Summary
Verdun medal designed by S.E. Vernier, France, 1916.
Unofficial medal created to commemorate the heroism of Verdun's defenders. Originally intended to be "awarded to those who served on the Verdun front between 21 February 1916 and 2 November 1916, the medal was, in fact, awarded to those who served anywhere on the Argonne and St Mihiel sectors between 31 July 1914 and 11 November 1918. The original, and most commonly found, version was by Vernier but since supplies of this medal were inadequate, others created Verdun medals and at least seven versions of varying rarity are known".
Obverse Description
Bust of Marianne, the national emblem of the French Republic, facing right. She wears a helmet and holds a sword. Text reads: 'ON NE PASSE PAS' (They Shall not Pass) and 'S.E. VERNIER 1917'.
Reverse Description
Twin towered Porte Chausee in Verdun framed by laurel leaves. Text reads: 'VERDUN 21 FEVRIER 1916'.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1917 AD
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Issued By
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Artist
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Inscriptions
Obverse reads: "ON NE PASSE PAS" (They Shall not Pass) and in smaller text: "S.E. VERNIER 1917". Reverse reads: "VERDUN 21 FEVRIER 1916".
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Series
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Material
Bronze
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
37 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round
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References
References: [Link 1]
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Keywords