France Is this some kind a French unofficial medallion?

[Noor]

Hi guys,

I picked up this silver medallion during the weekend and I am not able to find out anything. However, its looks like French to me. Does some of you can advise me, before I let it go again (came as a part of the lot)?

Regards,

Timo aka Noor

[IrishGunner]

A few show up on French eBay. Definitely a medal for the Loire city of Nantes. No WWI history that I know of...site of Nazi atrocities in WWII.

Could have a religious connection with the Sacred Heart on it's lower edge. Motto is "Rather Die Than Betray".

Interesting piece, but can't find any military connection.

Edited September 25, 2011 by IrishGunner

[TacHel]

It's a religious medal from the city of Nantes, the 2 fellows on it are saint Rogatien and saint Donatien.

The inscription "plutôt mourir que trahir" translates into "death rather than betrayal". The medal isn't worth much to be honest with you...

[Veteran]

TacHel is right. This badge (I would not think it is an award of any kind) could have been worn by a group of pilgrims from the diocese of Nantes in Western France;

A few collectors of such items do exist and a book on french religious awards and badges was published some time ago (sorry, the name escapes my mind)..

Veteran