Saint Helena Medal (Médaille de Sainte-Hélène) (Napoleon)
€95,00
Original Saint Helena Medal (Médaille de Sainte-Hélène). This medal does have a wrong (unidentified) ribbon on it!
The Saint Helena Medal (Médaille de Sainte-Hélène) is a historic French commemorative decoration established by decree on 12 August 1857 by Emperor Napoleon III. It was awarded to all surviving veterans who had served in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars between 1792 and 1815.
The medal fulfilled a final wish expressed by Napoleon I in his will, written during his exile on Saint Helena in 1821. Funding for the medal came from his personal fortune, ensuring recognition for his former soldiers — the legendary “grognards”, known for their loyalty and enduring bond with the Emperor.
Historical Significance
This decoration represents one of the earliest large-scale veteran recognition medals in Europe:
-
Awarded to approximately 405,000 veterans
-
Around 185,000 medals were officially distributed and recorded
-
Open to soldiers of many nationalities who served under Napoleon, including French, Belgian, Dutch, German, Polish, and Italian veterans
-
Approximately 14,000 Belgian veterans received permission to wear the medal
Some of the last surviving recipients lived well into the late 19th century, making this medal a powerful symbol bridging the Napoleonic era and modern Europe.
Design & Characteristics
Designed by Désiré-Albert Barre, the medal is notable for its robust and distinctive appearance:
-
Material: Thick bronze (nicknamed the “chocolate medal” due to its color)
-
Obverse: Portrait of Napoleon I, surrounded by a laurel wreath
-
Reverse inscription:
“Campagnes de 1792 à 1815. À ses compagnons de gloire, sa dernière pensée, 5 mai 1821”
(“Campaigns of 1792 to 1815. To his companions in glory, his last thought, 5 May 1821”) -
Suspension: Surmounted by the French Imperial crown
The medal was presented in a box bearing a Napoleonic eagle and accompanied by a named diploma.
Ribbon
The decoration is worn on a green ribbon with narrow red stripes, a color scheme later echoed in the French Croix de Guerre 1914–1918.
A highly collectible and historically significant medal, prized by collectors of Napoleonic militaria and early veteran honors.
In stock
Original Saint Helena Medal (Médaille de Sainte-Hélène). This medal does have a wrong (unidentified) ribbon on it!
The Saint Helena Medal (Médaille de Sainte-Hélène) is a historic French commemorative decoration established by decree on 12 August 1857 by Emperor Napoleon III. It was awarded to all surviving veterans who had served in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars between 1792 and 1815.
The medal fulfilled a final wish expressed by Napoleon I in his will, written during his exile on Saint Helena in 1821. Funding for the medal came from his personal fortune, ensuring recognition for his former soldiers — the legendary “grognards”, known for their loyalty and enduring bond with the Emperor.
Historical Significance
This decoration represents one of the earliest large-scale veteran recognition medals in Europe:
-
Awarded to approximately 405,000 veterans
-
Around 185,000 medals were officially distributed and recorded
-
Open to soldiers of many nationalities who served under Napoleon, including French, Belgian, Dutch, German, Polish, and Italian veterans
-
Approximately 14,000 Belgian veterans received permission to wear the medal
Some of the last surviving recipients lived well into the late 19th century, making this medal a powerful symbol bridging the Napoleonic era and modern Europe.
Design & Characteristics
Designed by Désiré-Albert Barre, the medal is notable for its robust and distinctive appearance:
-
Material: Thick bronze (nicknamed the “chocolate medal” due to its color)
-
Obverse: Portrait of Napoleon I, surrounded by a laurel wreath
-
Reverse inscription:
“Campagnes de 1792 à 1815. À ses compagnons de gloire, sa dernière pensée, 5 mai 1821”
(“Campaigns of 1792 to 1815. To his companions in glory, his last thought, 5 May 1821”) -
Suspension: Surmounted by the French Imperial crown
The medal was presented in a box bearing a Napoleonic eagle and accompanied by a named diploma.
Ribbon
The decoration is worn on a green ribbon with narrow red stripes, a color scheme later echoed in the French Croix de Guerre 1914–1918.
A highly collectible and historically significant medal, prized by collectors of Napoleonic militaria and early veteran honors.
