Three French Medals

In die struck bronze, obverse illustrating the left-facing bust of Benjamin Franklin, inscribed "BENJAMIN" at the left, "FRANKLIN" at the right and engraver marked "CAQUE F." (Armand-Auguste Caqué) below, reverse inscribed in Latin "NATUS BOSTONIAE IN AMERICA FOEDERATA AN. M. DCC. VI. OBIIT AN. M. DCC. XC. / SERIES NUMISMATICA UNIVERSALIS VIRORUM ILLUSTRRIUM. M.DCCC.XVIII." and marked "DURAND EDIDIT" (Pierre Amédée Durand), 40.8 mm, edge nicks, contact marks, very fine. Footnote: Pierre Amédée Durand produced a series of medals of famous men beginning in 1817, enlisting various well-known engravers in the process. The initial medals in the series were struck at the French Mint Administration (1817-1826). These medals have no inscription or stampings on the edge. Durand later took his medals to the Munich Mint. These medals have "MONACHII" on their rim. Durand returned again to the French Mint Administration between 1844 and 1846 for new strikes and re-strikes, although these medals have the stamp of the French Mint and "CUIVRE" (copper).

War Cross 1914-1918 (bronze, reduced size, blank reverse, 23.2 mm, original ribbon with pinback); and War Cross 1939-1945 (bronze, "1939-1945" reverse, replacement ribbon, 37.5 mm, green oxidation evident on the edges). Near extremely fine.

Silver, 30 mm, light contact, extremely fine.

A First War French Verdun Medal - In bronze, measuring 29mm, with VERDUN clasp on ribbon, extremely fine.