Circa 1910s, WW1 Era. This antique French commemorative medal dates to the World War I era and features a portrait of Joseph Joffre, one of France’s most prominent military leaders during WWI. The reverse depicts a French field cannon with the inscription “Notre 75,” a reference to the iconic French 75mm artillery gun, along with the dates 1914–15.
Medal is made of porcelain and has gold accents on the General's side, possibly hand decorated. I have paired it with a vintage gold-filled spring ring, allowing it to be worn as a charm or pendant, or attached to a chain, bracelet, or watch fob.
Medal has a diameter of approximately 0.9 inch With spring ring, measures approximately 2 inches long. Weighs approximately 5.93 grams, in its entirety.
In good condition. Please note that spring ring has some bending/damage but is still fully functional. Porcelain medal has some minimal crazing, as to be expected with age & wear, but no noticeable chips or cracks. Please see all photos.
This is a rare medal, as I'm unable to find any similar online apart from more mass produced metal medals. Porcelain WWI commemorative medals are significantly rarer than standard stamped metal examples, as they were more fragile and produced in smaller quantities.
More History: Joseph Joffre (1852–1931) was a pivotal French Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the French Army during the opening years of World War I (1914–1916). Nicknamed "Papa Joffre," he is best known for organizing the Allied victory at the pivotal First Battle of the Marne in 1914, halting the German advance.
