Monaco, Kingdom. A Medal Of Honour For Work With Case Of Issue, C.1923

A circular bronze medal, the obverse centre bears the left facing head portrait of Prince Louis II circumscribed with “LOVIS II PRINCE DE MONACO 17 JANVIER 1923” (LOUIS II PRINCE OF MONACO 17 JANUARY 1923), the reverse bears a laurel and oak open ended wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom, superimposed with the name of recipient “PAUL RIGNAULT” circumscribed with “PRINCIPAVTE DE MONACO HONNEVR TRAVAIL” (PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO HONOUR WORK), measuring 30.36 mm (w) x 42.61 mm (h), weighing 16.7 g, laurel wreath integral loop , on a white ribbon with thin red stripes; case is brown exterior with gilt cipher of Louis II on the top, push button latch, interior lid of light fabric with gilt Monaco coat of arms with “BRONFORT BIJOUTIER - JOAILLIER FOURNISSEUR BREVETÉ DE S.A.S LE PRINCE DE MONACO MONACO” (BRONFORT BIJOUTIER - JEWELER PATENTED SUPPLIER OF S.A.S THE PRINCE OF MONACO MONACO), dark blue felt recessed medal bed, very fine.

Footnote: The Médaille du Travail was instituted by Prince Louis II by Sovereign Ordinance No. 284 of 6 December 1924 and is intended to reward faithful service in work. The date 17 January 1923 is that of the ascension of Prince Louis II to the Monegasque throne. Monaco is second-smallest independent state in the world with a population of about 32,400 and, as a result, all its decorations are scarce.