France China 1860 - Real or fake?

[TacHel]

I've had many conflicting opinions on my China medal due to the ball mount at the top (on another forum).

I would really really appreciate opinions of our GMIC experts.

Obverse & reverse

Close up of the signature

Mark on the reverse (crab)

[Bison]

Hi TacHel,

The mark cannot lie. The crab is used on the medals from the 1960's to replace the head of boar. The crab has been replaced in the 1970's by a head of Minerva.

You can find some information saying that the crab was used from 1838, which is true for the small silver pieces not made in Paris. Unfortunately, this crab is slightly different and never stamped on medals.

On the China medal, the early private model from Sacristain is showing a head of boar. Moreover, the top for the ring is not circular but oval.

Sorry for the bad news.

[TacHel]

No problem, I'd much rather have the straigth thruth.