{"product_id":"medaille-militaire-francaise-afrique-ancienne-engage-volontaire-vintage-armee","title":"French military medal Old Africa VOLUNTEER vintage army","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW - Antique France Worldwide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis medal, visible in the photograph, is a French military decoration, recognizable by its vertical ribbon with wide green and orange stripes, as well as its metal bar inscribed with \"ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE\" (VOLUNTEER ENLISTEE). The circular medal features on its obverse a profile effigy wearing a crested helmet, emblematic of the Republic, with the inscription \"PATRIE\" (HOMELAND) in relief on the left side. The entire piece is suspended from a bail decorated with stylized laurel leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ribbon has a finely ribbed texture and distinct colors, typical of French military decorations awarded for specific campaigns. The \"ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE\" bar is affixed at the top, highlighting the recognition of voluntary enlistment in the French army, often in a colonial context or during overseas campaigns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe medal displays a beautiful golden patina visible on the front, with crisp strike details, particularly in the rendering of the helmet and the figure's hair. The contours are well preserved, suggesting an old piece but in good overall condition for this type of object. No major defects are visible on the front; the ribbon shows good integrity, with no apparent tears in the visible area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of medal is traditionally associated with participation in military campaigns in Africa during the Third Republic or the French colonial period, although only the obverse is visible here. The aesthetic and typography of the word \"PATRIE\" as well as the classical bust representation evoke an engraving style typical of the early to mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe medal is presented on a neutral background, highlighting the color of the ribbon and the brilliance of the piece. No other accessories or identification elements are visible in the provided photograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed item, sold as is. Light signs of wear and patina visible on the medal, ribbon in apparent good condition. See photos for more details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/b\u003e The \"ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE\" bar was awarded to soldiers who volunteered to serve in the French army, particularly during colonial campaigns in Africa. This distinction valued the act of personal commitment beyond mandatory service and remains a historical testament to military volunteering under the Republic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProfessional Reassurance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCareful and fast shipping, professional packaging adapted to the protection of antique items. Professional seller specializing in decorations and historical objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKeywords: military medal, French army decoration, Africa medal, volunteer enlistee, antique medal, vintage army medal, colonial decoration, commemorative medal, green orange ribbon, France medal, military medal France, homeland medal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54277136810311,"sku":"809c1930-c409-4dc2-9f1b-abc5de8d1e4d-PA10.00","price":34.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0989\/5152\/8775\/files\/s-l1600_550cc725-38e7-4ba4-bf81-0c2db15811e6.jpg?v=1783022427","url":"https:\/\/shop.antiquefranceworldwide.com\/en\/products\/medaille-militaire-francaise-afrique-ancienne-engage-volontaire-vintage-armee","provider":"AFW","version":"1.0","type":"link"}