France Unknown French Fireman's Medal - Help Please

[John F.]

Hello, I picked up this French Fireman’s Medal up on eBay and was wondering what exactly it is; what it was awarded for; and what does it’s ribbon look like? I have been unsuccessfully in finding any reference to this medal in any reference books or dealer's web-sites. I normally like to know what I am buying, but with less than 2 hours before the auction was to end I found this medal to be too aesthetically pleasing to let it slip by.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

John

Edited March 7, 2012 by John F.

[JPL]

Hi John,

This is the "Medaille des Sapeurs-Pompiers" and was created 12 December, 1934. Comes in 3 classes - Bronze, Silver, Gold.

Here is a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9daille_d'honneur_des_Sapeurs_Pompiers

Jean-Paul

[Hendrik]

Hello John,

I believe the full title is "Médaille d'Honneur des Sapeurs-Pompier" and there are two types : the 1900 and the 1934 models. Yours is of the latter type.

That particular one was created in 3 classes : silver, silver-gilt and gold. Yours is the "gold" class (recognizable by the wreath - sometimes also described as a flame background - on top of its suspension).

Below is a picture of the "silver-gilt" class which also shows the ribbon for all three classes.

Edited March 7, 2012 by Hendrik

[Hendrik]

... and if you're wondering about award criteria :

Silver class : 20 years of service

Silver-gilt : 25 years

Gold : 30 years for volunteer firemen, 35 years for professional firemen

[John F.]

Hendrick,

Thank you for your detailed reply and time and effort! Now comes the hard part...finding a ribbon.

Thanks, again! ,

John

[Great Dane]

John,

I think you can still find this ribbon from time to time on the french eBay.

Worth a try.

/Michael

[Hendrik]

Hendrick,

Thank you for your detailed reply and time and effort! Now comes the hard part...finding a ribbon.

Thanks, again! ,

John

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