French Napoleonic Wars Veteran Saint Helena Medal

Original era manufacture. The first French campaign medal, created in 1857 by Napoleon III to honor those surviving veterans of the Grande Armee who served between 1792 and 1815. It is believed over 405,000 veterans received this award at the time. Original dark bronze patina with its correct ribbon. The period image below is not included, however it illustrates the importance and honor the Saint Helena medal conveyed to the surviving veterans of the Wars of Napoleon. A similar medal is being worn by the  the last surviving veteran of Waterloo, Victor Baillot, taken in 1897 when he was 105 years old. The Saint Helena Medal can be clearly be seen on the lapel of his coat.