Original French Indochina War Medal with Dragon Suspension
Key Information:
• Country: France
• Award: Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal
• Period of Campaign: 1945–1954
• Instituted: 1 August 1953
• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: approx. 36.02 mm
• Suspension: Dragon-shaped suspension device
• Ribbon: Original green and yellow striped ribbon
• Markings: L.M and J.C at the bottom of obverse
Medal Design:
Obverse inscription:
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE – French Republic
Central motif: Elephant beneath a pagoda, flanked by symbolic animals
Inscription below:
INDOCHINE – Indochina
Suspension: Stylized dragon, characteristic of this decoration
Reverse inscription:
CORPS EXPÉDITIONNAIRE FRANÇAIS D’EXTRÊME-ORIENT – French Far East Expeditionary Corps
Laurel and oak wreath surrounding the center on reverse
Lower obverse markings:
L.M – attributed to the designer Louis Muller
J.C – engraver or mint production mark
Condition:
• Very good overall condition
• Strong visible details on elephant, dragon and inscriptions
• Natural aged bronze patina
• Ribbon well preserved with good color
• No major damage or repairs observed
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal was awarded to members of the French Expeditionary Corps who served in Indochina during the First Indochina War.
It represents one of the key French colonial campaign decorations of the post-World War II period. The distinctive dragon suspension and strong symbolic imagery make it highly recognizable and collectible among French military medal collectors.
Summary:
A solid original example of the French Indochina Campaign Medal with correct dragon suspension and original ribbon. An attractive and historically important piece for collectors of French or colonial campaign decorations.