Posted 7 years ago
ElaineVanH…
(4 items)
I purchased this medal at an estate sale about 20 years ago and have just held onto it. It is so beautiful, but I know nothing about it. Measures 3" tall and 2 3/4" at the widest point. Has an impression(side view) in the middle of a man in an almost confederate look, and jacket. There is an Eagle with wings spread around the edge of the mans' portrait. A rope style surrounds that and it is set on top of the shield shaped badge. If any one can assist me in identifying it, I would certainly appreciate it.
Your medal is a fantasy piece, costume.
The "badge" is from a theater piece of Edmond Rostand "L'aiglon" with the famous actress Sarah BERNHARDT dressed as a man to play the role of Napoleon's son.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Aiglon
See there, (Use translator, it is in french...)scroll to the middle of page:
http://placedelours.superforum.fr/t9102-bouton-aiglon
Welcome to CW :-)
Kyra, I have a stickpin of the exact same image!!
THe medal also has a one inch wide bookmark style chain, that is attached to the top. There are 8 links, total measurement 4 1/4" long. If this was a costume piece, they went to a lot of trouble an expense to make it. the links in the chain are all engraved. Just beautiful !
"Costume" is not pejorative!
High end makers did wonderful pieces. :-D
I gave you the identification of the personage, (did you check the links?) and that to say your beautiful piece is not a military badge or medal...
You can upload up to 4 pics, back and the book chain part would be interesting to see! (Edit item, upload 2 more pics, then save item)
Thank you!
http://www.bmdt.be/forum/attachments/sarah_bernhardt_as_laiglon_1900.jpg