French 2nd Empire, Legion of Honor, Medaille Militaire, Italy 1860, 1870-71 War, Medal & Document Group, POW Metz
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $850.00

Original era manufacture. A very complete grouping to a French Artillery NCO who served during the war in Italy in 1860, and the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71, becoming a Prisoner of War after the surrender of the Fortress of Metz in October of 1870.The lot includes the following; post 1870 Legion of Honor, Second Empire era Medaille Militaire, and the medal for the 1860 Italian Campaign. The documents include; document for the Legion of Honor dated 1878, document for the Medaille Militaire dated 1869, two original documents detailing his service with the Imperial Army of Napoleon III.The soldier concerned, was one Louis Philippe, who joined the 11th Artillery Regiment in 1851, was appointed Artificer in 1852, Brigadier in 1854 and Marechal-des Logis in 1856. He reenlisted for an additional 7 years in 1857.He received the Medaiile Militaire in 1869, likely for the 1869 Italian Campaign, re-enlisted for an additional three years in September 1870, entered into captivity along with the entire garrison of theFortress of Metz in October 1871.He was made a Knight (Chevalier) of the Legion of Honor in 1878, and retired from service in 1881. I added the French Franco-Prussian War campaign medal and veteran association medal to the grouping, and are included in the price. From my own collection.