Vintage Massilia Marathon old medal running race Marseille sport

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique marathon medal, visible in the photo, features a central relief depicting a stylized runner in full stride, with an aesthetic that evokes antiquity. The medal is round, with a decorative border in slight relief, and the inscription "MASSILIA MARATHON" appears around the edge in capital letters of antique inspiration. A laurel motif runs along the inner edge, a classic symbol of sporting victory.

The visual of the medal shows a low-relief casting, with a gilded or aged brass patina, enhancing its vintage appearance. The whole is suspended from a bright red textile ribbon, attached to the upper ring, typical of medals awarded at sports competitions. The background on which the medal is placed is a burgundy velvet case, suggesting that it is an object of distinction or official award.

The graphic style, typography, and representation of the runner suggest a creation dating between the 1950s and 1970s, a period when sports graphics often drew on ancient imagery to highlight the tradition of athletics. No vintage year appears on the visible side, but the whole clearly evokes a bygone era of the Marseille marathon, then named "Massilia" according to Latin tradition.

The medal shows no modern sponsor or organizer logo, reinforcing its antique character. The ribbon, made of red satin textile, seems original and contributes to the authentic look of the object. The surface condition shows some signs of oxidation or patina, particularly on the runner's right leg, typical of an old medal that has passed through several decades.

The inscription "MASSILIA MARATHON" as well as the dynamic representation of the runner make this medal an emblematic object of Marseilles sports awards. It will appeal to enthusiasts of historic sports objects, running memorabilia, or retro decoration on the theme of sport and athletics.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Signs of wear, visible patina and oxidation marks on the observable side. Original ribbon in good apparent condition.

Did you know? The Marseille Marathon, sometimes referred to by its Latinized name "Massilia Marathon", is one of the oldest marathons organized in France. The term "Massilia" is the ancient name for the city of Marseille, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. The tradition of rewarding runners with a laurel-adorned medal perpetuates the Olympic spirit of the ancient Games.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping, careful packaging and professional seller specializing in antique and collectible items.

Keywords: Marseille marathon medal, vintage sports award, retro running, antique athletics, Massilia medal, 60s sport, running memorabilia, old running medal, Marseille race medal, France marathon, vintage sport decoration, athletics laurel medal