French comemmorative medal for Algeria

[landsknechte]

Can anyone tell the "vintage" of this medal? Contemporary? 1960's? Somewhere in between?

--Chris

[RPN]

Hi Chris

Some info from Byrne's book:

Created by a decree of 11 Jan 1958 ... awarded to over 2,000,000 French soldiers serving in North Africa from 1952 to 1962. Three bars issued: "Algerie", "Tunisie" and "Maroc" ... a later bar "Sahara" was added. There is a second model bearing teh inscription "Medaille Commemorative D'Afrique Du Nord".

Your example looks like a much more recent strike ... I have an Indo China campaign medal in similar condition ... bright gilt finish ... unless that's just the pic?

Regards
Paul

[landsknechte]

Your example looks like a much more recent strike ... I have an Indo China campaign medal in similar condition ... bright gilt finish ... unless that's just the pic?

The finish is quite bright... The photo's a pretty accurate representation.

[Peter J.]

The second model "Medaille Commemorative DÁfrique Du Nord".
Any comments on this fifth bar?

KR
Peter

[RPN]

Hello Peter

Sorry for this late reply but I've just returned home to Australia ...

From the same reference cited below ...

"This medal (Medal of the Operations in North Africa - 1958) was also used for service in Mauritania (1957-1960)."

Sorry ... no further info provided about this clasp.

Regards

Paul

[Peter J.]

Hi Paul.

Thanks. It would be interesting to know if this bar was official.
It differs from the other one in composition. Well, perhaps the
future will tell. Btw, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Asia.

KR
Peter

[Canutt]

Hi Peter,

take look here...

http://users.skynet.be/hendrik/eng/F-Colbars.html

ciao,
Mario

[Peter J.]

Hi Mario,

I sure will Thanks.

KR
Peter