French 2nd Empire, Mexican Intervention Campaign Medal 1862/1863
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: $245.00

Original era manufacture. I love these old medals, they represent one of the more ambitious expeditions undertaken by Napoleon III during his reign. Being an attempt by France to establish a European influenced court in Mexico with the Emperor Maximillian on the throne. It ended in disaster for Maximillian, and an enormous expense for France.At any rate, these medals were awarded to the French soldiers and sailors who participated during this campaign. They are of silver and list the French victories on the reverse. The ribbon is an original with an embroidered eagle rather than a printed one.The ribbon shows wear but remains basically sound. The French involvement began in 1862 and ended in 1866 with their abandonment of Maximillian. Nearly 40,000 French soldiers served in Mexico, with 7,000 of them becoming casualties, including Maximillian who was executed by firing squad.Original ribbon is quite sound for display, silver patina finish to the medal.