Old medal Col du Tourmalet cycling relief vintage mountain

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique medal features a figurative scene in relief, probably made of metal with a brown patina, with a matte finish and polished areas due to wear and tear. The medal has an irregular, slightly oval shape, with a top pierced with an integrated loop for suspension or hanging. The visible side is decorated with a relief motif depicting an adult carrying a child on their shoulders, both in motion, in a stylized landscape evoking mountains.

In the lower right part, a small, colorful enameled cartouche catches the eye: it bears the legible inscription "COL DU TOURMALET" accompanied by a stylized drawing of mountains, cyclists, and an altitude indication ("2115 m") on a green and yellow background. This detail clearly evokes the world of mountain cycling and refers to one of the most emblematic passes in the Pyrenees, often associated with the Tour de France.

The details of the relief are well-executed, with visible traces of oxidation or patina, particularly on the edges and raised parts, which accentuates the antique character of the piece. The whole has a granular and irregular texture, typical of artisanal or semi-artisanal souvenir medals from the mid to late 20th century.

The dominant color palette is that of burnished metal, enhanced by the vivid touch of polychrome enamel in the cartouche. No manufacturer's markings are visible on the front. The humanized scene and the presence of the colored cartouche give this medal both a decorative and commemorative aspect, typical of passage or sporting achievement souvenirs.

The object is presented upright, which highlights both the quality of the relief and the localized brilliance of the metal. No information is visible concerning the reverse or any additional inscriptions.

Condition

Used item, showing visible signs of wear, including rubbing on the reliefs and some areas of oxidation. Sold as is.

Did you know? The Col du Tourmalet, located at an altitude of 2115 meters in the French Pyrenees, is the highest road pass in the massif. It is famous for being one of the emblematic passages of the Tour de France since 1910, and crossing it is considered a major achievement for professional and amateur cyclists alike.

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Keywords: Col du Tourmalet medal, cycling souvenir, vintage mountain badge, Tourmalet commemorative plaque, antique cycling, mountain medal, cycling medal, Tour de France souvenir, cyclist relief medal, decorative pass plaque, enameled medal, old cycling badge