FRANCE – Patriotic Commemorative Medal for Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, 1852
kr 400.00
In stock
Description
FRANCE – Patriotic Commemorative Medal for Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, 1852
(Médaillette patriotique de Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte / Retour du Président à Paris, 16 octobre 1852)
Issued in connection with the ceremonial return of President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte to Paris on 16 October 1852, this patriotic medalet commemorates one of the decisive moments preceding the establishment of the French Second Empire. Louis-Napoléon, nephew of Emperor Napoleon I, had been elected President of the French Republic in 1848 and gradually consolidated political power before proclaiming himself Emperor Napoleon III on 2 December 1852. His triumphal entry into Paris in October was accompanied by extensive public celebrations and open calls for the restoration of the Empire.
The medalet is struck in brass or a similar yellow copper alloy and is fitted with an integral pierced suspension loop, allowing it to be worn as a political or patriotic badge. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Louis-Napoléon surrounded by the inscription “LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.” A small maker’s inscription appears beneath the portrait, although it is now partly obscured by wear.
The reverse bears the inscription “LA VILLE DE PARIS A LOUIS NAPOLEON – 16 8BRE 1852 – EMPEREUR,” translating as “The City of Paris to Louis-Napoléon – 16 October 1852 – Emperor.” In nineteenth-century French inscriptions, “8bre” was commonly used as an abbreviation for October. The use of the title “Empereur” is particularly significant, as Louis-Napoléon had not yet formally assumed the imperial crown when the event took place. The central design shows the Napoleonic eagle above a serpent and branch, symbolizing imperial authority, victory, and the restoration of political order.
Unlike an official military decoration, this piece was produced as a wearable commemorative and propaganda medalet for supporters of Louis-Napoléon and the Bonapartist cause. It reflects the carefully cultivated public enthusiasm that preceded the proclamation of the Second Empire and represents an evocative historical object from the final months of the French Second Republic.
Condition: Fine to Very Fine; clear portrait, eagle, inscriptions, and date; extensive age-related surface wear, scratches, patination, and areas of dark and green oxidation; maker’s inscription beneath the portrait partly worn; suspension loop intact. Overall condition consistent with period wear and long-term preservation.
