Old French Navy gilded button, vintage insignia, military medallion

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique button, with its solid, circular appearance, features a gilded finish and a central relief evoking a stylized military insignia. The visible surface is adorned with a symmetrical motif, likely a stylized heraldic representation or a helmet effigy, typical of 20th-century French naval or military uniforms. The gilding is characterized by a matte patina with some visible signs of wear, giving the object an authentically vintage look.

The button is round, with slightly irregular edges, suggesting an antique or handcrafted manufacture. The central decoration is in relief, surrounded by a double border all around, accentuating the medallion effect. The details of the central motif are marked by striations and oblique lines, visible on the exposed face. The whole evokes a piece intended for a dress uniform or official use, probably related to the French Navy according to the provided keywords.

The dominant golden hue, combined with the slightly grainy texture of the surface, gives the button a decorative and historical character. No text or numbers are visible on the front face. Since the reverse is not shown, only the details of the front are described.

The object is presented on a light fabric, partially framed by a metal floral-decorated frame, highlighting its purpose as an ornament or prestigious insignia. This button can also be called a medallion, badge, or decorative plaque in the context of antique or vintage military uniforms.

The general style and visible patina likely place this button between the 1940s and 1970s, a period during which many French Navy insignias were produced with this type of relief and gilded finish.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The gilding shows signs of wear and visible irregularities due to age and use.

Did you know? Decorative buttons with raised motifs were commonly used on French National Navy uniforms in the 20th century. Their distinctive design allowed for the identification of the officer's corps or rank. Some specialized workshops manufactured these buttons in limited series, with each detail having a precise meaning in military tradition.

AFW Reassurance

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