o'clock, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The "Unofficial French State" (Etat Française) Vichy War Cross (Croix de Guerre) has the double-bladed Vichy "francicsa" (axe) above the inscription "ETAT FRANCAIS" on the obverse centrepiece, while the reverse centrepiece is dated "1944", the date referring to the campaign that preceded the Allies Liberation of France. These were issued to Marshal Philippe Pétain's personal bodyguards, which had been raised in 1943. It is estimated that less than one hundred of these crosses were manufactured. After the collapse of the Vichy Government and the subsequent post-liberation, it was forbidden to wear the cross.